Peter Robinson, born in 1950 in Castleford, West Yorkshire, England, established himself as one of the foremost authors in the realm of British crime fiction. Renowned for his richly detailed narratives, complex characters, and deep psychological insights, Robinson became synonymous with the genre, particularly through his acclaimed Inspector Banks series.
After completing his studies in English literature at the University of Leeds, Robinson emigrated to Canada, where he furthered his academic pursuits, earning a MA in English and Creative Writing and later a Ph.D. in English. His literary career began in earnest with the publication of his first novel, “Gallows View” (1987), marking the debut of Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks. This novel set the stage for a series that would captivate readers with its intriguing blend of crime, character study, and social observation.
Robinson’s Inspector Banks novels, set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Eastvale, are distinguished by their intricate plots that weave together elements of traditional police procedurals with a deep exploration of contemporary social issues. These stories are as much about the crimes as they are about the people who investigate them and those affected by them, showcasing Robinson’s skill in crafting multi-dimensional narratives.
The character of DCI Banks, introspective and driven, reflects Robinson’s knack for creating believable, human characters. Banks’ personal growth and challenges are as integral to the series as the crimes he investigates, making him a protagonist that readers have come to care deeply about. This character-driven approach to crime fiction sets Robinson apart and has garnered him a dedicated following.
Robinson’s work extends beyond the Inspector Banks series. He has also written several standalone novels and short stories, though it is his series that has brought him the most acclaim, including multiple awards and nominations. His novels have been translated into numerous languages, reflecting their international appeal.
In addition to his writing, Robinson is known for his contributions to the literary community, including teaching and participating in writers’ workshops and conferences. His academic background and experience in both England and Canada provide him with a unique perspective, which he effectively channels into his writing.
The television adaptation of the Inspector Banks series, titled “DCI Banks,” further expanded Robinson’s audience, bringing his compelling narratives and complex characters to life on screen.
Peter Robinson’s legacy in crime fiction is marked by his ability to meld gripping mystery with insightful social commentary and character development. His contributions have not only entertained and engaged readers but have also left an indelible mark on the genre of crime fiction.
Below is the complete list of Peter Robinson books in chronological order.
Publication Order of Inspector Banks Books
| Gallows View | (1987) |
| A Dedicated Man | (1988) |
| A Necessary End | (1989) |
| The Hanging Valley | (1989) |
| Past Reason Hated | (1992) |
| Wednesday’s Child | (1992) |
| Dry Bones That Dream/ Final Account | (1994) |
| Innocent Graves | (1996) |
| Dead Right / Blood at the Root | (1997) |
| In a Dry Season | (1999) |
| Cold is the Grave | (2000) |
| Aftermath | (2001) |
| The Summer That Never Was / Close to Home | (2002) |
| Playing with Fire | (2003) |
| Strange Affair | (2004) |
| Piece of My Heart | (2006) |
| Friend of the Devil | (2007) |
| All the Colors of Darkness | (2008) |
| Bad Boy | (2010) |
| Watching the Dark | (2012) |
| Children of the Revolution | (2013) |
| Abattoir Blues / In the Dark Places | (2014) |
| When the Music’s Over | (2016) |
| Sleeping in the Ground | (2017) |
| Careless Love | (2018) |
| Many Rivers to Cross | (2019) |
| Not Dark Yet | (2021) |
| Standing in the Shadows | (2023) |
Publication Order of Inspector Banks Short Stories/Novellas
| Going Back | (2009) |
| Like a Virgin | (2009) |
| The Price of Love: And Other Stories | (2009) |
| Blue Christmas | (2009) |
| Walking the Dog | (2009) |
| Summer Rain | (2015) |
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Caedmon’s Song / The First Cut | (1990) |
| No Cure For Love | (1995) |
| Before the Poison | (2011) |
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
| Not Safe After Dark | (1998) |
| The Price of Love: And Other Stories | (2009) |
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
| The Two Ladies of Rose Cottage | (1998) |
| Missing in Action | (2000) |
| Birthday Dance | (2009) |
| The Eastvale Ladies’ Poker Circle | (2009) |
| The Ferryman’s Beautiful Daughter | (2009) |
| The Cherub Affair | (2009) |
| Cornelius Jubb | (2009) |
| The Magic of Your Touch | (2009) |
| Fan Mail | (2016) |
| The Good Partner | (2016) |
| Innocence | (2016) |
Publication Order of Bibliomysteries Books
| The Book of Virtue(By: Ken Bruen) | (2012) |
| Pronghorns of the Third Reich(By: C.J. Box) | (2012) |
| The Book Thing(By: Laura Lippman) | (2012) |
| The Book Case(By: Nelson DeMille) | (2012) |
| An Acceptable Sacrifice(By: Jeffery Deaver) | (2012) |
| Death Leaves a Bookmark(By: William Link) | (2012) |
| The Final Testament(By: Peter Blauner) | (2013) |
| Rides a Stranger(By: David Bell) | (2013) |
| The Long Sonata of the Dead(By: Andrew Taylor) | (2013) |
| The Book of Ghosts(By: Reed Farrel Coleman) | (2013) |
| The Compendium of Srem(By: F. Paul Wilson) | (2014) |
| What’s in a Name?(By: Thomas H. Cook) | (2014) |
| Remaindered(By: Peter Lovesey) | (2014) |
| The Sequel(By: R.L. Stine) | (2014) |
| The Gospel of Sheba(By: Lyndsay Faye) | (2014) |
| Book Club(By: Loren D. Estleman) | (2014) |
| The Nature of My Inheritance(By: Bradford Morrow) | (2014) |
| It’s in the Book(By: Mickey Spillane) | (2014) |
| The Scroll(By: Anne Perry) | (2014) |
| The Book of the Lion(By: Thomas Perry) | (2015) |
| The Little Men(By: Megan Abbott) | (2015) |
| Condor in the Stacks(By: James Grady) | (2015) |
| Mystery, Inc.(By: Joyce Carol Oates) | (2015) |
| Every Seven Years(By: Denise Mina) | (2015) |
| From the Queen(By: Carolyn Hart) | (2015) |
| From the Queen(By: Carolyn Hart) | (2015) |
| The Travelling Companion(By: Ian Rankin) | (2016) |
| Citadel(By: Stephen Hunter) | (2016) |
| Reconciliation Day(By: Christopher Fowler) | (2016) |
| Dead Dames Don’t Sing(By: John Harvey) | (2016) |
| The Haze(By: James W. Hall) | (2016) |
| Hoodoo Harry(By: Joe R. Lansdale) | (2017) |
| The Pretty Little Box(By: Charles Todd) | (2018) |
| Seven Years | (2018) |
| The Hemingway Valise(By: Robert Olen Butler) | (2018) |
| The Last Honest Horse Thief(By: Michael Koryta) | (2018) |
| The Caxton Private Lending Library & Book Depository(By: John Connolly) | (2018) |
| The Girl Who Did Say No(By: David Handler) | (2020) |
| The Traitor(By: Martin Edwards) | (2022) |
| The Dark Door(By: Lisa Unger) | (2022) |
| The Honeymoon Trap(By: Peter Swanson) | (2022) |
Chronological Order of Bibliomysteries Books
| The Book of Virtue(By: Ken Bruen) | (2012) |
| The Scroll(By: Anne Perry) | (2014) |
| Pronghorns of the Third Reich(By: C.J. Box) | (2012) |
| An Acceptable Sacrifice(By: Jeffery Deaver) | (2012) |
| Death Leaves a Bookmark(By: William Link) | (2012) |
| Seven Years | (2018) |
| The Book Thing(By: Laura Lippman) | (2012) |
| The Book of Ghosts(By: Reed Farrel Coleman) | (2013) |
| Book Club(By: Loren D. Estleman) | (2014) |
| The Long Sonata of the Dead(By: Andrew Taylor) | (2013) |
| The Final Testament(By: Peter Blauner) | (2013) |
| Rides a Stranger(By: David Bell) | (2013) |
| What’s in a Name?(By: Thomas H. Cook) | (2014) |
| It’s in the Book(By: Mickey Spillane) | (2014) |
| The Nature of My Inheritance(By: Bradford Morrow) | (2014) |
| Remaindered(By: Peter Lovesey) | (2014) |
| The Compendium of Srem(By: F. Paul Wilson) | (2014) |
| The Gospel of Sheba(By: Lyndsay Faye) | (2014) |
| The Sequel(By: R.L. Stine) | (2014) |
| The Book of the Lion(By: Thomas Perry) | (2015) |
| The Little Men(By: Megan Abbott) | (2015) |
| From the Queen(By: Carolyn Hart) | (2015) |
| Every Seven Years(By: Denise Mina) | (2015) |
| Citadel(By: Stephen Hunter) | (2016) |
| Condor in the Stacks(By: James Grady) | (2015) |
| Mystery, Inc.(By: Joyce Carol Oates) | (2015) |
| The Travelling Companion(By: Ian Rankin) | (2016) |
| The Haze(By: James W. Hall) | (2016) |
| Dead Dames Don’t Sing(By: John Harvey) | (2016) |
| Reconciliation Day(By: Christopher Fowler) | (2016) |
| Hoodoo Harry(By: Joe R. Lansdale) | (2017) |
| The Pretty Little Box(By: Charles Todd) | (2018) |
| The Caxton Private Lending Library & Book Depository(By: John Connolly) | (2018) |
| The Hemingway Valise(By: Robert Olen Butler) | (2018) |
| The Last Honest Horse Thief(By: Michael Koryta) | (2018) |
| The Book Case(By: Nelson DeMille) | (2012) |
| From the Queen(By: Carolyn Hart) | (2015) |
| The Girl Who Did Say No(By: David Handler) | (2020) |
| The Traitor(By: Martin Edwards) | (2022) |
| The Dark Door(By: Lisa Unger) | (2022) |
| The Honeymoon Trap(By: Peter Swanson) | (2022) |
Publication Order of Anthologies
| Granta 2: The Portage to San Cristobal of A.H. | (1990) |
| 100 Great Detectives, Or, the Detective Directory | (1991) |
| The Best American Mystery Stories 1999 | (1999) |
| The Oxford Book of Detective Stories | (2000) |
| Opening Shots: Great Mystery and Crime Writers Share Their First Published Stories | (2000) |
| The World’s Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 2 | (2000) |
| The Best American Mystery Stories 2001 | (2001) |
| Like a Charm | (2004) |
| The Longman Anthology of Detective Fiction | (2004) |
| The World’s Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 5 | (2004) |
| Thou Shalt Not Kill | (2005) |
| A Merry Band of Murderers | (2006) |
| The Penguin Book of Crime Stories | (2007) |
| The Blue Religion | (2008) |
| Toronto Noir | (2008) |
| Deadly Pleasures | (2013) |
| Crime Plus Music | (2016) |
| Murder, They Wrote: Five Bibliomysteries by Edgar Award-Winning Authors | (2018) |