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"A disgraced college lecturer is found murdered on a disused railway line near his home. He has 5,000 euros in his pocket, yet in the four years since his dismissal has been living a poverty-stricken and hermit-like existence. There are many suspects, mostly at the college where he used to teach, but Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks, much to the chagrin of his boss, soon becomes fixated on Lady Veronica Chalmers, who appears to have links with the victim going back to the early 1970s at the University of Essex, then a hotbed of political activism. Banks suspects that Lady Chalmers is not telling the whole truth, and after he pushes his inquiries a bit too far, he is called on the carpet and warned to lay off. He must continue to conduct his investigation surreptitiously. When the breakthroughs come, they are not the ones that Banks and his team expected, and everything turns in a different direction and moves into very high gear"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Rayaowen
Enjoyed this very much. I wonder how it's received by readers who did not experience the 60's and early 70's.
LibraryThing member Twink
I don't even bother looking at the flyleaf on Peter Robinson's books. I just know I'm in for a good read with whatever case he's cooked up for Inspector Alan Banks. Children of the Revolution is the latest (21st) entry in this favourite series.
Was it an accident? When the body of a recluse, once a
As Banks and his team dig into his background, surprising revelations are revealed. Professor Miller was accused of sexual misconduct at the school, summarily dismissed and that began his descent to the marginalized life he was leading. Further investigation leads them to a connection with Lady Veronica Chalmers. The higher ups warn Banks away from this line of investigation, but of course he can't leave it be.
The victim in this case is close to Banks' age. Robinson has moved his character steadily forward, both chronologically and in his personal life. This man's death has Alan taking a second look at his own life. This is one of the things that have made this series one of my favourites - the personal lives of the characters. I often feel like one of the locals in the pub, catching up on the latest. Banks' music selections are a big part of the books as well - I've often followed up on these and have discovered many new artists.
Recurring characters such as Winsome and Annie are also back. Winsome and her calm ways are a perennial favourite. Annie is a character I used to enjoy, but her personality has changed since her accident a year ago. She is more difficult now, with rougher edges and less patience. She too, is aware of the changes in herself. Robinson adds another female character to his team in this latest book. Gerry Masterson is young and green, but brilliant at research. Will she fit in with the team? I quite liked her and hope she continues to be a part of the series going forward.
Robinson's mysteries are always intelligent, well thought out and a pleasure to read. In Children of the Revolution, we are taken back forty years to the early 1970's, Communism, Marxism, political activism and more. Specific references had me off to the computer to follow up. (Yes, Robinson's book is based on facts) Robinson presents many options, alternatives and paths to explore alongside of Banks and his team. Attention to detail will lead careful readers to the whodunit before the final pages, but this won't lessen anyone's enjoyment of this latest entry in an excellent series. Robinson still managed to surprise me with the ending.
Was it an accident? When the body of a recluse, once a
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professor at local Eastvale College, is found at the bottom of a ravine in an area difficult to access, it looks like it may be. Perhaps a sucicide.It is only when they the local constable finds an envelope containing a significant amount of cash on the body, that Banks and his team are called in. Maybe it was murder. But why wasn't the cash taken? Where did this destitute man come up with such a sum?As Banks and his team dig into his background, surprising revelations are revealed. Professor Miller was accused of sexual misconduct at the school, summarily dismissed and that began his descent to the marginalized life he was leading. Further investigation leads them to a connection with Lady Veronica Chalmers. The higher ups warn Banks away from this line of investigation, but of course he can't leave it be.
The victim in this case is close to Banks' age. Robinson has moved his character steadily forward, both chronologically and in his personal life. This man's death has Alan taking a second look at his own life. This is one of the things that have made this series one of my favourites - the personal lives of the characters. I often feel like one of the locals in the pub, catching up on the latest. Banks' music selections are a big part of the books as well - I've often followed up on these and have discovered many new artists.
Recurring characters such as Winsome and Annie are also back. Winsome and her calm ways are a perennial favourite. Annie is a character I used to enjoy, but her personality has changed since her accident a year ago. She is more difficult now, with rougher edges and less patience. She too, is aware of the changes in herself. Robinson adds another female character to his team in this latest book. Gerry Masterson is young and green, but brilliant at research. Will she fit in with the team? I quite liked her and hope she continues to be a part of the series going forward.
Robinson's mysteries are always intelligent, well thought out and a pleasure to read. In Children of the Revolution, we are taken back forty years to the early 1970's, Communism, Marxism, political activism and more. Specific references had me off to the computer to follow up. (Yes, Robinson's book is based on facts) Robinson presents many options, alternatives and paths to explore alongside of Banks and his team. Attention to detail will lead careful readers to the whodunit before the final pages, but this won't lessen anyone's enjoyment of this latest entry in an excellent series. Robinson still managed to surprise me with the ending.
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LibraryThing member pw0327
The latest edition of the Inspector Banks books find Alan Banks back in his role as the maverick and curmudgeon of the Yorkshire police. I have been following this series faithfully for many years now, and it is as if I am communing with an old friend every time a new book comes out. Banks is being
This case involves a man a few years younger than Banks but of the same generation having been tossed off a remote bridge. The man's life and possessions showed an unremarkable life, except maybe for a life that was obsessed with things that are right up Banks alley, music, film , and the arts. The ensuing investigation, well plotted and reflective of the melancholia evident in the later books of the series. Banks is beginning to realize that his days on the force is numbered and he is also beginning to face the fact that he is not a young man anymore, hell he isn't even a middle aged man anymore.
In this particular story his team has been augmented by Annie Cabot, Winsome Jackson and Gerry Masterson. Only Gerry is somewhat new to the story. Peter Robinsons has been slowly but surely adding new characters into the mix over the last few series of books and Banks has been evolving from and lone wolf to a team leader, having to deal with the politics of managing people, a somewhat humorous and distinct change. In a away the story has been spread amongst all the different coppers as they pursued various lines of inquiry. As it is, Annie took a lesser role than usual,as did Banks, while Winsome and Gerry got more coverage, but the overall effect is one of dilution. We are no longer inside two heads, we are inside four and that is a pity because I liked being inside Banks and Annie's head, I don't dislike getting inside Winsome or Gerry's head but the stretching of the plt does not give us a good look into their characters while also denying us the full blown Banks effect. In the end though, I was glad to have had time with the characters, spending time with some old friends.
The plot is still well laid out, the procedural is still fascinating, even after all these years, and the description of Yorkshire is nostalgic, even though I'd only spent a few weeks in Leeds many years ago, the description of the places and people brings back warm memories.
It was a nice romp through familiar territory, almost too familair in some ways, but I suspect there will be massive changes in the next Inspector Banks mysteries. The ebb and flow of the last few books had given me some inkling that there will be massive changes in the Eastvale police department. At this point, I think it is a welcome change.
BTW, there is a very nice development at the end of the book, and I am very much looking forward to see what Peter Robinson does with it. I hope he doesn't screw this up.
I gave it four stars because it was as I expected, and I was kind of looking for a bit more action, but I am happy.
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pressed by his bosses, people who like him because he gets the job done when no one else can, but also hate him for being a non-conformist a process ignorer, to retire.This case involves a man a few years younger than Banks but of the same generation having been tossed off a remote bridge. The man's life and possessions showed an unremarkable life, except maybe for a life that was obsessed with things that are right up Banks alley, music, film , and the arts. The ensuing investigation, well plotted and reflective of the melancholia evident in the later books of the series. Banks is beginning to realize that his days on the force is numbered and he is also beginning to face the fact that he is not a young man anymore, hell he isn't even a middle aged man anymore.
In this particular story his team has been augmented by Annie Cabot, Winsome Jackson and Gerry Masterson. Only Gerry is somewhat new to the story. Peter Robinsons has been slowly but surely adding new characters into the mix over the last few series of books and Banks has been evolving from and lone wolf to a team leader, having to deal with the politics of managing people, a somewhat humorous and distinct change. In a away the story has been spread amongst all the different coppers as they pursued various lines of inquiry. As it is, Annie took a lesser role than usual,as did Banks, while Winsome and Gerry got more coverage, but the overall effect is one of dilution. We are no longer inside two heads, we are inside four and that is a pity because I liked being inside Banks and Annie's head, I don't dislike getting inside Winsome or Gerry's head but the stretching of the plt does not give us a good look into their characters while also denying us the full blown Banks effect. In the end though, I was glad to have had time with the characters, spending time with some old friends.
The plot is still well laid out, the procedural is still fascinating, even after all these years, and the description of Yorkshire is nostalgic, even though I'd only spent a few weeks in Leeds many years ago, the description of the places and people brings back warm memories.
It was a nice romp through familiar territory, almost too familair in some ways, but I suspect there will be massive changes in the next Inspector Banks mysteries. The ebb and flow of the last few books had given me some inkling that there will be massive changes in the Eastvale police department. At this point, I think it is a welcome change.
BTW, there is a very nice development at the end of the book, and I am very much looking forward to see what Peter Robinson does with it. I hope he doesn't screw this up.
I gave it four stars because it was as I expected, and I was kind of looking for a bit more action, but I am happy.
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LibraryThing member jerhogan
*** Spoiler alert ***
Solid enough outing for DCI Banks with some trademark grand-standing and a fitting positive ending.
Solid enough outing for DCI Banks with some trademark grand-standing and a fitting positive ending.
LibraryThing member Eyejaybee
I believe that when Dr Johnson coined the phrase, "a triumph of hope over experience", he was referring to the decision of a recently-widowed man to make a second marriage. I feel that I have recently shown similar optimism flying in the face of irksome precedent in deciding to read yet another
To be fair, I have in the past derived immense enjoyment from some of Robinson's previous novels, and would still rate some of the early episodes in what has now become the overly-protracted series featuring Chief Inspector Alan Banks as being among the best "police procedurals" that I have read. Banks himself was a well-drawn character: slightly flawed but broadly sympathetic, and utterly believable, as was his principal colleague, Detective Sergeant (latterly Inspector) Annie Cabott. The early plots were well constructed, and the books showed a welcome economy of expression.
Unfortunately, the commercial success that ensued from these well-crafted books has led to a desperate diminution of their quality - the plots stretch any vestige of credibility beyond breaking point, and the characters seem to have fallen into a mawkish self-parody. Intriguingly, the DCI Banks series seems to have described the opposite course to that pursued by Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus and Reginald's Hill's pairing of Dalziel and Pascoe, all of whom suffered a mindless mauling at the hands of television adaptation. The reverse is true of Banks, with the television version struggling to retain some dignity for the series.
So what of this particular novel? Well, someone dies, the police investigate and a murderer is identified. There - if he had tried a bit harder, Robinson could have pared it down to eleven words and saved us all a lot of time!
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book by Peter Robinson, though the disappointment of reality soon reasserted itself.To be fair, I have in the past derived immense enjoyment from some of Robinson's previous novels, and would still rate some of the early episodes in what has now become the overly-protracted series featuring Chief Inspector Alan Banks as being among the best "police procedurals" that I have read. Banks himself was a well-drawn character: slightly flawed but broadly sympathetic, and utterly believable, as was his principal colleague, Detective Sergeant (latterly Inspector) Annie Cabott. The early plots were well constructed, and the books showed a welcome economy of expression.
Unfortunately, the commercial success that ensued from these well-crafted books has led to a desperate diminution of their quality - the plots stretch any vestige of credibility beyond breaking point, and the characters seem to have fallen into a mawkish self-parody. Intriguingly, the DCI Banks series seems to have described the opposite course to that pursued by Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus and Reginald's Hill's pairing of Dalziel and Pascoe, all of whom suffered a mindless mauling at the hands of television adaptation. The reverse is true of Banks, with the television version struggling to retain some dignity for the series.
So what of this particular novel? Well, someone dies, the police investigate and a murderer is identified. There - if he had tried a bit harder, Robinson could have pared it down to eleven words and saved us all a lot of time!
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LibraryThing member Carolee888
This is the first time that I have read one of Peter Robinson’s Inspector Banks books. I enjoyed being introduced to the Inspector who has more knowledge of the music than I can remember of the 1960s and early 1970s. The Inspector had a rich memory of that music. Having lived through that age in
Children of the Revolution, opens with the inspection of the scene of death of a college professor. He had dismissed for alleged sexual misconduct previously and emaciated body had 5,000 pounds on it. Gavin Miller, had lived as a recluse in small house not too far away. This position of his body indicated that the cause of death was not natural. Did he try to commit suicide or was he pushed off the nearby bridge? His death definitely was not the result of a robbery. Could he have been blackmailing someone? If he was murdered, who did it?
Inspector Banks starts the investigation with help from DI Annie Cabbott, DS Winsome Jackson and Geraldine Masterson, the new Deputy Constable. He has a wry sense of humor and sometimes an odd way of looking at things. He describes the machine at the new computer lab that was supposed to draw off the dust off the clothes before entering the room as possibly being able to suck the dandruff off your head. The clues are not plentiful at the beginning so it seems that finding out as much as possible about the victim and who he knew would be the best way to solve this mystery.
I thought I have nailed the murderer but was snared by a red herring. This is a good mystery for those who lived through the 1960 and early 1970s, especially those who were engrossed with its music. There were many suspects but it never got too complicated to follow.
I highly recommend Children of the Revolution.
I received a free copy of Children of the Revolution by Peter Robinson from Partners in Crime but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review.
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United States, I felt dropped back into the past. The times felt very different from the 1950s, and experimentation was prevalent. Communes sprang up, LSD and pot were popular, anti-war meetings, environmentalism, free love and self-expression by hairstyles and clothing.Children of the Revolution, opens with the inspection of the scene of death of a college professor. He had dismissed for alleged sexual misconduct previously and emaciated body had 5,000 pounds on it. Gavin Miller, had lived as a recluse in small house not too far away. This position of his body indicated that the cause of death was not natural. Did he try to commit suicide or was he pushed off the nearby bridge? His death definitely was not the result of a robbery. Could he have been blackmailing someone? If he was murdered, who did it?
Inspector Banks starts the investigation with help from DI Annie Cabbott, DS Winsome Jackson and Geraldine Masterson, the new Deputy Constable. He has a wry sense of humor and sometimes an odd way of looking at things. He describes the machine at the new computer lab that was supposed to draw off the dust off the clothes before entering the room as possibly being able to suck the dandruff off your head. The clues are not plentiful at the beginning so it seems that finding out as much as possible about the victim and who he knew would be the best way to solve this mystery.
I thought I have nailed the murderer but was snared by a red herring. This is a good mystery for those who lived through the 1960 and early 1970s, especially those who were engrossed with its music. There were many suspects but it never got too complicated to follow.
I highly recommend Children of the Revolution.
I received a free copy of Children of the Revolution by Peter Robinson from Partners in Crime but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review.
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LibraryThing member KateBaxter
Author, Peter Robinson, does an excellent job of laying out the case and describing in great detail police investigative procedure - well done as well as unothodox. In my opinion, the suspects were well profiled and developed but I would have enjoyed reading more details regarding the personal
Synopsis:
A disgraced college lecturer is found murdered with £5,000 in his pocket on a disused railway line near his home. Since being dismissed from his job for sexual misconduct four years previously, he has been living a poverty-stricken and hermit-like existence in this isolated spot.
The suspects range from several individuals at the college where he used to teach to a woman who knew the victim back in the early '70s at Essex University, then a hotbed of political activism. When Banks receives a warning to step away from the case, he realises there is much more to the mystery than meets the eye - for there are plenty more skeletons to come out of the closet.
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depth of the investigative team and their personal interaction. No doubt I should read the earlier books in the series and all will be made more clear. One thing that struck me in this police procedural was the slow pace of the unraveling of the details. I was 2/3 of the way into the book before it became one I couldn't put down. It was worth it in the end. This ARC was enjoyed through the Goodreads' First Reads program.Synopsis:
A disgraced college lecturer is found murdered with £5,000 in his pocket on a disused railway line near his home. Since being dismissed from his job for sexual misconduct four years previously, he has been living a poverty-stricken and hermit-like existence in this isolated spot.
The suspects range from several individuals at the college where he used to teach to a woman who knew the victim back in the early '70s at Essex University, then a hotbed of political activism. When Banks receives a warning to step away from the case, he realises there is much more to the mystery than meets the eye - for there are plenty more skeletons to come out of the closet.
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LibraryThing member Tmtrvlr
When a man’s body is found by abandoned railroad tracks near his home, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks investigates the murder. The victim, Gavin Miller, was a former college lecturer dismissed for misconduct and has been living as a recluse since.
As with Peter Robinson’s previous books,
I enjoy this type of carefully examined case and the complete explanation of the evidence. It does move slowly at times, but I have also found this in other of his books. Often when I read books by British authors, I find quite a few words unfamiliar to US readers, but fortunately this author spends his time in both the U.K. and North America so there were few times I needed to look up a word.
Another good book by Peter Robinson.
As with Peter Robinson’s previous books,
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this is a very detailed police procedural. Each detail and suspect is carefully examined, and the trails in this story lead far into the victim’s past.I enjoy this type of carefully examined case and the complete explanation of the evidence. It does move slowly at times, but I have also found this in other of his books. Often when I read books by British authors, I find quite a few words unfamiliar to US readers, but fortunately this author spends his time in both the U.K. and North America so there were few times I needed to look up a word.
Another good book by Peter Robinson.
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LibraryThing member celticlady53
Children of the Revolution is a tale of murder and suspense with DCI Banks investigating a murder of a man who is found near his home. It is suspected that he was thrown over a bridge, landing by some unused railway tracks. The investigation takes Banks on a journey back into 70's, a time of
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political turmoil and unrest.It appears that there were a lot of people who knew the deceased back in their college days. Along with him, sifting through the suspects, are his colleagues, one of which is Annie Cabot. Twists and turns abound in the mystery and of course it is never who you suspect. This was the first DCI Banks book I have read, I did see the TV show DCI Banks of which I loved. Peter Robinson is an author that I intend to read more of. I recommend it highly. Show Less
LibraryThing member mikedraper
A man's body is found on a lonely area south of Coverton. Investigation shows that it was Gavin Miller, a man who had resigned from his teaching position in disgrace. Also, Miller was in financial difficulties and behind on his mortgage but he had five thousand pounds on his body.
Det. Chief Insp.
The investigation takes the reader into both settings. Along the way, Banks is told to refrain from contact with one suspect due to her family's political connections. Of course, Banks continues as if there were no restrictions.
There is good character descriptions and we feel sympathy for Miller who went from a job as a respected lecturer to an impoverished man, almost a hermit. We try to guess who the guilty person might be but the author does a good job in keeping the reader guessing until the conclusion which is powerful.
Det. Chief Insp.
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Alan Banks and his team investigate what transpired when Miller resigned from his teaching position four years ago. They also learn that he attended a college that was a hotbed for protests and political controversy 40 years ago.The investigation takes the reader into both settings. Along the way, Banks is told to refrain from contact with one suspect due to her family's political connections. Of course, Banks continues as if there were no restrictions.
There is good character descriptions and we feel sympathy for Miller who went from a job as a respected lecturer to an impoverished man, almost a hermit. We try to guess who the guilty person might be but the author does a good job in keeping the reader guessing until the conclusion which is powerful.
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LibraryThing member terran
A disgraced college lecturer with 5,000 euros in this pocket is found dead on an abandoned railroad track near Inspector Banks's home. The dead man, Gavin Miller, had been living as a poverty-stricken hermit in a nearby shack. So where did the money come from? Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks
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finds several suspects at the college where Miller used to work. He becomes convinced that the murderer is Lady Veronica Chalmers, who was involved romantically with the victim back in the 1970s at the University of Essex, then a hotbed of political activism. Banks is told by his boss to lay off. Of course, he keeps investigating surreptitiously. Even Banks and his team are surprised at the unexpected, turns the investigation takes. There are a lot of references to Banks's own college days and experiences he had, music he liked, and other personal remembrances that made me feel like I knew him better as a person. Show Less
LibraryThing member EdGoldberg
Gavin Miller is found dead under the railroad trestle with 5,000 British pounds in his pocket. Sixty-ish, Miller had a checkered past. Several years earlier, he was relieved of his teaching position because of alleged sexual misconduct. Living an isolated existence, the interesting thing was that
DCI Banks is called on the case, bringing along his crew, Annie Cabbott and Winsome Jackman, along with a newbie, Gerry Masterson.
As with many a Peter Robinson mystery, there is a past and a present. The investigators spend time researching Miller’s whereabouts in the early 1970s, what they call the missing years, as well as the sexual misconduct charges and the present. How Robinson/Banks brings it all together can’t be beat.
What I like about Peter Robinson’s Alan Banks is that he’s a person. We know what music he likes to listen to, what he likes to drink, where he takes his meals. As the books progress, we also learn more about Cabbott and Jackman. You can’t always say that about detectives. Being around the same age as Banks, I like his music references to the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, King Crimson. Brings back lots of memories for me.
What I like about Robinson’s books is that they’re more cerebral. Don’t get me wrong, a surprise ending may pop up in one of his books as well as other mystery writers, but he’s got you thinking all along the way. I certainly didn’t see this ending until it was revealed.
I’ve even taken to watching DCI Banks on public television and while the actor isn’t how I pictured Banks originally, now that’s the way I see him in the books as well.
Suffice it to say, DCI Banks has become one of my favorite mysteries. Children of the Revolution will not disappoint readers and may even score as one of your favorite series.
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one of the last phone calls he made was to Lady Chalmers, someone clearly outside of his social circle.DCI Banks is called on the case, bringing along his crew, Annie Cabbott and Winsome Jackman, along with a newbie, Gerry Masterson.
As with many a Peter Robinson mystery, there is a past and a present. The investigators spend time researching Miller’s whereabouts in the early 1970s, what they call the missing years, as well as the sexual misconduct charges and the present. How Robinson/Banks brings it all together can’t be beat.
What I like about Peter Robinson’s Alan Banks is that he’s a person. We know what music he likes to listen to, what he likes to drink, where he takes his meals. As the books progress, we also learn more about Cabbott and Jackman. You can’t always say that about detectives. Being around the same age as Banks, I like his music references to the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, King Crimson. Brings back lots of memories for me.
What I like about Robinson’s books is that they’re more cerebral. Don’t get me wrong, a surprise ending may pop up in one of his books as well as other mystery writers, but he’s got you thinking all along the way. I certainly didn’t see this ending until it was revealed.
I’ve even taken to watching DCI Banks on public television and while the actor isn’t how I pictured Banks originally, now that’s the way I see him in the books as well.
Suffice it to say, DCI Banks has become one of my favorite mysteries. Children of the Revolution will not disappoint readers and may even score as one of your favorite series.
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LibraryThing member librarian1204
It appears that Alan Banks is looking at a possible promotion , if he can abide by the rules and conduct investigations that do not run afoul of those rules or push the buttons of the so called important people in the area. But, if you have read all 20 of the prior books in this series, you know
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this won't be easy for Banks and his team. This is not the best in the series, it drags in places, there are many interviews done by team members that cover the same ground over and over. Lots of nostalgia for the 60s in music and politics. Nice to catch up on characters and family from previous books. Looking forward to the next book. Always fun to see just how many women Banks can move through his life. Show Less
LibraryThing member malcrf
Excellent as always...........................good plot, page-turning prose, strong characterization and Yorkshire..................what's not to like?!
LibraryThing member devenish
A body is discovered,evidently thrown from a bridge onto a disused railway line and DCI Banks is summons to investigate. A large sum of money is found on the body and Banks and his team are soon deep into a complicated case involving both left-wing activists and powerful individuals.
This is a well
This is a well
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written,if slightly over-long book,which certainly holds the interest for 90% of the time. Show Less
LibraryThing member elizabeth.b.bevins
I have a new favorite mystery series! Now I need to go back and read the first 20!
LibraryThing member neddludd
I have long been a fan of this enduring series, but I wonder if--as is mentioned in the book--Inspector Banks should retire. All of the expected quirks and pacing are present, but suddenly Banks and his team seem a tad worn and do not snap as they do in the better Banks' books. To use a cliche,
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this work seems to have been phoned in. There are some nice bits showing how justice in the U.K. for the titled and wealthy is very different than justice for the average citizen. Naturally, Banks disobeys his superior and his initiative leads him ultimately to the crime's solution. The denouement is worth the price of admission; if only the rest of the work had the same amount of emotional and intellectual resonance. Show Less
LibraryThing member cfk
Inspector Banks of Scotland Yard pursues a modern day murder 40 years into the past during the college years of the victim of one of the murder suspects. The 60's and 70's were a time of union organizers, strikes and wealthy young women in over their heads with passion and visions of equality for
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all. Show Less
LibraryThing member delphimo
I am really enjoying audiobooks, since I can knit as I listen. This story by Peter Robinson brings back memories of the 1970's, of course, I was not a flower child or hippie. Robinson incorporates music into every story and his choices remain eclectic. This story centers on the death of a ravaged
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and downtrodden professor, and the various people within his circle. Robinson paints a descriptive setting, along with vivid characters. The ending sends a lesson that sometimes the whole truth hurts more than a white lie, and Robinson must decide which route to follow. Many events of the story bring comic relief, as the music reminds the reader of the chorus in a Greek tragedy. Show Less
LibraryThing member LARA335
A sacked college lecturer is found dead. Enjoyable puzzle with well-defined characters, and a lead character with a moral compass who very believably has to tread carefully to keep his colleagues and bosses onside.
LibraryThing member nbmars
This is the 21st book in a crime series set in Eastvale, North Yorkshire, England, featuring Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks.
Banks is called to a crime scene in an isolated area where 59-year-old Gavin Miller has been found dead under suspicious circumstances and with 5,000 pounds in his
Miller was a former college professor who was obsessed with the Seventies and the music, drugs, and politics associated with that time. Banks, being around the same age, finds, disconcertedly, that he has much in common with the victim in some ways.
But Miller was more than just a fan of artsy movies, the Grateful Dead, and soulful poetry. He had been dismissed from his job as a college lecturer after an accusation by two female students of having made inappropriate sexual advances. He was low on cash, malnourished, and without much hope for his future. Now, suddenly, he had a fortune in his pocket, and was reportedly much more upbeat. Could he have been involved with blackmail or drugs?
As Banks and his team try to sort it all out, they get stymied by an order to abandon one particular line of inquiry. A week before his death, Miller had a seven-minute phone call with a very wealthy woman who was the same age as Miller, and was known as a fiery revolutionary in her past. But this woman has friends in high places, and Banks is forbidden to “harass” her. Needless to say, Banks is not deterred, and gets help in pursuing that angle from some unexpected places.
Discussion: This is a book that started off a bit slow, but got better as it went along. There are some nice culture clashes which older readers should appreciate as the younger detectives are totally at sea when subjects from the early Seventies come up. A few side plots allow Robinson to explore the problems women have reporting rape; the mistreatment and under-appreciation of workers by society; the persistence of class conflict; the cognitive dissonance experienced by those who migrate between classes; and the relative merits of “truth” versus “justice.”
Evaluation: Robinson provides lots to think about in this book, which takes a more philosophical look at crime, rather than employing the usual thriller-type ending.
Banks is called to a crime scene in an isolated area where 59-year-old Gavin Miller has been found dead under suspicious circumstances and with 5,000 pounds in his
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pocket. Miller was a former college professor who was obsessed with the Seventies and the music, drugs, and politics associated with that time. Banks, being around the same age, finds, disconcertedly, that he has much in common with the victim in some ways.
But Miller was more than just a fan of artsy movies, the Grateful Dead, and soulful poetry. He had been dismissed from his job as a college lecturer after an accusation by two female students of having made inappropriate sexual advances. He was low on cash, malnourished, and without much hope for his future. Now, suddenly, he had a fortune in his pocket, and was reportedly much more upbeat. Could he have been involved with blackmail or drugs?
As Banks and his team try to sort it all out, they get stymied by an order to abandon one particular line of inquiry. A week before his death, Miller had a seven-minute phone call with a very wealthy woman who was the same age as Miller, and was known as a fiery revolutionary in her past. But this woman has friends in high places, and Banks is forbidden to “harass” her. Needless to say, Banks is not deterred, and gets help in pursuing that angle from some unexpected places.
Discussion: This is a book that started off a bit slow, but got better as it went along. There are some nice culture clashes which older readers should appreciate as the younger detectives are totally at sea when subjects from the early Seventies come up. A few side plots allow Robinson to explore the problems women have reporting rape; the mistreatment and under-appreciation of workers by society; the persistence of class conflict; the cognitive dissonance experienced by those who migrate between classes; and the relative merits of “truth” versus “justice.”
Evaluation: Robinson provides lots to think about in this book, which takes a more philosophical look at crime, rather than employing the usual thriller-type ending.
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LibraryThing member Dream24
I received a free copy through Goodreads.
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The beginning started off a little slow and boring for me, but the story soon picked up after a few chapters.
Who would have thought that the death of a disgraced teacher would uncover numerous secrets, going as far back as 40 years. There were times where
I found it to be fairly realistic (the process CSIs go through, the autopsy report, etc), much more so than TV crime shows. Especially the politics involved in any organization and the tactics that are used to make sure certain things stay confidential for the good of the organization or country.
When the big reveal was finally revealed, it was like omg how did I not see the clues?! A decently written mystery novel for sure, minus some of the slow parts.
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The beginning started off a little slow and boring for me, but the story soon picked up after a few chapters.
Who would have thought that the death of a disgraced teacher would uncover numerous secrets, going as far back as 40 years. There were times where
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the connections between Gavin Miller and Veronica Chambers were really flimsy and far fetched (it has been 40 years, it's hard to make a connection that far back), but it seems like Alan Banks' persistence paid off (well for the most part, minus that concussion he may have received). I found it to be fairly realistic (the process CSIs go through, the autopsy report, etc), much more so than TV crime shows. Especially the politics involved in any organization and the tactics that are used to make sure certain things stay confidential for the good of the organization or country.
When the big reveal was finally revealed, it was like omg how did I not see the clues?! A decently written mystery novel for sure, minus some of the slow parts.
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LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
For his 21st book of the series, Peter Robinson delivered a complex, intriguing murder mystery for DCI Alan Banks to solve. I enjoyed this book and I appreciated how the author took this case in two different directions and then let Banks and his crew discover which one led to the murderer. Both
My only complaint is that I wasn’t too thrilled with the direction that Alan Banks is taking in the love department. I would prefer him to be attracted to a woman closer to his own age, but as is often the case, Banks has had his head turned by a much younger women. Time will tell whether he’s made a good choice.
Overall, Children of the Revolution was well-plotted, subtle and interesting. This book is a great addition to this excellent police procedural series.
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directions involved university storylines, one involving accusations of misconduct on the part of a professor, the other going back into a 40 year past with politically and sexually active students. Both these storylines involved the victim whose body was thrown from a bridge onto a disused railway track. My only complaint is that I wasn’t too thrilled with the direction that Alan Banks is taking in the love department. I would prefer him to be attracted to a woman closer to his own age, but as is often the case, Banks has had his head turned by a much younger women. Time will tell whether he’s made a good choice.
Overall, Children of the Revolution was well-plotted, subtle and interesting. This book is a great addition to this excellent police procedural series.
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LibraryThing member APopova
Starting to become formulaic...not his best. Took a long while to get past the platitudes...
LibraryThing member SquirrelHead
How could I possibly write a negative review of one of my favorite authors? I love DCI Banks and almost all books in the series have been page turners…….but this book could have been much shorter. Way too much detail and rambling. Let me start with what I liked, move on to my complaints and
Loved
The entire team of Alan Banks, Annie Cabbot, Winsome Jackman and the CSI folks.
Some of the food that is mentioned as they enjoy a pub lunch or a quiet dinner at home.
The mystery wasn’t a bad plot, just a bit long winded.
Disliked
It is actually one I could have skipped. Pains me to say that about Alan Banks. I have read this series from book 1, all in a row and not skipping around. This one started off at a good pace but lost me later on. I persevered because I like the characters very much. Too much supposition for this murder investigation and too many long-winded discussion on the “what-if” line of thinking.
Also, Banks has never been described as a hottie, a detective women just swoon over but in these past few books he seems to attract the attention of very attractive women. These women are almost young enough to be his daughter and that leaves me scratching my head, waaaaaaaa?? Perhaps our author will get DCI Banks a more age appropriate personal relationship in the future. I’m not a prude, I know there are what you’d call May December relationships but I sure liked him with Annie better than what has come up lately.
Food
“There wasn’t much food in the fridge besides wilted broccoli and chicken tikka masala…”
Fish and Chips
“Banks ordered bangers and mash and an orange juice….”
Chinese takeaway
Rogan Josh, chicken tikka, aloo gobi and raita and naan
So…….I thought a good meal would be something more exotic than what I usually prepare. Something Asian or Indian and definitely vegetarian (after all my naughty indulgences this past week).
I bring you Sesame Noodles with Tofu, Scallions and Cashews
For all the lovely photos and recipe visit Squirrel Head Manor.
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tell you about food mentioned in this book. Some spoilers will come up but I will warn you well in advance….in case you want to read this one. If you don’t want to read it then by all means hear my gripes about this book.Loved
The entire team of Alan Banks, Annie Cabbot, Winsome Jackman and the CSI folks.
Some of the food that is mentioned as they enjoy a pub lunch or a quiet dinner at home.
The mystery wasn’t a bad plot, just a bit long winded.
Disliked
It is actually one I could have skipped. Pains me to say that about Alan Banks. I have read this series from book 1, all in a row and not skipping around. This one started off at a good pace but lost me later on. I persevered because I like the characters very much. Too much supposition for this murder investigation and too many long-winded discussion on the “what-if” line of thinking.
Also, Banks has never been described as a hottie, a detective women just swoon over but in these past few books he seems to attract the attention of very attractive women. These women are almost young enough to be his daughter and that leaves me scratching my head, waaaaaaaa?? Perhaps our author will get DCI Banks a more age appropriate personal relationship in the future. I’m not a prude, I know there are what you’d call May December relationships but I sure liked him with Annie better than what has come up lately.
Food
“There wasn’t much food in the fridge besides wilted broccoli and chicken tikka masala…”
Fish and Chips
“Banks ordered bangers and mash and an orange juice….”
Chinese takeaway
Rogan Josh, chicken tikka, aloo gobi and raita and naan
So…….I thought a good meal would be something more exotic than what I usually prepare. Something Asian or Indian and definitely vegetarian (after all my naughty indulgences this past week).
I bring you Sesame Noodles with Tofu, Scallions and Cashews
For all the lovely photos and recipe visit Squirrel Head Manor.
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Awards
Theakstons Old Peculier Prize (Longlist — 2014)