|
"They were linked in his mind in some odd way. Not technically, of course, but two very different boys from very different times had ended up dead before their time, and both had died violently. Banks wanted to know why, what it was about these two children that had attracted such cruel fate." So thinks Detective Alan Banks as he seeks answers to the mysteries currently on his plate.
CLOSE TO HOME by Peter Robinson is the latest in the Alan Banks mystery series and the Yorkshire Detective Chief Inspector demonstrates why the mystery genre continues to draw new fans. The discovery of the bones of Graham Marshall, a boyhood "mate" of the inspector, leads him back to his hometown in hopes of helping to resolve the case. Solving a 30 year-old murder would be difficult enough, but when the threads begin to unravel cover-ups and well kept secrets, the task becomes almost impossible.
Meanwhile, in his own bailiwick, another youngster has disappeared. This time it is fifteen year-old Luke Armitage who may have been kidnapped and then murdered. The pieces of evidence surrounding the case just don't fit and, once again, determination and dedication finally help uncover the key elements.
The two investigations are conducted simultaneously and Robinson moves the action effortlessly between Yorkshire and Peterborough. With his co-worker and former lover, Detective Inspector Anne Cabbot, following leads in the current case, Banks can spend time with DI Michelle Hart working on the Graham case. The women and the characters in each location are well defined so you never find yourself wondering which case is being discussed.
CLOSE TO HOME offers plenty of crisp dialogue, seasoned with enough English flavoring to make it interesting. On this side of the ocean we smile as we get an inside look at pubs named The Pig and Whistle and The Woolpack. And did you know that in England a police lineup is called an identity parade? A book of mug shots is a villains' album? And to waste time is to piss about? I haven't quite figured out all the ramifications of "sod" and maybe I shouldn't even ask!
Peter Robinson also has a knack for including trivia and triggers nostalgic feelings when he flashes back to the 60's. The pace of the story was a little slow at times but never enough to distract from the unfolding stories. Avid mystery fans will be delighted with the opportunity of solving these two cases along with the police. For a leisurely read, CLOSE TO HOME will not let you down.
--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding
• Click here now to buy this book from Amazon.
© Copyright 1996-2009, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
Back to top.
|
