I thought it was time to take a break from the powerful fiction to read a mystery. I have read several of Peter Robinson's books. This one was a typical Robinson story.
The story starts with the murder of a poor, disgraced prof. His body is found on the bottom of a cliff, below a bridge. He had 5000 lbs. in his pocket.
As Banks and his crew investigate the story they are trying to figure out if the explanation dates from the dismissal of the prof four years ago, or from things that happened in the man's youth at univeristy in the 1970's. One of the people who turns up as a person of interest is a woman, the wife of a Lord whose nephew is thought to have potential for the position of Home Secretary.
Banks is warned by his superiors to satay away from the Lord's wife but he keeps working on that angle discreetly and eventually learns the truth. The perpetrator, the woman's brother-in-law, has tried to kill her so the truth doesn't get out, and commits sucide. Banks decides, and is encouraged by his superiors to let the case die, and he does so. I guess this is realistic but it is a bit disappointing that because the "rich and famous" are involved the truth gets hushed. It is ironic in that part of the story involved the main characters being involved in pro-communist activities (children of the revolution)in their youth, railing against the fact that the wealthy had all the options and opportunities. This confirms what they were complaining about.
I can't remember if Banks had compromised his principals like this before. Not one of my favourite Robinson books.
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