Aftermath

More about the book

The mystery novels of Peter Robinson have only grown in power and intelligence. While many crime-fiction writers rely on repetitive formulas, Robinson continues to evolve, delivering increasingly complex narratives. His previous works, including "Cold Is the Grave" and "In a Dry Season," blend character development with crime, and this latest installment is no exception. It revolves around a grim case of missing young girls, victims of a cunning psychotic killer hidden behind a façade of respectability. Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks of the Yorkshire Police leads the investigation while grappling with personal distractions, including his estranged wife's pregnancy by her lover and the divorce he has been delaying. Robinson's mysteries lack the cosy charm often associated with English settings; instead, they delve into themes of gore, deviance, and violence, revealing a raw world beneath the surface of picturesque rural life. If this is your first encounter with his tough-tender sensibility, you may soon find yourself captivated by one of today's most accomplished detective fiction writers.