A Dedicated Man (Inspector Banks Mysteries)

Book Description

A dedicated man is dead in the Yorkshire dales -- a former university professor, wealthy historian and archaeologist who loved his adopted village. It is a particularly heinous slaying, considering the esteem in which the victim, Harry Steadman, was held by his neighbors and colleagues -- by everyone, it seems, except the one person who bludgeoned the life out of the respected scholar and left him half-buried in a farmer's field.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks left the violence of London behind for what he hoped would be the peaceful life of a country policeman. But the brutality of Steadman's murder only reinforces one ugly, indisputable truth: that evil can flourish in even the most bucolic of settings. There are dangerous secrets hidden in the history of this remote Yorkshire community that have already led to one death. And Banks will have to plumb a dark and shocking local past to find his way to a killer before yesterday's sins cause more blood to be shed.

Customer Reviews:

Second Book in What Turns Out to be a Wonderful Series.......2007-05-17

Peter Robinson grew up in Yorkshire, and is the author of a number of previous novels featuring Inspector Banks. He is the winner of numerous awards in the United States, Britain and Canada, and in 2002 he won the CWA Dagger in the Library. As I also come from Leeds the background to his stories is something that I have experienced first hand and because of this I have a special affection for his books. However they would be first class crime fiction wherever they were based.

The body of a well-liked and equally well respected local historian is found partially buried under of all things a drystone wall, close to the small village of Helmthorpe, Swaindale. Why would anyone want to murder a quiet unassuming man?

Funnily enough several people seem to be in the frame for the killing. Penney Cartwright, a folk singer with a somewhat murky past, a shady land developer and Harry's own editor, plus a local thriller writer. All of these characters play some part in Harry's past life. A life full of wonderful summers in the dale.

A young girl, Sally Lumb seems to know more than she is letting on and her knowledge could put her and others in danger. Inspector Banks is certainly going to have his work cut out with this case.

Midsomer murders...in Yorkshire!.......2007-01-19

A good follow up to Gallows View but it didn't grip me quite as much.
Again a believable crime and good character descriptions.
It's great to read a book and feel like you know the town and the characters...Robinson certainly has a knack for realism.

Very Delightful Police Procedural.......2007-01-06

Peter Robinson is a winner. He quickly immerses you in his story, tantalizes you with suspects and plot twists, and accompanies it all with excellent description of the Yorkshire countryside. He makes you feel you live there. He makes you feel you know the people he writes about. And beyond that, he rarely indulges in cheap plot tricks and serendipitous gimmicks to move his plot along. He unfolds the story at a nice, slow (but not too slow) pace. All in all, he's a masterful writer who puts a lot of effort into delivering a top-notch novel. And this is one of his best.

Not a bad mystery, but could have been better.......2006-09-22

This is the second in the series set in Yorkshire and featuring DCI Alan Banks, a London refugee just beginning to adapt to Northern ways. The story this time is set in a small community up the valley from the market town of Eastvale, where the police station is located. A retired academic with a mania for industrial archaeology and the inheritance to indulge it has been killed and his body left in a farmer's field. His immediate circle includes a local entrepreneur, an ex-folk singer returned home in disillusion, the local doctor, and another "incomer," an author of mystery novels (which allows Robinson to get in a few tongue-in-cheek digs). But then a teenage girl whose precocity and theatrical ambitions lead her to poke into matters on her own becomes the second victim. Where the first book spent a lot of time on the Chief Inspector's wife and family (necessarily setting the scene and establishing the characters), this one is much more the traditional police procedural, focusing on the murder itself, the suspects, and Banks's tireless efforts to pin the former on one of the latter. The denouement isn't exactly a deus ex machina, but I didn't think the reader received sufficient clues to even begin to logically identify the culprit. Robinson's beautifully orchestrated background narrative about life in rural Yorkshire, however, is worth the price of admission all by itself.

Good series novel.......2006-01-17

This one gets four stars from me, instead of three, for purely sentimental reasons. Several years ago I bought a copy of this book for a buck at a thrift store and thus was introduced to the excellent Alan Banks series by the Yorkshire-born Canadian Peter Robinson.

I recently re-read this one and find it strong on characterization but not as strong as to plot. The murder victim seems such an innocuous, even laudable, person, as we get to know him through Chief Inspector Banks' investigation. But gradually that picture is shaded with less admirable tones, until by the end I harbored the subversive thought, "maybe the world was better off without the selfish sod." However, by then the murderer had also dispatched a real innocent.

In the course of this case Banks explores the secrets, rumors and sometimes claustrophobic social landscape of a village as well as the physical landscape of some Yorkshire dales.

I don't think it's the strongest or best book in the series but I treasure my thrift store copy, which the author kindly autographed for me at a convention a few years ago.

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A DEDICATED MAN

Manufacturer: Charles Scribner's Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H3RTZE

4 PBs: Final Count, A Dedicated Man, Wednesday's Child, Aftermath

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4 PBs: Final Count, A Dedicated Man, Wednesday's Child, Aftermath
Peter Robinson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WU3CYO

Product Description

Paperbacks

The black man: Or, Haytian independence. Deduced from historical notes, and dedicated to the government and people of Hayti

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The black man: Or, Haytian independence. Deduced from historical notes, and dedicated to the government and people of Hayti
Mark Baker Bird
Manufacturer: Published by the author ; Trade supplied by the American News Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

The Book You Don't Want to Read: Dedicated to the Working Man - One Man's Opinion

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The Book You Don't Want to Read: Dedicated to the Working Man - One Man's Opinion
Michael W. Pannell
Manufacturer: Authorhouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Essays | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1410734641

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Darkness at noon
Arthur Koestler
Manufacturer: Signet book, NAL
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

the story of a strong and dedicated man who was destroyed by the dictator state he had helped to create

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A Dedicated Man
Peter Robinson
Manufacturer: Charles Scribner's Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000P0HK6C

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The dedicated man
Joseph Gallina
Manufacturer: Vantage Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006W4L2U

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A Dedicated Man
Peter Robinson
Manufacturer: Penguin Books Canada
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJ3KHM

The Dedicated Man (Candlelight Ecstasy Romance)

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The Dedicated Man (Candlelight Ecstasy Romance)
Lass Small
Manufacturer: Dell Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0440118379

Customer Reviews:

another gem from talented Lynn - 2006 RIO AWARD OF EXCELLENCE WINNER.......2007-03-05

Marianne Faucon is the much-indulged sister of the brothers in Lynn's previous delightful tales. Tired of the overprotectiveness of her family, of being treated like a child, that indulged existence leads her to be a bit headstrong and reckless, such as sneaking off by herself to visit a local fair. As her brothers could have warned her, all sorts of things can happen to lasses out alone. She is kidnapped, but then they find out she is a Faucon, and they fear what her powerful brothers will do. Oddly enough, she is used as a bet in a game of chance, and Marianne's life begins to make one think of Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole. Adventures abound!

Lord Bryce of Asheforde has a score to settle with the Faucons. His holding was destroyed and the only evidence to those responsible is a sword with the Faucon crest on it. He is not going to that this lying down. He arranges Marianne's kidnapping, then wins her in the game of chance, fully intending to use her against her brothers. Only feisty Marianne is a force to behold when she has a mad on. From the moment she pulls a knife on him, you know he is lost! Then the real fun begins.

I always enjoy Lynn's Faucon brothers and now the Faucon sister. She has a solid feel for the period, "thinks" with the mindset, not just slaps in details . She gives you the flavour of old fashioned historicals, but with a faster, cleaner pace of today. She conjures wonderful characters, suspense and ROMANCE. What more can you want for a rainy Sunday afternoon?

Entertaining, But Falls Short of Great.......2007-02-19

Marianne of Faucon is the pampered sister of several handsome noble brothers. Tired of her sheltered existence she yearns for excitement. So one day she attends a local fair by herself and tumbles headlong into more adventure than she'd expected. She is kidnapped by murderous thieves who plan to rape and murder her, before they find out her identity. Terrified of her brothers' retribution they take her to England and gamble her away in a game of dice.
Bryce of Ashforde's home was destroyed and the only clue as to the culprits was a sword with the Faucon symbol engraved on it. Sure that the Faucons were responsible for destroying his life, he seeks retribution. Learning of Marianne of Faucon's kidnapping he tracks her down and wins her in a game of dice. He's determined to use her as a means to his vengeance. Somewhere along the way they fall in love and discover the real enemy who destroyed Bryce's castle and framed Marianne.

This book is entertaining and will definitely keep boredom at bay. Yet it lacked that elusive quality that would have made it a truly great book and a keeper. The ending is never really in doubt, with a typical happy ever after ending that lacks character and interest. Overall I recommend this as a book to read. Its great light entertainment, but its not captivating and definitely won't end up on the keeper shelf. If you're looking for emotional angst, turmoil, not to mention a tear jerker I recommend reading Forbidden by Elizabeth Lowell.

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OH MY GOD- THIS IS GOOD!
HOT HOT HOT!
Oh my...the Falcon rules
Temptin Fate
WOW!

Heart Of The Falcon (Arabesque)
Francis Ray
Manufacturer: Kimani Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Multicultural | Romance | Subjects | Books

Arabesque | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1583141820

Customer Reviews:

OH MY GOD- THIS IS GOOD!.......2007-04-19

Ms. Ray is the best. I've read several of her books....all but one in this series. I think this one was the best. I love her humor. This book had me screeming in sections-crying in others. This whole series should be made into a mini-series or soap opera. Great story Ms. Ray

HOT HOT HOT!.......2006-11-30

Again, I must say that I am so enjoying this Falcon/Grayson series. Daniel Falcon was an interesting character. He was perfect - handsome, rich, diverse background and confident (or arrogant). I loved the way the author revealed his softer side, as he didn't realize he actually had one. It's amazing when a man finally realizes he's in Love. The relationship between the characters was intense and humurous at times. If you haven't read this series - get with it.

Oh my...the Falcon rules.......2006-01-24

I've been engrossed with the whole Taggart/Falcon/Grayson series...reading them all in order and I wasn't disappointed with "Heart of the Falcon" -- what a story! Daniel Falcon is a FINE but, stubborn man and Madelyn "Addie" Taggart knew that from day one. She had no fear and took the risk of falling for her brothers' -- Kane and Matt -- good friend. Daniel, a true lady's man, was against love and marriage and swore against both. Strong willed and determined, Madelyn knew she loved Daniel and she put everything on the line to prove that she was the one he needed. She succeeded. Ms. Ray has become a favorite of mine because of her strong character development and the way she makes you hang on to every word, every glance and every kiss. Much respect to you, Ms. Ray.

Temptin Fate.......2005-10-28

Francis Ray brings back Daniel Falcon from Only Hers but this time Daniel finds himself intrigued by someone he considers off limits. Daniel Falcon found out that fighting love was something that fate would not accept with his creep of the night yet honorable ways Daniel thought he would fall in love with two of his close friends' sister but Madelyn Taggert had some thing to say about it.

Madelyn Taggert had been in awe with Daniel since first seeing a picture of him but never had she met him in real life until one unforgettable day in not the best condition did she literally run into him but after finding out who Daniel really was he didn't know what to do with herself.

Daniel & Madelyn went through trial and tribulations to only finish their story of with a triumphant ending.

WOW! .......2005-01-04

Francis Ray is amazing! That's all I can say. Any book i see with her name i just know it's going to be good. Of course she didn't disappoint me. In Heart of the Falcon, Madelyn Taggart who grew the little sister of some very influential brothers decides to venture out own her own. In comes Daniel Falcon who is a family friend whom she happens to like a lot. She finally gets next to him but he fears a relationship. Now she has to gety him to accept their relationship or risk losing the one man she will ever love.

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Fairytale?
Fairytale?
A Complete and Utter Treat!
Fascinating book!
I must be in the minority.

A Falcon's Heart (Sonnet Books)
Jayel Wylie
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0743418395
Release Date: 2001-06-26

Book Description

William of Brinlaw's demands that Henry II restore his birthright fall on deaf ears -- until the mysterious death of Brinlaw's current lord. Eager to maintain his hard-won peace, the new king deeds the estate to William, provided he marries his enemy's daughter. Bearing a false proclamation that their union was her father's last wish, William journeys home, where he is unexpectedly bewitched by his bride. Lady Alista stuns him with her trust and burns him with the fire of her kiss. And though he knows she will soon despise him, he weds and beds her before she can learn the truth.

Grief-stricken, Alista opens her heart to Will only to see their future threatened by treachery and the unnatural call of a heritage she can neither understand nor deny. Haunted by visions, she is drawn to the ruins of Falconskeep, where the women of her bloodline find their destiny. It is there Will must go to save her -- if he can find the faith to battle a force that defies a warrior's sword yet may yield to the power of love.

Download Description

After years of fighting in the Crusades, William of Brinlaw comes back to England to reclaim his ancestral home. When the current lord, Mark, suddenly dies, King Henry rewards Will with Mark's lands and daughter, Alista. Grief-stricken Alista sees their future threatened by treachery, and she is drawn to the ruins of Falconskeep, where women of her bloodline find their destiny.

Customer Reviews:

Fairytale?.......2003-04-04

My only problem with this book is it took too long to get to the fairytale element that the book promises. For 3/4 of the book I kept wondering where the mystery was. Because I sure didnt see it. There were some gripping emotional moments between the hero and heroine that made me stay with the book. And good thing, because that is when you finally find out the "secret" about the heroine. As for what one reviewer called "scene jumping", I wouldnt say it was confusing at all. For that matter, Dr. Seuss stories are more confusing then this book.

Fairytale?.......2003-04-04

A Complete and Utter Treat!.......2002-04-11

I haven't read a romance novel since high school but a friend sent this book to me and to my drop-jawed amazement it was fantastic. Immediately enthralled, I was practically a slave to the plot (twists and turns galore) and found the characters to be incredibly flesh n' blood, spouting (along with aforementioned blood) wonderfully real dialogue and interacting in a way that was utterly believable and not at all what I would have expected for the genre. The settings (history, descriptive passages, etc.) were palpable, the situations gripping, the whole experience was a treat!

Despite having a baby and being somewhat desperate for sleep, I kept finding myself staying up till the wee hours reading until I passed out because I literally could not put the book *down*. And it sat by my bedside for about a week before I found myself reading it *all over again*. (Now I just consult some of the "tabbed pages" when I need a mental holiday -- enjoying the luscious naughty bits. )

When Ms. Wylie writes another book, I'm there.

Fascinating book!.......2001-11-29

A solid, old-fashioned medieval romance! Loved it and wish I could find more like it. I look forward to Ms. Wylie's next book. If you liked this book, I'd also suggest Diana Gabaldon and Elizabeth Chadwick.

I must be in the minority........2001-11-07

There were many elements of this story that I absolutely loved, but I could not get past the writing style itself. While reading this story, my head was spinning between all of the scene changes, point of view changes and character relation changes. I would be reading and all of a sudden a different character's thoughts would be introduced or something unrelated to what was being done arises. It got to the point where I thought maybe I was missing paragraphs. The transitions were just too abrupt to make for smooth, enjoyable reading.

As for the story and characters themselves, when I could understand their interaction with each other, I enjoyed them. The fairy tale element of the story was a nice change, though I wonder if it was really needed at all. I think the story would have worked just as well without the supernatural element, and maybe even work better. There was a lot of attention to details; the character's adherence to religion (which is often missed on fiction stories), early English king's relationships with their nobles, etc, which was great to read. I guess this is why I was a bit disappointed when there was absolutely nothing mentioned about the Black Plague. This story spans the decades of 1340-1355 yet there was nothing of the Plague. There is plenty of mention of the Crusades, which is good because it was also relevant at the time, but considering 1348 was one of the worst outbreaks, the lack is noticeable (at least to me). Ah well, maybe I am being too picky, I just thought that Ms. Wylie spent a lot of time trying to make life in the 14th century come alive (and it does) yet she missed this crucial element. I think this is an OK attempt at a first book. I will probably purchase her next book, though I hope it is a bit more polished.

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Bumbling repeated à la Scott

Contents of this book, intersting, adventurous, and humorous
A Walk to the Pole: To the Heart of Antarctica in the Footsteps of Scott
Roger Mear
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Polar Regions | Winter Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books | Beaches | Business Travel | Cruises | Essays & Travelogues | Food & Lodging | Guidebooks | Pictorial | Reference | Spas | Tips | Tourist Destinations & Museums | Travel Writing
Antarctica | Polar Regions | Travel | Subjects | Books
General | Travel | Subjects | Books
General | Geography | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0517566117
Release Date: 1987-10-28

Customer Reviews:

Bumbling repeated à la Scott.......2000-04-17

I found this book interesting, in that it sought to vindicate Scott's use of manhauling to get to the South Pole (as if the technological improvements in clothing and skis made in the 75 years since Scott's expedition wouldn't make a difference!). But what really makes the book entertaining is that, true to form, Mear and Swan bumbled their way through THEIR expedition, just like Scott did. In fact, if the US Air Force hadn't had a base at the South Pole, and hadn't been willing to fly Mear and Swan back to the coast, the authors would've DIED trying to make it back, just like Scott did, thereby proving just exactly what Mear and Snow wanted to disprove: that manhauling is an IDIOTIC venture at best!

Contents of this book, intersting, adventurous, and humorous.......2000-03-27

This book report is about the book"In the footsteps of Scott" written by Roger Mear. He was born in 1950 and gained a fine art's degree at Norwich. This Antarctic Expedetion was suggested by Robert Swan while he was still at University. He then met Roger Mear, an was soon joined by Gareth Wood. They set out to walk to the South Pole, manhauling their sledges, with the intent of tracing Captain Scott's route. The most impressive part of the story to me was when they heard that their ship, The Southern Quest, was crushed and sunk in pack-ice off Cape Evans, cutting off all their radio-links. Their hopes of getting back alive were tremendously threatening. Throughout this electrifying journey, they faced strange, interesting, and even humorous events. They dined away the well-dresed Emperor Penguins at Cape Cozier. These strange and majestic birds were in groups huddling against the ice-cliff. From this book I learnt how people survive in harsh conditions, in a cold isolated place. I would highly recommend this book to all my friends, because it's interesting and adventurous, and one learns much about this expedetion to one of the most dangerous and unspoilt landscapes in the world. Antarcica.

5 Titles By Edwards - Midnight Falcon - Fire Cloud - Winter Raven - Thunder Heart - Sun Hawk

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5 Titles By Edwards - Midnight Falcon - Fire Cloud - Winter Raven - Thunder Heart - Sun Hawk
Cassie Edwards
Manufacturer: leisure historical romance
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000QFMXX6

Product Description

Multiple books shipped as one item. Save on Shipping/Handling charges.

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The Falcon Heart
Jaroldeen Edwards
Manufacturer: Bookcraft Pubs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Heart of the Falcon

Manufacturer: Pinnacle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GV02RY

Product Description

The romantic saga of the Taggert Clan

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Heart of the Falcon
Diane Wicker Davis
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0380757117

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Book Description
Lynda S Robinson is Suzanne Robinson

Heart of the Falcon
Suzanne Robinson
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0553381318
Release Date: 1996-12-03

Book Description

Only one woman could win the...Heart of the Falcon.

All her life, raven-haired Anqet had basked in the tranquility of Nefer...until the day her father died and her uncle descended upon the estate, hungry for her land, hungry for her. Desperate to escape his cruel obsession, she fled. But now, masquerading as a commoner in the magnificent city of Thebes, Anqet faces
a new danger. Mysterious and seductive, Count Seth seems to be a soldier loyal to the pharaoh. Yet soon Anqet will find that he's drawn her into a web of treachery and desire, where one false move could end her life... and his fiery passion could brand her soul forever.

Set against the glorious opulence of the pharaoh's court, this is a breathtaking tale, rich with pageantry and aflame with unforgettable romance.

From the Paperback edition.

Customer Reviews:

Book Description .......2005-05-21

Setting is Ancient Egypt

Though grief-stricken at the death of her parents, there is nothing raven-haired beauty Anqet prizes more than her beloved home, Nefer, and her freedom to be its mistress. But when her cruel uncle, burning with lust and revenge, seizes Nefer from her, Anqet has no choice but to flee --- vowing to return to claim her birthright.

Anqet's fiery spirit and astonishing beauty prove irresistible to Seth, a mysterious barbarian half-breed and close advisor to the young pharaoh. Drawing her into a web of intrigue and desire, his fierce passion brands her soul --- and seals her destiny to his forever.

Lynda S Robinson is Suzanne Robinson.......2001-08-09

I started reading this book and it seemed like one of Lynda S Robinson's books in the Lord Meren series...low and behold it is Lynda! One of her earlier books.

Ancient Egyptian romance. I really enjoyed the book! It has intrigue, romance and King Tut all in one book!

Highly Recommended!

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Men's Health Magazine (December 2005)

Manufacturer: Rodale International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000EOR9Z6

Product Description

This two-cover issue contains tons of useful information for today's modern men.

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