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Inspector Banks #22
In the Dark Places
Life. Death.
Good. Evil.
Innocence. Guilt.
All can be found IN THE DARK PLACES.
It's a double mystery: two young men have vanished, and the investigation leads to two troubling clues in two different locations.
As Inspector Banks and his team scramble for answers, the inquiry takes an even darker turn when a truck careens off an icy road in a freak hailstorm. In the wreckage, rescuers find the driver, who was killed on impact, as well as another corpse . . . that of someone who was dead well before the crash.
Snow falls. The body count rises. And Banks, perceptive and curious as ever, feels himself being drawn deeper into a web of crime . . . and at its center something—or someone—dark and dangerous lying in wait.
Good. Evil.
Innocence. Guilt.
All can be found IN THE DARK PLACES.
It's a double mystery: two young men have vanished, and the investigation leads to two troubling clues in two different locations.
As Inspector Banks and his team scramble for answers, the inquiry takes an even darker turn when a truck careens off an icy road in a freak hailstorm. In the wreckage, rescuers find the driver, who was killed on impact, as well as another corpse . . . that of someone who was dead well before the crash.
Snow falls. The body count rises. And Banks, perceptive and curious as ever, feels himself being drawn deeper into a web of crime . . . and at its center something—or someone—dark and dangerous lying in wait.
327 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
806 people are currently reading
3027 people want to read
About the author
Peter Robinson
277 books2,280 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Peter Robinson was born in Yorkshire. After getting his BA Honours Degree in English Literature at the University of Leeds, he came to Canada and took his MA in English and Creative Writing at the University of Windsor, with Joyce Carol Oates as his tutor, then a PhD in English at York University. He has taught at a number of Toronto community colleges and universities and served as Writer-in-Residence at the University of Windsor, 1992-93.
Series:
* Inspector Banks
Awards:
* Winner of the 1992 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 1997 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Anthony Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Barry Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2001 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
Peter Robinson was born in Yorkshire. After getting his BA Honours Degree in English Literature at the University of Leeds, he came to Canada and took his MA in English and Creative Writing at the University of Windsor, with Joyce Carol Oates as his tutor, then a PhD in English at York University. He has taught at a number of Toronto community colleges and universities and served as Writer-in-Residence at the University of Windsor, 1992-93.
Series:
* Inspector Banks
Awards:
* Winner of the 1992 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 1997 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Anthony Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Barry Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2001 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 651 reviews
June 13, 2017
When DCI Alan Banks returns from vacation, he finds the members of his team investigating a variety of crimes. Someone has stolen a farmer's valuable tractor, which by itself would probably not be the crime of the century. But other farmers in the area have also had equipment and livestock stolen, and it appears that a sophisticated gang of thieves may be operating in the area, stealing the equipment and shipping it to buyers in eastern Europe.
Meanwhile, other members of the team are investigating a mysterious blood stain on the floor of an abandoned airport hangar. It would appear that someone may have been murdered there and the body removed. But who was the victim and where is the body? At virtually the same time, two men are reported missing, and naturally, one of them may be the victim.
Back on the job, Banks takes the leading role in all of these cases, assigning his team members and supervising their work. All of the cases are immediately complicated when a delivery van plunges off a mountain pass in inclement weather. The van is carrying the carcases of animals that have died on local farms, have been packaged up, and have then been collected to be delivered to the disposal site where they will be incinerated. The packages are now scattered all over the landscape around the wreck, and investigators are shocked to discover that not all of the bodies packaged for incineration were those of lambs or pigs.
This is one of Banks's more interesting cases and the supporting members of the cast get a lot of time on the page while Banks generally directs them. It's a clever and convoluted plot with some pretty nasty actors lurking in the background, and all in all, it's a very enjoyable read that will certainly appeal to the fans of this long-running series and to a lot of other readers as well.
Meanwhile, other members of the team are investigating a mysterious blood stain on the floor of an abandoned airport hangar. It would appear that someone may have been murdered there and the body removed. But who was the victim and where is the body? At virtually the same time, two men are reported missing, and naturally, one of them may be the victim.
Back on the job, Banks takes the leading role in all of these cases, assigning his team members and supervising their work. All of the cases are immediately complicated when a delivery van plunges off a mountain pass in inclement weather. The van is carrying the carcases of animals that have died on local farms, have been packaged up, and have then been collected to be delivered to the disposal site where they will be incinerated. The packages are now scattered all over the landscape around the wreck, and investigators are shocked to discover that not all of the bodies packaged for incineration were those of lambs or pigs.
This is one of Banks's more interesting cases and the supporting members of the cast get a lot of time on the page while Banks generally directs them. It's a clever and convoluted plot with some pretty nasty actors lurking in the background, and all in all, it's a very enjoyable read that will certainly appeal to the fans of this long-running series and to a lot of other readers as well.
January 10, 2018
It all starts with a missing tractor. That doesn't seem to be the most exciting case to have to solve, but when blood in a hangar and two missing men seem to be connected to the theft must DCI Banks and his team find out who is behind it all.
This is my very first DCI Banks book and I have to admit that I'm surprised that it wasn't better. I was curious about this book series and I usually have no problems reading the latest book in the series, but in this case, I just couldn't get into the story or nor did I find the characters very interesting.
The book started off OK, but the last half of the book felt extremely tedious. The cops tried to find answers theft and where the two missing men are. And, it just dragged on and dragged on. Not even when a butchered body was found did the story get interesting. DCI Banks was away at the beginning of the book, with his girlfriend in Italy. And, frankly, he wasn't that memorable when he showed up. He could have been away from the whole book and I wouldn't have missed him.
I'm really surprised that this book didn't appeal to me. I usually like crime novels. It's the one genre that I rarely am disappointed with. But this one, I was bored. The story was bored the characters were boring. Not evening the ending was very interesting.
The first 40% of the book was the best. I lost interest in the story after that. I mean I had 6% left of the book and it was not exciting to read instead I had to force myself to finish the book.
A kind 2-star rating. It started off OK and I would like to read another book in the series since I haven't ruled out the series completely yet.
I want to thank the publisher and Edelweiss for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
This is my very first DCI Banks book and I have to admit that I'm surprised that it wasn't better. I was curious about this book series and I usually have no problems reading the latest book in the series, but in this case, I just couldn't get into the story or nor did I find the characters very interesting.
The book started off OK, but the last half of the book felt extremely tedious. The cops tried to find answers theft and where the two missing men are. And, it just dragged on and dragged on. Not even when a butchered body was found did the story get interesting. DCI Banks was away at the beginning of the book, with his girlfriend in Italy. And, frankly, he wasn't that memorable when he showed up. He could have been away from the whole book and I wouldn't have missed him.
I'm really surprised that this book didn't appeal to me. I usually like crime novels. It's the one genre that I rarely am disappointed with. But this one, I was bored. The story was bored the characters were boring. Not evening the ending was very interesting.
The first 40% of the book was the best. I lost interest in the story after that. I mean I had 6% left of the book and it was not exciting to read instead I had to force myself to finish the book.
A kind 2-star rating. It started off OK and I would like to read another book in the series since I haven't ruled out the series completely yet.
I want to thank the publisher and Edelweiss for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
February 10, 2017
Another series that I have read since the beginning, though that really isn't necessary because this book would be fine if read alone. I did, however, find out that I missed one which I now must go back and read. Don't quite know how that happened. Anyway in this installment three different incidences, with three different teams investigating all come together by books end. A stolen, very expensive tractor, blood in an unused warehouse and a missing young man send the team scrambling for answers.
Love the character of Inspector Banks, he is so interesting, his children though he doesn't see them often enough, loves classical music and relished his solitude though he is at present dating a woman younger than himself. In this case he is not front and center, it is more Annie's and Winsome's case, the women take the lead. Good case, the last 10% of the book the most exciting, had me holding my breath at times. One warning: after this book if you are not already, you might just becomae a vegetarian. Think abattoir.
ARC from publisher.
Love the character of Inspector Banks, he is so interesting, his children though he doesn't see them often enough, loves classical music and relished his solitude though he is at present dating a woman younger than himself. In this case he is not front and center, it is more Annie's and Winsome's case, the women take the lead. Good case, the last 10% of the book the most exciting, had me holding my breath at times. One warning: after this book if you are not already, you might just becomae a vegetarian. Think abattoir.
ARC from publisher.
May 19, 2022
I enjoy picking up an Peter Robinson book here and there even if I just pick up a book randomly that sounds interesting. It usually works well even if I often read them out of order
November 11, 2016
Well this was a disappointment... The great inspector Banks is pulled into a couple of parallel developing cases by pure chance and while this is not uncommon or unrealistic, the cases themselves are. The police interest would have/should have not been awakened until about half way into this story, when a happening that should have been the kick off takes place. After a lot of idling, 'Dirty' Dick Burgess himself cannot salvage this slow moving yarn (and his inclusion seem forced to begin with...). The only redeeming factor is the ending, even if too manufactured, it is suspenseful and dramatic and it certainly put star number two on my review. Otherwise, I'm despairing a bit, but I'm not missing out on no 23, so stay tuned.
August 26, 2014
I am a big fan of the Inspector Banks books - my sister bought me a set of the early books a few years ago and he is one of the few authors I buy as soon as they come out in hardback. This is another well plotted story with enough twists and turns to keep you interested, but I was a little disappointed because I felt some of the characterisation is becoming a little formulaic. Banks' interests/traits etc are repeated rather a lot from earlier books - maybe this is meant to reflect that the character himself is becoming rather jaded with police work? There is little mention of Annie Cabbot although Winsome's character is developed. Worth reading, but certainly not the best book in the series.
January 29, 2017
I haven’t read all of Peter Robinson’s Inspector Banks books and the ones I have read weren’t read in strict order however I didn’t feel lost with this installment. Having said that I’m sure I missed some references to past cases and incidents but it wasn’t distracting. Robinson is great at evoking the local environments he sets his books in and “In the Dark Places” was no exception to that. I love reading about the local customs and accents. How much tea can people drink!?
Another enjoyable aspect of Robinson’s books is the ensemble cast of characters. Banks is the lead of course but not by a lot for example Winsome and Annie are very important in this book. There’s also an underlying moral issue in this installment which might leave some readers gagging because of how visceral it is.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an e-copy of the book.
Another enjoyable aspect of Robinson’s books is the ensemble cast of characters. Banks is the lead of course but not by a lot for example Winsome and Annie are very important in this book. There’s also an underlying moral issue in this installment which might leave some readers gagging because of how visceral it is.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an e-copy of the book.
January 23, 2019
Abattoir Blues is a good, solid read, as are the vast majority of Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks books. It's not, in all likelihood, going to make anyone's "best books I've ever read" list nor is it likely to be seen as a disaster by many.
Initially, a tractor has been stolen; a really nice, high quality tractor but a tractor, nevertheless. As Banks returns from a few days off with his current love, the much younger and very independent Oriana and her family, he is confronted by the tractor theft. Simultaneously, a fellow walking his dog comes upon a blood spot, yep, a blood spot - actually, as you might suspect, it was found by the dog. The blood, which was found on a now-vacant airfield, turns out to be human although it did seem a bit peculiar that the blood spot was tested. After all, this is a rural area where many farmers raise animals which occasionally escape and are killed by other animals. But...
Shockingly, the blood spot and the tractor theft are found to be linked.
Irrespective, chaos ensues, bad guys come out of the woodwork, someone dies, a cop finds love and I learn how to spell abattoir - whoda think it has two t's and one b?
As already indicated, the book isn't a spellbinding, edge of your seat, white knuckle thriller but it's a good book and enjoyable to read and, after two DNF's, I needed a good book. If you like DCI Banks books, good police procedurals, especially those of the English/Scottish variety, you are quite likely to enjoy this one.
The End
Initially, a tractor has been stolen; a really nice, high quality tractor but a tractor, nevertheless. As Banks returns from a few days off with his current love, the much younger and very independent Oriana and her family, he is confronted by the tractor theft. Simultaneously, a fellow walking his dog comes upon a blood spot, yep, a blood spot - actually, as you might suspect, it was found by the dog. The blood, which was found on a now-vacant airfield, turns out to be human although it did seem a bit peculiar that the blood spot was tested. After all, this is a rural area where many farmers raise animals which occasionally escape and are killed by other animals. But...
Shockingly, the blood spot and the tractor theft are found to be linked.
Irrespective, chaos ensues, bad guys come out of the woodwork, someone dies, a cop finds love and I learn how to spell abattoir - whoda think it has two t's and one b?
As already indicated, the book isn't a spellbinding, edge of your seat, white knuckle thriller but it's a good book and enjoyable to read and, after two DNF's, I needed a good book. If you like DCI Banks books, good police procedurals, especially those of the English/Scottish variety, you are quite likely to enjoy this one.
The End
August 19, 2014
The 22nd DCI Banks....and I have read and watched most of them but this book took ages to get off the ground and even then Banks was absent for a good part of it. While I do like the "team" and his friends and family this was just a different read for me. The crime too took forever to really develop and then there were quite a few twists but really no surprises! A nice TV drama will come out of this book for sure and it is a cozy read. But there are too many good books of less pages to enjoy. My last read was a novella with great plot, characters and twists compared to this very long ebook... Disappointed but such a good writer and good enough read, so 3 not 2. I wonder how a new reader to the series would react...
July 30, 2014
It has been a while since I last read a DCI Banks novel but as with all the best British crime series you can pick them up at anytime and jump right into the story. Peter Robinson doesn't waste time going over previous books, certain events are alluded to but not in an overly detailed way that detracts from the story.
The blurb doesn't give all that much away about the story and I won't say too much about it myself as this is a book you should definitely go into not knowing all that much about it. Because what you get is a mystery that will leave you guessing, questioning every character you meet and wondering just what the hell is going on. And to mention how the plot would progress would ruin that experience. Two local men go missing. A caravan belonging to one of them is burned to the ground. A bloodstain is found at an abandoned hangar. DCI Banks and his team are initially introduced to these events through a stolen tractor. Major crimes it is not but the investigation leads them to something much bigger and soon their investigation really kicks off.
The first half of the book isn't particularly fast paced, but what Peter does best is fantastic characterisation and brilliant storytelling so the over the top scenarios you may find in other crime series (usually from the US) aren't needed. His characters aren't perfect, and all have their flaws but ultimately Banks has a pretty solid team of detectives all of whom are likeable and very easy to root for. I particularly like Annie Cabbot. Alongside that of course is the continuation of their personal lives, Banks in particular and his latest love interest. There's also a very funny comment from DCI Banks regarding ITV3.
As each of the events unfold the police and indeed the reader attempt to draw conclusions or guess what's going on from the information we are given, but this is a very complicated plot and I soon learnt not to trust anybody. There are many different pieces that the police are trying to put together in their hunt for the missing men and the truth behind some very shady circumstances. This is 'real' crime fiction. What we have here is a story that could easily happen in real life. Despite the slow start the book really goes up a notch towards the end as it nears towards an absolutely brilliant finish. A very solid instalment from Peter Robinson and a sure sign that the DCI Banks series has plenty of life left in it yet.
The blurb doesn't give all that much away about the story and I won't say too much about it myself as this is a book you should definitely go into not knowing all that much about it. Because what you get is a mystery that will leave you guessing, questioning every character you meet and wondering just what the hell is going on. And to mention how the plot would progress would ruin that experience. Two local men go missing. A caravan belonging to one of them is burned to the ground. A bloodstain is found at an abandoned hangar. DCI Banks and his team are initially introduced to these events through a stolen tractor. Major crimes it is not but the investigation leads them to something much bigger and soon their investigation really kicks off.
The first half of the book isn't particularly fast paced, but what Peter does best is fantastic characterisation and brilliant storytelling so the over the top scenarios you may find in other crime series (usually from the US) aren't needed. His characters aren't perfect, and all have their flaws but ultimately Banks has a pretty solid team of detectives all of whom are likeable and very easy to root for. I particularly like Annie Cabbot. Alongside that of course is the continuation of their personal lives, Banks in particular and his latest love interest. There's also a very funny comment from DCI Banks regarding ITV3.
As each of the events unfold the police and indeed the reader attempt to draw conclusions or guess what's going on from the information we are given, but this is a very complicated plot and I soon learnt not to trust anybody. There are many different pieces that the police are trying to put together in their hunt for the missing men and the truth behind some very shady circumstances. This is 'real' crime fiction. What we have here is a story that could easily happen in real life. Despite the slow start the book really goes up a notch towards the end as it nears towards an absolutely brilliant finish. A very solid instalment from Peter Robinson and a sure sign that the DCI Banks series has plenty of life left in it yet.
February 10, 2017
A stolen tractor, blood in an abandoned hanger, and now dead bodies and missing suspects.
This particular investigation went from looking for a stolen tractor to murder and covert activities.
IN THE DARK PLACES was quite a good mystery with terrific characters. I enjoyed the camaraderie among the investigators. The victims and their families were likable, and the storyline made me not want to put the book down.
The tangled series of events made for an excellent, gripping read with clues that turned the investigation into other directions and into more than what the investigators first started out with.
IN THE DARK PLACES kept me guessing until the end. Mr. Robinson knows how to create drama that takes the reader to a different level and then wraps it all up with an ah ha at the end.
This is my first book by Mr. Robinson, and I thoroughly enjoyed IN THE DARK PLACES.
I would recommend IN THE DARK PLACES to any reader who likes to figure out the mystery but rarely does. :) 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
This particular investigation went from looking for a stolen tractor to murder and covert activities.
IN THE DARK PLACES was quite a good mystery with terrific characters. I enjoyed the camaraderie among the investigators. The victims and their families were likable, and the storyline made me not want to put the book down.
The tangled series of events made for an excellent, gripping read with clues that turned the investigation into other directions and into more than what the investigators first started out with.
IN THE DARK PLACES kept me guessing until the end. Mr. Robinson knows how to create drama that takes the reader to a different level and then wraps it all up with an ah ha at the end.
This is my first book by Mr. Robinson, and I thoroughly enjoyed IN THE DARK PLACES.
I would recommend IN THE DARK PLACES to any reader who likes to figure out the mystery but rarely does. :) 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
February 8, 2017
Basically read this almost entirely in one sitting on a 5 hour flight from Maui to Los Angeles with old equipment that had no access to personal electronic media.
After the somewhat disappointing CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION Peter Robinson returns to very strong form with ABATTOIR BLUES (American title IN THE DARK PLACES).
Robinson really spreads the attention of the focus of the book on multiple protagonists with DI Annie Cabott, DS Winsome (my personal favorite) and DCs Masterson and Wilson all getting their own chances to carry the action. He really spends a lot more time letting the reader get to know more of the team than just DCI Banks.
This is definitely "an Inspector Banks novel" and a suspenseful and thrilling one at that. Although by the end it was very clear who the culprit(s) were Robinson definitely managed to maintain the tension and my attention (often with bated breath) until the very last page.
4.5 STARS!
After the somewhat disappointing CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION Peter Robinson returns to very strong form with ABATTOIR BLUES (American title IN THE DARK PLACES).
Robinson really spreads the attention of the focus of the book on multiple protagonists with DI Annie Cabott, DS Winsome (my personal favorite) and DCs Masterson and Wilson all getting their own chances to carry the action. He really spends a lot more time letting the reader get to know more of the team than just DCI Banks.
This is definitely "an Inspector Banks novel" and a suspenseful and thrilling one at that. Although by the end it was very clear who the culprit(s) were Robinson definitely managed to maintain the tension and my attention (often with bated breath) until the very last page.
4.5 STARS!
September 16, 2018
Prosaic and extremely tedious. The author doesn’t appear to know how to develop any of his characters (particularly the women) without literally describing their thought processes. There’s some clumsy attempts at social commentary here and there, but only with awkward exposition. There is no subtext here; just...text.
Ultimately, it was like reading an extremely long and bland episode of Midsomer Murders. The pieces fit together well, but they’re all taupe.
(One last gripe: the use of characters’ names. It’s bad enough that characters’ full names are frequently employed; what’s worse is the confounding inconsistency. In one case, a single paragraph refers to a character as all three of “Annie” and “DCI Cabbot” and “Annie Cabbot.” Did they publish the first draft? Where was the editor?)
Ultimately, it was like reading an extremely long and bland episode of Midsomer Murders. The pieces fit together well, but they’re all taupe.
(One last gripe: the use of characters’ names. It’s bad enough that characters’ full names are frequently employed; what’s worse is the confounding inconsistency. In one case, a single paragraph refers to a character as all three of “Annie” and “DCI Cabbot” and “Annie Cabbot.” Did they publish the first draft? Where was the editor?)
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April 1, 2015It's not fair of me to rate this book,as I couldn't finish it.
I've been a vegetarian for many years, mainly because I don't want to eat living things. This book had descriptions of a slaughter house, animals being killed....
It was too much for me, I had to abandon it.
I've been a vegetarian for many years, mainly because I don't want to eat living things. This book had descriptions of a slaughter house, animals being killed....
It was too much for me, I had to abandon it.
April 15, 2023
For me, this was definitely one of the better Inspector Banks books. I like his female colleagues, and how he treats them. Annie was back from being shot and fit in easily, I think she enjoyed being back at work. She is Banks’ 2IC and can go her own way while keeping the bigger picture in mind. Winsome starred in this book, and I was quite concerned for her towards the end of the book. I am glad she has maybe found a love interest in Gilchrist, he seems like a nice guy. And Gerry is developing into a good worker.Definitely a great read!
July 25, 2017
I like this series and always expect a great story with some twists. But in this entry, the first 100 pages are taken up with the squad looking for a stolen tractor! I kept thinking, "where is this going?". A very slow start that picks up tempo in the middle of the book but it just wasn't quite enough to keep me as interested as I usually am with Robinson's work. It certainly isn't one of his best by any stretch of the imagination but it is a passable police procedural.......barely.
September 14, 2017
Tempo. Just as it can make or break a musical composition, proper use of tempo can transform a novel from good to great.
In the Dark Places, Peter Robinson's 22nd installment featuring DCI Alan Banks, is a masterful example of tempo used to gradually move a story along in a perfect, ever increasing rush to the finish. From it's languid beginning through a moderately paced mid-section, to a lovely rushing wave of a finish, what seems to be rather mundane investigations in "rural" England gradually build and coalesce into a complex mystery. DCI Banks, a richly drawn character, spearheads his team of equally well drawn characters (each of whom is revealed in just right amounts throughout the book) towards unraveling the mystery.
Twists, turns, suspense, humor, and the perfectly placed tidbits of Bank's culinary, musical, and alcohol preferences makes In the Dark Places a delightful read. After a few of these, the reader might just feel as though Banks and his investigative squad are a group of old friends-- so settle in, have a cuppa, or perhaps a pint, and spend time with this delightful book.
In the Dark Places, Peter Robinson's 22nd installment featuring DCI Alan Banks, is a masterful example of tempo used to gradually move a story along in a perfect, ever increasing rush to the finish. From it's languid beginning through a moderately paced mid-section, to a lovely rushing wave of a finish, what seems to be rather mundane investigations in "rural" England gradually build and coalesce into a complex mystery. DCI Banks, a richly drawn character, spearheads his team of equally well drawn characters (each of whom is revealed in just right amounts throughout the book) towards unraveling the mystery.
Twists, turns, suspense, humor, and the perfectly placed tidbits of Bank's culinary, musical, and alcohol preferences makes In the Dark Places a delightful read. After a few of these, the reader might just feel as though Banks and his investigative squad are a group of old friends-- so settle in, have a cuppa, or perhaps a pint, and spend time with this delightful book.
October 1, 2019
The theft of a tractor is not the most gripping start to a crime novel. Even DCI Banks is not that excited by this seemingly dull piece of rural crime. However, things soon escalate & Peter Robinson provides the reader with another fine novel. Alan Banks takes a bit of a back seat throughout a lot of the first half of the story, but his regular colleagues keep the story moving.
In Abattoir Blues Peter Robinson creates some marvellous characters & some of them were so real I sometimes forgot about the crime story as I was drawn into their lives so much.
My only criticism of the book was Robinson's surprising use over a well worn cliche from endless crime books/films/TV series: a character goes out alone, with no back up, to investigate a lead & ends up confronted by the villain.
That aside, it's another fine addition to the DCI Banks novels & I look forward, as always, to the next one.
In Abattoir Blues Peter Robinson creates some marvellous characters & some of them were so real I sometimes forgot about the crime story as I was drawn into their lives so much.
My only criticism of the book was Robinson's surprising use over a well worn cliche from endless crime books/films/TV series: a character goes out alone, with no back up, to investigate a lead & ends up confronted by the villain.
That aside, it's another fine addition to the DCI Banks novels & I look forward, as always, to the next one.
December 8, 2014
For me, Peter Robinson is one of authors that can't write a bad book. I've enjoyed the few stand alones that he's written, but the Inspector Banks series is my favourite. Abattoir Blues is the newly released 22nd entry.
The new Commissioner has made rural crime a priority, so Banks's team is investigating, although the crimes seem a bit pedestrian for them - a stolen tractor and a break in at a seemingly abandoned airplane hangar. But when human blood stains are found on the hangar floor, the case takes a more serious turn. And when ties between the stolen tractor and the hangar are found......
Although Banks is on the case, he takes a bit of a backseat in this outing, with team member DS Winsome Jackman taking the lead. Winsome is a character I've always enjoyed and it was great to have her take a bigger investigative role, as well as getting to know her a bit better personally. DS Annie Cabbot also has a louder voice in this book. I'm very glad she's still around, even though the relationship between her and Banks has ended. I enjoy her prickly observations of life.
We still get a look at Banks's personal life - I have to say that I don't see his latest relationship lasting. He seems to be pondering his future in this book - wondering what it holds for him. I always enjoy Banks's musical choices and have often gone and looked them up to listen myself.
This is what I enjoy so much about Robinson's books - the characters change and develop with every book. I've feel I've come to know them and sitting down with the latest is like catching up with old friends.
Old friends with some rather disturbing stories. In addition to the great personal development of his characters, Robinson always crafts a great mystery. I wondered how these two diverse cases were going to be woven together. Gentle readers may be disturbed by the descriptions of what happens in an abattoir (slaughterhouse). But it provided a suitably gruesome setting for this latest crime outing.
Abattoir Blues was another great read for me - can't wait for the next in the series!
The new Commissioner has made rural crime a priority, so Banks's team is investigating, although the crimes seem a bit pedestrian for them - a stolen tractor and a break in at a seemingly abandoned airplane hangar. But when human blood stains are found on the hangar floor, the case takes a more serious turn. And when ties between the stolen tractor and the hangar are found......
Although Banks is on the case, he takes a bit of a backseat in this outing, with team member DS Winsome Jackman taking the lead. Winsome is a character I've always enjoyed and it was great to have her take a bigger investigative role, as well as getting to know her a bit better personally. DS Annie Cabbot also has a louder voice in this book. I'm very glad she's still around, even though the relationship between her and Banks has ended. I enjoy her prickly observations of life.
We still get a look at Banks's personal life - I have to say that I don't see his latest relationship lasting. He seems to be pondering his future in this book - wondering what it holds for him. I always enjoy Banks's musical choices and have often gone and looked them up to listen myself.
This is what I enjoy so much about Robinson's books - the characters change and develop with every book. I've feel I've come to know them and sitting down with the latest is like catching up with old friends.
Old friends with some rather disturbing stories. In addition to the great personal development of his characters, Robinson always crafts a great mystery. I wondered how these two diverse cases were going to be woven together. Gentle readers may be disturbed by the descriptions of what happens in an abattoir (slaughterhouse). But it provided a suitably gruesome setting for this latest crime outing.
Abattoir Blues was another great read for me - can't wait for the next in the series!
January 17, 2015
This is currently (January 2015) the latest in the DCI Alan Banks series and probably the most gruesome to date. The violence isn't overdone and the descriptions are factual but the facts are sufficiently repellent without any more detail. A pool of blood and bone fragments are found in a disused aircraft hangar, sufficient to indicate there may have been a murder committed there. But there is no sign of a body. A valuable tractor is stolen while its owner is on holiday and two young men seem to have disappeared. Are these disparate facts connected in some way or are they totally unconnected random events?
The plot twists and turns and I found I kept thinking various people were behind all the events and then deciding that they weren't connected at all. I didn't work out the correct solution at all until almost the end. This is a well plotted story with some interesting characters and it's good to see Alan and Annie Cabbot getting on better working together than they were doing.
If you like police procedural crime series then I can thoroughly recommend this one. I have read all twenty two of them without back to back without getting bored and that is the test of a good series in my opinion. I shall be looking forward to the publication of the twenty third later this year (2015)
The plot twists and turns and I found I kept thinking various people were behind all the events and then deciding that they weren't connected at all. I didn't work out the correct solution at all until almost the end. This is a well plotted story with some interesting characters and it's good to see Alan and Annie Cabbot getting on better working together than they were doing.
If you like police procedural crime series then I can thoroughly recommend this one. I have read all twenty two of them without back to back without getting bored and that is the test of a good series in my opinion. I shall be looking forward to the publication of the twenty third later this year (2015)
August 20, 2015
I admit it. I'm something of a snob when it comes to books. First and foremost I want a good plot with interesting characters. I also want language that is clean and simple but not simplistic. This is why I like so many British writers and Peter Robinson is right at the top. In this latest Inspector Alan Banks, the team is investigating a missing tractor, something that seems to be way below their pay grade. Banks is just getting back from an Italian trip with his latest love, Orianna, a woman closer to his daughter's age. They have an agreement not to bother each other when they are busy, but he misses her. Orianna works as a personal assistant to a romance writer and is with her on a book tour in Australia. Meanwhile an attractive middle aged detective enters the mix. However, as in every good Inspector Banks book, the crime is the main focus. What starts out as a missing tractor becomes a search for two missing young men, and more when blood is found in an unused hangar. If you are squeamish, it's probably best to avoid this one. Abbatoire is another name for a slaughterhouse. For me, this was a real page turner.
September 19, 2021
This Robinson/Banks detective mystery is an excellent example of what a first rate crime thriller should be.
With a superbly defined cast of characters, an exciting and credible storyline with enough twists and turns to continually surprise the reader and keep one on the edge of their seat.
This is one of Peter Robinson's best in his series featuring DCI Alan Banks and his diverse team of detectives covering the North Yorkshire countryside.
This finely written novel kept me intrigued throughout and is a real page turner, my fifth Robinson with many more on the shelf. Look forward to catching up on more Banks and his crew sooner than later.
N.B. The original U.K. title 'Abattoir Blues' suggests some grisly descriptions which may disturb some animal lovers but fortunately not gross enough to detract from the pleasure of this excellent suspense novel.
With a superbly defined cast of characters, an exciting and credible storyline with enough twists and turns to continually surprise the reader and keep one on the edge of their seat.
This is one of Peter Robinson's best in his series featuring DCI Alan Banks and his diverse team of detectives covering the North Yorkshire countryside.
This finely written novel kept me intrigued throughout and is a real page turner, my fifth Robinson with many more on the shelf. Look forward to catching up on more Banks and his crew sooner than later.
N.B. The original U.K. title 'Abattoir Blues' suggests some grisly descriptions which may disturb some animal lovers but fortunately not gross enough to detract from the pleasure of this excellent suspense novel.
February 22, 2015
I have read most of Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks series and greatly enjoyed many of them. Abattoir Blues is the 22nd in the series. It seems that Banks is getting a bit long in the tooth. I considered giving it four stars but then concluded that: No, I expect more from Peter Robinson. The plot is kind of mundane even though we get blood and gore as the novel reaches its nadir. Banks is not a particularly compelling character in this novel, to some extent overshadowed by Cabot and Winsome.
February 1, 2017
An intriguing mystery for Inspector Banks and his team: a tractor is stolen, two young men are missing, and a dead body is found in the back of a truck that slid off a steep hillside. Is it possible all these incidents are connected? The mystery starts slow but picks up speed as the detectives follow each of the disparate threads towards their surprising conclusion.
Thanks to Goodreads and HarperCollins for sending me an advanced reading copy.
Thanks to Goodreads and HarperCollins for sending me an advanced reading copy.
May 4, 2015
Peter Robinson is fast becoming a favorite of mine and Alan Banks and his team are becoming welcome friends.
Abattoir Blues is the latest DCI Banks novel and as usual takes place in Yorkshire. The novel starts around what seems initially a fairly mundane crime- the theft of a tractor - but escalates into something more bloody with plenty of twists and turns.
Abattoir Blues is the latest DCI Banks novel and as usual takes place in Yorkshire. The novel starts around what seems initially a fairly mundane crime- the theft of a tractor - but escalates into something more bloody with plenty of twists and turns.
October 26, 2016
This is an Inspector Banks novel. I haven't read any of the others in the series but I know there is a TV series based on it. It's a police procedural, very well written with engaging characters and an intricate plot.
March 2, 2015
A long time since I read this genre of book - why did I leave it so long? Really enjoyed it - and DCI Banks is back on our TV screens soon too.
April 7, 2017
This is such a great series. Each book can be read on its own or you can read the series. Lots of great characters and interesting twists and turns in the story
December 26, 2017
My first Peter Robinson and so obviously my first DCI Banks. I found the secondary characters Annie and Winsome much more well developed and interesting than Banks. Perhaps I should start at number 1 and catch up with him now? I thought this was a very well written book and it has tempted me to read more by this author. The plot is slow building, but the characterisations benefited from it. I really liked it but I am only giving this one 3 stars until I read a few more because I felt Banks was under-written.
May 8, 2020
A good read as always with Peter Robinson, I must say parts were harder to read from an animal lovers perspective. Good suspense and interesting twists.
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