What do you think?
Rate this book
Inspector Banks #18
All The Colors Of Darkness
A beautiful June day in the Yorkshire Dales, and a group of children are spending the last of their half-term freedom swimming in the river near Hipswell Woods. But the idyll is shattered by their discovery of a man's body, hanging from a tree.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2008
490 people are currently reading
2161 people want to read
About the author
Peter Robinson
268 books2,266 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 488 reviews
June 10, 2011
DCI Alan Banks is on holiday in London, frolicking (or hoping to) with the new love of his life, when his colleague, DI Annie Cabbot is called to the scene of an apparent suicide. Mark Hardcastle, set designer for a local theater group, is found hanging from a tree in the woods outside Eastvale. Things get more complicated when Hardcastle's lover, Laurence Silbert, is found savagely beaten to death in the luxurious home that the two shared.
Banks is called back from his holiday to help deal with the situation which, on the surface, appears to be murder-suicide once Hardcastle's fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. But Banks soon discovers that Silbert was an allegedly retired spy, and he begins to wonder if all is as it appears. Banks's supervisors declare the case closed and order him to give it up. He won't, of course, and soon finds himself in the middle of a complicated situation that threatens his career, his personal safety and the safety of those around him.
****SPOILER ALERT**** Do not read beyond this point if you are planning to read this book. I have read all of the books in this series (this being the 18th), and while I enjoyed parts of it, I felt increasingly dissatisfied as book progressed. Banks is repeatedly warned off the case because national security issues may be at stake. Sinister government agents appear doing nasty things simply to prevent their secrets from possibly being exposed, and in the middle of it all, there is a terrorist bombing that seems to have nothing at all to do with the plot. Finally, I found the conclusion of the book to be implausible on the surface and to be more than a little disappointing.
Without giving anything more away, let me just say that the conclusion involves two of the characters being chased by two others. The characters being pursued are in a Porsche; they have a head start, and the driver is very familiar with the road. The pursuers are in a BMW; they are behind from the git-go, and the driver cannot know the road as well as the Porsche driver. Still, the BMW somehow manages to overtake the Porsche and force it off the road. In the Real World, this simply isn't going to happen, unless the Porsche owner is the most inept driver on the planet.
Robinson obviously has larger issues he wants to address in this book, but in doing so, I think he has written a book that falls short of the standards he set earlier in the series, and I hope that he will allow Banks and Cabbot to get back into their usual routines ASAP.
Banks is called back from his holiday to help deal with the situation which, on the surface, appears to be murder-suicide once Hardcastle's fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. But Banks soon discovers that Silbert was an allegedly retired spy, and he begins to wonder if all is as it appears. Banks's supervisors declare the case closed and order him to give it up. He won't, of course, and soon finds himself in the middle of a complicated situation that threatens his career, his personal safety and the safety of those around him.
****SPOILER ALERT**** Do not read beyond this point if you are planning to read this book. I have read all of the books in this series (this being the 18th), and while I enjoyed parts of it, I felt increasingly dissatisfied as book progressed. Banks is repeatedly warned off the case because national security issues may be at stake. Sinister government agents appear doing nasty things simply to prevent their secrets from possibly being exposed, and in the middle of it all, there is a terrorist bombing that seems to have nothing at all to do with the plot. Finally, I found the conclusion of the book to be implausible on the surface and to be more than a little disappointing.
Without giving anything more away, let me just say that the conclusion involves two of the characters being chased by two others. The characters being pursued are in a Porsche; they have a head start, and the driver is very familiar with the road. The pursuers are in a BMW; they are behind from the git-go, and the driver cannot know the road as well as the Porsche driver. Still, the BMW somehow manages to overtake the Porsche and force it off the road. In the Real World, this simply isn't going to happen, unless the Porsche owner is the most inept driver on the planet.
Robinson obviously has larger issues he wants to address in this book, but in doing so, I think he has written a book that falls short of the standards he set earlier in the series, and I hope that he will allow Banks and Cabbot to get back into their usual routines ASAP.
March 29, 2009
I haven't been this disappointed in a book in a long while. I have always enjoyed Robinson's Inspector Banks series but this one made me wonder why I ever liked or sympathized w/ the hero. I got tired of hearing what music he was listening to and even more weary of the spy thriller plot Finished as fast as possible just so I could list it on Amazon used.
Read
August 8, 2009Eh, I read most of this while I was stuck in the hospital for hours before they could take me home. I don't recommend it, even though I have enjoyed some of the previous Inspector Banks stories (I think).
The plot isn't exactly brilliant, but the biggest problem is the dire writing style. It's wooden and it distracts you from what plot and characterisation the book does have. The book is 500 pages long and could easily, very easily, be a lot shorter and a lot better. I will say now that I could have added a whole load more quotations to support my arguments but, to be honest, I have already spent a lot longer on this than the book is worth. Take it from me that for every example I give, there are a dozen more.
Putting my finger on exactly what is wrong with the style isn't easy, but I think the biggest problem is that he tries to ape the ways great writers make their writing great, but they just backfire on him. This shows, for example, in how Robinson uses details to build up a scene.
He's BIG on product placement. I guess he thinks it adds convincing detail and up-to-the-minute with-it-ness. It doesn't. In almost every instance you could, and in my eyes should, genericise the proper noun, without altering the meaning. I don't particularly care whether Banks has his "latte and cranberry muffin" at Cafe Nero, or just in a cafe. I don't give a toss whether he is contemplating "Brie de Meaux" or just Brie. He has a bit of an obsession with the Zizzi's restaurant chain, which gets mentioned all the time for no real reason. Most of all, MOST OF ALL, I really do not care that much what Banks is listening to, although Robinson appears to think this is of vital importance to the reader, and updates you on it very frequently.
An example:
Similarly, I think he is trying to go for a hyper-observant effect by choosing irrelevant crap and then describing it in completely excessive detail.
When he ventures into more figurative or philosophic grounds, he generally comes unstuck.
Dialogue is especially convincing:
Alright, so I seem to have a bit of a problem with how mystery writers talk about coffee, but damn it, NO ONE would say that. Especially when it's ANOTHER cup, so the guest knows what kind of bloody coffee they are getting. I suppose I should just be grateful that it wasn't "another cup of freeze-dried Tesco Gold Medium-Blend coffee, mixed with hot water from the Tefal kettle in my MFI kitchen, and stirred with a spoon that is slightly bent because I use it to open tins of Tate & Lyle's golden syrup".
Another random example, from a female private detective:
Logic fails are also present. Banks, a police officer, drives when pissed after a wanted man turns up at his cottage in the night, in the rain. "What else was he going to do? Send -- back to wander the moors in the rain? Give him a bed for the night? The last thing Banks wanted was -- skulking around the house in the morning." Obviously, asking for a police car to come and get him, or even calling a cab, would just have been silly.
Other parts of the book are just bizarre. It includes a guide so that you can follow this country walk that Banks takes in the book (but of course! Who wouldn't want to?). After the end of the story has a "secret report" containing all of his vital details. It's important for you to know that he "hates wearing a tie, and if he has to wear one, he will knot it loosely and leave his top shirt button undone". We also need to know that he "is less fond of country and western, funk, fusion, operetta, or hip-hop", that his favourite actor is Alec Guinness, his favourite brands of alcoholic drinks, that he fears blindness "even more than deafness", and is "not averse to slapstick". His "most deeply kept secret"? "That would be telling." As a Myspace profile, this shouts from the rooftops, "I am a dick."
In summary, this book is pretty rubbish. The only good thing I can really say for it is that it really makes you pay attention to the fine line that separates superb writing from, well, this. Robinson needs a new editor who can slash out the rubbish and smack him down when he tries to over-reach himself. Then, perhaps, he could focus a bit more on the characterisation and plot, and less on making his book resemble the Argos catalogue.
The plot isn't exactly brilliant, but the biggest problem is the dire writing style. It's wooden and it distracts you from what plot and characterisation the book does have. The book is 500 pages long and could easily, very easily, be a lot shorter and a lot better. I will say now that I could have added a whole load more quotations to support my arguments but, to be honest, I have already spent a lot longer on this than the book is worth. Take it from me that for every example I give, there are a dozen more.
Putting my finger on exactly what is wrong with the style isn't easy, but I think the biggest problem is that he tries to ape the ways great writers make their writing great, but they just backfire on him. This shows, for example, in how Robinson uses details to build up a scene.
He's BIG on product placement. I guess he thinks it adds convincing detail and up-to-the-minute with-it-ness. It doesn't. In almost every instance you could, and in my eyes should, genericise the proper noun, without altering the meaning. I don't particularly care whether Banks has his "latte and cranberry muffin" at Cafe Nero, or just in a cafe. I don't give a toss whether he is contemplating "Brie de Meaux" or just Brie. He has a bit of an obsession with the Zizzi's restaurant chain, which gets mentioned all the time for no real reason. Most of all, MOST OF ALL, I really do not care that much what Banks is listening to, although Robinson appears to think this is of vital importance to the reader, and updates you on it very frequently.
An example:
"After a Marks and Spencer's beef Wellington washed down with a 1998 Eight Songs Shiraz, he decided to give up on the bookcase and settled down to an evening's reading (sic) Stephen Dorril's book about M16 instead, with John Garth's cello concertos playing quietly in the background."
Similarly, I think he is trying to go for a hyper-observant effect by choosing irrelevant crap and then describing it in completely excessive detail.
"Their knives and forks were tightly wrapped with in serviettes and bound with a strip of blue paper. Winsome's knife was spotty from the dishwasher."
When he ventures into more figurative or philosophic grounds, he generally comes unstuck.
"Edwina's statement hung in the silence, ready to burst like a piece of overripe fruit on a tree."
"She was full of contradictions, this one, Banks thought. A young beauty, tough as nails, vulnerable, but with another hard centre inside the soft one."
Dialogue is especially convincing:
"I can offer you another cup of instant coffee, though, if you want?"
Alright, so I seem to have a bit of a problem with how mystery writers talk about coffee, but damn it, NO ONE would say that. Especially when it's ANOTHER cup, so the guest knows what kind of bloody coffee they are getting. I suppose I should just be grateful that it wasn't "another cup of freeze-dried Tesco Gold Medium-Blend coffee, mixed with hot water from the Tefal kettle in my MFI kitchen, and stirred with a spoon that is slightly bent because I use it to open tins of Tate & Lyle's golden syrup".
Another random example, from a female private detective:
"You can't intimidate me with the graphic horror of it all. I've seen dead bodies. I've even seen Saw IV and Hostel Part II."
Logic fails are also present. Banks, a police officer, drives when pissed after a wanted man turns up at his cottage in the night, in the rain. "What else was he going to do? Send -- back to wander the moors in the rain? Give him a bed for the night? The last thing Banks wanted was -- skulking around the house in the morning." Obviously, asking for a police car to come and get him, or even calling a cab, would just have been silly.
Other parts of the book are just bizarre. It includes a guide so that you can follow this country walk that Banks takes in the book (but of course! Who wouldn't want to?). After the end of the story has a "secret report" containing all of his vital details. It's important for you to know that he "hates wearing a tie, and if he has to wear one, he will knot it loosely and leave his top shirt button undone". We also need to know that he "is less fond of country and western, funk, fusion, operetta, or hip-hop", that his favourite actor is Alec Guinness, his favourite brands of alcoholic drinks, that he fears blindness "even more than deafness", and is "not averse to slapstick". His "most deeply kept secret"? "That would be telling." As a Myspace profile, this shouts from the rooftops, "I am a dick."
In summary, this book is pretty rubbish. The only good thing I can really say for it is that it really makes you pay attention to the fine line that separates superb writing from, well, this. Robinson needs a new editor who can slash out the rubbish and smack him down when he tries to over-reach himself. Then, perhaps, he could focus a bit more on the characterisation and plot, and less on making his book resemble the Argos catalogue.
June 7, 2020
Author Peter Robinson and his protagonist, Chief Inspector Alan Banks, never fail to entertain or disappoint. In All the Colors of Darkness, Banks finds himself called back from holiday with his girlfriend, Sophia, to Eastvale to lend his expertise to an apparent murder-suicide investigation.
Banks is more than a little peeved when the investigation is suddenly called to a close only a couple of days later, determined to be no more than what it first appeared to be.
Too many questions are left unanswered to suit Banks' "copper's curiosity," and soon the stubborn and diligent chief inspector embarks on a further investigation -- unofficial -- into the untimely deaths of the two gay lovers. One of the dead men was a retired MI6 agent; it isn't long that government agents make their dissatisfaction with Banks' curiosity known.
A twisty and twisted investigation ensues, with the suspense building until its denouement saved until the final pages.
Although this book is part of a series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
Banks is more than a little peeved when the investigation is suddenly called to a close only a couple of days later, determined to be no more than what it first appeared to be.
Too many questions are left unanswered to suit Banks' "copper's curiosity," and soon the stubborn and diligent chief inspector embarks on a further investigation -- unofficial -- into the untimely deaths of the two gay lovers. One of the dead men was a retired MI6 agent; it isn't long that government agents make their dissatisfaction with Banks' curiosity known.
A twisty and twisted investigation ensues, with the suspense building until its denouement saved until the final pages.
Although this book is part of a series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
February 18, 2009
I really enjoyed this one - and looking at amamzon.co.uk reviews, it would appear as though i was the only one!
In a switch from the henning mankell novel recenyly read, we have a mystery here which is not resolved until the end. We follow banks as he progresses through the investigation.
And the crime.... a nice clever play on Othello, as a local gay couple are found - one dead, one suicide. He theories of the investigation are that this has been caused by a third party spreading rumours and innendo which results in the catasphoric events that take place.
The impact on Banks social life, as he new relationship goes down the pan as he is called back from ldn to investigate is well drawn and so is the relationship with his former lover - Annie Caboot. In fact, there is quite an air of desperation around banks as everything gets fucked up around him as he does his job. He even tries it on with a younger PI, who is only interested in him cause of his rock and roll son - only to get blown out.
The complexity of the mystery is increased as the murder victim is MI5 - cue, shady spooks, getting warned off the case from above etc. but it just about holds it own.
Where it doesnt is a frankly strange interlude with Banks at the heart of a terrorist bomb. I would love to know why this is here - is it to show that M15 are required because of the threat of international terrorism? On its own, it adds nothing at all to the story.
I do like the music references. This year Banks is incredibly listening to Cat Power and Mazzy Star - which I find refreshing (but unlikely). Presumably, these are the authors tunes and he has good taste. It also means that reading his books and meeting a familar character becomes like catching up with an old friend.
Good crime fiction, experly presented.
In a switch from the henning mankell novel recenyly read, we have a mystery here which is not resolved until the end. We follow banks as he progresses through the investigation.
And the crime.... a nice clever play on Othello, as a local gay couple are found - one dead, one suicide. He theories of the investigation are that this has been caused by a third party spreading rumours and innendo which results in the catasphoric events that take place.
The impact on Banks social life, as he new relationship goes down the pan as he is called back from ldn to investigate is well drawn and so is the relationship with his former lover - Annie Caboot. In fact, there is quite an air of desperation around banks as everything gets fucked up around him as he does his job. He even tries it on with a younger PI, who is only interested in him cause of his rock and roll son - only to get blown out.
The complexity of the mystery is increased as the murder victim is MI5 - cue, shady spooks, getting warned off the case from above etc. but it just about holds it own.
Where it doesnt is a frankly strange interlude with Banks at the heart of a terrorist bomb. I would love to know why this is here - is it to show that M15 are required because of the threat of international terrorism? On its own, it adds nothing at all to the story.
I do like the music references. This year Banks is incredibly listening to Cat Power and Mazzy Star - which I find refreshing (but unlikely). Presumably, these are the authors tunes and he has good taste. It also means that reading his books and meeting a familar character becomes like catching up with an old friend.
Good crime fiction, experly presented.
December 10, 2016
What can I say about this one? Obviously I love Alan Banks but this book was not up to par with the others in the series. If it’s a police procedural I am usually absorbed with the action, the crime scene crew and resulting investigation. But this time Robinson brought a spy element into the story; MI-5 gets involved on the fringes of the investigation as one of their agents was murdered.
The story starts with boys playing in the woods where they find a body hanging from one of the trees. Here is where DI Annie Cabbot gets involved as she is assigned the investigation. The new superintendent orders Annie to call Banks back from his vacation time which Annie is clearly reluctant to do. DCI Banks has a new lady friend named Sophia, one who is considerably younger, and he is spending all his time in London with her.
Bottom line, it looks like a domestic quarrel where one partner bludgeoned the other and then hanged himself in grief so Annie Cabbot hardly needed assistance with this case.
There are subplots to the main story and investigation and at times, it gets confusing. I would say to give this one a pass if you are working through the series but I think there are personal developments with our main detective and you’d need the background when you move to the next book. I guess I’ll see of that’s true when I start the next book in the series.
This is #18 and I aim to catch up with the series before too many months in 2017 slip by.
The story starts with boys playing in the woods where they find a body hanging from one of the trees. Here is where DI Annie Cabbot gets involved as she is assigned the investigation. The new superintendent orders Annie to call Banks back from his vacation time which Annie is clearly reluctant to do. DCI Banks has a new lady friend named Sophia, one who is considerably younger, and he is spending all his time in London with her.
Bottom line, it looks like a domestic quarrel where one partner bludgeoned the other and then hanged himself in grief so Annie Cabbot hardly needed assistance with this case.
There are subplots to the main story and investigation and at times, it gets confusing. I would say to give this one a pass if you are working through the series but I think there are personal developments with our main detective and you’d need the background when you move to the next book. I guess I’ll see of that’s true when I start the next book in the series.
This is #18 and I aim to catch up with the series before too many months in 2017 slip by.
October 3, 2017
After reading a not-so-hot book, I will often turn to my short list of reliably good writers, as I did here. Peter Robinson doesn't seem to have the capability to produce a bad book. I've read quite a few of his Inspector Banks' mysteries and have thoroughly enjoyed each.
In this book, he mixed in a little MI5 or 6 or some other MI which added to the plot and further strengthened my belief that those responsible for internally and externally safe-guarding our various nations are a bunch of arrogant bullies. I realize that the book did not amount to reporting on the foreign service or whatever the hell they call themselves but, it seems to me that Robinson knows a hell of a lot more than I do about such things so I'm buying his oft repeated characterization.
All the Colours of Darkness started with an apparent murder-suicide involving a pair of gay lovers. That which looked pretty straightforward initially, soon began to take twists and turns that made the ride quite a lot of fun.
Banks and his partner/sidekick/underling Annie Cabot (probably spelling that incorrectly) work an off the books investigation that seems ready to blow up in their faces at any time. I can recommend this book to anyone who likes a good police procedural of the British flavor, oops, make that flavour.
In this book, he mixed in a little MI5 or 6 or some other MI which added to the plot and further strengthened my belief that those responsible for internally and externally safe-guarding our various nations are a bunch of arrogant bullies. I realize that the book did not amount to reporting on the foreign service or whatever the hell they call themselves but, it seems to me that Robinson knows a hell of a lot more than I do about such things so I'm buying his oft repeated characterization.
All the Colours of Darkness started with an apparent murder-suicide involving a pair of gay lovers. That which looked pretty straightforward initially, soon began to take twists and turns that made the ride quite a lot of fun.
Banks and his partner/sidekick/underling Annie Cabot (probably spelling that incorrectly) work an off the books investigation that seems ready to blow up in their faces at any time. I can recommend this book to anyone who likes a good police procedural of the British flavor, oops, make that flavour.
February 18, 2016
Such a relief to read a mystery that does not involve a serial killer. Perhaps because the author is British? Seems like so many U.S. detective fiction writers (well, at least the non-cozy ones) these days are mired in either serial killers (every damn book, for pete's sake) or in ghastly, gruesome, detailed depictions of massacred and brutalized victims (not mutually exclusive, of course). Are American readers really this blood-thirsty? Is it impossible to sell a murder mystery without this obsession? Does every female victim need to be the victim of a sexual assault salaciously written? But I digress... I've come late in life to Robinson and am finding I like him more and more, especially the development his character undergoes in this book in relation to Annie, Sophia, and his own profession. This one is "all the colors of darkness" not only for the mystery or the victims, but also for Banks himself. I could do without the espionage-tinged plotlines, but the ambiguity of the ending promises more development of Banks as a real character in books to come.
June 21, 2019
I initially had mixed feelings about this, the 18th of Peter Robinson's excellent DCI Banks novels. Usually I'm gripped by Robinson's writing within a few chapters, but it took a lot longer before I really got into this one.
This time Robinson paints a broader canvas than usual, & although still a police procedural story it moves into the world of espionage. Some of the secret service aspects of the story seem implausible & jar with the author's previously believable novels. Thankfully Robinson's ability to create extremely well drawn & realistic characters saves the book (for me at least) from its more unrealistic elements.
Hopefully he will return to the "real world" in his next novel.
This time Robinson paints a broader canvas than usual, & although still a police procedural story it moves into the world of espionage. Some of the secret service aspects of the story seem implausible & jar with the author's previously believable novels. Thankfully Robinson's ability to create extremely well drawn & realistic characters saves the book (for me at least) from its more unrealistic elements.
Hopefully he will return to the "real world" in his next novel.
June 27, 2019
ένιωσε ακόμα πιο μόνος, σαν να μην είχε μιλήσει καθόλου με τη Σοφία. Μα πάντα έτσι γινόταν – το τηλέφωνο σε φέρνει για λίγο κοντά κι έπειτα τονίζει ακόμα περισσότερο την απόσταση
Η ενάργεια στους διαλόγους, ο ρυθμός κι η ελαστικότητα τους είναι απ’ τα ατού του βιβλίου, όσο κι αν αυτό που κλέβει την παράσταση, είναι το σήμα κατατεθέν του συγγραφέα: η ικανότητα να ντύνει και να πλέκει με ακρίβεια τις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις και να τις απλώνει στον τρισδιάστατο άξονα κι ενώ οι χαρακτήρες είναι καλά ανεπτυγμένοι. Φέρεται μάλιστα, στους χαρακτήρες, σα να είναι παιδιά του: τους φωτίζει, τους αποκαλύπτει και μετά τους παρακολουθεί στο χώρο, είτε βρίσκονται σ’ αυτόν, είτε όχι. Δεν τους κάνει μαριονέτες, πάντως.
- Στο γεγονός ότι είναι ένα έργο για την ικανότητα της γλώσσας, για την ικανότητα των λέξεων να γεννούν εικόνες στο μυαλό των ανθρώπων, κάνοντας τους να δουν και αυτό που βλέπουν είναι ικανό να τους τρελάνει. Ο Ιάγος χρησιμοποιεί αργότερα στον Οθέλλο την ίδια ακριβώς τακτική που χρησιμοποίησε και στον πατέρα της Δυσδαιμόνας. Τον φέρνει αντιμέτωπο με αβάσταχτες εικόνες της Δυσδαιμόνας να επιδίδεται σε σεξουαλικές πράξεις με έναν άλλο άντρα. Δεν καλλιεργεί μόνο σκέψεις, αλλά και εικόνες. Ζωγραφίζει εικόνες στο μυαλό του Οθέλλου, εικόνες του Κάσιου που γαμάει τη Δυσδαιμόνα. Και τι αποδεικτικά στοιχεία έχει τελικά ο Οθέλλος για την απιστία της γυναίκας του;
- Το μαντίλι. Βέβαια, ήταν ένα κατασκευασμένο, φυτεμένο αποδεικτικό στοιχείο. Έκανε κι ο Βέρντι πολλά τέτοια, αν θυμάσαι. Ο Σκάρπιο κάνει το ίδιο ακριβώς με τη βεντάλια στην Τόσκα
Ο συγγραφέας ξέρει από ουίσκι, ξέρει από μουσική, του αρέσει η όπερα, αναλύει ακομπλεξάριστα αυτό που αντιλαμβάνεται και γενικά σε αυτό το κομμάτι προκάλεσε τη μεγάλη μου ικανοποίηση.
Θερμά συγχαρητήρια αξίζουν στο συγγραφέα για την εξαιρετική απεικόνιση της σκηνής στις σελίδες 403 – 409 που αποφεύγει με επιτυχία τα κλισέ του είδους. Αυτό μαζί με μια απ’ τις κεντρικές ιδέες: τον τρόπο που εξετάζει τα όρια ανάμεσα στον επιτιθέμενο και τον αμυνόμενο, στα πλαίσια της τρομοκρατίας, καθώς και των ελευθεριών ορισμένων δυνάμεων που είναι παραστατικός, ενδιαφέρων και λιτός. Όσο χρειάζεται και μέσω της σκιαγράφησης των χαρακτήρων, καθώς και της ανάπτυξης των διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων, το θέμα δεν έχει τίποτα φτηνό.
Πέρασα καλά και μου αρέσουν οι συγγραφείς που είναι αναγνώστες, που ακούνε, τρώνε, πίνουν και που δε σπέρνουν υλικά χωρίς να ξέρουν πώς να τα ποτίσουν και τι λιπάσματα να βάλουν, ενώ υπαινίσσονται ανόητα, πως τάχα μου προωθούν τη βιολογική καλλιέργεια!
3+
Η ενάργεια στους διαλόγους, ο ρυθμός κι η ελαστικότητα τους είναι απ’ τα ατού του βιβλίου, όσο κι αν αυτό που κλέβει την παράσταση, είναι το σήμα κατατεθέν του συγγραφέα: η ικανότητα να ντύνει και να πλέκει με ακρίβεια τις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις και να τις απλώνει στον τρισδιάστατο άξονα κι ενώ οι χαρακτήρες είναι καλά ανεπτυγμένοι. Φέρεται μάλιστα, στους χαρακτήρες, σα να είναι παιδιά του: τους φωτίζει, τους αποκαλύπτει και μετά τους παρακολουθεί στο χώρο, είτε βρίσκονται σ’ αυτόν, είτε όχι. Δεν τους κάνει μαριονέτες, πάντως.
- Στο γεγονός ότι είναι ένα έργο για την ικανότητα της γλώσσας, για την ικανότητα των λέξεων να γεννούν εικόνες στο μυαλό των ανθρώπων, κάνοντας τους να δουν και αυτό που βλέπουν είναι ικανό να τους τρελάνει. Ο Ιάγος χρησιμοποιεί αργότερα στον Οθέλλο την ίδια ακριβώς τακτική που χρησιμοποίησε και στον πατέρα της Δυσδαιμόνας. Τον φέρνει αντιμέτωπο με αβάσταχτες εικόνες της Δυσδαιμόνας να επιδίδεται σε σεξουαλικές πράξεις με έναν άλλο άντρα. Δεν καλλιεργεί μόνο σκέψεις, αλλά και εικόνες. Ζωγραφίζει εικόνες στο μυαλό του Οθέλλου, εικόνες του Κάσιου που γαμάει τη Δυσδαιμόνα. Και τι αποδεικτικά στοιχεία έχει τελικά ο Οθέλλος για την απιστία της γυναίκας του;
- Το μαντίλι. Βέβαια, ήταν ένα κατασκευασμένο, φυτεμένο αποδεικτικό στοιχείο. Έκανε κι ο Βέρντι πολλά τέτοια, αν θυμάσαι. Ο Σκάρπιο κάνει το ίδιο ακριβώς με τη βεντάλια στην Τόσκα
Ο συγγραφέας ξέρει από ουίσκι, ξέρει από μουσική, του αρέσει η όπερα, αναλύει ακομπλεξάριστα αυτό που αντιλαμβάνεται και γενικά σε αυτό το κομμάτι προκάλεσε τη μεγάλη μου ικανοποίηση.
Θερμά συγχαρητήρια αξίζουν στο συγγραφέα για την εξαιρετική απεικόνιση της σκηνής στις σελίδες 403 – 409 που αποφεύγει με επιτυχία τα κλισέ του είδους. Αυτό μαζί με μια απ’ τις κεντρικές ιδέες: τον τρόπο που εξετάζει τα όρια ανάμεσα στον επιτιθέμενο και τον αμυνόμενο, στα πλαίσια της τρομοκρατίας, καθώς και των ελευθεριών ορισμένων δυνάμεων που είναι παραστατικός, ενδιαφέρων και λιτός. Όσο χρειάζεται και μέσω της σκιαγράφησης των χαρακτήρων, καθώς και της ανάπτυξης των διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων, το θέμα δεν έχει τίποτα φτηνό.
Πέρασα καλά και μου αρέσουν οι συγγραφείς που είναι αναγνώστες, που ακούνε, τρώνε, πίνουν και που δε σπέρνουν υλικά χωρίς να ξέρουν πώς να τα ποτίσουν και τι λιπάσματα να βάλουν, ενώ υπαινίσσονται ανόητα, πως τάχα μου προωθούν τη βιολογική καλλιέργεια!
3+
February 24, 2019
This series is becoming better and better.
4* In a Dry Season (Inspector Banks, #10)
4* Aftermath (Inspector Banks, #12)
4* All the Colours of Darkness (Inspector Banks, #18)
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 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 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)
4* Aftermath (Inspector Banks, #12)
4* All the Colours of Darkness (Inspector Banks, #18)
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 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 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)
October 13, 2019
This time Banks gets caught up in the murky world of espionage. If I hadn't read most of the others in this long series I really wouldn't have bothered to finish it. Not much of a plot but it took over 500 pages to tell this particular tale.
March 22, 2019
Το δεύτερο βιβλίο με τις περιπέτειες του επιθεωρητή Άλαν Μπανκς και της ντετέκτιβ Άννι Κάμποτ που κυκλοφορεί στα ελληνικά (και το δέκατο όγδοο κατά την ‘επίσημη’ χρονολογική σειρά έκδοσης) έχει τίτλο «Όλα τα χρώματα του σκότους» και υπόσχεται ένα ακόμα λογοτεχνικό ταξίδι γεμάτο ίντριγκα, μυστήριο και αστυνομική δράση.
Μια καλοκαιρινή μέρα, μια παρέα παιδιών ανακαλύπτει το πτώμα ενός άντρα σε ένα δάσος. Όλα δείχνουν πως πρόκειται για αυτοκτονία. Ο επιθεωρητής Μπανκς βρίσκεται σε άδεια, έτσι σπεύδει στο σημείο η Άννι Κάμποτ. Ο άντρας δεν αργεί να αναγνωριστεί· πρόκειται για έναν σκηνογράφο που εργάζεται στο τοπικό θεατρικό ανέβασμα του Οθέλλου. Οι πρώτες μαρτυρίες αναφέρουν πως το θύμα ήταν γκέι και διατηρούσε σχέση με έναν άντρα μεγαλύτερό του, εκλεπτυσμένο, και πλούσιο. Η έκπληξη της Άννι είναι μεγάλη, όταν ανακαλύπτουν και το πτώμα αυτού του άντρα στο σπίτι του. Μόνο που, στη δική του περίπτωση, πρόκειται ξεκάθαρα για δολοφονία.
Το ότι το δεύτερο θύμα κατοικούσε σε μία από τις καλύτερες συνοικίες της πόλης, καθώς και ο άγριος τρόπος δολοφονίας του, θα φέρουν άρον άρον πίσω τον Μπανκς από τις διακοπές του. Και παρά την αρχική του δυσαρέσκεια, δεν θα αργήσει να αφοσιωθεί στην υπόθεση. Η ομάδα οργανώνεται ψάχνοντας για κίνητρα, στοιχεία, τρίτα πρόσωπα και οτιδήποτε θα μπορούσε να βοηθήσει στην έρευνα. Τα στοιχεία δείχνουν πως ο εραστής του τον δολοφόνησε και κατόπιν αυτοκτόνησε.
Η αποκάλυψη όμως ότι ο δολοφονημένος άντρας εργαζόταν ως κατάσκοπος για τη ΜΙ6 θα δώσει μια διαφορετική τροπή στα πράγματα. Οι μυστικές υπηρεσίες είναι αποφασισμένες να κουκουλώσουν τα πράγματα και να μην επιτρέψουν σε κανέναν να εμπλακεί με οποιονδήποτε τρόπο στη ζωή και τη δράση ενός δικού τους. Ουσιαστικά, ζητούν από την αστυνομία να κλείσει την υπόθεση και δεν θα διστάσουν ακόμα και να απειλήσουν τον Μπανκς, προκειμένου να σταματήσει να ψάχνει για στοιχεία. Οι τύποι είναι αποδεδειγμένα επικίνδυνοι, ικανοί να φτάσουν ακόμα και στο έγκλημα, όμως δεν γνωρίζουν πως για τον Μπανκς αυτό που απαγορεύεται είναι αυτό που πεθαίνει περισσότερο να ερευνήσει…
Η πλοκή του συγκεκριμένου βιβλίου είναι αναμφίβολα πιο σκοτεινή και με περισσότερο μυστήριο και ίντριγκα. Αρχικά όλα μοιάζουν απλά – μια δολοφονία με αυτοκτονία και μια υπόθεση που μπορεί να κλείσει πριν καν να ανοίξει. Υπάρχουν όμως περισσότερα κίνητρα, που τριβελίζουν συνεχώς το μυαλό των ηρώων και δεν τους αφήνουν να εφησυχάσουν· και τότε ξεκινά η πραγματική δράση και ένα ντόμινο αποκαλύψεων, που δεν σταματά μέχρι να φτάσει στο τέλος. Τίποτα δεν είναι όπως φαίνεται και όλες οι πιθανότητες πρέπει να ερευνηθούν.
Το πιο ενδιαφέρον κομμάτι που αφορά την αμιγώς αστυνομική δράση είναι φυσικά η εμπλοκή του ενός θύματος με τις μυστικές υπηρεσίες. Αυτό δίνει στον συγγραφέα την ευχέρεια να πλάσει μια πλοκή η οποία περιλαμβάνει, εκτός από το αστυνομικό μυστήριο, και στοιχεία κατασκοπευτικού θρίλερ. Μιας και οι δράσεις των μυστικών υπηρεσιών είναι αυτό ακριβώς που λέει και η λέξη -μυστικές-, ο Robinson έχει το ελεύθερο να χρησιμοποιήσει τη συγγραφική του δεινότητα με τρόπο ώστε να ιντριγκάρει τους αναγνώστες, να τους επιτρέψει να κοιτάξουν για μια στιγμή από την κλειδαρότρυπα σ’ αυτόν τον κόσμο που μοιάζει τόσο μακρινός από όλους εμάς, αλλά χωρίς να πλησιάσει αρκετά. Τα όσα αναφέρονται, άλλωστε, μάλλον δεν απέχουν και τόσο πολύ από τις πραγματικές συνθήκες που διέπουν συνήθως τέτοιες περιπτώσεις – οπωσδήποτε, πάντως, δεν φαντάζουν υπερβολικές ή εξωπραγματικές.
Τα ψυχογραφήματα των ηρώων είναι για μια ακόμη φορά προσεγμένα και με μια ενδοσκόπηση που ώρες ώρες κλέβει την παράσταση. Η Ά��νι Κάμποτ φαίνεται να έχει σταθεί επιτέλους στα πόδια της και να έχει ξεπεράσει τους περισσότερους από τους δαίμονές της. Παρ’ όλα αυτά, δεν καταφέρνει πάντα να νικά τη γυναικεία της ανασφάλεια. Ο Άλαν Μπανκς, από την άλλη, βρίσκεται σε μια πολύ καλή φάση όσον αφορά την προσωπική του ζωή και μοιάζει να έχει βρει την ευτυχία και την ηρεμία που αναζητούσε. Όμως κι εδώ καιροφυλακτούν γκρίζα σύννεφα. Η δουλειά του θα είναι εκείνη που θα βάλει τα περισσότερα εμπόδια στη σχέση αυτή, αλλά μάλλον θα αποτελέσουν το κερασάκι στην τούρτα. Γενικότερα, συναντούμε ένα ευρύ φάσμα συναισθημάτων σε όλους τους ήρωες ενώ η πλοκή εξελίσσεται· συναισθήματα θετικά ή αρνητικά, ακραία ή μετρημένα, εκρηκτικά ή επιφυλακτικά. Όλα όμως ανθρώπινα, ρεαλιστικά, που όλοι έχουμε βιώσει κάποια στιγμή στη ζωή μας. Αυτό κάνει τους ήρωες πιο προσιτούς και τον αναγνώστη να ταυτιστεί περισσότερο μαζί τους και να μοιραστεί τη χαρά ή τη συντριβή τους.
Μετά από μια τόσο συναρπαστική και δυνατή ιστορία, η αλήθεια είναι πως το φινάλε είναι κάπως απότομο, σαν να έπρεπε να ολοκληρωθεί το συντομότερο και να γράφτηκε βιαστικά. Ακόμη και στην τελευταία σελίδα, η δράση δεν σταματά και η αγωνία με την αναπάντεχη ανατροπή καραδοκούν. Ίσως, μετά απ’ όλα όσα πέρασαν οι ήρωες, να τους ταίριαζε μια πιο ήρεμη «αποχώρηση» από τη σκηνή. Ίσως πάλι, μια ήσυχη αποχώρηση να μην ταιριάζει και τόσο πολύ σε κάποιον σαν τον επιθεωρητή Άλαν Μπανκς. Το μόνο βέβαιο είναι πως το «Όλα τα χρώματα του σκότους» φέρει όλες τις αποχρώσεις ενός καλού αστυνομικού, μιας καταιγιστικής περιπέτειας που δικαιώνει όλες τις αναγνωστικές προσδοκίες.
H κριτική για το βιβλίο στο site "Book City" και τον παρακάτω σύνδεσμο: Όλα τα χρώματα του σκότους
Μια καλοκαιρινή μέρα, μια παρέα παιδιών ανακαλύπτει το πτώμα ενός άντρα σε ένα δάσος. Όλα δείχνουν πως πρόκειται για αυτοκτονία. Ο επιθεωρητής Μπανκς βρίσκεται σε άδεια, έτσι σπεύδει στο σημείο η Άννι Κάμποτ. Ο άντρας δεν αργεί να αναγνωριστεί· πρόκειται για έναν σκηνογράφο που εργάζεται στο τοπικό θεατρικό ανέβασμα του Οθέλλου. Οι πρώτες μαρτυρίες αναφέρουν πως το θύμα ήταν γκέι και διατηρούσε σχέση με έναν άντρα μεγαλύτερό του, εκλεπτυσμένο, και πλούσιο. Η έκπληξη της Άννι είναι μεγάλη, όταν ανακαλύπτουν και το πτώμα αυτού του άντρα στο σπίτι του. Μόνο που, στη δική του περίπτωση, πρόκειται ξεκάθαρα για δολοφονία.
Το ότι το δεύτερο θύμα κατοικούσε σε μία από τις καλύτερες συνοικίες της πόλης, καθώς και ο άγριος τρόπος δολοφονίας του, θα φέρουν άρον άρον πίσω τον Μπανκς από τις διακοπές του. Και παρά την αρχική του δυσαρέσκεια, δεν θα αργήσει να αφοσιωθεί στην υπόθεση. Η ομάδα οργανώνεται ψάχνοντας για κίνητρα, στοιχεία, τρίτα πρόσωπα και οτιδήποτε θα μπορούσε να βοηθήσει στην έρευνα. Τα στοιχεία δείχνουν πως ο εραστής του τον δολοφόνησε και κατόπιν αυτοκτόνησε.
Η αποκάλυψη όμως ότι ο δολοφονημένος άντρας εργαζόταν ως κατάσκοπος για τη ΜΙ6 θα δώσει μια διαφορετική τροπή στα πράγματα. Οι μυστικές υπηρεσίες είναι αποφασισμένες να κουκουλώσουν τα πράγματα και να μην επιτρέψουν σε κανέναν να εμπλακεί με οποιονδήποτε τρόπο στη ζωή και τη δράση ενός δικού τους. Ουσιαστικά, ζητούν από την αστυνομία να κλείσει την υπόθεση και δεν θα διστάσουν ακόμα και να απειλήσουν τον Μπανκς, προκειμένου να σταματήσει να ψάχνει για στοιχεία. Οι τύποι είναι αποδεδειγμένα επικίνδυνοι, ικανοί να φτάσουν ακόμα και στο έγκλημα, όμως δεν γνωρίζουν πως για τον Μπανκς αυτό που απαγορεύεται είναι αυτό που πεθαίνει περισσότερο να ερευνήσει…
Η πλοκή του συγκεκριμένου βιβλίου είναι αναμφίβολα πιο σκοτεινή και με περισσότερο μυστήριο και ίντριγκα. Αρχικά όλα μοιάζουν απλά – μια δολοφονία με αυτοκτονία και μια υπόθεση που μπορεί να κλείσει πριν καν να ανοίξει. Υπάρχουν όμως περισσότερα κίνητρα, που τριβελίζουν συνεχώς το μυαλό των ηρώων και δεν τους αφήνουν να εφησυχάσουν· και τότε ξεκινά η πραγματική δράση και ένα ντόμινο αποκαλύψεων, που δεν σταματά μέχρι να φτάσει στο τέλος. Τίποτα δεν είναι όπως φαίνεται και όλες οι πιθανότητες πρέπει να ερευνηθούν.
Το πιο ενδιαφέρον κομμάτι που αφορά την αμιγώς αστυνομική δράση είναι φυσικά η εμπλοκή του ενός θύματος με τις μυστικές υπηρεσίες. Αυτό δίνει στον συγγραφέα την ευχέρεια να πλάσει μια πλοκή η οποία περιλαμβάνει, εκτός από το αστυνομικό μυστήριο, και στοιχεία κατασκοπευτικού θρίλερ. Μιας και οι δράσεις των μυστικών υπηρεσιών είναι αυτό ακριβώς που λέει και η λέξη -μυστικές-, ο Robinson έχει το ελεύθερο να χρησιμοποιήσει τη συγγραφική του δεινότητα με τρόπο ώστε να ιντριγκάρει τους αναγνώστες, να τους επιτρέψει να κοιτάξουν για μια στιγμή από την κλειδαρότρυπα σ’ αυτόν τον κόσμο που μοιάζει τόσο μακρινός από όλους εμάς, αλλά χωρίς να πλησιάσει αρκετά. Τα όσα αναφέρονται, άλλωστε, μάλλον δεν απέχουν και τόσο πολύ από τις πραγματικές συνθήκες που διέπουν συνήθως τέτοιες περιπτώσεις – οπωσδήποτε, πάντως, δεν φαντάζουν υπερβολικές ή εξωπραγματικές.
Τα ψυχογραφήματα των ηρώων είναι για μια ακόμη φορά προσεγμένα και με μια ενδοσκόπηση που ώρες ώρες κλέβει την παράσταση. Η Ά��νι Κάμποτ φαίνεται να έχει σταθεί επιτέλους στα πόδια της και να έχει ξεπεράσει τους περισσότερους από τους δαίμονές της. Παρ’ όλα αυτά, δεν καταφέρνει πάντα να νικά τη γυναικεία της ανασφάλεια. Ο Άλαν Μπανκς, από την άλλη, βρίσκεται σε μια πολύ καλή φάση όσον αφορά την προσωπική του ζωή και μοιάζει να έχει βρει την ευτυχία και την ηρεμία που αναζητούσε. Όμως κι εδώ καιροφυλακτούν γκρίζα σύννεφα. Η δουλειά του θα είναι εκείνη που θα βάλει τα περισσότερα εμπόδια στη σχέση αυτή, αλλά μάλλον θα αποτελέσουν το κερασάκι στην τούρτα. Γενικότερα, συναντούμε ένα ευρύ φάσμα συναισθημάτων σε όλους τους ήρωες ενώ η πλοκή εξελίσσεται· συναισθήματα θετικά ή αρνητικά, ακραία ή μετρημένα, εκρηκτικά ή επιφυλακτικά. Όλα όμως ανθρώπινα, ρεαλιστικά, που όλοι έχουμε βιώσει κάποια στιγμή στη ζωή μας. Αυτό κάνει τους ήρωες πιο προσιτούς και τον αναγνώστη να ταυτιστεί περισσότερο μαζί τους και να μοιραστεί τη χαρά ή τη συντριβή τους.
Μετά από μια τόσο συναρπαστική και δυνατή ιστορία, η αλήθεια είναι πως το φινάλε είναι κάπως απότομο, σαν να έπρεπε να ολοκληρωθεί το συντομότερο και να γράφτηκε βιαστικά. Ακόμη και στην τελευταία σελίδα, η δράση δεν σταματά και η αγωνία με την αναπάντεχη ανατροπή καραδοκούν. Ίσως, μετά απ’ όλα όσα πέρασαν οι ήρωες, να τους ταίριαζε μια πιο ήρεμη «αποχώρηση» από τη σκηνή. Ίσως πάλι, μια ήσυχη αποχώρηση να μην ταιριάζει και τόσο πολύ σε κάποιον σαν τον επιθεωρητή Άλαν Μπανκς. Το μόνο βέβαιο είναι πως το «Όλα τα χρώματα του σκότους» φέρει όλες τις αποχρώσεις ενός καλού αστυνομικού, μιας καταιγιστικής περιπέτειας που δικαιώνει όλες τις αναγνωστικές προσδοκίες.
H κριτική για το βιβλίο στο site "Book City" και τον παρακάτω σύνδεσμο: Όλα τα χρώματα του σκότους
October 23, 2017
Book Description
New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author Peter Robinson delivers a gripping novel of jealousy, betrayal, envy, ambition, greed, lust, revengeâall the colors of darkness that lead inevitably to murder.
In a world of terror and uncertainty, what does one small death matter?
The body hanging from a tree in a peaceful wood appears to Detective Inspector Annie Cabbot to be a suicide. But further investigation into the sad demise of Mark Hardcastle leads to another corpse, brutally bludgeoned to death.
Suddenly the case demands the attention of Chief Inspector Alan Banks, called back from his vacation even though nothing suggests this wasn't a crime of passion followed by remorse and self-destruction. Shocking revelations broaden the inquiry to unexpected places and seats of power. And a stubborn policeman who will not be frightened away could lose everything in one terrifying, explosive instant.
In this masterful novel of psychological suspense, Peter Robinson delves once again into the dark recesses of the human mind and shows what can happen when evil rests there.
My Review
I listened to this book on audio and the reader did an fantastic job. It held my attention all the way through which is not the case with some audios. I found the characters to be well developed especially Inspector Banks and Annie Cabbot. The excellent plot had lots of twists and turns with a bit of venture into spying with the MI6. The book was very well written and I loved his musical and literary references. This book mainly dealt with Shakespeare's Othello's themes. I look forward to the next book in the series and highly recommend this series to those who love police procedurals.
New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author Peter Robinson delivers a gripping novel of jealousy, betrayal, envy, ambition, greed, lust, revengeâall the colors of darkness that lead inevitably to murder.
In a world of terror and uncertainty, what does one small death matter?
The body hanging from a tree in a peaceful wood appears to Detective Inspector Annie Cabbot to be a suicide. But further investigation into the sad demise of Mark Hardcastle leads to another corpse, brutally bludgeoned to death.
Suddenly the case demands the attention of Chief Inspector Alan Banks, called back from his vacation even though nothing suggests this wasn't a crime of passion followed by remorse and self-destruction. Shocking revelations broaden the inquiry to unexpected places and seats of power. And a stubborn policeman who will not be frightened away could lose everything in one terrifying, explosive instant.
In this masterful novel of psychological suspense, Peter Robinson delves once again into the dark recesses of the human mind and shows what can happen when evil rests there.
My Review
I listened to this book on audio and the reader did an fantastic job. It held my attention all the way through which is not the case with some audios. I found the characters to be well developed especially Inspector Banks and Annie Cabbot. The excellent plot had lots of twists and turns with a bit of venture into spying with the MI6. The book was very well written and I loved his musical and literary references. This book mainly dealt with Shakespeare's Othello's themes. I look forward to the next book in the series and highly recommend this series to those who love police procedurals.
April 28, 2020
Inspector Banks mystery No. 18: In which, what in the face of it looks like a suicide, after the murder of a gay couple, turns into a world of paranoia and conspiracy, when it is revealed that one of the victims is a former MI6 agent. Robinson does an interesting take on the small town police force clashes with secret service storyline, with a lot of new ground, in my opinion. This is the 18th book in the Alan Banks series, but the first I've read... and now likely to be the first of many. 7 out of 12
September 21, 2015
Did not care for number 18 in the Banks series. The apparent murder/suicide of a gay couple looks kind of straightforward, but Banks has a "Othello"-based suspicion; that someone prompted the jealousy that brought the horrible chain of events on. He manages to bring Annie Cabott along on a futile private investigation. This treads water for a large part of the book and the only distraction lies in that the murder victim was a retired(?) employee of MI6, and the shady people of secret services takes action to guard their interests. The continuing story of the characters are also in a bit of a standstill, Banks is happily seeing Sophia when he can, Annie does very little - as do Winsome. 'Dirty Dick' Burgess does the equivalent of a 'cameo' if you are a novel character, but it's really small this time. We are introduced to the private detective Thomasina 'Tom' Savage, a nice acquaintance, hope she will be back.
July 9, 2011
In All the Colors of Darkness, the information that is least pertinent to the plot was most satisfying to the reader: This is the book to read if you want Inspector Banks' reflections upon his past relationships or if you want to check in on DI Annie Cabbot's recovery since her last, apparently uber-violent, case. This book also contains plenty of listening recommendations for the discriminating jazz and classical music fan.
In the subplot, a minor police case moves along briskly with a new-in-town local gangster beaten to submission as the main case - presented as a gay murder-suicide - moves to an obvious and unsatisfying conclusion. The reader will catch a private peek of Inspector Banks as a valiant First Responder at Oxford Circus and as Lone Defender of Justice for the Slain, that even his closest colleagues will not witness.
In the subplot, a minor police case moves along briskly with a new-in-town local gangster beaten to submission as the main case - presented as a gay murder-suicide - moves to an obvious and unsatisfying conclusion. The reader will catch a private peek of Inspector Banks as a valiant First Responder at Oxford Circus and as Lone Defender of Justice for the Slain, that even his closest colleagues will not witness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
My lowest rating of a DCI Banks novel to date.
I found a gap in my reading list and picked up what is usually a solid four- or five-star read for me. However, instalment #18 left me feeling a bit lacklustre about this great series. It is also the only time so far that the series lacked a realistic or cohesive edge.
DCI Banks is spending time with his new love interest when he is called to investigate the apparent suicide death of a local theatre director. The storytelling did not work for me, and the situation continued to develop unrealistically. There is a retired spy, orders coming from superiors, Banks's ignoring them, a terrorist attack and lots and lots of roundabout reading.
Not a series I'll give up on but an instalment I could have skipped.
I found a gap in my reading list and picked up what is usually a solid four- or five-star read for me. However, instalment #18 left me feeling a bit lacklustre about this great series. It is also the only time so far that the series lacked a realistic or cohesive edge.
DCI Banks is spending time with his new love interest when he is called to investigate the apparent suicide death of a local theatre director. The storytelling did not work for me, and the situation continued to develop unrealistically. There is a retired spy, orders coming from superiors, Banks's ignoring them, a terrorist attack and lots and lots of roundabout reading.
Not a series I'll give up on but an instalment I could have skipped.
May 8, 2009
I think Robinson is up there with Rankin/Connelly
what do others think?
a really good read and interesting in being so close to real life and how things sometimes work
what do others think?
a really good read and interesting in being so close to real life and how things sometimes work
July 20, 2022
Banks is called back from holiday to investigate a routine murder/suicide case. Of course there is more to it as it's clear MI5 and MI6 are involved.
I have never seen Othello but I knew the plot followed the Shakespearian play. How did I know this? Because Robinson through various characters keep telling us.
This repetition got tiresome in the end.
There is a sub plot of some knife crime which was used as a device to allow banks and his team to carry on with the investigation of the murder/homicide after being warned off by superior powers, so I can understand why Robinson included it.
The same can't be said for a terrorist act that Banks is caught up in. It seemed surplus to the plot.
This was a decent police procedural which dragged on at the end.
For the standards of Robinson, this wasn't up to the usual mark.
I have never seen Othello but I knew the plot followed the Shakespearian play. How did I know this? Because Robinson through various characters keep telling us.
This repetition got tiresome in the end.
There is a sub plot of some knife crime which was used as a device to allow banks and his team to carry on with the investigation of the murder/homicide after being warned off by superior powers, so I can understand why Robinson included it.
The same can't be said for a terrorist act that Banks is caught up in. It seemed surplus to the plot.
This was a decent police procedural which dragged on at the end.
For the standards of Robinson, this wasn't up to the usual mark.
May 8, 2024
Secret agents, jealousy, murder, drugs, lovers....all of this jammed into the story. The story of Alan Banks. His life, history and sometimes obstinate stubbornness when it comes to the cases he is working. Fine line in this book between good and bad....
I have discovered so much music I knew nothing about before, just by listening to what Banks listens to!
I have discovered so much music I knew nothing about before, just by listening to what Banks listens to!
December 16, 2016
This is a somewhat confused crime tale as Banks investigates a hanging which seems to be part of a murder-suicide case. The murder aspect looks at a gay man found dead in his home. Some years ago he had travelled for the Foreign Office; no stretch of the imagination to see that his continued absences abroad meant he is still working as a spy. So I don't know why it took Banks so long to see it. The photos produced among evidence were obviously the sort taken by a private investigator; again, Banks doesn't realise until the business card falls into his lap. Much confusion in the ranks as the shadowy world of spies seems to have no relation to the real world.
I disliked several aspects besides the slowness mentioned. Agatha Christie wrote a murder based on Othello and suggestions by a manipulator; I always thought it an awful and unreal mystery. Now we see the same Othello theme and it doesn't work for me either. Why wouldn't modern people talk to each other instead of going mad with jealousy? Othello was set in a time when men expected to own women. Another aspect is that Banks has a younger girlfriend who is precious about a whole lot of small brittle treasures and artworks; this description of the items immediately told me they were being introduced only to be smashed. So it proved. And Banks is far too slow to suspect the spies of bugging, because that is what spies do. While the end is unrelated to Banks in previous books; he would not drive drunk late at night.
The forensics are well represented and scenery lovely, with a couple of good scenic walks. Of course it is tough work to keep a series fresh and modern, and by now we are all rating this book against the earlier and excellent books of this series. So do read it, if you have not, and follow the evolving tale of DI Banks and his staff in Yorkshire policing. The tragedy will certainly keep you interested.
I disliked several aspects besides the slowness mentioned. Agatha Christie wrote a murder based on Othello and suggestions by a manipulator; I always thought it an awful and unreal mystery. Now we see the same Othello theme and it doesn't work for me either. Why wouldn't modern people talk to each other instead of going mad with jealousy? Othello was set in a time when men expected to own women. Another aspect is that Banks has a younger girlfriend who is precious about a whole lot of small brittle treasures and artworks; this description of the items immediately told me they were being introduced only to be smashed. So it proved. And Banks is far too slow to suspect the spies of bugging, because that is what spies do. While the end is unrelated to Banks in previous books; he would not drive drunk late at night.
The forensics are well represented and scenery lovely, with a couple of good scenic walks. Of course it is tough work to keep a series fresh and modern, and by now we are all rating this book against the earlier and excellent books of this series. So do read it, if you have not, and follow the evolving tale of DI Banks and his staff in Yorkshire policing. The tragedy will certainly keep you interested.
January 25, 2019
If Robinson's goal was to make readers more distrustful of government spies & spooks and law enforcers of all kinds, he succeeded. If he wanted to engage, entertain and keep readers rapidly turning pages to find out what's next, he failed. I have read the 17 Inspector Banks books that precede this one. Some were great or good or at least engaging enough to keep me reading and seeking more. In my opinion this book was none of those things. Lots of red herrings, many pages of not very much happening, extensive repetition, boring details that do nothing to advance the plot, a plot that is mostly MIA and an ending that falls flat. A shocking event in London is the most intense part of the story but seems to have nothing to do with the rest of the story line. I find Banks' typical and even endearing stubbornness to be excessive beyond reason or sanity. I am not sure why Robinson keeps using the 2-crime gambit that takes Banks & Cabot in opposite directions; sometimes they overlap and ultimately connect. Not in this one. The secondary crime's purpose seems to be mostly to fill pages. If this was the first of the Banks series I had read, it would also be the last. I will read the next in the series in the hope that the level of quality returns.
January 8, 2015
Children find a man's body hanging from a tree in a local beauty spot. It seems like a simple and tragic case of suicide but it turns out to be far from simple when the man's lover is also found dead, apparently murdered at home. At first it seems like a murder followed by suicide perhaps sparked by sexual jealousy but neither Banks nor DI Annie Cabbot are convinced that this is the whole story and some information from the murdered man's mother leads Banks to think there could be more wide ranging ramifications to the case.
This is a frightening and convoluted story involving smoke and mirrors and people who are definitely not what they seem to be. It also involves a personal crisis for Banks where once again his work has and adverse effect on his private life.
This is book was well up to the high standard set by most of the rest of the series and I found it a gripping read with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. If you like your police procedurals with plenty of psychological depth and interesting and well drawn characters then this could be the series for you.
This is a frightening and convoluted story involving smoke and mirrors and people who are definitely not what they seem to be. It also involves a personal crisis for Banks where once again his work has and adverse effect on his private life.
This is book was well up to the high standard set by most of the rest of the series and I found it a gripping read with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. If you like your police procedurals with plenty of psychological depth and interesting and well drawn characters then this could be the series for you.
July 23, 2017
This book is the absolutely worst piece of shit I've ever seen - absolute waste of time.
It goes on and on and on about how rooms look (that have absolutely zero to do with the story at any point), what he is eating, if his fork has a stain on it left from the dishwasher and so on. The worst part is, you still think "OK, but it has to have a decent ending at least" - nope. The ending is the worst. Don't waste your time with this book, theres probably a lot of good Inspector Banks books out there, but this one is not it. Sadly this was my first book from Mr. Robinson and it will the be the last aswell. Most likely I've just read his worst book and his other stuff is good or at least decent, but holy moly this was too much.
It goes on and on and on about how rooms look (that have absolutely zero to do with the story at any point), what he is eating, if his fork has a stain on it left from the dishwasher and so on. The worst part is, you still think "OK, but it has to have a decent ending at least" - nope. The ending is the worst. Don't waste your time with this book, theres probably a lot of good Inspector Banks books out there, but this one is not it. Sadly this was my first book from Mr. Robinson and it will the be the last aswell. Most likely I've just read his worst book and his other stuff is good or at least decent, but holy moly this was too much.
January 3, 2015
Not his best. Clever plot, but lot of parts where I thought "who cares".
July 9, 2017
3.5 stars. Great in some parts, but lagged in others.
August 6, 2019
I've long been a fan of the multi-season T.V. series featuring Inspector Alan Banks and his two 'cheese and chalk' female cohorts. So this was my belated introduction to Banks via the printed page. This novel was published back in 2008 and even more alarmingly, it's number 18 in the series. Belated introduction indeed!
That said I really enjoyed the deceptively straightforward style of Peter Robinson's storytelling. While it's all in the third person, he cleverly posits the reader into the mindset of the chief protagonist in each section of the story. Sometimes with humour, sometimes with cynicism and often with a keen sense of mystery. Because Yorkshire is Banks' home base, it makes for a dramatic contrast between the innate picturesque beauty of the county and the tough underbelly of the people who live on the housing estates outside the tourist towns, many struggling with the high crime rate and inclement weather.
The story starts with a bang. A gay man from the local theatre scene is found hanging from a tree which is immediately treated as a inexplicably tragic suicide. That is until his wealthy partner is found murdered in the mansion they share in the 'posh' part of town. Things become even more complicated when it is discovered that the murdered man was an ex-MI 6 agent. Naturally the powers that be instruct Banks and his team to back off the investigation. Especially when Banks has become obsessed with the idea that in addition to government secrecy there's a sub-plot involving Shakespeare's Othello. If that sounds bizarre it actually makes for some pretty thrilling chapters.
It's true that the story started with a bang but sadly it all seems to end with a sort of whimper. Maybe that is because Robinson could only go so far with his myriad sub-plots. But while the destination was questionable the journey was entertaining.
I also like the way that Banks selects a musical accompaniment for every situation. Led Zeppelin for an angsty drive back from London. Cat Power, Shostakovich, Keren Ann, Laura Marling and of course Richard Hawley for anything that involves a wine. A man after my own heart.
Oh, and the reason I deducted a star from my rating is due to the proof reader or lack of one. Spell check just doesn't cut the mustard when you keep stumbling over phrases that don't make any sense.
That said I really enjoyed the deceptively straightforward style of Peter Robinson's storytelling. While it's all in the third person, he cleverly posits the reader into the mindset of the chief protagonist in each section of the story. Sometimes with humour, sometimes with cynicism and often with a keen sense of mystery. Because Yorkshire is Banks' home base, it makes for a dramatic contrast between the innate picturesque beauty of the county and the tough underbelly of the people who live on the housing estates outside the tourist towns, many struggling with the high crime rate and inclement weather.
The story starts with a bang. A gay man from the local theatre scene is found hanging from a tree which is immediately treated as a inexplicably tragic suicide. That is until his wealthy partner is found murdered in the mansion they share in the 'posh' part of town. Things become even more complicated when it is discovered that the murdered man was an ex-MI 6 agent. Naturally the powers that be instruct Banks and his team to back off the investigation. Especially when Banks has become obsessed with the idea that in addition to government secrecy there's a sub-plot involving Shakespeare's Othello. If that sounds bizarre it actually makes for some pretty thrilling chapters.
It's true that the story started with a bang but sadly it all seems to end with a sort of whimper. Maybe that is because Robinson could only go so far with his myriad sub-plots. But while the destination was questionable the journey was entertaining.
I also like the way that Banks selects a musical accompaniment for every situation. Led Zeppelin for an angsty drive back from London. Cat Power, Shostakovich, Keren Ann, Laura Marling and of course Richard Hawley for anything that involves a wine. A man after my own heart.
Oh, and the reason I deducted a star from my rating is due to the proof reader or lack of one. Spell check just doesn't cut the mustard when you keep stumbling over phrases that don't make any sense.
March 11, 2022
All the Colours of Darkness is a very good Banks story. The complex plot involves a gay murder and possible suicide and the close involvement of the security services.
What sets this apart from other recent Banks novels that I’ve read is that the reader learns a huge amount about the man himself, his hopes, fears, strengths and weaknesses. It’s not an easy read in so much as there’s some graphic descriptions of events and the narrative is very sad.
This is an excellent detective story with outstanding character and location descriptions, a credible narrative and a fascinating insight into police procedures.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by Sacristy Press.
What sets this apart from other recent Banks novels that I’ve read is that the reader learns a huge amount about the man himself, his hopes, fears, strengths and weaknesses. It’s not an easy read in so much as there’s some graphic descriptions of events and the narrative is very sad.
This is an excellent detective story with outstanding character and location descriptions, a credible narrative and a fascinating insight into police procedures.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by Sacristy Press.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 488 reviews