In a Dry Season

By: Peter Robinson

Narrated by: Ron Keith

Length: 16 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

In a Dry Season, winner of the Anthony Award, is an outstanding example of mystery fiction. Peter Robinson's Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks conjures up memories of classic detectives like Philip Marlowe and Sherlock Holmes.

An insufferable drought ravages the Yorkshire countryside, depleting the Thornfield Reservoir, revealing the remnants of the flooded town of Hobb's End and the terrible secrets kept safe within its watery tomb. Amongst the ruins, the remains of a woman's body are discovered. Detective Banks deduces that the woman was strangled and repeatedly stabbed more than 50 years ago. His investigation takes him on a treacherous quest to bring a killer, who has escaped detection for over a half a century, to justice.

Robinson pushes the boundaries of the genre by giving listeners fresh insights into the myriad nuances of crime fiction. Ron Keith immerses himself in his multiple roles and superbly voices the novel's complexities.

Follow Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates Yorkshire's toughest crimes.

©2000 Peter Robinson (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Anyone who loves a good mystery should curl up gratefully with a cuppa to enjoy this rich 10th installment of the acclaimed British police procedural series....Once again, Robinson's work stands out for its psychological and moral complexity, its startling evocation of pastoral England, and its gritty, compassionate portrayal of modern sleuthing." (Publishers Weekly)
"Peter Robinson is an expert plotter with an eye for telling detail...the characters have complexity and the issues range broad and deep." (The New York Times Book Review)

Terrible narrator

The reader was awful and the story predictable. My least favorite of the series so far.

Voice work.

The narrator's interpretation of the voices of the characters was terrible. It seemed like he did not read the previous books to get a proper feel for the characters. At least the reoccurring characters.

5 star storyline; best of series so far. But 2 star narration.

This is a fascinating storyline; best one of the series so far, I think. 5 stars. That’s what kept me listening. Because narration was worst so far; made me want to quit at times. Inconsistent voices for many characters, and often a a jarring/grating voice for main character. 2 stars. So overallI gave it 3 stars. If done with solid narration would be 5 star rating overall.

Well Constructed Mystery

This is a totally absorbing mystery. I became completely involved with the well drawn characters. The book switches very smoothly from present to past and back again throughout the story which takes place in an English Village during World War II. The reader is gradually privy to the facts while the modern day detectives search the past to uncover the history of the body found in the dry reservoir. In A Dry Season is a very good novel and well worth a credit or purchase. Enjoy

Worst narration ever.

Totally inappropriate narrator for a good story. I like this author but don't want to listen to his books narrated by this narrator.

Better read than heard

This is a great book spoiled by a not quite poor reader. His Banks voice is abrasive which doesn't seem to me to hold true to the written character. Might be better read.

This is not a narration; it is a performance.

I have read with interest the other reviews citing the effect of the narrator on this reading experience. I also struggled with it in the beginning and finally grew used to it and eventually began enjoying it. But readers/listeners should be aware that the manner in which this book is narrated will affect your perception of this novel; it can't be helped. I have read many of the Inspector Banks novels in print and often find them a bit too sedate for my tastes. Listening to the book brought the main characters to life for me. You may, however, disagree with the manner in which the narrator interprets the various characters.

The story itself is ingenuous as it moves back and forth between wartime England and the present day. I did not find it boring or transparent as other reviewers have suggested. Peter Robinson is a fine writer - a cut above the normal police procedural. His characters are subtle and human. Overall, I enjoyed the book very much, but the narrator may not fit everyone's expectations. Listen to a sample first.

Peter’s Best Novel

Very good plot. Longer than usual. Very good character development in Gloria. Also wanted to render respect and condolences to Peter’s family and all that know he is top 5 procedural writer. RIP PETER

horrible narrator

I would like to see the development of the character, but I'm not sure I can endure this horrible voice to do so!

Dark English mystery

If you could sum up In a Dry Season in three words, what would they be?

Mystery to the end

What does Ron Keith bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ron Keith is a particular favorite of mine I and I originally chose the book on his merits. The book turned out to be a winner. I found out years ago the listening to a book being read was a far better experience than reading. While reading is a pleasure of mine, listening provides many nuances lost when reading.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have but I have the Ipod in my car for use while driving.