Innocent Graves

Sixteen year old Deborah Harrison's body has been found in a graveyard.  She was on her way home after school on a foggy evening when she was attacked and strangled.

DCI Alan Banks is in charge of the investigation.  It isn't long before a suspect is apprehended.  As the trial progresses, author Peter Robinson gives the reader an insight into what the accused goes through in jail.  Defendent Owen Pierce has an excellent solicitor who manages to get him off.  However, Pierce's life becomes a living hell.

Banks is forced to take another look and reopen the case.  He must look at other potential suspects and look into the life of the victim.  However, as the new investigation gets underway, another 16 year old girl is found murdered in the same fashion.  Evidence found at the scene points to Pierce, who is arrested once again.

The following day Pierce is exonerated because he had been under police surveillance at the time of the second murder.  Someone had been trying to frame him.  Banks needs a new approach.  Once again he looks into the life of the original victim.  It is her missing diary that opens up a new avenue of query for Banks.  The diary also points to the murderer.

Peter Robinson has put together a fantastic murder mystery once again.  The first time I picked up a Peter Robinson murder mystery I became a fan of his writing.  I have read the other novels in the DCI Banks series, and had missed this particular novel, but am glad that I was given it as a gift.