Thursday, March 21, 2013

Gallows View: An Inspector Banks mystery

A new series for Tutu.......you know by now how mysteries are my favorite comfort read genre and once I find one that has a promising kick-off I'm usually lining up for more.  One could almost call this one a cozy-- set in England where Detective Inspector Banks has moved from London to York in search of a less hectic workload and lifestyle.  There are lots of things to like about this book:  there is a wide range of characters, from the peeping Tom to an attractive police psychologist who is called in the help solve some of the crimes.  Banks gets along well with his boss, who seems a nice enough chap, he adores his wife, he's committed to solving crimes, and all around we see people and relationships that work.

The plot revolves around two different crimes - the peeping Tom and a murder (or is it a series of crimes?)  At times, Robinson leads us to believe that they might be connected.  And when Bank's wife becomes a victim, the action really picks up.  The York setting is pleasant, but very much in the background.  All in all, this series looks like one that has potential to catch and hold a reader's attention for at least 2 or 3 more books, without causing lack of sleep or great anxiety.  The series currently has over 20 volumes, so if I go for the whole set, I think I'll be reading these for awhile.  I have the 2nd one primed to listen to in audio later this month, and will let you know if it lives up to expectations.


Title: Gallows View
Author: Peter Robinson
Publisher: Scribner New York (1990) 225 pg.
Genre: mystery - police procedural
Subject: murder, peeping toms
Setting: York England
Series: Inspector Banks Mystery
Source: Public library
Why did I read this book now?  It was recommended by a friend

4 comments:

  1. Have you seen the television version? I think it is quite wonderful. I've read quite a few of his books. There is one in particular which is excellent - a later one called In A Dry Season. I keep meaning to read each book in the series.

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    1. Nan, I hadn't seen these, but will be sure to look them up. I think Mr. Tutu would like them too.

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  2. I do like this series..
    yes, some are almost like a cozy, but some are much more grim, some are lighter..a nice mix.

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    1. and agree In a Dry Season was one of my favorite...

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