Children of the Revolution

An Inspector Banks Novel

By: Peter Robinson

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Multiple award-winning, New York Times and number-one internationally best-selling author Peter Robinson returns with Children of the Revolution, a superb tale of mystery and murder that takes acclaimed British Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks back to the early 1970s - a turbulent time of politics, change, and radical student activism.

The body of a disgraced college lecturer is found on an abandoned railway line. In the four years since his dismissal for sexual misconduct, he’d been living like a hermit. So where did he get the 5,000 pounds found in his pocket?

Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks begins to suspect that the victim's past may be connected to his death. Forty years ago the dead man attended a university that was a hotbed of militant protest and divisive, bitter politics. And as the seasoned detective well knows, some grudges are never forgotten - or forgiven.

Just as he’s about to break the case open, his superior warns him to back off. Yet Banks isn’t about to stop, even if it means risking his career. He's certain there’s more to the mystery than meets the eye...and more skeletons to uncover before the case can finally be closed.

©2014 Eastvale Enterprises, Inc. (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

Interesting story, but Really...

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes and No, the story was interesting, but Banks was mixture of contradictions. Here is a character that is supposed to have a chip on his shoulder in regards to the rich, but in this story he did not act as expected. In the end, his whole behavior for the last 50 minutes of the book was ridiculous. Why would he act like he did after what happened to him, was not realistic.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The hidden story that the suspects were trying to hide.

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

He has definitely improved with each story, I finally think I can get back into this stories.

Did Children of the Revolution inspire you to do anything?

No, not really.

Any additional comments?

This author fills the pages with too much conversation between characters, and sometimes it can be a little slow.

Not a Banks fan based on this book

This was my first (and probably last) Ian Banks novel. I am always on the lookout for new mysteries, and I was particularly interested in the tie-in to 1960s-70s radical politics. Although the writing style is good, I found the plot weak and the pace tedious. The resolution depends on characters spilling their guts to police instead of just clamming up or saying "before we go any further I want to talk to my solicitor." Occasionally this sort of confessional splurge can be forgiven, but it is such a constant feature of this book that it becomes intrusive and annoying. Finally, as detectives go I found Banks a bit on the bland side. Chacun a son gout, I suppose.

Finally, another Banks novel + Simon Prebble

What made the experience of listening to Children of the Revolution the most enjoyable?

It was narrated by Simon Prebble. I think I'd listen to Prebble read his grocery list.

What did you like best about this story?

It revealed how much the "influential" people in society can effect police investigations. Not a subject that everyone is pleased to see appear in print.Actually what I really liked best was that is was read by Simon Prebble and it was the next Inspector Banks novel in the series. I've read or even better, when given the chance, listened to them all. Listening to them is much better than reading them.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

Every word. Simon Prebble is on my A list of narrators and if it wasn't for George Guidall, he would be #1

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I don't listen to police procedural novels to be moved. Just the opposite. I listen to them to be entertained and the Inspector Banks series is one of the few being published.

Any additional comments?

Some of the reviews I read (on Amazon) were not very kind. And they were from fans of the Inspector Banks series. Comments like - "Dragged on...I've always enjoyed Peter Robinson's books but this is not one of his best." and "Having read all of the Inspector Banks books, I found this one to be dreary and dull..." Don't believe it. IMHO, no better nor worse than all the others, although Prebble's narration makes it better than those narrated by James Langton.If one looks at all the reviews of all of the Banks series novels words like "not his best" "dull" "slow moving" appear quite often. After all those comments, readers continue to read and listen. Peter Robinson didn't become #1 internationally bestselling author by writing dull and slow moving novels (22 by latest count).

Banks delivers again

Another extremely good Banks story. Well read and most enjoyable. Three more words to make this review submit.

Best of Robinson and Prebble so far

Intriguing story and characters, multiple interesting plots, real relationship aspects, and exceptional voice and narration make this one a good though protracted read. Occasional redundancy helps rather than detracts.

Love Peter Robinson's books

Where does Children of the Revolution rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was excellent. I really enjoy catching up with Inspector Banks and of all the crime thriller writers I think Peter Robinson is the best.

What other book might you compare Children of the Revolution to and why?

This book follows the same theme as the others - had a string believable plot though.

Which character – as performed by Simon Prebble – was your favorite?

Banks of course - always Banks.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the ending was particularly good.

Mid-life Crisis?

I think the author is going through a mid-life crisis. Having the main character Alan Banks end up with a woman almost 30 years his junior is gross! Throughout his books, the author vividly describes the appearance of each and every woman. There is judgment and continual assessment. I have enjoyed the series so much but the continual emphasis on the appearance of women is a real turn-off and rather sexist. That aspect coupled with Bank's new romance signals the end of the series for me.

nostajgic

As an aging hippie, this was rather an enjoyable romp through a time long past.

One of the best of banks

The writing has a clear simplicity to it with the focus on serial interviews with increasing complexity of motive.

Boring

What disappointed you about Children of the Revolution?

After listening to Michael Page narrate an Ian Rankin, novel, I just could not stand listening to Simon Prebble. Its a real chore to listen to it any more. I should just have bought the book.

Would you recommend Children of the Revolution to your friends? Why or why not?

NO way.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Simon Prebble?

I have not idea.