Title: Gallows View
Author: Peter Robinson
First published August 27, 1987
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780380714001 (ISBN10: 0380714000)
Rating: 3.78
Overview
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks has recently moved to the quaint town of Eastvale in Yorkshire Dales, hoping to escape the chaos of his former life in London. But trouble has already found him in the form of a Peeping Tom who’s terrorizing the women of Eastvale and two young thugs breaking into homes.
When an old woman is found dead, Banks must navigate through the feminist community, his growing attraction to a young psychologist, Jenny Fuller, and the secrets of his own troubled past to solve the case. As the investigation intensifies, Jenny and Banks’s wife, Sandra, become embroiled in the danger.
With surprising twists and turns, the cases interweave, leading to a shocking and explosive finale. Peter Robinson’s Gallows View is a thrilling crime novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Meet Peter Robinson, a Yorkshire-born author who has made a name for himself in the literary world. He received his Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Leeds before moving to Canada to pursue a Master’s degree in English and Creative Writing at the University of Windsor, where he was mentored by Joyce Carol Oates.
He later obtained a PhD in English from York University.
Throughout his career, Peter has taught at various universities and community colleges in Toronto, and was also appointed as Writer-in-Residence at the University of Windsor from 1992 to 1993.
Peter’s writing has earned him numerous accolades, including five awards for Best Novel. His impressive list of achievements includes winning the 1992 Arthur Ellis Award, the 1997 Ellis Award, the 2000 Macavity Award, and two more Macavity Awards in 2000 and 2001.
Editoral Review
In his debut novel Gallows View, published on August 27, 1987, Peter Robinson introduces readers to the fictional town of Eastvale and its captivating cast of characters. Robinson is a British-Canadian author who has gained critical acclaim for his Inspector Alan Banks series, of which Gallows View is the first installment.
Within the mystery genre, Robinson’s writing is highly regarded for its complex characters and intricate plots. The novel follows Detective Chief Inspector Banks as he navigates the mysterious crimes within his new jurisdiction.
With a backdrop of domestic violence and voyeuristic danger, Robinson weaves together the intertwined stories of Eastvale’s residents. At the heart of the novel is Banks himself, a complex character who is grappling with both personal and professional demons.
The setting of the novel is also a major theme, with Robinson’s attention to detail bringing the rural Eastvale to life. Robinson’s writing within Gallows View is both compelling and engrossing, as he delves into the inner workings of Eastvale’s residents.
Through his intricate plotting, Robinson gives readers a window into the depths of human nature, exploring the dark and often unsettling aspects of society. While the novel is gripping in its suspense and twists, it is also thought-provoking, with Robinson challenging readers to consider the nature of justice and morality.
Despite its many strengths, Gallows View is not without its flaws. Some readers may find that the pacing of the novel is uneven at times, with certain sections feeling slower than others.
Additionally, while the characters are complex, some readers might feel that they are not fully developed. Overall, Gallows View is a fascinating and well-crafted novel that is sure to captivate mystery lovers.
Fans of the genre will appreciate Robinson’s skillful storytelling and attention to detail, while readers looking for a thought-provoking read will appreciate the novel’s exploration of societal issues. While not perfect, Gallows View is a strong debut for Robinson and an excellent starting point for those unfamiliar with his work.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
