A Dedicated Man

May 31, 2010
This second book in the Alan Banks series finds the detective chief investigator getting used to his new locale, the Yorkshire village of Swainsdale. When a wealthy archeologist and historian is fatally bludgeoned and Banks begins his investigation, James Langton, who has chosen a thoughtful, middle-class London accent for the hero, is allowed the opportunity of displaying a variety of local dialects. Robinson's plot, as well crafted as always, is rife with suspects, including a melancholy village beauty whose success as a singer did not keep her from returning home, a smarmy writer of popular thrillers, a curious young teenager, and the victim's weary widow. Robinson clearly takes great pains to present them all in full and Langton's vocal interpretation makes them even more multidimensional. An Avon paperback.

July 1, 1991
After an old Yorkshire farmer discovers a half-buried body in his pasture, excitement interrupts routine in the small community of Swainsdale. Series detective Alan Banks ( Gallows View, 1990) begins investigating the habits and background of the victim, a dedicated professor who left his job upon receiving a sizeable inheritance. Suspicion falls on his charmless wife, his long-time publisher, his local drinking buddies, a younger woman, and others. Before Banks can narrow the list, the murderer strikes again. Readers of English village mysteries should enjoy Robinson's promising second step.

Copyright 1991 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.