Right vs Justice
It would be only a slight exaggeration to say that Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks of the North Yorkshire Police is as well known in the UK in this day and age as London private detective Sherlock Holmes was a century ago. Less so in the US with its plethora of shamuses. But crime thriller fans the world over rate him as one of the best.
Brit Peter Robinson has penned 30 novels featuring his literary creation and there is also a popular TV series. Fictional shamuses and gumshoes are one of a kind in being intrepid perpetrator hunters, yet differing personalities. More than a few are physical, breaking bones of those they are up against.
Even the great Holmes had a knock-down drag out fight with his nemesis (Dr Moriarty won). Banks has been struck from behind, not knowing what hit him. His distinction is that he’s a decent cop. He’ll stretch the truth in his reports when he feels that the motive is justifiable. What is right is his prime concern.
The author has his characters discuss this at length in Children Of The Revolution. “An attractive co-ed at Essex University is sought after by many a male. Victoria’s upper class parents expect her to wed one of their own. Yet she gives her heart and the rest of her to a dynamic young communist. Pregnant, how can she keep it a secret?
The plot conveniently has her married sister unable to conceive, Victoria hands over baby Oliver without the authorities catching on. Brother-in-law Laiton sends him to the best schools. At 30, Oliver is headed for high government positions.
Victoria ties the knot with one of her high rank, has children of her own, plays Oliver’s affectionate aunt. Then the phone-call that changes all their lives. A blackmailer has found out their secret and demands money. Laiton delivers it and during the meeting the man dies.
Was it an accident or murder? DCI Banks is assigned the case, which is expanded when there is an attempt on Victoria’s life. Learning the secret in his investigation, Banks has a moral dilemma: how to bring about justice or support who may well be a future prime minister.
Aficionados of Alan Banks often find themselves thinking about right and wrong. They may not agree with Robinson’s resolutions to the question. Nevertheless, they can’t dispute that there is more than one way of considering it.