Rated of 5
by Karen R. (Columbus, OH) Literary Mystery
This started off great, slowed down a little, and then I could not put it down. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters. This mystery spends most of its time in character development, while slowly developing the plot. I enjoyed the two different times in history that were discussed, and felt I learned some things about WWII that I had not known before. It was well written, and very enjoyable. I enjoy mysteries requiring the reader to use their mind, minimal blood, and interesting characters. This book had all of these plus more.
Rated of 5
by Cecilia Z. (Montclair, New Jersey) Good, but not great
I am a big fan of Peter Robinson and his detective, Alan Banks, and look forward to his mysteries. I found this novel a little disappointing. It is a stand-alone novel about a man who moves to England and is pulled into a mystery involving a former resident of the house he purchases, who was hanged for murder. Unlike his other books, this had a very slow pace. It was also difficult to understand why finding out what happened was so compelling to the main character. While there were a few surprises in the end, they weren't enough to explain his obsessive interest. I did enjoy the character's interest and knowledge of music and movies. That is an enjoyable theme in his other mysteries, which was more developed here. All in all, good but not great.
Rated of 5
by Darlene C. (Simpsonville, SC) Enjoyable read!
I haven't read this author's Inspector Banks novels but they are not necessary to enjoy this book. The first couple of chapters were slow going because they dealt with the geography of the story. It wasn't a "couldn't put it down", but more like an "I can't wait to get back to it" and the further I read the harder it became to wait to get back to it. I found the plot original and the characters endearing. I would recommend this book to a friend, it really should be rated 4.5!
Rated of 5
by Carole P. (framingham, ma) Before the Poison
This stand alone has all the usual trademarks of Peter Robinson 's books. Beautifully crafted, the suspense builds slowly. What has drawn widower Chris Lownds back to the U.K.. After years in Hollywood , he decides to return and buys an old mansion in Yorkshire. He finds that it was the scene of an infamous murder some fifty years ago. A beautiful woman kills her husband and hangs for the crime. As Chris delves into the case he begins to question her guilt. What really did happen at Kilnsgate house and is he bringing past danger into the present? As always Peter Robinson delivers an outstanding mystery.
Rated of 5
by Sue P. (Richardson, TX) Before The Poison
This is a departure from the Inspector Banks series and not nearly as gritty and intense. A touch of the supernatural and a somewhat gentle, drifty approach makes this an unusual book, especially with a male narrator who seems to be obsessed with the quest to find the truth about a woman who was hanged for the murder of her husband 60 years before. Good story; well-written - the descriptions of the various locales, particularly the house in Yorkshire, are wonderful.
Rated of 5
by Jim S. (Austin, TX) Before the Poison
The setting for the story is in North Yorkshire, UK near Richmond on the Swale river. Christopher Lowndes, now 60, had lived his childhood in the 'rough' side of Leeds, UK. But after having buried his wife Laura, 3 years before due to her death from cancer he is returning to England. Chris had a successful career as composer of film music that "no one ever listens to." He received one Oscar Award but had been nominated for others. The story starts with Grace Elizabeth Fox dressing for her hanging, having been convicted of murdering her husband Dr. Ernest Fox. Chris arrives at the home he has not seen in person prior to purchase called Kilnsgate. The real estate agent person Heather had neglected to tell him that the mansion he has purchased was the home of Dr. Fox and his murderess Grace Elizabeth Fox. Chris becomes interested in the story of Grace Elizabeth and is convinced that she may have been innocent. This leads him to many interesting characters, not only in the Richmond area but trips to Paris and South Africa. It is a convincing and great story. The outcome is unexpected. Part of Grace's story is told in an old book of reports of famous trials. Part of the story is from Grace's experience in WWII as a Red Cross Nurse. I have read most of Peter Robinson's books, enjoying the Alan Banks novels. This book is Robinson's best effort. At times I would have to stop reading in order to think about what was written. Also because I didn't want the book to end. I recommend it highly.
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of 5
by Karen R. (Columbus, OH) 
of 5
by Cecilia Z. (Montclair, New Jersey) 
