Chief inspector Alan Banks returns in a new English countryside mystery that features Banks looking into the past to find a clue to a tragedy and murder of today After an old Yorkshire farmer discovers a half-buried body in his pasture, excitement interrupts routine in the small community of Swainsdale. Series detective Alan Banks ( Gallows View , 1990) begins investigating the habits and background of the victim, a dedicated professor who left his job upon receiving a sizeable inheritance. Suspicion falls on his charmless wife, his long-time publisher, his local drinking buddies, a younger woman, and others. Before Banks can narrow the list, the murderer strikes again. Readers of English village mysteries should enjoy Robinson's promising second step. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. Who killed workaholic industrial archeologist/local historian Harry Steadman of Swainsdale and carted his body off to be buried near a crumbling wall? His plain, well-provided-for, well-alibied widow Emma? His publisher, coauthor, and longtime friend Michael Ramsden? His drinking mate, mystery writer Jack Barker? Pop singer Penny Cartwright, whom he'd spent an idyllic summer with (platonically?) after his marriage ten years ago? Quiet, competent Chief Inspector Alan Banks (Gallows View) is sure that the secret to Steadman's death lies back in that summer, but his hunch pays off too late to save an aspiring witness turned second victim. A tidy, articulate, well-observed sample of the current retro- Thirties British school--there's even a superfluous map of Swainsdale- -that carries you along on a rising tide of suppressed passion to the uninspired denouement. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. Used Book in Good Condition