Rated of 5
by Colleen T. (Lakewood, CO) Before the Poison
“Before the Poison” is a first-rate book. Robinson has told a mesmerizing story weaving the present and the past together in such a way that I could not put the book down. I was enthralled with the way the author brought the murder mystery from the past into the present and how it affected the current characters and their lives. I loved the descriptions of England and Paris and especially the descriptions of the English nurses and their perils through WWII. I highly recommend this book.
Rated of 5
by Angela G. (Byram, MS) Before The Poison by Peter Robinson
This book is as great a departure from the Inspector Banks novels as one could imagine.
It is not a procedural nor a classic who dunnit. It's a novel that asks the questions "Was a crime committed and if so, then who was behind it all?". The story line is minimal but it's fleshed out with lots of character studies, moody atmosphere, and period settings. There are enjoyable, detailed descriptions of the rural English countryside. The story journeys further afield with an immersing sense of place for parts of France and South Africa. A very old journal will carry the reader through a voyage to the Pacific Rim.
Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks novels are filled with references to music but this novel carries it even further. The protagonist, Chris Lowndes, is actually a retired musician, so there are many references to music written for movies. The denouement was a surprise, albeit a disappointing one for some. Many, including this reviewer, will not agree with the ethical choice revealed by Lowndes.
Rated of 5
by Lois P. (Logan, UT) Left Hanging. . .
Peter Robinson is a wonderful writer! This stand alone British mystery begins with the 1953 hanging of Grace Fox then twists and turns to a surprising conclusion. Grace's tragic story is juxtaposed with that of Chris Lowndes, who buys the Fox mansion (sight unseen) where the crime took place decades earlier. Grace Fox is especially intriguing, brought to life through her harrowing WWII journal. Recommended for lovers of disturbing, moody, dark atmospheric tales. Good to the very last page!
Rated of 5
by Hilary H. (Tucson, AZ) Before the Poison
I've been a fan of Peter Robinson for sometime having read almost all of the Inspector Banks novels. The setting was familiar - Yorkshire, but the main character (Chris Lowndes) is quite different from Insp. Banks though charming, thoughtful and a musician. The alternating story lines of the present day and the past (around WW II) work very well. I particularly liked the use of Grace's journal to reflect her WW II experiences (horrendous) as a nurse and her thoughts. The plot builds slowly but satisfyingly. I was engaged from the first few pages.
Rated of 5
by Vicky S. (Torrance, CA) Before the Poison
This book was enjoyable with a murder mystery from years back and current emotional and relationship turmoil. I would look for other books by this author. Book clubs would enjoy the discussion about possible motives for murder as well as the movie music portion.
Rated of 5
by Betty B. (Irving, TX) Before The Poison
Over the years I have read a number of Robinson's Inspector Banks' mysteries and have always enjoyed them. However, this book exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed the setting and the historical background. I liked the structure of the novel, and the weaving back and forth between The Famous Trials and Grace's journal and the present. Grace's journal was especially touching. Robinson brought everything together at the end and this is one of those books that I really hated to finish. Maybe there might be a sequel telling us more about Chris' Yorkshire adventures in Kilnsgate?
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of 5
by Colleen T. (Lakewood, CO) 
of 5
by Angela G. (Byram, MS) 
of 5
by Lois P. (Logan, UT) 
