Rated of 5
by Becky M. (Crumpler, NC) Personalities over Plot
How can I get across that this was a good novel, but not great; that I like the direction Robinson is going with his characters, but I'm not invested in them; that I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot, but it wasn't hard to put the book down for several days at a time? Robinson is leading us away from Alan Banks--but maybe that's not so bad. Daughter Tracy and ex-lover/partner Annie are intriguing characters, and in their own way, add texture and dimension to Banks. I DID enjoy the complicated nature of Banks's relationship with Tracy and the emerging revived affection for Annie. Do you get the gist--that what appealed to me most were the personalities, not the story? I won't downplay the drama of the chase, the unique approach of the UK to gun control, and the surprise of the final showdown. But Robinson has written better Banks thrillers, and I'll be waiting for the next one.
Rated of 5
by Betty B. (Irving, TX) A great addition to this series Bad Boy is Peter Robinson's 19th book in his series about Yorkshire's Inspector Banks. Fans of this series will not be disappointed in Bad Boy, which begins with Banks vacationing in Arizona and California, trying to put his life -- his job and his relationships--in better perspective. When he returns, jet-lagged, he is immediately thrown into a case involving his former partner and sometime lover, Annie Cabot, who has been shot and is in critical condition. To complicate matters more, he learns his daughter is somehow involved and is missing. Banks jumps in to find the man who shot Annie and to bring his daughter safely home. I've read most of the books in this series and enjoyed meeting the characters once again. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy British police procedurals...this series is one of the best. I think the book also works well as a stand-alone, but the reader would miss the rich background that has been established in the earlier books.
Rated of 5
by Ray P. (Selden, NY) "Bad Boy" delivers!
As one character is quoted in the latest effort by British mystery writer, Peter Robinson: "A bad boy is unreliable, and sometimes he doesn't show up at all, or if he does, he's late and moody; he acts mean to you, and he leaves early. He always seems to have another iron in the fire, somewhere else to be." That's putting it mildly!
With his latest effort, "Bad Boy", Peter Robinson continues the outstanding Inspector Alan Banks series with a tense thriller that may be the most personal yet for D.I. Banks. The 'bad boy' in question has shot and seriously wounded a cop (Bank's oft partner) and is on the lam with Banks' daughter, Tracy, as hostage. What lengths will Banks go to and what allegiances need to be made to secure an acceptable end to this nightmare.
This novel, as with all of Robinson's work, if fast-paced and intense and never seems to let up. What I enjoy most about the Banks novels is how he continues to expand my appreciation of music as D.I. Banks possesses one of the most eclectic CD collections of any fictional character in modern literature and always keeps me abreast of the latest and greatest on the music scene. Well done!
Rated of 5
by Betsy R. (Gig Harbor, WA) Bad Boy
Although some background knowledge about the main character Inspector Banks and also about the way the British police operate (which might explain the way the gun was handled in the beginning) would be helpful, this new installment in this series is still a well-written and fast paced story. It falls slightly more into the thriller category than actual mystery, though, with the "chase" element. The development of both Banks and his daughter Tracy does add to the depth of the book. I would recommend it.
Rated of 5
by Jane N. (Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey) Bad Boy done Right
This is a great read and a wonderful "who dun it!" I especially enjoyed the female police detective. All of the characters are well developed and the plot line is well though out. This is the first time I have read this author and I know that I will be reading more from him. He is a great find for anyone who enjoys British mysteries!
Rated of 5
by Anne G. (Byram, MS) Bad Boy by Peter Robinson Is Another Winner!
The latest Peter Robinson book featuring DCI Alan Banks is a diversion from the usual Banks investigation into a murder mystery. This novel is primarily a highly entertaining chase and pursuit when Banks enters the hunt for the Bad Boy. All the familiar characters from the Eastvale Precinct are here: DI Annie Cabot, DC Winsome Jackman, Det. Superintendent Gervaise and others that readers will remember.
Characterizations are brilliant, the dialogue is superb, and sense of place is established early on. A central theme asks what happens when all communication breaks down between a mother, a father, and a daughter? Readers are left to ponder the question that so many parents ask themselves every day and wonder what might have been "if only". The chase for Bad Boy starts off slow, builds speed, adds the element of danger to a Banks' family member, and races to a deadly finish that will keep readers up late at night to finish this book. Highly recommended!
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of 5
by Becky M. (Crumpler, NC) 
of 5
by Betty B. (Irving, TX) 
of 5
by Jane N. (Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey) 
