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RATING: |
Date of Release: August 2003 |
Publisher: Pan Macmillan |
Review Source: |
Alan Banks is holidaying in Greece (recuperating from his last, affecting case) when he reads of the discovery of his old friend’s remains in a newspaper, and promptly decides that it’s time to return to see if he can lend a hand.
While all this is going on, another young boy disappears in Yorkshire, and while the dual cases are entirely unconnected, for Banks they still hold eerie similarities, as they echo each other across the gap of years. Then, curious memories begin to surface about his old friend. Memories which may have a bearing upon what happened, and memories that Banks now wants explained…
This is often a very nostalgic novel, giving us insight into Bank’s childhood at the same time as being both moving and haunting. The writing is clean and sharp, the plot is good and structured well, with developed and interesting characters. The police procedural aspects are handled with the skill and knowledge of a seasoned professional.
The solutions to both parallel mysteries are satisfying and quite unexpected. Existing fans of Banks are sure to be pleased with this novel, as are readers new to him.
Ian Rankin clearly has some hot competition following on his heels.
