All the Colors of Darkness (Inspector Banks Novels)

Peter Robinson has developed one of the genre's most appealing investigators in Alan Banks. He's lived a lot, learned from his experiences and mistakes, and remains ineffably real and humane. Bank's has a lot on his plate in Colors of Darkness. Just as he seems to have found genuine happiness with Sophia, he finds himself immersed in a case that's patently straightforward, but his instincts keep telling him that how deceiving are appearances. The Cold War is over, but now its replacement, the ever-present terrorism threat, has grown even more complex and perilous, and Banks is unnervingly unsure of the rules. All the Colors of Darkness is an expertly crafted, knotty mystery, with elements of darkness, as well as plenty of zigs, zags, and human interest. Highly recommended.

For fans who eagerly await eash new Robinson text; this one definitely won't disappoint. For those who have never read Robinson, the relationship between DCI Banks, his new girlfriend and her family might prove a little confusing. Since this particular thread is from a previous novel, it might cast a first time reader somewhat adrift. Even though Robinson weaves the loose ends in nicely, this excursion into Banks' personal life only really matters if one is familiar with his previous relationship involving Annie Cabbot. Having said that, Mr. Robinson gives enough information about his characters to prevent a new reader from becoming lost. As for the story, it's another roller coaster ride! Absolutely nothing is as it seems.

I am always glad when another Peter Robinson novel comes out. I have been reading him for years. Last year I found a very old novel of his that I had not read. It wasn't quite as well written as his later books but you could see seeds of greatness. His writing is intelligent and discriptive and the continuing story of Alan Banks shows that he is a flawed human as are all of the characters. The mystery is a bit out there with the MI6 connection, however this author also got me reading about Enigma and MI6. I love an author such as Peter Robinson that makes you hungry for more information. Very Satisfying.

I can't say that I'm a mystery/thriller buff--I like the genre but read a variety of books with my varied interests. I do especially like Stephen King's writings and style, as well as the old Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes stories, and I was an aficiando years ago of the early detective genre (Raffles, Lord Peter Wimsey, the Saint, etc.) But, I digress. All the Colors of Darkness was a terrific read and will stand solidly with the other extraordinary mysterys and thrillers. Peter Robinson's reputation as a top-notch mystery writer is decidedly totally deserved, and he created fascinating, realistic characters at the base of this novel. His recurring character, Inspector Alan Banks, joins the ranks of the classic detectives as he searches for the killer of the hanged man. Robinson's writing is smooth, eloquent and descriptive, and the pace of the book picks up speed quickly as the story unfolds. All in all, Robinson's fans should be pleased and anyone who has not read any his books yet is sure to find a new, favorite writer here.

I always look forward to the new Peter Robinson thrillers. I have read all of them and enjoyed them all. Alan Banks and Annie Cabbot are like old friends. This books starts with a man found hanging from a tree in a park. Suicide is ruled cause of death but as the story progresses it becomes more and more of a mystery. The dead man is involved in a local theater group and his male lover is a very wealthy older man, whose past is a bit of a mystery. Before the book ends we find the theme of Othello as a murder plot device and Banks is being followed and threatened by M6 or perhaps M5. If the reader stays with the book, it is a very satisfying read indeed.