Standing in the Shadows

The brilliant final novel in the number one bestselling Alan Banks crime series, written by the master of the police procedural, is a standout entry in a long-running saga. This edition, published in January 2024, continues the tradition of immersive, tightly plotted investigations led by Detective Superintendent Alan Banks. With 368 pages, the story combines intricate puzzle-work with the emotional weight of long-running characters, delivering a satisfying culmination for fans of the series.

Two timelines drive the suspense. In late November 1980, student Nick Hartley returns home to find police filling his house. His ex-girlfriend has been murdered in a nearby park, and her new boyfriend is missing. With no solid alibi, Nick becomes a suspect, even as he furiously questions what might really have happened. In late November 2019, an archaeological dig near Scotch Corner uncovers a skeleton that appears to be more recent than the Roman remains expected by the archaeologist. Detective Superintendent Banks and his team are drawn into a case where the past and present collide with devastating consequences.

Features

• Final novel in the Alan Banks crime series
• Set across 1980 and 2019 timelines
• 368 pages, paperback edition
• Mystery and procedural drama woven together
• Protagonist: Detective Superintendent Alan Banks
• Published January 2024 by Hachette Intl