Peter Robinson is a British crime writer best known for his series of Inspector Banks novels. Set in the fictional town of Eastvale in Yorkshire, England, the series follows the investigations of Alan Banks, a detective superintendent in the Yorkshire Regional Police. The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and its complex and well-developed characters. Robinson has also written several standalone novels and short stories, many of which are set in the same world as the Inspector Banks series.
Robinson's books have been translated into more than 20 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the CWA Gold Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel in 1991 and the Shamus Award for Best Private Eye Novel in 1993.
In this article, we will provide a complete list of Peter Robinson's books in order of publication, including both the Inspector Banks series and his standalone novels and short stories. We will also provide a brief description of each book, as well as information on its publication history and awards.
peter robinson books in order
Complete list of books, publication history, awards.
- Inspector Banks series
- Standalone novels
- Short stories
- Translated into 20+ languages
- Millions of copies sold
- CWA Gold Dagger Award
- Shamus Award
- Realistic police work
- Complex characters
- Yorkshire setting
Peter Robinson's books are critically acclaimed and widely enjoyed by readers around the world.
Inspector Banks series
The Inspector Banks series is Peter Robinson's most popular and well-known work. Set in the fictional town of Eastvale in Yorkshire, England, the series follows the investigations of Alan Banks, a detective superintendent in the Yorkshire Regional Police. The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and its complex and well-developed characters.
- 25 novels
The Inspector Banks series currently consists of 25 novels, with the first novel, Gallows View, published in 1987 and the most recent novel, Not Dark Yet, published in 2020.
- Alan Banks
The protagonist of the series is Alan Banks, a complex and flawed character who is dedicated to his job but also struggles with personal demons. Banks is a loner who is often at odds with his superiors, but he is also a brilliant detective with a deep understanding of human nature.
- Yorkshire setting
The Inspector Banks series is set in the fictional town of Eastvale in Yorkshire, England. Robinson's depiction of Yorkshire is both realistic and atmospheric, and the series provides a fascinating glimpse into life in this part of England.
- Critical acclaim
The Inspector Banks series has been praised by critics for its realistic portrayal of police work, its complex and well-developed characters, and its atmospheric setting. The series has won numerous awards, including the CWA Gold Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel in 1991 and the Shamus Award for Best Private Eye Novel in 1993.
The Inspector Banks series is a must-read for fans of crime fiction. Robinson's books are well-written and suspenseful, and his characters are unforgettable. If you're looking for a great series to get lost in, the Inspector Banks series is a perfect choice.
Standalone novels
In addition to the Inspector Banks series, Peter Robinson has also written a number of standalone novels. These novels are set in a variety of locations and feature a wide range of characters, but they all share Robinson's trademark realism and suspense.
- Caedmon's Song
Caedmon's Song (1990) is a historical mystery set in 7th-century Northumbria. The novel tells the story of Caedmon, a cowherd who is visited by an angel and given the gift of poetry. Caedmon's poems become a source of inspiration for the people of Northumbria, but they also attract the attention of the powerful and ambitious King Edwin.
- Past Reason Hated
Past Reason Hated (1993) is a psychological thriller about a man who is haunted by the memory of a childhood trauma. The novel explores the themes of guilt, shame, and redemption.
- In a Dry Season
In a Dry Season (1999) is a political thriller set in South Africa during the apartheid era. The novel tells the story of a young woman who becomes involved in the anti-apartheid movement and is forced to make difficult choices about her own life and her future.
- Aftermath
Aftermath (2001) is a crime novel set in the aftermath of the 1996 Dunblane massacre in Scotland. The novel tells the story of a police officer who is investigating the massacre and is forced to confront his own demons.
Peter Robinson's standalone novels are just as well-written and suspenseful as his Inspector Banks series. If you're looking for a great read, be sure to check out one of his standalone novels.
Short stories
In addition to his novels, Peter Robinson has also written a number of short stories. These stories are set in a variety of locations and feature a wide range of characters, but they all share Robinson's trademark realism and suspense.
Some of Robinson's most popular short stories include:
- The Backlog (1991): This story tells the tale of a police officer who is investigating a series of murders that are linked to a backlog of untested rape kits.
- Missing Persons (1993): This story follows a group of people who are searching for a missing child. As the search continues, they begin to suspect that the child may have been abducted by a serial killer.
- A Dedicated Man (1995): This story is about a police officer who is determined to solve a murder case, even though it means putting his own life at risk.
- In the Shadows (1997): This story tells the tale of a man who is haunted by the memory of a crime that he committed many years ago.
Peter Robinson's short stories are a great way to get a taste of his writing style and to experience the full range of his talents. If you're a fan of crime fiction, be sure to check out some of his short stories.
Peter Robinson is a master of the crime fiction genre. His books are well-written, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of the Inspector Banks series, his standalone novels, or his short stories, you're sure to find something to enjoy in his work.
Translated into 20+ languages
Peter Robinson's books have been translated into more than 20 languages, including French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, and Japanese. This makes Robinson's books accessible to a wide range of readers around the world.
There are a number of reasons why Robinson's books have been so successful in translation. First, his books are well-written and suspenseful. They are also well-researched and provide a realistic portrayal of police work and the criminal justice system. Second, Robinson's characters are complex and relatable. Readers from all over the world can identify with the challenges and struggles that Robinson's characters face.
The translation of Robinson's books has also been helped by the fact that he has a strong relationship with his translators. Robinson works closely with his translators to ensure that the translations are accurate and that they capture the tone and style of his writing. As a result, Robinson's books have been very well-received by readers in other countries.
The fact that Robinson's books have been translated into so many languages is a testament to his skill as a writer and to the universal appeal of his stories. Robinson's books are enjoyed by readers all over the world, and they continue to be translated into new languages every year.
Peter Robinson is a truly international writer. His books have been enjoyed by readers all over the world, and they continue to be translated into new languages every year. If you're looking for a great read, be sure to check out one of Peter Robinson's books.
Millions of copies sold
Peter Robinson's books have sold millions of copies worldwide. This makes him one of the most popular crime writers in the world.
There are a number of reasons why Robinson's books have been so successful. First, his books are well-written and suspenseful. They are also well-researched and provide a realistic portrayal of police work and the criminal justice system. Second, Robinson's characters are complex and relatable. Readers from all over the world can identify with the challenges and struggles that Robinson's characters face.
Another reason for Robinson's success is that he has a strong work ethic. He writes regularly and produces a new book every year. This has helped him to build a loyal following of readers who eagerly await each new book.
The fact that Robinson's books have sold millions of copies is a testament to his skill as a writer and to the universal appeal of his stories. Robinson's books are enjoyed by readers all over the world, and they continue to sell well year after year.
Peter Robinson is a true master of the crime fiction genre. His books are well-written, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of the Inspector Banks series, his standalone novels, or his short stories, you're sure to find something to enjoy in his work.
CWA Gold Dagger Award
The CWA Gold Dagger Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the crime fiction genre. It is awarded annually by the Crime Writers' Association (CWA) to the best crime novel published in the United Kingdom. Peter Robinson has won the CWA Gold Dagger Award twice, for his novels Past Reason Hated (1993) and Cold is the Grave (1996).
Past Reason Hated is a psychological thriller about a man who is haunted by the memory of a childhood trauma. The novel explores the themes of guilt, shame, and redemption. Cold is the Grave is a police procedural about a series of murders that are linked to a cold case from the past. The novel is praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and its complex and well-developed characters.
Winning the CWA Gold Dagger Award is a significant achievement for any crime writer. It is a testament to Peter Robinson's skill as a writer and to the high quality of his work. Robinson's Gold Dagger Awards have helped to raise his profile as a crime writer and have introduced his work to a wider audience.
Peter Robinson is a true master of the crime fiction genre. His books are well-written, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of the Inspector Banks series, his standalone novels, or his short stories, you're sure to find something to enjoy in his work.
Shamus Award
The Shamus Award is an annual award given by the Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) to the best private investigator novel published in the United States. Peter Robinson has won the Shamus Award once, for his novel In a Dry Season (1999).
- Political thriller
In a Dry Season is a political thriller set in South Africa during the apartheid era. The novel tells the story of a young woman who becomes involved in the anti-apartheid movement and is forced to make difficult choices about her own life and her future.
- Realistic portrayal of apartheid
Robinson's novel is praised for its realistic portrayal of apartheid and its impact on the lives of ordinary people. The novel also provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of South Africa and the struggle for racial equality.
- Complex and well-developed characters
Robinson's characters are complex and well-developed. The reader is able to understand and sympathize with the characters, even when they make difficult choices.
- Suspenseful plot
In a Dry Season is a suspenseful novel that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Robinson is a master of pacing and suspense, and he knows how to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Winning the Shamus Award is a significant achievement for any crime writer. It is a testament to Peter Robinson's skill as a writer and to the high quality of his work. Robinson's Shamus Award has helped to raise his profile as a crime writer and has introduced his work to a wider audience.
Realistic police work
Peter Robinson's books are praised for their realistic portrayal of police work. Robinson is a former police officer, and he uses his experience to create realistic and believable police procedurals. Robinson's books provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of police work, and they show the challenges and dangers that police officers face on a daily basis.
One of the things that makes Robinson's police procedurals so realistic is his attention to detail. Robinson takes the time to research the police procedures and protocols that are used in real life. He also takes the time to develop complex and well-developed characters. Robinson's characters are not simply cardboard cutouts. They are real people with real problems and real motivations.
Another thing that makes Robinson's police procedurals so realistic is his willingness to tackle difficult and controversial topics. Robinson's books deal with issues such as racism, sexism, and police corruption. Robinson does not shy away from these difficult topics. He confronts them head-on and he shows how they can impact the lives of police officers and the people they serve.
Peter Robinson's books are a must-read for fans of police procedurals. Robinson's books are well-written, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of police work and they show the challenges and dangers that police officers face on a daily basis.
Peter Robinson is a true master of the crime fiction genre. His books are well-written, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of the Inspector Banks series, his standalone novels, or his short stories, you're sure to find something to enjoy in his work.
Complex characters
Peter Robinson's books are praised for their complex and well-developed characters. Robinson's characters are not simply cardboard cutouts. They are real people with real problems and real motivations. Robinson takes the time to develop his characters in depth, and he allows the reader to see the world from their perspective.
- Alan Banks
The protagonist of the Inspector Banks series is Alan Banks, a complex and flawed character who is dedicated to his job but also struggles with personal demons. Banks is a loner who is often at odds with his superiors, but he is also a brilliant detective with a deep understanding of human nature.
- Annie Cabbot
Annie Cabbot is a police officer who works with Banks. She is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Cabbot is a valuable member of the team, and she often provides Banks with insights that he would not have otherwise considered.
- Jenny Fuller
Jenny Fuller is a journalist who is often involved in Banks' investigations. She is a smart and resourceful woman who is not afraid to ask tough questions. Fuller is a valuable ally to Banks, and she often helps him to uncover important information.
- Ken Blackstone
Ken Blackstone is a forensic scientist who works with Banks. He is a brilliant and eccentric man who is passionate about his work. Blackstone is often able to provide Banks with crucial evidence that helps to solve his cases.
These are just a few of the many complex and well-developed characters that appear in Peter Robinson's books. Robinson's characters are one of the main reasons why his books are so popular. Readers are drawn to his characters and they want to follow them on their journey.
Yorkshire setting
Peter Robinson's books are set in the fictional town of Eastvale in Yorkshire, England. Robinson's depiction of Yorkshire is both realistic and atmospheric, and his books provide a fascinating glimpse into life in this part of England.
- Realistic portrayal of Yorkshire
Robinson's books provide a realistic portrayal of Yorkshire, both the good and the bad. He writes about the beautiful countryside, the friendly people, and the strong sense of community. However, he also writes about the economic problems that the region faces, the high crime rate, and the drug problem.
- Atmospheric setting
Robinson's books are also praised for their atmospheric setting. He is able to create a real sense of place, and the reader feels like they are actually in Yorkshire. Robinson's descriptions of the landscape, the weather, and the people are all very vivid and evocative.
- Sense of community
Robinson's books also have a strong sense of community. The people of Eastvale are all connected to each other, and they look out for each other. This sense of community is one of the things that makes Robinson's books so heartwarming and appealing.
- Yorkshire dialect
Robinson also uses the Yorkshire dialect in his books, which helps to create a strong sense of authenticity. The Yorkshire dialect is a rich and vibrant dialect, and it adds a lot of character to Robinson's books.
The Yorkshire setting is an important part of Peter Robinson's books. It helps to create a realistic and atmospheric setting for his stories, and it also gives his books a strong sense of community. Readers who are interested in learning more about Yorkshire will find Robinson's books to be a valuable resource.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Peter Robinson's books:
Question 1: In what order should I read Peter Robinson's books?
Answer: Peter Robinson's books can be read in a variety of orders. However, many readers recommend reading the Inspector Banks series in order, as the books build on each other and there are recurring characters.
Question 2: What is the Inspector Banks series about?
Answer: The Inspector Banks series follows the investigations of Alan Banks, a detective superintendent in the Yorkshire Regional Police. The series is set in the fictional town of Eastvale in Yorkshire, England.
Question 3: What are some of Peter Robinson's standalone novels?
Answer: Some of Peter Robinson's standalone novels include Caedmon's Song, Past Reason Hated, In a Dry Season, and Aftermath.
Question 4: Has Peter Robinson won any awards for his books?
Answer: Yes, Peter Robinson has won a number of awards for his books, including the CWA Gold Dagger Award and the Shamus Award.
Question 5: Where can I find out more about Peter Robinson and his books?
Answer: You can find out more about Peter Robinson and his books on his official website, or by following him on social media.
Question 6: Are Peter Robinson's books available in other languages?
Answer: Yes, Peter Robinson's books have been translated into more than 20 languages, including French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, and Japanese.
We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about Peter Robinson's books. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
In addition to the FAQ above, here are a few tips for reading Peter Robinson's books:
Tips
Here are a few tips for reading Peter Robinson's books:
1. Start with the Inspector Banks series.
The Inspector Banks series is Peter Robinson's most popular and well-known work. The series is set in the fictional town of Eastvale in Yorkshire, England, and it follows the investigations of Alan Banks, a detective superintendent in the Yorkshire Regional Police. The books in the series are well-written and suspenseful, and they provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of police work.
2. Read the books in order.
While Peter Robinson's books can be read in any order, many readers recommend reading them in order, as the books build on each other and there are recurring characters. This is especially true for the Inspector Banks series.
3. Pay attention to the details.
Peter Robinson is a master of detail, and his books are full of clues and red herrings. Pay attention to the details in the story, as they may help you to solve the mystery before the detective does.
4. Enjoy the Yorkshire setting.
Peter Robinson's books are set in the beautiful county of Yorkshire, England. Robinson's descriptions of Yorkshire are both realistic and atmospheric, and they provide a wonderful backdrop for his stories. If you're not familiar with Yorkshire, be sure to do some research on the area before you start reading Robinson's books.
We hope these tips help you to enjoy Peter Robinson's books even more.
Now that you know more about Peter Robinson and his books, we encourage you to pick up one of his books and start reading. You won't be disappointed.
Conclusion
Peter Robinson is one of the most popular and acclaimed crime writers in the world. His books are well-written, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of the Inspector Banks series, his standalone novels, or his short stories, you're sure to find something to enjoy in his work.
In this article, we've provided a comprehensive overview of Peter Robinson's books. We've discussed the Inspector Banks series, his standalone novels, his short stories, and his awards. We've also talked about the realistic police work, the complex characters, and the Yorkshire setting that are all hallmarks of Robinson's work.
We hope this article has helped you to learn more about Peter Robinson and his books. If you're not already a fan of Robinson's work, we encourage you to pick up one of his books and start reading. You won't be disappointed.
And for those of you who are already fans of Peter Robinson, we hope this article has given you a new appreciation for his work. We encourage you to continue reading his books and to share your love of his work with others.