Past Reason Hated

A Novel of Suspense

By: Peter Robinson

Narrated by: James Langton

A picturesque Yorkshire village is dressed in its finest for the upcoming Noel. But one of its residents will not be celebrating this holiday. Chief Inspector Alan Banks knows that secrecy can sometimes prove fatal---and secrets were the driving force behind Caroline Hartley's life...and death. She was a beautiful enigma, brutally stabbed in her own home three days prior to Christmas. Leaving her past behind for a forbidden love affair, she mystified more than a few. And now she is dead, clothed only in her unshared mysteries and her blood. In this season of giving and forgiving, Banks is eager to absolve the innocent of their sins. But that must wait until the many facets of a perplexing puzzle are exposed and the dark circle of his investigation finally closes...and when a killer makes the next move.

©2000 Peter Robinson (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Immensely satisfying." ( St. Petersburg Times)

Surprised

The ending was surprising but simple in the explanation. Great book. Felt it went in more details of past issues but wasn't necessary, however all that was explained and clearer at the end.

Another Enjoyable Read

I've read a number of the Alan Banks' mysteries. This book maintains the quality of the characters and story line of the others. I enjoy British mysteries, and this author's series is one of my favorites. The narration is terrific.

another great mystery

Well written story with enough twists to keep you guessing until the last chapter. Well worth the time spent.

Very Good British Mystery

Solid story, interesting characters, nice tension, not too much violence -- a good purchase. For my taste there's too much character development of the coppers but this seems to be a very British trait in murder mysteries -- at least in those I've read in the last 5 years.

Excellent performance by James Langton -- did not detract or intrude on the story but helped to showcase the story and characters.

Past Reason Hated By Peter Robinson

I did enjoy this story very much. It was moody and moved along smoothly from Yorkshire to London and back again. The Reader was excellent his performance of the various characters voices transitioned so smoothly made his telling of the tale perfection.

Another great Banks novel by Peter Robinson

As an avid Peter Robinson reader I am definitely biased but this is another good read. Great narration too. Good escapism without being too unrealistic.

great read and reader

I'm a big fan of Peter Robinson, and now of James Langton. Great to hear this rendition of the wonderful Inspector Banks series.

Not the best narration.

This is a good tale and Mr Langton does a fine job voicing the characters. However when it comes to music and musicians he should have done more research.

Poulenc is pronounce pouLANK. The biggest mistake, for me at least, was Messiaen - not pronounce Messiah more like Mess ay ann. And the piece is Quattor pour Le fin de temps. Not quarter. Shame to spoil the ship for a ha'perth of tar

Simply dreadful.

Would you try another book from Peter Robinson and/or James Langton?

I've read his more recent books. Much, much better. This particular book is excruciating. Poetic detectives? Puerile discussion of sexual preference. Dreadful.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Not Peter Robinson.

Would you be willing to try another one of James Langton’s performances?

Maybe. But his "female" voices are pretty awful.

What character would you cut from Past Reason Hated?

All of them.

Any additional comments?

Don't buy it.

outdated attitudes, poor mystery

Even though this was written in the 90s, I can't believe the parochial attitudes towards homosexual couples and people's sex lives expressed in this book by the police, let alone the other characters in the book. I hope that Leeds (UK) is and not as backwards and small minded as it's portrayed. While it's true that sexual jealousy often plays a role in crimes, this book seems to have the characters taking an almost prurient, rather than professional, interest in it. Generally very unbecoming, and any talk about "posh" diversions like classical music or opera doesn't detract from that.

As for the mystery itself, it wasn't all that interesting or suspenseful (in spite of this being called "a novel of suspense"). I thought the myriad of clues interesting, but ultimately I recognized the killer right away - not what I like to see in a mystery/suspense novel, especially when the characters and situations aren't interesting. This is my first Peter Robinson novel and I had high hopes for finding a new enjoyable author (especially a Canadian one), but I won't bother with any of his other books.