Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
William Morrow (2013), Edition: 1, 368 pages
Description
When Detective Inspector Bill Reid is found murdered, Chief Inspector Alan Banks, suspecting police corruption, handles the investigation with the utmost discretion until he discovers that Reid's murder is linked to the disappearance of a young English girl six years earlier.
Media reviews
The Toronto Star
Among his other admirable qualities, Peter Robinson has a knack for adapting and even clarifying real-life crimes. The Paul Bernardo case was never so deeply explored as in Robinson’s 2001 novel Aftermath. In that book, DCI Alan Banks waded into a Yorkshire case with a set of facts much like
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those in the tortures and killings carried out by Ontario’s own Bernardo and Karla Homolka.
With Robinson’s new book, the crimes at the centre of the plot get us into the up-to-date evil of trafficking in illegal immigrants. As usual, Robinson slides into the book’s major business sideways, introducing the plot at the centre of the action by way of the mysterious murder of a veteran Yorkshire police inspector.
Banks’ investigation of the cop killing requires him to get a handle on Yorkshire-based commerce in migrant workers from Eastern Europe. The off-shore centre for these poor souls is the unlikely nation of Estonia, and that’s where Banks carries out most of his sleuthing.
The piecing together of the intricate case is mostly by-the-book stuff, a smart gathering of forensic evidence and countless interviews with a range of villains who aren’t as clever as they think they are. They’re definitely not as quick with the wits as Banks or his detective sidekick, the always appealing Annie Cabbot.
Robinson decorates the main narrative with plenty of personal interaction among the characters at Banks’s cop shop. Banks is feeling his fiftyish age, and turns petulant when an inspector from the Professional Standards unit is assigned to look over his shoulder throughout the case. Not even the intrusive inspector’s icy blond beauty softens the crabby Banks.
But some things never change for the DCI. At one perplexing point in Watching the Dark, he pours a glass of Malbec and puts on a CD by the English folksinger June Tabor. “He did his best thinking,” Robinson writes of Banks, “when he was listening to music and drinking wine.” Show Less
National Post
Robinson sounds many familiar notes in Watching The Dark, from Banks’ solo nightcaps with a drink in his hand and music playing on the stereo, to the DCI’s romantic yearnings for relationships akin to past loves like ex-wife Sandra, recent bygone paramour Sophia, and current colleague and now
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good friend DS Annie Cabbot. But the action plays out a little differently, thanks to a cop killed with a crossbow in the police rehab unit, mysterious photos that connect the dead man to a girl’s disappearance in Talinn, Estonia, and an icy blond policewoman whose job is investigating officers — and who, naturally, spars with Inspector Banks.
The fallacy of dinging an author, even mildly, for doing what he does best should be acknowledged here. After all, Robinson, who has earned his crime-writing stripes several times over, is still writing at a very high level, and one marvels at how he’s able to sustain that level of consistency with each subsequent book. That’s a bloody hard thing to do Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member Twink
I've said it before and I'll say it again - if Peter Robinson's name is on it, I know I'm in for a good read. I enjoyed last year's stand alone novel - Before the Poison. (Winner of the 2012 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel by the Crime Writers of Canada) But, I've waiting for the latest
Watching the Dark opens at the St. Peter's Police Treatment Centre. Annie Cabot has just left the centre, finally ready to return to work after a lengthy convalescence. So, Alan Banks is familiar with the centre, but didn't expect to be working a case there. Bill Reid, a fellow officer has been murdered on the grounds - by a crossbow. On searching Reid's room, photos of a compromising nature are found. Banks is determined to not judge until his investigation is complete, but Inspector Joanna Passero from Professional Standards (internal investigations) is brought in to 'help' Banks with his inquiries. As Banks digs into Reid's past, he wonders if a cold case of Reid's could be tied to his death.
Robinson takes us out of Eastvale with Banks' investigation and into Estonia. I must admit, I truly had no firm grasp on this country but Robinson did a great job of setting the stage with detailed descriptions and characters. I was surprised to learn that English stag and hen parties take cheap flights over for weekend parties.
I was glad to see Annie Cabot back on the job. She's out to prove herself after being injured and off the job for so long, so she delves into the case with dogged determination. Her investigations keep her in Eastvale, but dealing with the ugly underbelly of this bucolic Yorkshire countryside. She is following the tracks of migrant workers tricked and abused by local criminals. Her storyline takes the stage almost as much as Banks's in this book. That's a good thing, as she's a character I quite enjoy.
Inspector Passero was an interesting addition. I was never really sure of her agenda and Robinson keeps us guessing until the very last chapters. And, I'm still not sure if we really know her - I think she'll make an appearance in the next book, but I'll reserve judgment until then.
I've always enjoyed Banks's love of music and the references to what he's listening to. However it seemed like there were quite a few this time - enough that I found myself skimming over some of these passages.
Robinson has crafted a multi faceted, well paced plot that takes inspiration from current day issues. I did find the end to be tied up a bit too neatly, but all in all it was a read I quite enjoyed. And I'll be waiting for the 21st book!
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installment in Robinson's Inspector Banks series. And it's here! Watching the Dark is the 20th entry in this wonderful series.Watching the Dark opens at the St. Peter's Police Treatment Centre. Annie Cabot has just left the centre, finally ready to return to work after a lengthy convalescence. So, Alan Banks is familiar with the centre, but didn't expect to be working a case there. Bill Reid, a fellow officer has been murdered on the grounds - by a crossbow. On searching Reid's room, photos of a compromising nature are found. Banks is determined to not judge until his investigation is complete, but Inspector Joanna Passero from Professional Standards (internal investigations) is brought in to 'help' Banks with his inquiries. As Banks digs into Reid's past, he wonders if a cold case of Reid's could be tied to his death.
Robinson takes us out of Eastvale with Banks' investigation and into Estonia. I must admit, I truly had no firm grasp on this country but Robinson did a great job of setting the stage with detailed descriptions and characters. I was surprised to learn that English stag and hen parties take cheap flights over for weekend parties.
I was glad to see Annie Cabot back on the job. She's out to prove herself after being injured and off the job for so long, so she delves into the case with dogged determination. Her investigations keep her in Eastvale, but dealing with the ugly underbelly of this bucolic Yorkshire countryside. She is following the tracks of migrant workers tricked and abused by local criminals. Her storyline takes the stage almost as much as Banks's in this book. That's a good thing, as she's a character I quite enjoy.
Inspector Passero was an interesting addition. I was never really sure of her agenda and Robinson keeps us guessing until the very last chapters. And, I'm still not sure if we really know her - I think she'll make an appearance in the next book, but I'll reserve judgment until then.
I've always enjoyed Banks's love of music and the references to what he's listening to. However it seemed like there were quite a few this time - enough that I found myself skimming over some of these passages.
Robinson has crafted a multi faceted, well paced plot that takes inspiration from current day issues. I did find the end to be tied up a bit too neatly, but all in all it was a read I quite enjoyed. And I'll be waiting for the 21st book!
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LibraryThing member bjmitch
Peter Robinson is the author of a page-long list of novels. Watching the Dark is one of his Inspector Banks novels. I read this one as a stand-alone. I'll never be able to follow all of the excellent series available, but my lack of knowledge about Insp. Banks didn't lessen in the least my
This story begins with the murder, by crossbow no less, of a former cop who has been residing in a home for injured cops or those who need psychological treatment. Peter Quinn's wife had recently died and his grief was intensified by a case that he never solved. He was obsessed with the disappearance of a young woman on holiday in Tallinn, Estonia six years earlier.
As the investigation into Quinn's murder proceeds, Banks and his detectives, accompanied by a member of what we in the U.S. would call Internal Affairs, learn about a migrant worker racket being run by crooks in both England and Estonia. Banks' assistant Annie has just returned to work after a serious injury so she and a colleague follow up in England while he and the detective investigating Quinn head off to Estonia. In the process they turn up all kinds of despicable men who prey on the vulnerable and the poor. And always on their minds? What became of Rachel Hewitt when she became separated from her friends six years ago?
The way the investigation plays out and the interaction between the characters is fascinating. The reader is brought in easily to who and what is going on. There are many victims of these evil men; I was struck by how easily many people could fall victim to them. You just don't expect people to turn on you and not care one whit about your suffering and/or your family and friends. But it happens and we all know it. Estonia's Soviet Union past is involved as well.
Highly recommended
Source: William Morrow Imprint of HarperCollins
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enjoyment of this novel. I will, however, be reading the next one, Children of the Revolution, due out next month and I look forward to it now that I've made the acquaintance of these intriguing characters.This story begins with the murder, by crossbow no less, of a former cop who has been residing in a home for injured cops or those who need psychological treatment. Peter Quinn's wife had recently died and his grief was intensified by a case that he never solved. He was obsessed with the disappearance of a young woman on holiday in Tallinn, Estonia six years earlier.
As the investigation into Quinn's murder proceeds, Banks and his detectives, accompanied by a member of what we in the U.S. would call Internal Affairs, learn about a migrant worker racket being run by crooks in both England and Estonia. Banks' assistant Annie has just returned to work after a serious injury so she and a colleague follow up in England while he and the detective investigating Quinn head off to Estonia. In the process they turn up all kinds of despicable men who prey on the vulnerable and the poor. And always on their minds? What became of Rachel Hewitt when she became separated from her friends six years ago?
The way the investigation plays out and the interaction between the characters is fascinating. The reader is brought in easily to who and what is going on. There are many victims of these evil men; I was struck by how easily many people could fall victim to them. You just don't expect people to turn on you and not care one whit about your suffering and/or your family and friends. But it happens and we all know it. Estonia's Soviet Union past is involved as well.
Highly recommended
Source: William Morrow Imprint of HarperCollins
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LibraryThing member LARA335
Alan Banks investigates the connection between a policeman killed by crossbow and that of a migrant worker, leading him to case of a young woman gone missing in Estonia some years before.
As well as listening to music (and making me you-tube some of it) Banks has to contend with being shadowed by a
As usual an interesting plot and well - drawn characters.
As well as listening to music (and making me you-tube some of it) Banks has to contend with being shadowed by a
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police woman looking for police corruption. As usual an interesting plot and well - drawn characters.
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LibraryThing member EdGoldberg
Peter Robinson is nothing if he's not consistent. He puts out interesting mysteries with great characters and interesting plots. Bill Quinn, a police officer, is killed on the grounds of the police rehab center and discovered by another patient. The cause of death? A corss bow to the heart. IN
As DCI Banks and crew, including a newly returned from medical leave, Annie Cabot, investiage further, they find links to people trafficking, loan sharking, etc.
Robinson has also introduced a new character in the form of a Professional Standards officer (Quinn might habe been 'bent') Joanna Passero. The equivalent of our Internal Review Board, you know how well police get along with those cops looking over their shoulders.
All in all, this is another great book in the DCI Banks series.
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sifting through the possible motives, DCI Banks finds out that Bill had worked on the disappearance in Estonia, six years earlier, of Rachel Hewitt, a 19 year old on a hen's holiday with her girl friends. The body was never found.As DCI Banks and crew, including a newly returned from medical leave, Annie Cabot, investiage further, they find links to people trafficking, loan sharking, etc.
Robinson has also introduced a new character in the form of a Professional Standards officer (Quinn might habe been 'bent') Joanna Passero. The equivalent of our Internal Review Board, you know how well police get along with those cops looking over their shoulders.
All in all, this is another great book in the DCI Banks series.
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LibraryThing member enetikovt
Good quick read - setting Estonia
LibraryThing member gaby317
I'm fond of detective novels and British police procedurals are among my favorites. I've been trying to figure out why I find them so delightful, how they differ from American detective novels. While I'd read one of Peter Robinson's stand alone novels, I wasn't familiar with his Inspector Banks
When Watching the Dark opens at St. Peter's Police Treatment Centre, a luxuriously maintained nonprofit that gives injured and recovering detectives a serene and safe place to recuperate, to slowly prepare for a return to their work, I was really interested in the Treatment Centre and the fact that they had a nonprofit dedicated to give police officers the best care and luxurious spa like surroundings. It's something I wish we had here and in the midst of the budget cuts, higher taxes, etc. I can't help but wish for the resources such.
Inspector Banks is consistently polite, determined, slightly flawed, all of which makes him a fun character to read about. Peter Robinson adds to the mix the required presence of the beautiful Inspector Joanna Passero of Professional Standards which puts Inspector Banks ill at ease. He's attracted to her, resentful and wary of Professional Standards both for himself and for the victim Quinn. Come to think of it, Lee Child's Jack Reacher and John Puller, David Baldacci's hero in The Forgotten, are the only two of the internal investigators that I sympathize with. In most detective and police novels, the IA officers are fare from the heroes.
Banks and Passero figure out a complex web of crime over several jurisdictions and they do it in a credible, authentic way. I'm still trying to figure out how Peter Robinson made Banks so distinctive without giving him a larger than life personality. Bank's s detective skills, professionalism and recklessness when in pursuit ensure that the story moves at an engrossing speed while Banks' understated personality of politeness, loyalty and sensitivity endear him so that I felt that I knew him quite early in the novel. I quickly got invested in Banks' success and in the success of his colleagues, especially that of Anne Cabbot, formerly of Professional Standards. I very much enjoyed Watching the Dark and highly recommend it!
ISBN-10: 0062004808 - Hardcover $26.00
Publisher: William Morrow (January 8, 2013), 368 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
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series. I thoroughly enjoyed Watching the Dark. It's strong as a novel in its own right and I'm now interested in reading the earlier novels in the series.When Watching the Dark opens at St. Peter's Police Treatment Centre, a luxuriously maintained nonprofit that gives injured and recovering detectives a serene and safe place to recuperate, to slowly prepare for a return to their work, I was really interested in the Treatment Centre and the fact that they had a nonprofit dedicated to give police officers the best care and luxurious spa like surroundings. It's something I wish we had here and in the midst of the budget cuts, higher taxes, etc. I can't help but wish for the resources such.
Inspector Banks is consistently polite, determined, slightly flawed, all of which makes him a fun character to read about. Peter Robinson adds to the mix the required presence of the beautiful Inspector Joanna Passero of Professional Standards which puts Inspector Banks ill at ease. He's attracted to her, resentful and wary of Professional Standards both for himself and for the victim Quinn. Come to think of it, Lee Child's Jack Reacher and John Puller, David Baldacci's hero in The Forgotten, are the only two of the internal investigators that I sympathize with. In most detective and police novels, the IA officers are fare from the heroes.
Banks and Passero figure out a complex web of crime over several jurisdictions and they do it in a credible, authentic way. I'm still trying to figure out how Peter Robinson made Banks so distinctive without giving him a larger than life personality. Bank's s detective skills, professionalism and recklessness when in pursuit ensure that the story moves at an engrossing speed while Banks' understated personality of politeness, loyalty and sensitivity endear him so that I felt that I knew him quite early in the novel. I quickly got invested in Banks' success and in the success of his colleagues, especially that of Anne Cabbot, formerly of Professional Standards. I very much enjoyed Watching the Dark and highly recommend it!
ISBN-10: 0062004808 - Hardcover $26.00
Publisher: William Morrow (January 8, 2013), 368 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
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LibraryThing member PattyLouise
Watching The Dark
By
Peter Robinson
My" in a nutshell" summary...
The death/ murder of a police investigator causes an old crime to resurface.
My thoughts after reading this book...
An officer is murdered while he is recuperating at a police rehab center. He is shot through the chest with a medieval bow
What I loved about this book...
For me...personally...there is nothing more enjoyable than a mystery of this kind. Inspectors and pubs and pints and steak and kidney pies...puzzling clues...windy webs...foreign intrigue...all over the place! This author knows how to tell a complicated story in an orderly manner. It's a suspense filled pleasurable tale...that unwinds in a very pleasurable manner. I loved it. I am familiar with Inspector Banks and have read many of this authors other books. I enjoy them all. This one was particularly appealing and the ending...unique and satisfying. I like the way this author gives each book closure.
Favorite characters...
Always Inspector Banks...quirky, fervent, a bit irreverent. Annie...battling insecurities after her injury...perhaps thinking of a love lost with Banks. These were my favorites.
Final thoughts...
This series is always really great and this one does not fail to entertain.
O
By
Peter Robinson
My" in a nutshell" summary...
The death/ murder of a police investigator causes an old crime to resurface.
My thoughts after reading this book...
An officer is murdered while he is recuperating at a police rehab center. He is shot through the chest with a medieval bow
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and arrow...a cross bow. Questionable intimidating photos of this man with a young girl surface. Some are rather sexual in nature. The case is being handled by Inspector Banks...seasoned...distinguished...loves wine...drives a Porsche and loves music. Because this crime sort of hints of internal corruption...an internal affairs person is brought in to assist...Joanna Passero...much to Inspector Banks chagrin. There is also Inspector Banks returning partner to deal with...Annie. Returning from a serious injury...she is a bit put out by Joanna. And of course...during the investigation...another body is found...which just adds to the mystery. And...there appears to be a connection to a missing girl from a number of years ago...this was a case that the murdered policeman had a strong attachment to. Whew!What I loved about this book...
For me...personally...there is nothing more enjoyable than a mystery of this kind. Inspectors and pubs and pints and steak and kidney pies...puzzling clues...windy webs...foreign intrigue...all over the place! This author knows how to tell a complicated story in an orderly manner. It's a suspense filled pleasurable tale...that unwinds in a very pleasurable manner. I loved it. I am familiar with Inspector Banks and have read many of this authors other books. I enjoy them all. This one was particularly appealing and the ending...unique and satisfying. I like the way this author gives each book closure.
Favorite characters...
Always Inspector Banks...quirky, fervent, a bit irreverent. Annie...battling insecurities after her injury...perhaps thinking of a love lost with Banks. These were my favorites.
Final thoughts...
This series is always really great and this one does not fail to entertain.
O
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LibraryThing member Beamis12
This story line was not one of my favorites but saying that the Banks series is still way better than many others. Banks is such a well rounded characters, a very likable loyal man and a fantastic inspector who doesn't give up. In this book he was definitely the draw for me since Annie Cabot who
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has recovered did not travel with Banks but managed things from home base. Plenty of revelations, twists and turns, catching up with Bank's children and seeing how Estonia has fared now that they are no longer tied to Russia. Good read. Show Less
LibraryThing member librarian1204
I have read every Peter Robinson. I have been following him for years. This is not his best. That said, it will do until the next one comes along. I liked the stand alone last year better than this one.
Banks is in place and Annie is back but something is lacking. Not as well developed a story as
My local PBS channel is now showing the DCI Banks TV series. Those I have seen have been well done and pretty much follow the books. Only problem, wish I had never seen the lead as that priest on Ballykisssangel!
Banks is in place and Annie is back but something is lacking. Not as well developed a story as
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usual. My local PBS channel is now showing the DCI Banks TV series. Those I have seen have been well done and pretty much follow the books. Only problem, wish I had never seen the lead as that priest on Ballykisssangel!
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LibraryThing member shayrp76
*goodreads giveaway*
When a detective inspector is murdered while at St. Peter’s Police Treatment Center Chief Inspector Alan Banks leads the investigation not knowing how deep the trail will lead. Murder is not the only crime being investigated as Chief Inspector Banks will soon find out when an
This one started out really slow for me. The mystery intrigued me right away so I kept reading and by the time I was a little more than halfway through the book it grabbed me. Usually this type of novel will suck me in and keep me turning pages, but this one I thought about giving up on; I am glad I didn’t. This is my first Peter Robinson book so that could explain the problem since there are 19 more Alan Banks novels before this one. I enjoyed the characters, well I should say a few of the minor characters, and that helped it along while getting to the bottom of the murder. There were a few side stories that were as interesting as the original plot and by the end I felt good about the whole thing. I like an author who can juggle multiple side stories within one plot. So overall I ended up liking this one more than I thought I would and will gladly recommend it.
When a detective inspector is murdered while at St. Peter’s Police Treatment Center Chief Inspector Alan Banks leads the investigation not knowing how deep the trail will lead. Murder is not the only crime being investigated as Chief Inspector Banks will soon find out when an
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officer from Professional Standards, investigating allegations of police corruption, intrudes in the case. As he gets close to answers more questions and possible suspects materialize and it’s a struggle to remember his prime objective.This one started out really slow for me. The mystery intrigued me right away so I kept reading and by the time I was a little more than halfway through the book it grabbed me. Usually this type of novel will suck me in and keep me turning pages, but this one I thought about giving up on; I am glad I didn’t. This is my first Peter Robinson book so that could explain the problem since there are 19 more Alan Banks novels before this one. I enjoyed the characters, well I should say a few of the minor characters, and that helped it along while getting to the bottom of the murder. There were a few side stories that were as interesting as the original plot and by the end I felt good about the whole thing. I like an author who can juggle multiple side stories within one plot. So overall I ended up liking this one more than I thought I would and will gladly recommend it.
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LibraryThing member devenish
A fairly entertaining novel,made more interesting in that most of it takes place in Tallinn,Estonia. Inspector Banks investigates the murder of a police detective and another murder of a foreign journalist,which are shown to be connected. The illegal trade in the importation of workers from other
Slightly overlong,but not uninteresting.
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countries is also part of the same case.Slightly overlong,but not uninteresting.
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LibraryThing member auntieknickers
I've been told (source uncertain) that there are only two plots: a hero goes on a journey, or a stranger comes to town. I don't know about that, but this latest entry in the DCI Banks series fits the first category nicely. Every long-term series, but especially police procedurals, seems to come up
When an older cop, convalescing at a police infirmary, is shot to death with a crossbow (!!), leaving behind some compromising photos, the investigation takes Banks to Tallinn, Latvia and international people-trafficking criminals. But it also involves Banks in trying to solve a cold case -- the disappearance of a young Englishwoman 6 years earlier in Tallinn, the murder victim's one unsolved case.
A new character, Joanna Passero from Professional Standards (what we'd call Internal Affairs, the cops who investigate other cops) is involved much against Banks's will; one wonders if she'll show up in future books.
Meanwhile, back in Yorkshire, events continue to transpireand DI Annie Cabbot, finally recovered from injuries suffered in Bad Boy, is happy to be back at work and worried that the Superintendent thinks she may not yet be fit for duty. Ably assisted by DS Winsome Jackman -- I'd love to see Winsome get her own case one of these days -- Annie solves her part of the case too. It's good to have Banks, Cabbot, and Jackman back on the job. Highly recommended.
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with two storylines at some point: a member of the protagonist's family is involved (as in Robinson's last Banks book, Bad Boy) and the protagonist must go far from his own jurisdiction to solve a crime, as in Watching the Dark. Robinson, of course, has handled both these scenarios brilliantly.When an older cop, convalescing at a police infirmary, is shot to death with a crossbow (!!), leaving behind some compromising photos, the investigation takes Banks to Tallinn, Latvia and international people-trafficking criminals. But it also involves Banks in trying to solve a cold case -- the disappearance of a young Englishwoman 6 years earlier in Tallinn, the murder victim's one unsolved case.
A new character, Joanna Passero from Professional Standards (what we'd call Internal Affairs, the cops who investigate other cops) is involved much against Banks's will; one wonders if she'll show up in future books.
Meanwhile, back in Yorkshire, events continue to transpireand DI Annie Cabbot, finally recovered from injuries suffered in Bad Boy, is happy to be back at work and worried that the Superintendent thinks she may not yet be fit for duty. Ably assisted by DS Winsome Jackman -- I'd love to see Winsome get her own case one of these days -- Annie solves her part of the case too. It's good to have Banks, Cabbot, and Jackman back on the job. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member bah195
One of my favorite characters, Chief Inspector Alan Banks, is back in author Peter Robinson's new book "Watching The Dark".
This time around inspector Banks not only has to solve the murder of decorated detective inspector Bill Quinn but also has to deal with inspector Joanna Passero, an officer,
Banks finds that the death may be linked to an unsolved missing persons case from 6 years ago.
Author Peter Robinson has written a novel about corruption, a dead cop and a missing.
I'm a big Inspector Banks fam and give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
This time around inspector Banks not only has to solve the murder of decorated detective inspector Bill Quinn but also has to deal with inspector Joanna Passero, an officer,
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who has arrived to work with him and his team.Banks finds that the death may be linked to an unsolved missing persons case from 6 years ago.
Author Peter Robinson has written a novel about corruption, a dead cop and a missing.
I'm a big Inspector Banks fam and give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
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LibraryThing member souleswanderer
DI Annie Cabot is ready to go back to work. Only a few days left to enjoy the peace and quiet at the convalescent center where she is healing from a gunshot wound, until she discovers another of the tenants dead. As her boss DCI Alan Banks is assigned to the case, DI Annie will soon be thrust into
DI Bill Quinn is the murdered cop, with a spotless record and a known empathy for an unsolved missing girl’s case almost 6 years old. A cloud hangs over his reputation when compromising photos are found in his room. And to further complicate things, a Police Standards detective butts her way into the investigation.
This is the 20th book in the DCI Alan Banks series, and as we’ve come to love and expect, Banks is going to run the investigation his way. Although his surly attitude and brusque mannerisms toward the chief appointed Standards officer only makes her dig in her heels and meet him head on. At the outset, she would be satisfied with solving the case of who killed Quinn, and close her case on a possibly compromised cop. Banks in his dogged way finds himself chasing two cases that could be related.
As the case takes the investigation to foreign soil the two investigators find not only the language barrier a detriment, but the assistance of the local constabulary seems rather apathetic.
Overall, the book has a solid plot, great sense of location and wonderful characterization. Reading through, though, I got the impression that Banks is a tired man. I’m hoping this is just a phase for the character, and Robinson has many more adventures awaiting his fans.
Can’t go wrong with anything Robinson pens.
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the middle of the investigation.DI Bill Quinn is the murdered cop, with a spotless record and a known empathy for an unsolved missing girl’s case almost 6 years old. A cloud hangs over his reputation when compromising photos are found in his room. And to further complicate things, a Police Standards detective butts her way into the investigation.
This is the 20th book in the DCI Alan Banks series, and as we’ve come to love and expect, Banks is going to run the investigation his way. Although his surly attitude and brusque mannerisms toward the chief appointed Standards officer only makes her dig in her heels and meet him head on. At the outset, she would be satisfied with solving the case of who killed Quinn, and close her case on a possibly compromised cop. Banks in his dogged way finds himself chasing two cases that could be related.
As the case takes the investigation to foreign soil the two investigators find not only the language barrier a detriment, but the assistance of the local constabulary seems rather apathetic.
Overall, the book has a solid plot, great sense of location and wonderful characterization. Reading through, though, I got the impression that Banks is a tired man. I’m hoping this is just a phase for the character, and Robinson has many more adventures awaiting his fans.
Can’t go wrong with anything Robinson pens.
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LibraryThing member literaryrunner
I put Peter Robinson up there with Ian rankin, Elizabeth George and Martha Grimes in criminal mysteries set in the UK. They all write with such incredible fascination to details, create characters with multi-layers and plots with numerous twists and turns. Robinson's latest, Watching the Dark, is
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no disappointment. Banks is once again involved in a complicated murder with tentacles reaching from the illegal immigrants in the Uk, to Estonia, and to an unsovled crime 6 years before involving a young girl on a drunken holiday. Working once again with Annie, back from medical leave after almost losing her life on the job, and a new woman from the Professional Standards division whose icy demeanor riles Banks' ego, Banks has to struggle against his own determination to solve an unsolvable case and his own professional standards. Peter Robinson is always a treat to read. Show Less
LibraryThing member delphimo
Peter Robinson does a wonderful job with his various characters, and his description of the setting. Robinson also enjoys bringing in a social woe. Many writers have embarked on the horrors of forced slavery and forced prostitution, and Robinson has joined this bandwagon. Other writers have done
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better in exposing the degradation. Inspector Banks has no love interest in this story, and many of the relationships fell flat. Parts of the story are interesting, but many are just words without meaning. Show Less
LibraryThing member smik
I'm not sure why this book took me much longer than usual to read. I think it is probably that Robinson's writing is much more detailed than that of most of his contemporaries. There's always a lot going on in an Inspector Banks novel, not just several plot threads, but also connections with
Despite, or maybe because, I read the book slowly, I thoroughly enjoyed it: had time to smell the flowers so to speak, to appreciate the connections between the various plot threads. On fairly tenuous evidence, Banks is convinced there are links between the murder of DI Bill Quinn and a case he (Quinn) was involved in 6 years before: the disappearance in Estonia of a young English woman. He decides he needs to go to Estonia to investigate himself, but he will be accompanied by an officer from Professional Standards, and he does not like that one little bit.
The character portrayal is excellent, and for the most part, the plot is believable. Just be prepared for it to be a demanding read.
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previous plots in previous novels. WATCHING THE DARK is no different. They are novels designed to satisfy fans of the series, to further develop threads, characters, and ongoing stories. That is their value as a series, more like episodes in a saga, and that's why the series grows on you. Readers have been with DCI Alan Banks for over 25 years now. I haven't read them all, but certainly most.Despite, or maybe because, I read the book slowly, I thoroughly enjoyed it: had time to smell the flowers so to speak, to appreciate the connections between the various plot threads. On fairly tenuous evidence, Banks is convinced there are links between the murder of DI Bill Quinn and a case he (Quinn) was involved in 6 years before: the disappearance in Estonia of a young English woman. He decides he needs to go to Estonia to investigate himself, but he will be accompanied by an officer from Professional Standards, and he does not like that one little bit.
The character portrayal is excellent, and for the most part, the plot is believable. Just be prepared for it to be a demanding read.
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LibraryThing member mikedraper
Detective Inspector Alan Banks is ordered to investigate the murder of a police officer who was at the police convalescent center.
Set in the English countryside, we see Banks interview possible witnesses but not have much progress in the early going. Then, another murder victim is found and the
Since there is possibility that the murdered police officer might have been corrupt, Banks is ordered to work with an officer from Professional Standards. Although resentful of working with another person, gradually, Banks and the officer form a good working relationship.
Then there is a connection found in both victims. They had looked into the six year old disappearance of a young woman who had been at a bachelorette weekend in Estonia.
The author demonstrates his excellent character descriptions and plotting and keeps the reader's attention throughout.
Set in the English countryside, we see Banks interview possible witnesses but not have much progress in the early going. Then, another murder victim is found and the
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case takes on added urgency.Since there is possibility that the murdered police officer might have been corrupt, Banks is ordered to work with an officer from Professional Standards. Although resentful of working with another person, gradually, Banks and the officer form a good working relationship.
Then there is a connection found in both victims. They had looked into the six year old disappearance of a young woman who had been at a bachelorette weekend in Estonia.
The author demonstrates his excellent character descriptions and plotting and keeps the reader's attention throughout.
Show Less
LibraryThing member DowntownLibrarian
Robinson is a long-time favorite who continues to write excellent mysteries and keeps us interested in the ongoing personal life of his detective, Alan Banks. Highly recommended.
LibraryThing member edwardsgt
Another excellent and topical plot, in part set in Estonia, where the author spent some time teaching apparently. His time was well spent as the Tallin and other locations are mostly real, unlike Eastvale. Annie Cabot is just back after recovering from her injuries in "Bad Boy" and Banks has to
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investigate the murder of a policeman, who may be tainted with corruption, so has a Professional Standards officer shadowing his investigation, much to his disgust. Excellent plotting and characters - highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member jerhogan
A pretty stereotypical outing for Banks, with a fellow cop murdered. The solution brings Banks to Tallinn, Estonia which brings an interesting seasoning to proceedings. Banks and his team are likeable (Banks is almost unrecognisable in the UTV series).
LibraryThing member dihiba
Just an oddity, but my edition has the murdered policeman as Bill Quinn not Bill Reid. All in all, an okay read, but I do feel the Banks series may have run its course as much as I enjoy them. Alan Banks's character has never been as well defined as it could be.
LibraryThing member SquirrelHead
Watching the Dark is the twentieth book in the DCI Banks series. I only have three books left and I will be bereft, waiting for the latest publication. Guess I will need a new series to tuck into as I am also awaiting the next Tana French novel with her Dublin Murder Squad series. {insert pouty
This book starts out with a former Detective Inspector Bill Quinn found dead at a convalescence facility. He was there recuperating from an injury when someone lured him to the lakeside and shot him with a cross bow. What an unusual murder weapon. DI Quinn had a case involving a missing young woman he obsessed over. She was a young English girl who went to a “hen party” with friends in Estonia. Now my thought there was – why go to Estonia? Evidently it was inexpensive and quite a popular thing to do. That was 6 years ago but Bill Quinn was obsessed with her disappearance. Did that have something to do with his murder?
This book introduced a policewoman from Professional Standards. Joanna Passero is assigned to assist with Banks’ investigation but it’s not a smooth partnership. Joanna is correctly viewed with suspicion as she is a member of the “Rat Squad”, a section operating on investigating their own for misconduct. The dialogue is good and I enjoyed this book. Not as much as other DCI Banks’ books but this kept me turning the pages.
One of my favorite detectives, DI Annie Cabbot is back after her extended stay at the same facility. In the last book she was shot and I am mighty pleased to see her return.
So, my advice is to not skip around too much on these books as you may miss something regarding professional and personal developments. Backstory.
Food - there is always food just as there is always a mention of music.
"When the landlord came around to take their orders, Merike said she wasn't hungry. The other three ordered. Banks went for his favorite, smoked haddock with a poached egg, leeks mushrooms and Gruyere cheese."
Well I couldn't get haddock but I usually improvise with recipes or menus. It was grilled Grouper (one of my favorites) with potatoes and a vegetable mix of leeks, garlic, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms.
Photos on my blog - Novel Meals
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face)This book starts out with a former Detective Inspector Bill Quinn found dead at a convalescence facility. He was there recuperating from an injury when someone lured him to the lakeside and shot him with a cross bow. What an unusual murder weapon. DI Quinn had a case involving a missing young woman he obsessed over. She was a young English girl who went to a “hen party” with friends in Estonia. Now my thought there was – why go to Estonia? Evidently it was inexpensive and quite a popular thing to do. That was 6 years ago but Bill Quinn was obsessed with her disappearance. Did that have something to do with his murder?
This book introduced a policewoman from Professional Standards. Joanna Passero is assigned to assist with Banks’ investigation but it’s not a smooth partnership. Joanna is correctly viewed with suspicion as she is a member of the “Rat Squad”, a section operating on investigating their own for misconduct. The dialogue is good and I enjoyed this book. Not as much as other DCI Banks’ books but this kept me turning the pages.
One of my favorite detectives, DI Annie Cabbot is back after her extended stay at the same facility. In the last book she was shot and I am mighty pleased to see her return.
So, my advice is to not skip around too much on these books as you may miss something regarding professional and personal developments. Backstory.
Food - there is always food just as there is always a mention of music.
"When the landlord came around to take their orders, Merike said she wasn't hungry. The other three ordered. Banks went for his favorite, smoked haddock with a poached egg, leeks mushrooms and Gruyere cheese."
Well I couldn't get haddock but I usually improvise with recipes or menus. It was grilled Grouper (one of my favorites) with potatoes and a vegetable mix of leeks, garlic, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms.
Photos on my blog - Novel Meals
Show Less
LibraryThing member scot2
I love DCI Banks novels. The characters and situations seem real. This one was just as good as the others I have read.
LibraryThing member neddludd
This is Peter Robinson by the numbers, as if he was contractually bound to deliver another Inspector Banks manuscript. The work is Banks light; there's none of the complexity, or philosophical commentary, or much of any of the staples that have made this series so enduringly popular. All the usual
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characters are present, but they lack verve. Banks' private life, which is usually so rich in insights, is almost completely missing. A character is added, but she is so two-dimensional as to render her uninteresting, and at the novel's conclusion, she simply vanishes. There is also an anti-climactic plot element in which the resolution of the main mystery is discovered in two locations, diluting the impact, and making the last 50 pages or so almost a postscript. For the first time, Robinson's work is a disappointment. Show Less
Original language
English
Original publication date
2012-08-16
2013-01-08 (US)
Physical description
368 p.; 6 inches
ISBN
9780062004802