All the Colors of Darkness
DCI Alan Banks Mystery #18

by Peter Robinson

      The body of a man is discovered hanging from a tree in the woods near Eastvale.  All signs point to suicide, according to Detective Inspector Annie Cabbot.  The man is identified as Mark Hardcastle, set and costume designer for the local amateur theatre company, which is currently producing "Othello".  He was successful and well liked but there was a mystery about his background,

Hardcastle's older, wealthy lover, Lawrence Sllbert, is found bludgeoned to death.  Annie calls on her partner, Chief Inspector Alan Banks, to help her determine whether Silbert's death was a crime of passion by Hardcastle, who then committed suicide out of remorse.  Banks is taken away from his new love, Sophie, who is not understanding about the demands of his job. Banks finds links to the theatre company production of "Othello" and danger lurking behind the scenes.

Robinson has given us a compelling mystery set in his familiar Yorkshire country.  It is an intriguing plot with violent characters.  We are again made familiar with Bank's favorite music while we become involved with his private life.  The story of "Othello" is a thread in the plot with colours of darkness: jealousy, betrayal, envy, ambition, greed, lust and revenge.

Any book Robinson writes is sure to be a page-turner.

Highly recommended.

Reviews of other titles in this series

Cold is the Grave #11
Aftermath #12
Close to Home #13
Playing Fire #14
Strange Affair #15 [audio] [book]
Piece of My Heart #16
Friend of the Devil #17
All the Colors of Darkness #18
In The Dark Places #22 [review 1] [review 2]
When The Music's Over #23 [review 1] [review 2]