Watching the Dark (novel)
| Author | Peter Robinson |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Inspector Alan Banks, #20 |
| Genre | Crime novel |
| Publisher | Hodder & Stoughton (UK) McClelland & Stewart (Canada) William Morrow (US) |
Publication date | 16 August 2012 |
| Publication place | Canada |
| Media type | Print (Hardback) |
| ISBN | 1444704877 |
| Preceded by | Bad Boy |
| Followed by | Children of the Revolution |
Watching the Dark is the 20th novel by Canadian detective fiction writer Peter Robinson in the Inspector Banks series, published in August 2012.
Plot
[edit]DCI Alan Banks is back, and this time he is investigating the murder of one of his own. Respected Officer DI Bill Quinn has been shot through the heart by a bolt from a crossbow while convalescing at the St. Peter's Police Treatment Centre, and the initial investigation uncovers compromising photos with a very young woman in his room. Assigned to assist DCI Banks is Professional Standards Inspector Joanna Passero, and as the investigation progresses they uncover a link with a cold case that takes them to Tallinn, Estonia to unearth the truth.[1]
Reception
[edit]Cheryl Parker of the Postmedia Network wrote that while the novel is "not Robinson's most creative book", fans of the crime genre "will be satisfied with another good read."[2] Sarah Weinman of the National Post opined that while Robinson "sounds many familiar notes" in the novel, he "is still writing at a very high level" and "is able to sustain that level of consistency with each subsequent book."[3] Michael W. Higgins of the Telegraph-Journal opined that the novel's strengths include "dilligent research, local atmosphere, skillful plotting" while its weaknesses include "unpersuasive characterisation, poor differentiation of voice, needless padding."[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Janssen, Victoria "Fresh Meat: Watching the Dark by Peter Robinson" Criminal Element, 31 December 2012. Retrieved on 22 March 2013.
- ^ Parker, Cheryl (8 September 2012). "Inspector navigates winding alleys of Estonia". Calgary Herald. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
- ^ Weinman, Sarah (22 September 2012). "Two inspectors and two brothers". National Post. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
- ^ Higgins, Michael W. (5 January 2013). "The darkest hour". Telegraph-Journal. Retrieved 19 March 2025.