Playing With Fire cover art

Playing With Fire

The 14th novel in the number one bestselling Inspector Alan Banks crime series

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Playing With Fire

By: Peter Robinson
Narrated by: Simon Slater
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About this listen

'A writer at the very height of his powers' – Ian Rankin

Playing With Fire is the fourteenth novel in Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks series, following on from The Summer That Never Was.

In the early hours of a cold January morning, two narrowboats catch fire on a dead-end stretch of the Eastvale canal. When signs of accelerant are found at the scene, DCI Banks and DI Annie Cabbot are summoned. But by the time they arrive, only the smouldering wreckage is left, and human remains have been found on both boats.

The evidence points towards a deliberate attack. But who was the intended victim? Was it Tina, the sixteen-year-old who had been living a drug-fuelled existence with her boyfriend? Or was it Tom, the mysterious, lonely artist?

As Banks makes his enquiries, it appears that a number of people are acting suspiciously: the interfering 'lock-keeper', Tina's cold-hearted stepfather, the wily local art dealer, even Tina's boyfriend . . .

Then the arsonist strikes again, and Banks's powers of investigation are tested to the limit . . .

The Inspector Banks books became the major British ITV drama DCI Banks. Continue the series with Strange Affair.

 Crime Thrillers Mystery Police Procedural Thriller & Suspense Fiction Banking Crime Thriller Suspense Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

A writer at the very height of his powers (Ian Rankin)
An award-winning writer with ideas that are imaginative and plots that are refreshingly cliché-free
All stars
Most relevant
Well structured plot gives the reader just enough information. Characters convincing in a functional way. Enjoyable

Clever

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The usual complex characters and strong narrative. No surprises but a great listen well-narrated, nevertheless.

Excellent

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Love the DCI series and particularly Simon Slater’s reading but this is a change in reader and just not at good as Slater. A bit annoying tbh. Not sure I can adjust for the next half of the series…

Oh no… it’s not Simon Slater

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Good story so pleased my favourite character wasnt guilty. Always enjoy the twist and turns of plot.

Good story well read

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