Peter Robinson should be a household name among bibliophiles. His books --- including those in his wonderful Inspector Banks series --- are not heavy on bells and whistles, or explosions and karate, for that matter. Instead, what Robinson promises and delivers is solid plotting and first-class characterization, presented in a package comprised of fine writing from first paragraph to last.

Robinson’s latest Inspector Banks novel, IN THE DARK PLACES, continues his penchant for titling his work after rock music tracks. If you are unfamiliar with “In the Dark Places” by PJ Harvey, please give it a listen before diving into this book, as it sets the mood without explaining the title (which becomes clear in a stark manner by book’s end). Alan Banks is a Detective Chief Inspector with the Eastvale, Yorkshire police force. It’s a large enough town, but it’s not London, which is how Banks likes it.

"IN THE DARK PLACES is not a beach read, but it’s perfect for those dark and rainy interludes that summer brings, a demonstration that Robinson is yet again in top form."

IN THE DARK PLACES is set in the rural environs abutting Eastvale, and kicks off with the discovery of bloodstains on the floor of an abandoned building. At the same time, a neighboring gentleman farmer returns home from a holiday in Mexico to discover that his expensive tractor has been stolen. With regard to the latter, a person of interest is almost immediately identified --- a local lad who has been in trouble before --- but, interestingly enough, he is missing, leaving behind an extremely worried girlfriend.

A somewhat tenuous connection is made between the bloodstains and the missing tractor, and Banks’ squad launches an investigation. The clues begin dropping slowly and steadily, with a careless answer here, a seemingly meaningless observation there. The story gradually builds to a conclusion that some will find terrifying yet satisfying as a rough and very final justice is obtained.

While a good deal of the book consists of descriptions of Banks’ established, uncanny ability to kick over just the right rocks to get answers, IN THE DARK PLACES seems to focus just a bit more on DS Winsome Jackman and Annie Cabbot, both of whom play important roles in the investigation. The story is a bit of a game changer, for Jackman in particular, as events that occur here may play out in future volumes. However, what is perhaps most interesting is the manner in which Robinson stretches his descriptive wings a bit with somewhat graphic descriptions of meat processing and autopsies.

One cannot read the book without considering the wisdom of the statement to the effect that those who love the law and sausage should never watch either being made. This does not overshadow the description of police procedure that Robinson so solidly incorporates into each of his novels, as well as the frequent lighthearted --- and occasionally grim --- repartee that is peppered throughout the pages.

IN THE DARK PLACES is not a beach read, but it’s perfect for those dark and rainy interludes that summer brings, a demonstration that Robinson is yet again in top form.