Watching the Dark

By: Peter Robinson

Narrated by: Simon Slater

Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

Banks is back - and this time he's investigating the murder of one of his own. Detective Inspector Bill Reid is killed by a crossbow in the tranquil grounds of a police rehabilitation centre, and compromising photos are found in his room. DCI Banks, brought in to investigate, is assailed on all sides.

By Joanna Passero, the Professional Standards inspector who insists on shadowing the investigation in case of police corruption. By his own conviction that a policeman shouldn't be deemed guilty without evidence. By Annie Cabbot, back at work after six months' recuperation, and beset by her own doubts and demons. And by an English girl who disappeared in Estonia six years ago, who seems to hold the secret at the heart of this case.

©2012 Peter Robinson (P)2012 Hodder & Stoughton

Critic Reviews

"Brilliant! . . . Gut-wrenching plotting, alongside heart-wrenching portraits of the characters who populate his world, not to mention the top-notch police procedure.' Jeffery Deaver 'Classic Robinson: a labyrinthine plot merged with deft characterisation." ( Observer)

Inspector Banks! Hoorah!

As a massive fan of hard copy Inspector Banks series and as a massive fan of audio books, I thought I would combine the two and give the audio version a go. Listened to the sample and didn't think Simon Slater too bad (but who on earth thought to cast Stephen Tomkinson as DCI Banks on TV should be shot - is it me or is the character we all know and love anything like Stephen Tomkinson plays him???? Hrrumph...) Anyway I digress. Simon Slater as Banks was ok, I got used to it, but why on earth did he have to do a very bad Jamacian accent for Winsome????? Yes we know she's black, but this is very poor stereotyping on whoever suggested her character should be portrayed like that, unless I've missed something in previous books, and if so I apologise. The Estonian accents also get a bit wearing more like a bad transylvanian vampire low on blood. Exceptions apart it is a good listen, not my favourite of the series, but good all the same and would recommend it for any fan. I really wish the end had been a bit more fanciful though just for a feel good aspect once in a while. Never mind.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Well constructed detective story

I have read listened to all of Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks novels and would rate this one among the best. It is plot-driven without too much of the author's weakness for filling the pages with stuff about music, drinking and smoking, though there's a bit too much of the last for my tastes. The story takes Banks to Estonia and involves the topical issue of people-trafficking and Eastern European organized crime into which is woven the story of a Yorkshire girl who went missing when on a hen-night in Estonia. I thought that the narrator added greatly to my enjoyment of the book as he is able to switch his voice among many different accents, ages and between sexes.

9 of 11 people found this review helpful

Watching the Dark

the reader has tried to use different accents for various characters but these are not convincing. Found myself wincing at the accents at some points instead of listening to the story,

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Starts off well....................

I am afraid that this book does not live up to previous Banks stories and tends to ramble.



I have been a fan of Robinson/Banks since I read my first story several years ago. They were rising in excitement and intrigue over the years but I feel let down by this one.



Sorry Mr. Robinson but you will have to regain the old spark. Trouble is, how will I know if the spark has been regained when the next book comes out? I will have to wait for reviews.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

intresting enough

What did you like most about Watching the Dark?

Interesting enough story, though at times it seemed a bit padded.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I have earlier Banks audio books, read by Neil Pearson, so maybe I'm a bit biased as to how Banks is presented, and did not really enjoy this narrator, who had an unusual take on accents.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good book spoiled by atrocious accents

I would honestly prefer the narrator not to bother with ANY accents if he doesn't have the skill to do them. It makes listening painful and totally spoils the story for me. Let the accents go and just read the story please!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Loved it.

Great story, interesting characters, very innovative and believable. A breath of fresh air. Well read and very engaging.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

brilliant from start to finish in every way

best DCI banks I've read s far. wonderfully performed. atmospheric. plot amazing and satisfactory conclusion

A very enjoyable read

I enjoy this series and the plot of this book kept me involved and interested throughout. An interesting plot.

Enjoyable but not the best of Banks

I love this series and although I enjoyed the story it was not as good a plot as Peter Robinson usually produces. There were no real surprises and it was all rather predictable. Having so much set in Estonia, all the dialogue by Estoniens sounded the same. Sadly a bit flat.