In \u201cAgainst the Grain,\u201d Peter Lovesey brings his acclaimed Peter Diamond series to a graceful conclusion after more than three decades of masterful crime writing. This 22nd and final installment sees our favorite curmudgeonly detective venture into unfamiliar territory \u2013 both literally and metaphorically \u2013 as he trades the Georgian splendor of Bath for the muddy lanes and suspicious glances of rural Somerset.<\/p>\n
The story begins when Diamond\u2019s former colleague Julie Hargreaves, now blind but sharp as ever, invites him and his partner Paloma to the village of Baskerville. What starts as a supposedly relaxing countryside break quickly evolves into an unofficial investigation into a possible miscarriage of justice<\/a>. A local farm owner, Claudia Priest, has been convicted of manslaughter following a death in her grain silo, but Julie suspects there\u2019s more to the story than meets the eye.<\/p>\n Lovesey cleverly subverts the typical \u201ccity cop in the country\u201d trope by having Diamond work undercover, forcing our usually forthright detective to rely on subterfuge and charm rather than his official authority. The result is both amusing and revealing, as Diamond discovers hidden depths to his own character while navigating the intricacies of village life.<\/p>\n The greatest strength of \u201cAgainst the Grain\u201d lies in how it allows Diamond to show new facets of his personality. Stripped of his official status, he must rely on wit, adaptability, and even \u2013 much to his horror \u2013 participation in social activities like barn dances. Lovesey manages this character development with a deft touch that never feels forced or out of character.<\/p>\n The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, from the enigmatic Claudia Priest to the village\u2019s array of colorful characters. Julie Hargreaves, in particular, shines in her role as the catalyst for the investigation, her blindness adding an extra layer of complexity to her keen detective instincts.<\/p>\n Lovesey\u2019s prose remains as sharp and engaging as ever, perfectly balancing humor with tension. His description of rural life feels authentic without falling into stereotypes, and he captures the underlying currents of village politics with remarkable insight. The author\u2019s trademark wit is on full display, particularly in scenes where Diamond attempts to blend in with country life.<\/p>\nCharacter Development: New Dimensions to Familiar Faces<\/h3>\n
Writing Style and Atmosphere<\/h3>\n
Strengths and Minor Shortcomings<\/h3>\n
What Works Well:<\/h2>\n