Publishers Weekly
Bestseller Robinson (All the Colors of Darkness) proves that Yorkshire coppers aren't his only worthwhile subjects in this outstanding story collection. Crime in its myriad forms runs throughout, from an American GI falsely accused of rape during WWII in “Cornelius Jubb” to a detective remembering his childhood role in bringing down a gang of robbers in “The Price of Love.” The settings range from the familiar Eastvale of the Inspector Banks series to Robinson's current home in Toronto. He even tries his hand at noir in “The Cherub Affair,” complete with a down-on-his-luck PI and a beautiful woman in need of help. Banks fans will be delighted with the inclusion of two short stories and two novellas starring the Yorkshire detective chief inspector, one of which, “Like a Virgin,” is original to this book. For those unfamiliar with Robinson's work, this serves as an excellent introduction to one of the best voices in contemporary crime fiction. (Oct.)
Library Journal
Close on the heels of Robinson's latest Inspector Alan Banks mystery (All the Colors of Darkness) comes this collection, with nine stories (two of them featuring Banks) bracketed by two Banks novellas. With the exception of the final novella, all were written at the request of an editor, usually for a crime anthology published in the last six years, often taking Robinson in new directions as he tackled a literary form that he finds more difficult than a novel. While the emphasis is on police procedurals, at which Robinson excels, there are elements of horror and the supernatural in "The Magic of Your Touch," with its bow to Poe, and explorations of the human condition, as in "Shadows on the Water," a story of honor and courage told by a World War II soldier in a foxhole. In the final novella, "Like a Virgin," which brings Banks up-to-date, the dogged inspector learns that justice delayed need not be justice denied. VERDICT This collection distinguishes itself from recent crime anthologies by emphasizing Inspector Banks; the final novella is a deeply satisfying procedural that hints at the possibility of Banks's renewing an old romantic relationship. Until the next Banks mystery comes along, fans can get their fix here. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 6/1/09.]—Michele Leber, Arlington, VA
From the Publisher
The writing is, as always with Robinson, colorful and evocative, and the characters are brilliant in their unpersonable way. This book is a must for Peter Robinson completists, of course, but also for anyone who appreciates good stories well told.” — Globe and Mail (Toronto)
“Outstanding story collection....Banks fans will be delighted....An excellent introduction to one of the best voices in contemporary crime fiction.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This collection distinguishes itself from recent crime anthologies....The final novella is a deeply satisfying procedural.” — Library Journal
Globe and Mail (Toronto)
The writing is, as always with Robinson, colorful and evocative, and the characters are brilliant in their unpersonable way. This book is a must for Peter Robinson completists, of course, but also for anyone who appreciates good stories well told.
Globe & Mail (Toronto)
"The writing is, as always with Robinson, colorful and evocative, and the characters are brilliant in their unpersonable way. This book is a must for Peter Robinson completists, of course, but also for anyone who appreciates good stories well told."
