Inspector Banks Series in Order by Peter Robinson

"Standing in the Shadows" is the 28th installment in the DCI Alan Banks mystery series by Peter Robinson. The book follows DCI Banks as he investigates the murder of a young woman whose body is found in a remote village in the Yorkshire Dales. As Banks delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the victim had been living a double life, and that her secrets may have led to her death. The novel has been praised for its rich and surprising narrative, and has been described as one of Robinson's best works. The book is part of a larger series, but "Standing in the Shadows" can be read as a standalone novel.

Standing in the Shadows is the 28th and final book in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. In this highly recommended procedural, author Peter Robinson weaves a captivating mystery with dual storylines that take place almost two decades apart. The book opens in 1980 with university student Nick Hartley as the prime suspect in his ex-girlfriend's death and the disappearance of her new boyfriend. With a stalled investigation, Hartley decides to become an investigative journalist to track down the real perpetrator. Meanwhile, DCI Alan Banks, known for his ability to make connections, is working on a separate case. As the narratives intertwine, the story becomes explosive, leading to an unexpected conclusion. Standing in the Shadows is a true whodunit mystery filled with intricate details and a satisfying ending that ties up all the loose ends.

"Playing with Fire" is a book by Kiki Swinson, part of the "Playing Dirty" series. The book follows the story of Yoshi Lomax, a relentless character navigating a dangerous game with the law. Set in the Southern United States, the book offers unpredictable twists and a merciless depiction of Southern striving. The plot revolves around Yoshi Lomax as she becomes entangled in a high-stakes game, facing dangerous consequences and unexpected challenges. With its gritty and gripping narrative, "Playing with Fire" showcases Kiki Swinson's talent for crafting suspenseful stories with complex characters. The book is known for its page-turning pace and never letting up on the tension. It is a thrilling prequel to the "Playing Dirty" and "Notorious" duology, showcasing Kiki Swinson's ability to captivate readers with her storytelling.

"Many Rivers to Cross" is the 26th book in the Inspector Alan Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book follows Detective Superintendent Alan Banks and his team as they investigate the murder of a 13-year-old refugee whose body is found carelessly stuffed into a wheelie bin. The investigation leads them into a disturbing world of drugs, guns, and possible sex trafficking. Alongside the main story, there is a subplot involving international gangs. The book features a twisty turn and a surprise ending. The investigation is also overshadowed by Banks's friend, intelligence gatherer Zelda, and her search for her arch-enemy Goran Tadic. Overall, "Many Rivers to Cross" is a thrilling crime novel that keeps readers engaged with its complex plot and well-developed characters.

"Many Rivers to Cross" by Peter Robinson is a book in the Inspector Banks series. In this installment, Detective Superintendent Alan Banks is drawn into a disturbing world of drugs, guns, and possible sex trafficking. The main story is set in Eastvale, with a subplot involving international gangs running alongside it. The plot revolves around the investigation of a skinny young boy found dead, his body carelessly stuffed into a wheelie bin. Detective Banks and his team are called to solve the case and prevent tensions from escalating. As the seasoned detective delves deeper into the investigation, he must navigate a complex web of criminal activities and find answers quickly. "Many Rivers to Cross" offers a gripping and suspenseful story that showcases Peter Robinson's skill in crafting compelling crime fiction.

"Careless Love" is the 25th installment of the Inspector Banks Novels series by Peter Robinson. The book is a police procedural that follows DCI Banks and his team as they investigate the death of an eighteen-year-old college student, Adrienne Munro, whose body is found in an abandoned car on a lonely country road. The investigation leads them to uncover two more deaths, one of which is clearly murder. The story is set in Yorkshire, and Robinson's exquisitely detailed descriptions of the setting and characters set the story apart from many police procedurals. The book is steeped in accuracy and a dead-on sense of realism, with each flat or room, every constellation of roommates, being different in minuscule but significant ways. "Careless Love" is a great read that keeps readers coming back for more.

"Sleeping in the Ground" is the 24th book in the Inspector Alan Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book is a crime novel set in the fictional English town of Eastvale in the Yorkshire Dales. The story revolves around a mass killing with ties to a long past murder. The main detective, DS Alan Banks, investigates the case with the help of his team, including his cynical sidekick Annie Cabbot, and the lovely Winsome and fearless young Gerry Masterton. The book also features the character of Banks' old boss Gristhorpe. The descriptions of the scenic Yorkshire hills and dales add to the atmosphere of the book. However, some readers find the author's endless references to music from Schubert to Pink Floyd intrusive and irritating. The book has been praised for its expert and humane portrayal of a truly terrible event.

"Sleeping in the Ground" is the 24th book in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book begins with a massacre at a wedding party outside a country church. The culprit is quickly captured, but Inspector Banks and his team must investigate the motive behind the attack. The investigation leads them to a long-past murder case and a web of secrets and lies. Robinson's writing is praised for its expert descriptions of the terrible event and the scenic Yorkshire hills and dales. However, some readers find the endless references to music from Schubert to Pink Floyd intrusive and irritating. Overall, "Sleeping in the Ground" is recommended for those who enjoy a well-crafted mystery novel with interesting characters and a complex plot.

"When the Music's Over" is the 23rd book in the Inspector Alan Banks series written by Peter Robinson. In this novel, Detective Inspector Annie Cabbot takes on a challenging case involving the rape and murder of a young girl. The investigation leads her to uncover evidence suggesting that the victim was drugged, abused, and thrown from a moving van. As Cabbot delves deeper into the case, she confronts the dark and disturbing realities of the crime, highlighting the timely and sobering nature of the story. The book explores contemporary themes and echoes the issues of the present day. It showcases Robinson's skill in crafting intense and gripping mysteries that keep readers on the edge of their seats. "When the Music's Over" is a compelling addition to the Inspector Alan Banks series, offering a thought-provoking and suspenseful reading experience.

"When the Music's Over" is the 23rd novel in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. This crime novel, published in 2016, tackles themes of sexual assault, racism, murder, poetry, and detection. The story follows Detective Superintendent Alan Banks, who is newly promoted, as he takes on two investigations. One investigation is led by Detective Inspector Annie Cabbot, while Banks serves as the Senior Investigating Officer on paper. The book delves into the complexities of these contemporary crimes, which echo and illuminate each other. With a baffling murder on a remote country lane, Banks and his team are put to the test in their most intense and gripping case yet. The plot explores the challenges faced by Banks and his female assistants as they navigate the intricacies of the investigations. Overall, "When the Music's Over" offers a suspenseful and thought-provoking read within the Inspector Banks series.

"Abattoir Blues" is the 22nd novel in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson, set in Yorkshire. The book was published in 2014 and is also known as "In the Dark Places" in the United States. The plot revolves around a lorry carrying the corpses of fallen farm animals for incineration that crashes off the isolated Belderfield Pass. Among the animal remains, a dismembered human body is discovered, likely belonging to a missing petty criminal from a criminal ring. DI Annie, a vegetarian, is tasked with investigating the local abattoirs. The story delves into the suspense of the investigation, interspersed with moments of humor and glimpses into the personal lives of the characters. Peter Robinson's writing brings the characters and the small-town life in England to life, with occasional forays into London.

"In the Dark Places" is the 22nd novel in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book follows Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates a double mystery involving the disappearance of two young men. The investigation leads Banks and his team to two different locations, where they uncover troubling clues. The story is filled with suspense and twists, keeping readers engaged as they follow Banks' pursuit of the truth. The plot of "In the Dark Places" begins with seemingly unrelated events—a stolen tractor and a mysterious bloodstain discovered by military veteran Terry Gilchrist. As Banks delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex web of secrets and deceit, leading him to confront the dark underbelly of the community. The novel explores themes of crime, justice, and the complexities of human nature, all while showcasing Robinson's skill in crafting a moody and sophisticated mystery.

"Children of the Revolution" is the 21st book in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book follows Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates the death of a homeless man at the foot of a bridge spanning an unused railway line. The investigation leads Banks to the murder of a disgraced college lecturer who was found with £5,000 in his pocket on the same railway line near his home. The book explores the complexities of the characters and their motivations and desires with depth and nuance.

"Watching the Dark" is a novel in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book follows the murder of a decorated detective inspector, Bill Quinn, who is killed on the tranquil grounds of the St. Peter's Police Treatment Centre. He is shot through the heart with a crossbow arrow, and the investigation leads to the discovery of a human trafficking ring in Estonia. The disappearance of Rachel Hewitt, who may have been a victim of the trafficking ring, is also linked to the case. The book weaves together multiple storylines, including Quinn's murder, human trafficking, and Hewitt's disappearance, into a cohesive and suspenseful plot. The characters are well-developed, and the book creates a pervasive and dangerous atmosphere.

"Bad Boy" is the 19th book in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. In this novel, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks is faced with a challenging and terrifying case when his own daughter, Tracy, crosses paths with a psychopath. A distraught woman arrives at the Eastvale police station desperate to speak to Banks, and Tracy realizes too late that she is in serious danger. The book is primarily a highly entertaining chase and pursuit when Banks enters the hunt for the Bad Boy. The plot of the book is complex, with many characters and few flaws. A fairly straightforward murder expands into a web of baffling interconnected criminal activity. Overall, "Bad Boy" is a thrilling and suspenseful addition to the Inspector Banks series, with a personal touch that makes it stand out from the rest.

"The Price of Love: And Other Stories" is a collection of short stories and a novella written by Peter Robinson. It serves as a prequel to the Inspector Banks series. The book features a range of thrilling and suspenseful stories that will captivate fans of compelling crime fiction. The collection includes an Inspector Banks novella and three Inspector Banks short stories. One of the stories, titled "Walking the Dog," is set in "The Beaches" part of Toronto and revolves around a husband and wife who both want to end their marriage, but end up being murdered. Another story, "Blue Christmas: an Inspector Banks story," was written for friends of Robinson's American publisher and features Inspector Banks solving a mysterious case. With its gripping narratives and intriguing characters, "The Price of Love: And Other Stories" is a must-have for fans of Peter Robinson and lovers of crime fiction.

"Friend of the Devil" is the 17th book in the Inspector Alan Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book follows Chief Inspector Alan Banks and Detective Inspector Annie Cabbot as they work together to solve two chilling crimes. One morning in March, on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea, a woman named Karen Drew is found dead with her head caved in. Then, later that month, a man is found hanging from a tree, and Banks and Cabbot must determine if the two cases are connected. The book explores the emotional damage done to the people involved with the crimes and delves into the personal and professional lives of both Banks and Cabbot. The book moves between both murder stories, sometimes separately and sometimes overlapping.

"Friend of the Devil" is the seventeenth book in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book follows two separate murder investigations involving Alan Banks and DI Annie Cabbot. In one case, the body of Hayley Daniels is found raped and strangled in a tangle of narrow alleys behind a market square in Eastvale. The other case involves a man named Gavin Miller, who was convicted of murdering two young girls but was released on a technicality after serving only a few years in prison. As Banks and Cabbot investigate these cases, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that lead them to question the motives of those around them. The book explores the emotional damage done to the people involved with these crimes and delves into the personal and professional lives of Banks and Cabbot. While some readers may find the plot to be less original than Robinson's other mysteries, his talent for twists and turns makes it an enjoyable read nonetheless.

"Piece of My Heart" is the 16th book in Peter Robinson's DCI Banks series. The story begins in 1969 with Detective Inspector Stanley Chadwick investigating the murder of a young woman. The book explores two murder investigations that are separated by more than three decades. In a series of flashbacks from 1969, volunteers cleaning up after a rock concert discover the body of a young woman wrapped in a sleeping bag. The present-day murder that Chief Inspector Alan Banks must solve is connected to the events of the past. The detective assigned to the case, Stanley Chadwick, is a hard-headed and strait-laced veteran of World War II. The book delves into the complexities of these interconnected cases and the challenges faced by the detectives as they uncover the truth behind the crimes.

"Playing with Fire" is a novel of suspense by Peter Robinson and is the 14th book in the Inspector Banks series. The book follows Detective Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates a dual arson case that has claimed three lives on an English canal. Banks teams up with fellow investigator Annie Cabot to solve the crimes, which involve a combination of arson and art fraud. The bodies of two squatters are found in the burning remains of a couple of derelict barges, and Banks has to wonder whether one of their own colleagues could be responsible for the crime. The book is a mind-bending thriller of secrets and murder.

"Aftermath" is the twelfth novel in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book follows Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates the murder of a young woman whose body is found in a car in a remote area of Yorkshire. Banks and his team must navigate a complex web of relationships and secrets to uncover the truth behind the murder. Along the way, they encounter a range of suspects, including the victim's ex-boyfriend, her boss, and a wealthy businessman with a connection to the victim's family. As the investigation progresses, Banks is forced to confront his own personal demons and the toll that his job has taken on his personal life. "Aftermath" is a gripping crime novel that explores themes of love, loss, and the dark side of human nature.

"Cold is the Grave" is the eleventh book in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book follows Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates the murder of a young girl whose body is found in a churchyard. The case becomes personal for Banks when he discovers that the victim was the daughter of his former lover. As Banks delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that leads him to his most powerful enemy, Chief Constable Jeremiah "Jimmy" Riddle. However, when a series of gruesome murders follows soon after, Banks finds himself pulled into the past and private world of Riddle. The book is a twisting novel of suspense that proves one can never escape their pasts—especially when there are skeletons in the closet.

"Blood at the Root" is a crime novel written by Peter Robinson, published in 1997, and is the ninth book in the Inspector Banks series. The book follows Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates the murder of a young woman named Sarah Broughton, who was found dead in a car in a remote area of Yorkshire. As Banks delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Sarah was involved in a dangerous political group, and her murder may be connected to her activism. Meanwhile, Banks is also dealing with personal issues, as his marriage is falling apart. The book is a classic Inspector Banks thriller, full of suspense and intrigue.

Innocent Graves is the eighth book in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book is a murder mystery that takes place in the wealthy enclave of St Mary's, Eastvale. The murder of a young girl named Deborah terrorizes the town, and because she was the daughter of a prominent industrialist, the new Chief Inspector Alan Banks is under pressure to solve the case quickly. The book explores the motivations and desires of the characters with depth and nuance, and the plot unravels slowly with lots of inner character conflict. Peter Robinson's writing style is straightforward and sober, and he gives death its due, making his gloomy tales more realistic. The book is highly praised for its ability to keep the reader guessing until the end without feeling cheated.

"Innocent Graves" is the eighth book in the Inspector Alan Banks series written by Peter Robinson. The series follows Detective Superintendent Alan Banks as he solves various mysteries in the fictional English town of Eastvale in the Yorkshire Dales. In "Innocent Graves," a routine call to the police leads Inspector Banks to a horrifying discovery. In the cellar of 35 The Hill, two bodies are found buried above ground in a graveyard. The murder shakes the wealthy enclave of St Mary's, Eastvale, as the victim, Deborah, was the daughter of a prominent industrialist. As Inspector Banks investigates the case, he delves into the dark secrets and hidden motives of the residents of St Mary's, uncovering a web of deceit and betrayal. With his perceptive and compassionate nature, Inspector Banks navigates the complexities of the case, determined to bring the killer to justice. "Innocent Graves" is a gripping crime novel that showcases Peter Robinson's skill in crafting engaging characters and compelling storylines. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and offers a thrilling and suspenseful journey into the world of Detective Superintendent Alan Banks.

"Final Account" is the seventh book in the Inspector Alan Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book follows Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates the suspicious death of a man who has gone to great lengths to avoid an unhappy home life. Banks finds himself drifting away from his wife, now that his two children are growing up. The book's rock 'n' roll backdrop gives the now-divorced Banks a chance to make a connection with his son, Brian. The book is set in the fictional English town of Eastvale in the Yorkshire Dales, and Robinson has stated that Eastvale is modeled on Ripon and Richmond and is somewhere north of Ripon, close to the A1 road. The book is praised for its intricate and ambitious plot and for the character development of DCI Alan Banks, who is portrayed as the most human he has been in any of the novels so far.

Wednesday's Child is a book in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. The novel opens with two distantly separated mystery plot lines that ultimately come together when the protagonist's brilliant police work solves the crime. A young woman has had her 7-year-old daughter taken into custody by a pair of social workers, only to realize later that they have actually abducted the little girl. The book follows Inspector Banks as he investigates the case and tries to find the missing child. The story takes place in a rustic Yorkshire setting, where Robinson was born and raised before moving to Toronto. Robinson decorates the action with pretty descriptions of Yorkshire, and the Banks novels grew more intricate and ambitious as the author endowed his main character with subtler shadings. In Robinson's novels, the real work of cracking the case occurs inside the detective's mind, and the author's poetic background is evident in his writing style.

"Wednesday's Child" is the sixth novel in the Inspector Alan Banks series by Peter Robinson. It was published in 1992 and has been reprinted multiple times since then. This book is a crime novel set in Yorkshire, England, and follows the story of Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates a missing child case. The novel opens with two separate mystery plot lines that eventually converge when Banks' brilliant police work helps solve the crime. The main plot revolves around a young woman whose 7-year-old daughter is taken into custody by social workers, only for her to realize later that they have made a grave mistake. As the days go by, Banks begins to lose hope of finding the missing child alive. However, a body is eventually discovered in the ruins of an old lead mine, leading to a shocking conclusion. Peter Robinson's writing in "Wednesday's Child" has been praised for its complexity, thought-provoking plots, and well-developed characters. The book showcases Robinson's growth as a writer and his ability to create suspenseful and memorable crime novels. It was the first of Robinson's novels to be shortlisted for the Edgar Award. Overall, "Wednesday's Child" is a gripping crime novel that delves into the investigation of a missing child and showcases the talents of Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks.

"Past Reason Hated" is the fifth book in the Inspector Alan Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book is a mystery novel that follows Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates the murder of a young woman named Jennifer Clewes. Jennifer was a feminist activist who had left her past behind for a forbidden love affair. The investigation leads Banks to uncover a web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear apart the small town of Eastvale. As the tension mounts, both Banks's wife and a young psychologist named Jenny Fuller are drawn deeper into the events. The cases weave together as the story reaches a tense and surprising climax. "Past Reason Hated" is a suspenseful novel that showcases Robinson's talent as a mystery writer.

"A Necessary End" is the third novel in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book is a suspenseful north country procedural that follows Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates a murder in the small town of Eastvale in the Yorkshire Dales. The victim is a controversial professor who was planning to close the local mining museum, and the list of suspects includes everyone from the museum staff to the town's political elite. As Banks delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear the town apart. The novel has been praised for its suspenseful plot and well-drawn characters, including Banks himself, who is described as a mix of compassion and attitude.

"A Necessary End" is the third novel in Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks series. The book follows the story of a peaceful demonstration in the town of Eastvale, which ends with fifty arrests and the brutal stabbing death of a young constable. Chief Inspector Alan Banks is tasked with investigating the murder and soon discovers that the case is more complex than it seems. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Banks uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear the town apart. The novel explores the human psyche and how our weaknesses can lead to deadly consequences. "A Necessary End" is a gripping crime thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

"A Dedicated Man" is the second novel in Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks series. Set in the fictional English town of Eastvale in the Yorkshire Dales, the book follows Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates a murder that uncovers hidden secrets behind a seemingly idyllic facade. The story revolves around an old-fashioned tale with old-fashioned characters in the picturesque setting of Yorkshire. As Banks delves deeper into the case, he unravels a complex web of deceit and uncovers the truth behind the murder. With Robinson's chilling and evocative writing style, "A Dedicated Man" offers a deeply nuanced exploration of the dark underbelly hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly peaceful community. Fans of crime fiction and police procedurals will find themselves engrossed in this gripping and atmospheric mystery.

"A Dedicated Man" is the second novel in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. This series follows the investigations of Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks in the North Yorkshire Major Crimes unit. In "A Dedicated Man," Banks is faced with a perplexing case when the body of a respected academic, Harry Steadman, is found in an isolated farmhouse. As Banks delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and hidden motives among the residents of the small village. The case becomes increasingly complex as Banks navigates through the intricate relationships and personal histories of the suspects. Peter Robinson's writing in "A Dedicated Man" is known for its chilling and evocative nature, as well as its deep nuance. The novel showcases Robinson's ability to create intricate and ambitious plots, drawing readers into the world of Inspector Banks and the mysteries he unravels. Overall, "A Dedicated Man" is a compelling and atmospheric crime novel that showcases Peter Robinson's skill in crafting complex and engaging mysteries within the Inspector Banks series.

"Gallows View" is the first novel in the Inspector Alan Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book introduces Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks, who has recently moved to the Yorkshire Dales from London in search of a quieter life. In the small town of Eastvale, Banks finds himself investigating a series of disturbing cases. These include a Peeping Tom terrorizing women, two young thugs involved in home invasions and robberies, and the possible murder of an elderly woman. As Banks delves into these cases, he must navigate the complexities of local feminism and his growing attraction to a young psychologist named Jenny Fuller. "Gallows View" is a gripping crime novel that showcases Banks' perceptive, curious, and compassionate nature as he works to solve these mysteries and bring justice to the community.

"Gallows View" is the first book in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson. The book follows Detective Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates three seemingly unrelated crimes in the small town of Eastvale, Yorkshire. The first crime involves the voyeuristic activities of a peeping tom, the second involves the assault of an elderly woman, and the third involves the murder of a young woman. As Banks delves deeper into the cases, he begins to uncover connections between them and realizes that they may be the work of a single perpetrator. Along the way, Banks must navigate the politics of the police department and confront his own personal demons. The book is known for its straightforward and sober descriptions of crime scenes and its realistic portrayal of police work.