Against the Grain by Peter Lovesey

In “Against the Grain,” 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 – both literally and metaphorically – as he trades the Georgian splendor of Bath for the muddy lanes and suspicious glances of rural Somerset.

Plot and Narrative: A Fresh Take on Country Crime

The story begins when Diamond’s 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 local farm owner, Claudia Priest, has been convicted of manslaughter following a death in her grain silo, but Julie suspects there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

Lovesey cleverly subverts the typical “city cop in the country” 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.

Character Development: New Dimensions to Familiar Faces

The greatest strength of “Against the Grain” 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 – much to his horror – participation in social activities like barn dances. Lovesey manages this character development with a deft touch that never feels forced or out of character.

The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, from the enigmatic Claudia Priest to the village’s 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.

Writing Style and Atmosphere

Lovesey’s 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’s trademark wit is on full display, particularly in scenes where Diamond attempts to blend in with country life.

Strengths and Minor Shortcomings

What Works Well:

• The intricate plot that weaves together art history, rural life, and murder
• Diamond’s character development while maintaining his essential nature
• The authentic portrayal of village dynamics and relationships
• Skillful balance of humor and serious crime investigation
• Satisfying resolution that ties up both immediate and long-running plot threads

Areas for Improvement:

• Some readers might find the pacing in the middle section slightly slow
• A few plot points rely heavily on coincidence
• Certain secondary characters could have been more fully developed
• The art fraud subplot, while interesting, occasionally feels overly complex

Cultural and Historical Context

Lovesey demonstrates his expertise in both contemporary rural life and art history through the subplot involving Walter Sickert’s paintings. This adds an intellectual dimension to the mystery while providing fascinating insights into the art world and its intersection with crime.

The Legacy of Peter Diamond

As a finale to the series, “Against the Grain” serves as both a satisfying mystery and a fitting farewell to a character who has entertained readers for over 30 years. The book acknowledges Diamond’s growth while staying true to the elements that made him such an endearing character from the beginning.

Impact and Relevance

While this is the last Peter Diamond mystery, Lovesey ensures it stands as one of the strongest. The themes of justice, identity, and the complex nature of truth remain as relevant as ever, while the rural setting provides a fresh perspective on these eternal concerns.

Final Verdict

“Against the Grain” offers a masterful blend of traditional detective work with contemporary themes. While not without minor flaws, it serves as a worthy conclusion to one of crime fiction’s most celebrated series.

For fans of the genre, particularly those who enjoy:

• Louise Penny’s Three Pines mysteries
• Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope series
• Caroline Graham’s Midsomer Murders

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Peter Lovesey’s contribution to crime fiction extends far beyond the Peter Diamond series, including the Sergeant Cribb mysteries and standalone novels. However, it’s Diamond who has captured readers’ hearts most firmly, and “Against the Grain” ensures he exits the stage on a high note.

Conclusion: A Fitting Farewell

“Against the Grain” demonstrates why Peter Lovesey has remained at the forefront of British crime fiction for so long. It’s a mystery that satisfies on multiple levels – as a standalone novel, as a series finale, and as a meditation on change and adaptation. While fans will miss Peter Diamond, they couldn’t ask for a more appropriate conclusion to his story.

This book is strongly recommended for:

• Long-time fans of the Peter Diamond series
• Readers who enjoy traditional British mysteries with contemporary themes
• Anyone interested in the intersection of art history and crime
• Lovers of rural mysteries and village dynamics

A bittersweet but thoroughly satisfying conclusion to a remarkable series.