|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
Peter Robinson continues the story of Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks after his impressive debut in Gallows View. In this second book of the series Banks is sent to the small Yorkshire village of Gratly to investigate the murder of mild-mannered professor and archaeologist, Dr. Harry Steadman. What makes this case unique is that no one in town had an unkind word against Steadman even though the murder was clearly premeditated. Banks does not believe that the death involved the professor's present but something that may have happened a decade ago when the victim first moved to Gratly. The greatest strength in this novel is in the character development of all the chief players in the story. Banks interviews everyone in Dr. Steadman's circle and adds a little bit to the puzzle that is the professor. The most impressive character in the story is 16-year-old Sally Lumb. This teenager wants to live her dreams, leave the village, and move to London. Sally has aspirations of becoming an actress and has the talent to pull it off. On the night of the murder, Sally may have seen something that might help crack the case open for the police. After careful preparation and grooming she goes to police headquarters to tell her story. Her idolized ideas about police work and Detective Chief Inspector Banks fizzle and decides to continue the investigation on her own unaware of the possible consequences. It will be through Ms. Lumb's determination that Banks will solve the case. The novel is not predictable but full of surprises. It will be through the words of some of the characters that the truth will be revealed. In some small towns words can hurt and rumor can spread like wildfire, but through careful analysis the truth will come to light. The conclusion is totally unexpected and satisfying. A Dedicated Man is a great mystery novel.
Reviewed by Angel L. Soto, September 2002
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
