From Publishers Weekly
Detective chief inspector Alan Banks investigates the death of a well-to-do archeologist, while author Robinson vividly evokes English village life. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
After an old Yorkshire farmer discovers a half-buried body in his pasture, excitement interrupts routine in the small community of Swainsdale. Series detective Alan Banks ( Gallows View , 1990) begins investigating the habits and background of the victim, a dedicated professor who left his job upon receiving a sizeable inheritance. Suspicion falls on his charmless wife, his long-time publisher, his local drinking buddies, a younger woman, and others. Before Banks can narrow the list, the murderer strikes again. Readers of English village mysteries should enjoy Robinson's promising second step.Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.


The New York Times Book Review
"Robinson's profound sense of place and reflective study of human nature give fine depth to his mystery."


From Kirkus Reviews
Who killed workaholic industrial archeologist/local historian Harry Steadman of Swainsdale and carted his body off to be buried near a crumbling wall? His plain, well-provided-for, well-alibied widow Emma? His publisher, coauthor, and longtime friend Michael Ramsden? His drinking mate, mystery writer Jack Barker? Pop singer Penny Cartwright, whom he'd spent an idyllic summer with (platonically?) after his marriage ten years ago? Quiet, competent Chief Inspector Alan Banks (Gallows View) is sure that the secret to Steadman's death lies back in that summer, but his hunch pays off too late to save an aspiring witness turned second victim. A tidy, articulate, well-observed sample of the current retro- Thirties British school--there's even a superfluous map of Swainsdale- -that carries you along on a rising tide of suppressed passion to the uninspired denouement. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Chicago Tribune
"A deftly constructed plot--Robinson's skill with the British police procedural has been burnished to a high gloss."


Houston Post
"Vivid, exciting-a rich cast of characters."


Denver Post
"Wonderful-a superior detective, a superior writer."


Book Description
A dedicated man is dead in the Yorkshire dales -- a former university professor, wealthy historian and archaeologist who loved his adopted village. It is a particularly heinous slaying, considering the esteem in which the victim, Harry Steadman, was held by his neighbors and colleagues -- by everyone, it seems, except the one person who bludgeoned the life out of the respected scholar and left him half-buried in a farmer's field.Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks left the violence of London behind for what he hoped would be the peaceful life of a country policeman. But the brutality of Steadman's murder only reinforces one ugly, indisputable truth: that evil can flourish in even the most bucolic of settings. There are dangerous secrets hidden in the history of this remote Yorkshire community that have already led to one death. And Banks will have to plumb a dark and shocking local past to find his way to a killer before yesterday's sins cause more blood to be shed.


About the Author
Peter Robinson grew up in Yorkshire. His previous Inspector Banks novel, In a Dry Season, was nominated for the Edgar Award, was named a New York Times Notable Book, and won the Anthony Award.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A dedicated man is dead in the Yorkshire dales — a former university professor, wealthy historian and archaeologist who loved his adopted village. It is a particularly heinous slaying, considering the esteem in which the victim, Harry Steadman, was held by his neighbors and colleagues — by everyone, it seems, except the one person who bludgeoned the life out of the respected scholar and left him half-buried in a farmer's field.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks left the violence of London behind for what he hoped would be the peaceful life of a country policeman. But the brutality of Steadman's murder only reinforces one ugly, indisputable truth: that evil can flourish in even the most bucolic of settings. There are dangerous secrets hidden in the history of this remote Yorkshire community that have already led to one death. And Banks will have to plumb a dark and shocking local past to find his way to a killer before yesterday's sins cause more blood to be shed.

Author Biography:

Peter Robinson grew up in Yorkshire. His previous Inspector Banks novel, In a Dry Season, was nominated for the Edgar Award, was named a New York Times Notable Book, and won the Anthony Award.

SYNOPSIS

A dedicated man is dead in the Yorkshire dales—a former university professor, wealthy historian and archaeologist who loved his adopted village. It is a particularly heinous slaying, considering the esteem in which the victim, Harry Steadman, was held by his neighbors and colleagues—by everyone, it seems, except the one person who bludgeoned the life out of the respected scholar and left him half-buried in a farmer's field.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks left the violence of London behind for what he hoped would be the peaceful life of a country policeman. But the brutality of Steadman's murder only reinforces one ugly, indisputable truth: that evil can flourish in even the most bucolic of settings. There are dangerous secrets hidden in the history of this remote Yorkshire community that have already led to one death. And Banks will have to plumb a dark and shocking local past to find his way to a killerbefore yesterday's sins cause more blood to be shed.

FROM THE CRITICS

Chicago Tribune

A deftly constructed plot...Robinson's skill with the British police procedural has been burnished to a high gloss.

Denver Post

Wonderful...a superior detective...a superior writer.

Houston Post

Vivid...exciting...a rich cast of characters.

New York Times Book Review

Robinson's profound sense of place and reflective study of human nature give fine depth to his mystery.

Publishers Weekly