What do you think?
Rate this book
Inspector Banks #10
In a Dry Season
During a blistering summer, drought has depleted Thornfield Reservoir, uncovering the remains of a small village called Hobb's End - hidden from view for over 40 years. For a curious young boy this resurfaced hamlet has become a magical playground... until he unearths a human skeleton. Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks is given the impossible task of identifying the victim - a woman who lived in a place that no longer exists, whose former residents are scattered to the winds. Anyone else might throw in the towel but Banks sets out to uncover the murky past buried beneath a flood of time...
502 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
807 people are currently reading
2962 people want to read
About the author
Peter Robinson
276 books2,277 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Peter Robinson was born in Yorkshire. After getting his BA Honours Degree in English Literature at the University of Leeds, he came to Canada and took his MA in English and Creative Writing at the University of Windsor, with Joyce Carol Oates as his tutor, then a PhD in English at York University. He has taught at a number of Toronto community colleges and universities and served as Writer-in-Residence at the University of Windsor, 1992-93.
Series:
* Inspector Banks
Awards:
* Winner of the 1992 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 1997 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Anthony Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Barry Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2001 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
Peter Robinson was born in Yorkshire. After getting his BA Honours Degree in English Literature at the University of Leeds, he came to Canada and took his MA in English and Creative Writing at the University of Windsor, with Joyce Carol Oates as his tutor, then a PhD in English at York University. He has taught at a number of Toronto community colleges and universities and served as Writer-in-Residence at the University of Windsor, 1992-93.
Series:
* Inspector Banks
Awards:
* Winner of the 1992 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 1997 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Anthony Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2000 Barry Award for Best Novel.
* Winner of the 2001 Ellis Award for Best Novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 647 reviews
August 7, 2025
Peter Robinson - image from Mystery Sequels
When Thornfield Reservoir is drained by demand during a blistering summer five decades after it was created by flooding a valley and burying the village of Hobb’s End, a lad on an explore plunges through the roof of an uncovered building and finds the remains of a young woman. DCI Alan Banks is assigned to the case, joining local DS, and fellow outcast, Annie Cabbot. The story alternates between the account of a contemporary investigation and a recollection of the WWII era as written by a successful mystery writer, who played a major role in the events of that time. Who killed the beautiful Gloria Stringer? Were the bones really Gloria’s? This is a very nicely written whodunit, with interesting characters, and a very detailed look at life in the 40’s in a backwoods village touched by the war. Not great literature, but a first class representative of the mystery genre.
Despite being #10 in the Inspector Banks series, this was my introduction to Robinson's character. I subsequently read a bunch more. I cannot say whether it is best to begin with #1 in the series, but it probably wouldn't hurt.
=============================EXTRA STUFF
Robinson's Inspector Banks site
My reviews of Inspector Banks novels
-----The Price of Love and Other Stories
-----#5 - Past Reason Hated
-----#9 - Blood at the Root
-----#11 - Cold is the Grave
-----#12 - Aftermath
-----#13 - Close to Home
November 6, 2022
You’ve got to like someone who listens to Arvo Pärt’s Stabat Mater!
Chief Inspector Alan Banks, CID, recently transferred from London to Eastvale, a town in the Yorkshire Dales, is no Harry Bosch or Harry Rebus. But then Eastvale isn’t New York City, London or Edinburgh either. Alan Banks is a real man with real characteristics – he loves opera; he enjoys a jar or two of his favourite beer; he’ll even indulge in a scotch if the problem he’s considering is a little deeper or a little more pressing; he’s mourning the loss of his wife who left him for another man; he’s having difficulties communicating with a son that he loves and is clearly proud of; and, he’s doing his best to keep a stiff upper lip and deal with the fact that his career is in the doldrums as he sits on the administrative sidelines at the behest of a superior who can’t stand him. In other words, unlike so many of today’s detective protagonists, he’s a real man without edging into darkness, neuroses or sociopathy. It’s easy to get behind him and cheer him on as he works toward the solution of a clever, but perfectly straightforward police procedural old style murder mystery. The tension, doubt and, indeed, fear that Robinson conveys as Banks explores the possibility of a new relationship with a police colleague, Annie Cabbott, is powerful, heartwarming and, at times, downright electric without ever being explicit. Talk about a master of the writing dictum, “Show, don’t tell”!
When a reservoir is drained for maintenance and a young boy accidentally discovers a skeleton, Robinson uses an excellent informative section on forensic anthropology to move the story forward disclosing that the skeleton belongs to a young female who was brutally murdered at the close of World War II. The hunt is on and Banks is assigned to close a new case that was a stone cold file on the day it was opened and to find a murderer who may or may not even be alive so long after the event!
Having only recently discovered the joys of CID Alan Banks in Robinson’s GALLOW'S VIEW, IN A DRY SEASON is only my second read in a series that now extends to (can you believe it?) 24 titles, I’m pleased to say that I’ve obviously got a lot of great reading enjoyment to look forward to.
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
Chief Inspector Alan Banks, CID, recently transferred from London to Eastvale, a town in the Yorkshire Dales, is no Harry Bosch or Harry Rebus. But then Eastvale isn’t New York City, London or Edinburgh either. Alan Banks is a real man with real characteristics – he loves opera; he enjoys a jar or two of his favourite beer; he’ll even indulge in a scotch if the problem he’s considering is a little deeper or a little more pressing; he’s mourning the loss of his wife who left him for another man; he’s having difficulties communicating with a son that he loves and is clearly proud of; and, he’s doing his best to keep a stiff upper lip and deal with the fact that his career is in the doldrums as he sits on the administrative sidelines at the behest of a superior who can’t stand him. In other words, unlike so many of today’s detective protagonists, he’s a real man without edging into darkness, neuroses or sociopathy. It’s easy to get behind him and cheer him on as he works toward the solution of a clever, but perfectly straightforward police procedural old style murder mystery. The tension, doubt and, indeed, fear that Robinson conveys as Banks explores the possibility of a new relationship with a police colleague, Annie Cabbott, is powerful, heartwarming and, at times, downright electric without ever being explicit. Talk about a master of the writing dictum, “Show, don’t tell”!
When a reservoir is drained for maintenance and a young boy accidentally discovers a skeleton, Robinson uses an excellent informative section on forensic anthropology to move the story forward disclosing that the skeleton belongs to a young female who was brutally murdered at the close of World War II. The hunt is on and Banks is assigned to close a new case that was a stone cold file on the day it was opened and to find a murderer who may or may not even be alive so long after the event!
Having only recently discovered the joys of CID Alan Banks in Robinson’s GALLOW'S VIEW, IN A DRY SEASON is only my second read in a series that now extends to (can you believe it?) 24 titles, I’m pleased to say that I’ve obviously got a lot of great reading enjoyment to look forward to.
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
September 13, 2019
This is the first of his I have read but I will definitely look for more - gently gripping, great story and interesting background.
Reread 13 Sep 2019.
It’s very rare for me to read a book twice - there are just too many others that I want to get through - but this was my introduction to DCI Alan Banks, and in the eleven years since I have slowly worked my way through the series from the beginning. I couldn’t remember anything about the plot, so rather than skipping over it, reacquired a copy to read it again. I’m actually quite shocked at how little I do remember - I thought it would come back to me as I got into it but there was no déjà vu whatsoever.
This tenth book in the series is quite different to all the previous ones in that Banks is investigating a cold case for the first time, but also in the way that large parts of the story were told in the first person by another character, who happens to be a writer of mystery novels, recounting past events, which was an unusual but effective way of telling the story. It was published in 1999 so I am still twenty years behind!
It’s late summer in Yorkshire and a prolonged drought has uncovered the abandoned village of Hobb’s End, flooded out in the creation of a reservoir in 1953. When a lonely boy playing amongst the ruins discovers a skeleton, DCI Banks, still in disgrace after his last case, is sent by his nemesis ACC Riddle to lead the investigation. When forensics confirm that the bones date back to the 1940s, Banks, who is still depressed after separating from his wife, and attractive local DS Annie Cabbot know that the chances of finding the killer are remote, but they are still determined to follow every clue. Meanwhile, Vivian Elmsley tells her story of her beautiful sister-in-law who helped her get through the war.
I enjoyed this just as much as the first time, in fact probably more since I now know Banks’ character and have more appreciation for Robinson’s writing. The idea of a sunken village’s secrets being exposed by an unusual run of weather was fascinating, as were the descriptions of WW2 from the point of view of an introspective teenager forced to run the family shop and care for her mother while her brother goes off to war. I enjoyed the way the story unfolds through the present and past narratives intertwining and didn’t remember or guess the outcome of the mystery at all.
I tend to shy away from war stories so didn’t know that the bombing raids went so far North - the descriptions of the blackouts and how people had to find their way home in the dark - and the tricks they used to get around this were particularly interesting. Obviously I’ve read about rationing, and the impact that the wealthy well provisioned American GIs had on local communities was not new, but scenes like Gwen and Gloria’s excitement when they receive oranges or a box of chocolates - something they haven’t tasted in years, are a good reminder of how spoiled we are now!
Even though quite a bit has changed since the first book - seven years of Banks time but closer to ten between publications, the lack of email, internet searches and cell phones, still made this show its age - as did the smoking (thankfully our hero is cutting down so while every cigarette is still described, it’s not as many as before - I really cannot wait for him to quit!) I am going to made a determined effort to read more than the one a year I’ve managed to date as I would love to get up to date!
Reread 13 Sep 2019.
It’s very rare for me to read a book twice - there are just too many others that I want to get through - but this was my introduction to DCI Alan Banks, and in the eleven years since I have slowly worked my way through the series from the beginning. I couldn’t remember anything about the plot, so rather than skipping over it, reacquired a copy to read it again. I’m actually quite shocked at how little I do remember - I thought it would come back to me as I got into it but there was no déjà vu whatsoever.
This tenth book in the series is quite different to all the previous ones in that Banks is investigating a cold case for the first time, but also in the way that large parts of the story were told in the first person by another character, who happens to be a writer of mystery novels, recounting past events, which was an unusual but effective way of telling the story. It was published in 1999 so I am still twenty years behind!
It’s late summer in Yorkshire and a prolonged drought has uncovered the abandoned village of Hobb’s End, flooded out in the creation of a reservoir in 1953. When a lonely boy playing amongst the ruins discovers a skeleton, DCI Banks, still in disgrace after his last case, is sent by his nemesis ACC Riddle to lead the investigation. When forensics confirm that the bones date back to the 1940s, Banks, who is still depressed after separating from his wife, and attractive local DS Annie Cabbot know that the chances of finding the killer are remote, but they are still determined to follow every clue. Meanwhile, Vivian Elmsley tells her story of her beautiful sister-in-law who helped her get through the war.
I enjoyed this just as much as the first time, in fact probably more since I now know Banks’ character and have more appreciation for Robinson’s writing. The idea of a sunken village’s secrets being exposed by an unusual run of weather was fascinating, as were the descriptions of WW2 from the point of view of an introspective teenager forced to run the family shop and care for her mother while her brother goes off to war. I enjoyed the way the story unfolds through the present and past narratives intertwining and didn’t remember or guess the outcome of the mystery at all.
I tend to shy away from war stories so didn’t know that the bombing raids went so far North - the descriptions of the blackouts and how people had to find their way home in the dark - and the tricks they used to get around this were particularly interesting. Obviously I’ve read about rationing, and the impact that the wealthy well provisioned American GIs had on local communities was not new, but scenes like Gwen and Gloria’s excitement when they receive oranges or a box of chocolates - something they haven’t tasted in years, are a good reminder of how spoiled we are now!
Even though quite a bit has changed since the first book - seven years of Banks time but closer to ten between publications, the lack of email, internet searches and cell phones, still made this show its age - as did the smoking (thankfully our hero is cutting down so while every cigarette is still described, it’s not as many as before - I really cannot wait for him to quit!) I am going to made a determined effort to read more than the one a year I’ve managed to date as I would love to get up to date!
December 13, 2018
When a summer drought depletes a reservoir & uncovers a small village, a human skeleton is discovered amidst the ruins.
Peter Robinson's 10th DCI Banks novel gives us two stories, set sixty years apart. Each is meticulously plotted & as well thought out as you would expect from this ever improving author. What lifts this crime story (& much of Robinson's work) above others in the genre is the superb characterisation. When reading most crime novels I find that the character's home lives & life away from the investigation itself to be dull, plodding & pointless. However, with Robinson these scenes add to the story rather than detract from it.
Yet another strong entry in the DCI Banks series.
Peter Robinson's 10th DCI Banks novel gives us two stories, set sixty years apart. Each is meticulously plotted & as well thought out as you would expect from this ever improving author. What lifts this crime story (& much of Robinson's work) above others in the genre is the superb characterisation. When reading most crime novels I find that the character's home lives & life away from the investigation itself to be dull, plodding & pointless. However, with Robinson these scenes add to the story rather than detract from it.
Yet another strong entry in the DCI Banks series.
July 11, 2016
One of the top Banks'! A really cold case and with the inspector himself out in the cold in more ways than one. We get to know a lot of background and not seldom does his own history and life mirror the happenings of the past that Banks is called upon to investigate. All that and the introduction of the lovely DS Annie Cabbott! This book saved me from a reading slump I was edging towards and I enjoyed it very much. So much, in fact, that I'll do one more as I still have a few unread in the series.
March 1, 2018
Of all The Banks book of early books this is one of best.You get two stories for the price of one.A village hidden away under water when the water is dry all the secret WWII Ghosts return to claim there serving relatives This like the Morse story were when he is in hospital he solves an 19th century murder .
Dry Season proves that you never no when justice 's sword will chop your bollacks
Dry Season proves that you never no when justice 's sword will chop your bollacks
February 16, 2016
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks remains in the doghouse to which the jealous, stubborn, petty Chief Constable Jimmy Riddle confined him in the previous novel, Blood At The Root. In this novel, Banks investigates a decades’ old skeleton exposed when the Thornfield Reservoir dries out during a summer drought. With Hobb’s End already a dying village due to the closure of the flax mill, the remaining villagers were evacuated, resettled hither and yon, and the village flooded in 1953 to create the Thornfield Reservoir; however, before that, someone killed the gorgeous blonde Gloria and buried her under an outbuilding. Just as the victim couldn’t stay buried under the reservoir, neither can Hobb’s End’s many secrets. But which secret killed a twenty-something woman nearly 50 years earlier? And which secret has the power to kill in the here and now?
The narrative shifts from the current investigation to an account of Hobb’s End from 1939 until its ignominious end, but author Peter Robinson deftly ensures that they won’t be confused. Each step forward in the modern-day investigation illuminates the past, just as each revelation in the war account advances the modern-day narrative. In a Dry Season won the Anthony, Barry and Macavity awards and was nominated for Hammett Prize and Edgar Award, and it’s easy to see why: Chapter after chapter, the suspense builds and builds and builds right to the unexpected denouement. The book is the best yet in this series — which is saying a lot!
DCI Banks, when under pressure, lights one cigarette off the last Silk Cut. Like him, I began reading the tenth novel in this series just minutes after finishing the ninth, Blood at the Root, due to its cliffhanger ending. Figuratively lighting the new one on the last, so to speak. Banks is trying to cut down on smoking, but, with novels as exciting as these, I don’t see myself quitting any time soon.
The narrative shifts from the current investigation to an account of Hobb’s End from 1939 until its ignominious end, but author Peter Robinson deftly ensures that they won’t be confused. Each step forward in the modern-day investigation illuminates the past, just as each revelation in the war account advances the modern-day narrative. In a Dry Season won the Anthony, Barry and Macavity awards and was nominated for Hammett Prize and Edgar Award, and it’s easy to see why: Chapter after chapter, the suspense builds and builds and builds right to the unexpected denouement. The book is the best yet in this series — which is saying a lot!
DCI Banks, when under pressure, lights one cigarette off the last Silk Cut. Like him, I began reading the tenth novel in this series just minutes after finishing the ninth, Blood at the Root, due to its cliffhanger ending. Figuratively lighting the new one on the last, so to speak. Banks is trying to cut down on smoking, but, with novels as exciting as these, I don’t see myself quitting any time soon.
August 31, 2022
Peter Robinson´s DCI Banks is the main character in one of the most reliably good police procedural series (geez, I hate that term so let's just them Cop Series). This is not, in my not at all humble opinion, his best work and for a good portion of the book, an image of a three-star rating hung over my visions. I did, however, find the ending done well enough to justify a four!
In a drought, some years back (not the current climatic mess our cowardly political leaders have gotten us into) a reservoir recedes and a tiny one-time village is exposed. Naturally, it is far too attractive to go unexplored. One such ¨explorer¨ is a local lad whose explorations lead him to the roof of a small outbuilding which then, as old, unmaintained, soaked in water for eons, tend to do, collapsed leaving the boy knee-deep in mud. As he worked to extract himself, he grasped something which might provide some leverage, which turned out to be the hand of a human skeleton. Yuch!!
He told his mum, she balled him out first, as mums often do, and then called the police. Uniformed constables come and secure the site and then, our hero, DCI Banks shows up. He knows it must be a crap case because his superior loathes him and will simply not give him anything of interest on which to work. Close by is a small town with a teeny precinct housing a few constables and a lone detective, named Annie Cabbot who rarely has much of anything interesting to do. Her misery is, however, self-imposed as she has chosen to isolate herself from most of the real world.
Banks goes about the investigation with his customary attention to detail and procedure which surfaces some rather interesting information. This person, whose skeletal remains are being investigated was almost certainly murdered. What did you expect???? Robinson wouldn't have written a book about a person who slipped in the mud and died for no good reason! Really!!
The book then splits into two threads occurring at different times with one being the time of the murder and the other being the time of the investigation. In the first half of the book, I got somewhat bored by the parts occurring in the earlier period but later, that picked up and, I believe, justified four stars.
Robinson writes in his typical straightforward and comfortable style, which I find very readable. The plot was clever and unique and, except for the previously mentioned dry spots, held my interest. The characters, both returning and new, were done very nicely and realistically, kind of vivid in an understated way. I really wanted to punch Banks´ boss in the mouth; he was such a jerk! I have previously read tons of books in this series but didn´t know how Banks and Cabbot met and came to work together so that was of particular interest.
So, if you´re looking for a good cop story that is a nice read, you might try this one. Of course, as with most series, you'd be well advised to start with the first book in the series.
Fini
In a drought, some years back (not the current climatic mess our cowardly political leaders have gotten us into) a reservoir recedes and a tiny one-time village is exposed. Naturally, it is far too attractive to go unexplored. One such ¨explorer¨ is a local lad whose explorations lead him to the roof of a small outbuilding which then, as old, unmaintained, soaked in water for eons, tend to do, collapsed leaving the boy knee-deep in mud. As he worked to extract himself, he grasped something which might provide some leverage, which turned out to be the hand of a human skeleton. Yuch!!
He told his mum, she balled him out first, as mums often do, and then called the police. Uniformed constables come and secure the site and then, our hero, DCI Banks shows up. He knows it must be a crap case because his superior loathes him and will simply not give him anything of interest on which to work. Close by is a small town with a teeny precinct housing a few constables and a lone detective, named Annie Cabbot who rarely has much of anything interesting to do. Her misery is, however, self-imposed as she has chosen to isolate herself from most of the real world.
Banks goes about the investigation with his customary attention to detail and procedure which surfaces some rather interesting information. This person, whose skeletal remains are being investigated was almost certainly murdered. What did you expect???? Robinson wouldn't have written a book about a person who slipped in the mud and died for no good reason! Really!!
The book then splits into two threads occurring at different times with one being the time of the murder and the other being the time of the investigation. In the first half of the book, I got somewhat bored by the parts occurring in the earlier period but later, that picked up and, I believe, justified four stars.
Robinson writes in his typical straightforward and comfortable style, which I find very readable. The plot was clever and unique and, except for the previously mentioned dry spots, held my interest. The characters, both returning and new, were done very nicely and realistically, kind of vivid in an understated way. I really wanted to punch Banks´ boss in the mouth; he was such a jerk! I have previously read tons of books in this series but didn´t know how Banks and Cabbot met and came to work together so that was of particular interest.
So, if you´re looking for a good cop story that is a nice read, you might try this one. Of course, as with most series, you'd be well advised to start with the first book in the series.
Fini
August 22, 2019
A ‘never-fail’ solid detective read. Robinson’s character of Banks is very easy to enjoy, with his dry sense of humour and self-deprecating nature in regard to his abilities.
The crime in this 10th instalment of the series is interesting and the flashbacks to WWII add intrigue and depth. Another great read.
The crime in this 10th instalment of the series is interesting and the flashbacks to WWII add intrigue and depth. Another great read.
September 2, 2024
In a Dry Season (Inspector Banks, #10) by Peter Robinson.
Is there something new I can say about Peter Robinson the author or his series DCI Banks? To make it plain and simple after I finished this story I picked up my next read, Close to Home, another DCI Banks novel. Yes, I'm a DECI Banks to put it mildly with no apologies.
This was indeed an involved and intriguing story. The main factors were the environment/setting, the time period and the characters. The discovery of a body hidden for many years was found by a boy playing among a deteriorated village of sorts. The small village of Hobb's End had be underwater due to the Thornfield Reservoir since WW II. This story centers on England's valiant fight against the enemy during the last World War. The characters involved were the murdered woman, Gloria Stringer, and a Clique of young women her age and how they kept their chins up under the worst of times.
One person to keep your eyes on is Gwen, Matthew's sister. Matthew and Gloria were very much in love when they married and then he was off to War. All did not go well.
Detective chief Inspector Banks is at the helm with his gal Friday Annie Cabot. Banks is still finding his footing in the unattached world which includes Annie. There are major adjustments for both of them to work out, but will it be worth it in the long run?
Leave it to Banks to delve into realms unknown. Another fantastic ending that took it's time to unravel, but well worth the wait.
Is there something new I can say about Peter Robinson the author or his series DCI Banks? To make it plain and simple after I finished this story I picked up my next read, Close to Home, another DCI Banks novel. Yes, I'm a DECI Banks to put it mildly with no apologies.
This was indeed an involved and intriguing story. The main factors were the environment/setting, the time period and the characters. The discovery of a body hidden for many years was found by a boy playing among a deteriorated village of sorts. The small village of Hobb's End had be underwater due to the Thornfield Reservoir since WW II. This story centers on England's valiant fight against the enemy during the last World War. The characters involved were the murdered woman, Gloria Stringer, and a Clique of young women her age and how they kept their chins up under the worst of times.
One person to keep your eyes on is Gwen, Matthew's sister. Matthew and Gloria were very much in love when they married and then he was off to War. All did not go well.
Detective chief Inspector Banks is at the helm with his gal Friday Annie Cabot. Banks is still finding his footing in the unattached world which includes Annie. There are major adjustments for both of them to work out, but will it be worth it in the long run?
Leave it to Banks to delve into realms unknown. Another fantastic ending that took it's time to unravel, but well worth the wait.
October 20, 2012
In a Dry Season is Robinson's most complex, most sensitive and most satisfying novel. A skeleton, the victim of a violent murder 50 years past, is discovered in a ghost town. Banks, more for personal reasons (his marriage is falling apart) than for anything else, sets out to solve the crime. But who is the victim? Why was she murdered? After fifty years these questions are not easily answered. As Banks unravels this mystery, a second mystery, a story told by an unidentified witness, takes us back to the time of the murder - Britain during WWII. It is this dual perspective that makes In a Dry Season, so wonderfully complex. With utter mastery Robinson paints an evocative portrait of wartime Britain, and before long you find yourself immersed in the spirit of the times - the coupons, the rationing, the black outs. But what truly distinguishes this book from Robinson's other mysteries is the thoroughness with which he develops the humanity of the murder victim. You become so attached to her that when she is inevitably murdered, you feel her loss.
Solving a murder is what mysteries are all about. In a Dry Spell is unusual in that the solution plays a secondary role to the underlying tragedy that permeates the first person narrative. Banks, with all of his angst, finally takes a back seat to the main story. (Which is where he should have been riding all along.) The poignant conclusion of the book is deeply touching and shows Robinson's real skill as a writer.
It would be wonderful for all of us if Robinson could keep up the good work. (So far he hasn't.)We can only hope that he rises to the occasion once again, and produces another book as memorable as In a Dry Season.
Solving a murder is what mysteries are all about. In a Dry Spell is unusual in that the solution plays a secondary role to the underlying tragedy that permeates the first person narrative. Banks, with all of his angst, finally takes a back seat to the main story. (Which is where he should have been riding all along.) The poignant conclusion of the book is deeply touching and shows Robinson's real skill as a writer.
It would be wonderful for all of us if Robinson could keep up the good work. (So far he hasn't.)We can only hope that he rises to the occasion once again, and produces another book as memorable as In a Dry Season.
November 11, 2010
I agree with a number of people that this is a great series and that this book is where the series steps over to be a serious contender in the great mystery series genre. I have enjoyed the books up to now, but they did not really prepare me for the complexity of this novel. Robinson's Chief Inspector Banks is a wonderful creation. This is a book that blends the past and the present and Robinson does this seamlessly. We flit back and forth from present-day England to England during the Second World War. The book is definitely more than an exciting murder mystery. It is an exploration of human behaviour and it is very provocatively written. Banks is currently suffering a bit both in his career and in his personal life, so when a skeleton is discovered buried under a reservoir that has dried up due to drought, he knows that this case will be one that will reshape his career and hopefully add some meaning to his life as he has been trying to get used to be separated from his wife of 20 years. Even he doesn't anticipate where pursuit of the solution of this case will take him. For anyone who loves to read intelligently written British police procedural mysteries, do not miss Peter Robinson.
September 16, 2021
Definitely the best Banks book I have read. This one is constructed with brilliance and holds the tension of past and present beautifully.
AND...only 1.99 on Amazon right now.
Here Banks loses wife Sandra to some other dude, connects with son long enough to hear and enjoy his band, connected with Annie for the first time as co-worker and more, and experienced other changes in his life as a single man after 20 years of marriage.
The dual storyline takes us back to WWII where we meet the life and times of a murder victim recently unearthed. The investigation required is challenging and successful even though no recognition is granted by evil Riddle.
AND...only 1.99 on Amazon right now.
Here Banks loses wife Sandra to some other dude, connects with son long enough to hear and enjoy his band, connected with Annie for the first time as co-worker and more, and experienced other changes in his life as a single man after 20 years of marriage.
The dual storyline takes us back to WWII where we meet the life and times of a murder victim recently unearthed. The investigation required is challenging and successful even though no recognition is granted by evil Riddle.
February 18, 2019
Excellent plot, great writing and a good series to be explored.
4* In a Dry Season (Inspector Banks, #10)
TR Gallows View (Inspector Banks, #1)
TR A Dedicated Man (Inspector Banks, #2)
TR A Necessary End (Inspector Banks, #3)
TR The Hanging Valley (Inspector Banks, #4)
TR Past Reason Hated (Inspector Banks, #5)
TR Wednesday's Child (Inspector Banks, #6)
TR Dry Bones that Dream (Inspector Banks, #7)
TR Innocent Graves (Inspector Banks, #8)
TR Blood at the Root (Inspector Banks, #9)
TR Cold is the Grave (Inspector Banks, #11)
TR Aftermath (Inspector Banks, #12)
TR Close to Home (Inspector Banks, #13)
TR Playing With Fire (Inspector Banks, #14)
TR Strange Affair (Inspector Banks, #15)
TR Piece of My Heart (Inspector Banks, #16)
TR Friend of the Devil (Inspector Banks, #17)
TR All the Colours of Darkness (Inspector Banks, #18)
TR Bad Boy (Inspector Banks, #19)
TR Watching the Dark (Inspector Banks, #20)
TR Children of the Revolution (Inspector Banks, #21)
TR Abattoir Blues (Inspector Banks, #22)
TR When the Music's Over (Inspector Banks, #23)
TR Sleeping in the Ground (Inspector Banks, #24)
TR Careless Love (Inspector Banks, #25)
4* In a Dry Season (Inspector Banks, #10)
TR Gallows View (Inspector Banks, #1)
TR A Dedicated Man (Inspector Banks, #2)
TR A Necessary End (Inspector Banks, #3)
TR The Hanging Valley (Inspector Banks, #4)
TR Past Reason Hated (Inspector Banks, #5)
TR Wednesday's Child (Inspector Banks, #6)
TR Dry Bones that Dream (Inspector Banks, #7)
TR Innocent Graves (Inspector Banks, #8)
TR Blood at the Root (Inspector Banks, #9)
TR Cold is the Grave (Inspector Banks, #11)
TR Aftermath (Inspector Banks, #12)
TR Close to Home (Inspector Banks, #13)
TR Playing With Fire (Inspector Banks, #14)
TR Strange Affair (Inspector Banks, #15)
TR Piece of My Heart (Inspector Banks, #16)
TR Friend of the Devil (Inspector Banks, #17)
TR All the Colours of Darkness (Inspector Banks, #18)
TR Bad Boy (Inspector Banks, #19)
TR Watching the Dark (Inspector Banks, #20)
TR Children of the Revolution (Inspector Banks, #21)
TR Abattoir Blues (Inspector Banks, #22)
TR When the Music's Over (Inspector Banks, #23)
TR Sleeping in the Ground (Inspector Banks, #24)
TR Careless Love (Inspector Banks, #25)
September 12, 2020
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, mainly because Anna Massey co-narrated it. Her narration is always wonderful in my opinion.
As far as content is concerned, this is a basic crime story. It definitely kept me entertained, but there wasn't a lot of depth to it. I feel like it focuses more on the personal lives of the characters than the actual crime. A strong 3/5 rating for me.
As far as content is concerned, this is a basic crime story. It definitely kept me entertained, but there wasn't a lot of depth to it. I feel like it focuses more on the personal lives of the characters than the actual crime. A strong 3/5 rating for me.
April 15, 2008
I went into a mystery book store and asked for recommendations. I was handed several books and I purchased two; The Chill by Ross Macdonald and this book. I read The Chill first, so needless to say I had high hopes. Then I read this book. It was terrible! I can't believe I read the whole thing. It took forever to read because I had to take time out to roll my eyes every other paragraph. Cliche, trite, predictable, boring. This book is why the mystery genre is considered as trashy as the romance novel. I want to look up the full reviews that are quoted on the back cover because clearly they have been hacked to pieces to make the book sound interesting. "Richly layered..." I say "richly layered" piles of crap. Robinson has "richly layered" pieces of other books he read because he doesn't have a single original idea. Boy oh boy do I WISH this book was "richly layered" because I wouldn't have fallen asleep so many times while reading it.
May 21, 2022
Here's another strong mystery from Peter Robinson. Inspector Alan Banks inherits a cold case that involves a murder committed some 75 years ago in a small village that has been flooded to construct a new reservoir. The author has written an excellent police procedural, but the real charm of this book is the intricate detail of small-town life in England during World War II.
September 22, 2021
Even as Eastvale and its surrounding area experiencing a dry season, so too is Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks both personally and professionally.
Banks' marriage of 20 years is on the rocks, with him and his wife having been separated almost a year. Professionally, Banks has been relegated to office work after his episode of insubordination to his superior, Jimmy Riddle.
Riddle is a vindictive person with a malicious bend. He's enjoyed punishing Banks by taking him out of the field. Banks, then, is astounded when Riddle assigns him to an actual case, albeit a cold case of some 40-plus years when a skeleton is discovered in a recently dried reservoir.
Banks privately questions his boss's motives for the assignment of the case, but the DCI takes it on with the same curiosity and gusto he applies to all of his investigations.
Banks' marriage of 20 years is on the rocks, with him and his wife having been separated almost a year. Professionally, Banks has been relegated to office work after his episode of insubordination to his superior, Jimmy Riddle.
Riddle is a vindictive person with a malicious bend. He's enjoyed punishing Banks by taking him out of the field. Banks, then, is astounded when Riddle assigns him to an actual case, albeit a cold case of some 40-plus years when a skeleton is discovered in a recently dried reservoir.
Banks privately questions his boss's motives for the assignment of the case, but the DCI takes it on with the same curiosity and gusto he applies to all of his investigations.
May 4, 2020
Inspector Banks' tenth case, begins with Banks out in the cold on minor cases and separated from his wife, the former because of his run-ins with Riddle in the previous case. A female body is found in a reservoir where an old town used to be and Banks is assigned the cold case in the middle of nowhere with another police officer disliked by Riddle, DS Annie Cabot. Another good case, this time rooted in the second world war; in addition Banks struggles in his personal life with his son, his ex-wife and romantic interests. 5 out of 12.
December 5, 2017
Intriguing premiss: how do you go about solving a murder which took place 50 years ago in a place which no longer exists - let down by somewhat turgid verbosity in places, and slightly embarrassing sexual psychology. Good plot, which kept me coming back to it, but I can't say I'll be returning to Robinson soon. Kept thinking I'd like to see what someone like, say, Henning Mankell or China Mieville would have made of the central conceit. Something a bitmore imaginative, I'd guess.
September 30, 2019
Another mystery for DCI Alan Banks to deal with.
Having problems with his private and professional life Banks is given a job out of the way. A body has been found in the bed of a dried out reservoir in Thornfield. The crime took place forty years ago so is a tricky one to solve but Banks won’t give in until he has some answers.
A great read from Peter Robinson.
Having problems with his private and professional life Banks is given a job out of the way. A body has been found in the bed of a dried out reservoir in Thornfield. The crime took place forty years ago so is a tricky one to solve but Banks won’t give in until he has some answers.
A great read from Peter Robinson.
November 24, 2012
Robinson is always good, but this one to me wasn't as strong as others. For one he keeps flashing back to this character, supposedly hugely formative to his career decision, who we've never heard of before - Jem. Huh??? I also didn't buy into Sandra's little appearance - w/o calling, just showing up at the worst time and being a bit of a biotch. That was out of character and a bit too convenient (read: sloppy). I did enjoy progression of the back story (other than the Sandra appearance). But what dragged it down for me more than anything was that much of it was narrated by somebody else, and the narration was, I thought, simplistic, dull and by a character I didn't particularly like. He usually does better at developing things. But having said that, big WW II fans might get a kick out of it as it flashes back to the war.
February 1, 2018
I'm not going to write a synopsis of the story because lots of other readers have, but rather just a couple quick thoughts.
Peter Robinson has a really great way at writing dialogue and a point of view that makes it so easy to follow. In this book I thoroughly enjoyed going back and forth between Banks, Annie, Vivian and Gwen. It amazed me how each section from a different characters perspective added just a little bit more to the story and mystery.
Also, I really appreciated how much he researched what life would have been like for people, especially women in this small town during ww2. It was quite interesting and drew me right into their daily life.
Can't wait to read the next Inspector Banks!
Peter Robinson has a really great way at writing dialogue and a point of view that makes it so easy to follow. In this book I thoroughly enjoyed going back and forth between Banks, Annie, Vivian and Gwen. It amazed me how each section from a different characters perspective added just a little bit more to the story and mystery.
Also, I really appreciated how much he researched what life would have been like for people, especially women in this small town during ww2. It was quite interesting and drew me right into their daily life.
Can't wait to read the next Inspector Banks!
February 1, 2018
Such a good series! In this one, set as usual in northern England, a skeleton found in an abandoned town which had been under a reservoir until the dry season came, is determined to have been a murder victim from around 1945. The present-day story alternates with the wartime story of those involved. Very, very good.
January 30, 2023
Alan Banks has found himself ostracised by Chief Constable "Jimmy" Riddle and has not been given any substantial case since their bust up. Then a skeleton is found by a boy exploring the old site of Hobs End which was flooded in 1952 to form a reservoir and uncovered in drought conditions. The investigation teams him with DS Annie Cabott, herself with a difficult past. The investigation leads to the village during the second war and the women left behind and the American soldiers and airmen stationed nearby. By steady police work the detectives home in on a killer. Lots of issues surrounding Banks' family dynamics. Then there is the surprising arrival back in town of his friend the psychologist. Then the narration of the diary of a local girl made good as she reminisces on the events of the war.
Good story but rather a complex ending that some will find disappointing. 3 stars possibly more.
Good story but rather a complex ending that some will find disappointing. 3 stars possibly more.
November 6, 2017
עוד מותחן על רצח מחריד בעיירה קרתנית שתושביה מסתירים סודות.
לצערי לא מדובר באחד מהמותחנים המעולים והמעניינים שבהם. משעמם ונשכח לחלוטין.
לצערי לא מדובר באחד מהמותחנים המעולים והמעניינים שבהם. משעמם ונשכח לחלוטין.
November 28, 2018
One of my favourite Banks books to date. Couldn’t stop reading it. I normally don’t like when books go back and forth in time but this one was very well done. Both were great stories.
February 24, 2020
Fantastic read, very well written in an interesting way. One of my favorites!!
February 11, 2011
Not my favorite so far of the Inspector Banks books. I thought this one drug along slowly in the middle and was a bit too long. It was rather unusual for me to wish the epilogue would be shorter and more to the point.
Rather unforgettable characters from the 40's, with too much other story around them.
Rather unforgettable characters from the 40's, with too much other story around them.
August 11, 2010
I read Peter Robinson's first Alan Banks novel, GALLOWS VIEW, and thought "Eh, not bad." At some point in many series, however, comes a book that kicks things up a notch. I get the feeling this was such a book for this series.
Banks, who's gotten onto his superior's naughty list, gets shuffled off to investigate a murder that apparently happened in the 1940's. The murder would have gone completely undetected had the reservoir that drowned the tiny village of Hobb's End not run dry and exposed the ruins of the past.
There are multiple flashbacks to the war years that can get a little confusing. Frankly, a little judicious typesetting could have gone a long way towards ameliorating some of this. But the glimpses into the daily life of wartime Britain are fascinating and detailed enough to seem authentic without being obtrusive. The book is well plotted and the prose is quite good (also without being obtrusive).
Definitely recommended.
Banks, who's gotten onto his superior's naughty list, gets shuffled off to investigate a murder that apparently happened in the 1940's. The murder would have gone completely undetected had the reservoir that drowned the tiny village of Hobb's End not run dry and exposed the ruins of the past.
There are multiple flashbacks to the war years that can get a little confusing. Frankly, a little judicious typesetting could have gone a long way towards ameliorating some of this. But the glimpses into the daily life of wartime Britain are fascinating and detailed enough to seem authentic without being obtrusive. The book is well plotted and the prose is quite good (also without being obtrusive).
Definitely recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 647 reviews