I am waiting for the sequel to Before the Poison

First, isn't Banks getting a bit old now? He was 36 in the first book when he moved to Eastvale in 1987, so he's 61 in this story - a bit old to be chasing around Estonia. Don't they retire at 60? I didn't like it as much as the earlier Banks stories simply becasue the Estonia trip seemed far-fetched. I'm still trying to find a number of earlier books in the series - it's a pity that MPL doesn't have a complete set from a local author.

This is another mystery novel in the series featuring Alan Banks. Here, the story begins with the murder of a policeman, and leads to another murder, criminal activity involving migrant workers, and a trail to a case several years old. Annie is just about to return to work after her injury, and gets involved in the domestic end of the case. Banks is off digging into the cold case in Estonia, looking for the ties between the dead policeman and an Estonian journalist. As usual I enjoy the personal and inner lives we see of these characters, how they relate to each other, the way their history affects their behaviour, and the likes and dislikes. There are weak criminals, repentant ones, and those too arrogant for their own good in the long run. Banks himself is a bit of a rebel, with a strong interest in justice, but not necessarily in following the rules. Annie is also so inclined, with an interest in helping those who have been victimized. She is still recovering both physically and mentally from her close call, and that also is brought into the story. We have the usual fellow police officers, as well as a few new ones, including a lovely blonde. And as in all Banks novels, we have music, both classical and modern, with a lean towards folk. Bringing in the recent criminal trends of human trafficking in its many forms and the drug trade, this novel is a nice addition to the series.

Agree with those who found this routine and uninspired. Still good enough to keep me reading all the way through.

Peter Robinson continues to spin an absorbing tale.

Not up to the usual Banks' novel standard. I felt Robinson was going through the motions a bit and I did not find the mystery very interesting or compelling. Perhaps the series has run its course?

Topical plotline with migrant workers etc. but writing and characters felt a bit flat. Is Banksy getting tired?

An inspector Banks story. A recovering inspector is shot dead with a crossbow. It leads Banks to an unsolved girl's murder from 6 years ago which the dead policeman had been working on and into international trafficing in illegal immigrants and that slimy, corrupt and brutal underworld. It seems that Robinson is comfortable with Banks because he and the other characters are well fleshed out through small conversations, realistic human emotions and relationships that are all so real.

The latest installment in the Inspector Banks series is a good one! Annie is back and the team is on the hunt for a cross-bow killer. Well worth the read.