Against the Grain by Peter Lovesey

In “Against the Grain,” Peter Lovesey gracefully concludes his beloved Peter Diamond series with a tale that masterfully blends rural charm with dark undercurrents. After 30 years and 21 previous novels, Lovesey proves he still has fresh insights to offer about his curmudgeonly yet endearing protagonist, crafting a mystery that serves as both a compelling standalone story and a fitting farewell to one of crime fiction’s most distinctive detectives.

The Art of Rural Detection

Set in the fictional Somerset village of Baskerville, the story follows Detective Peter Diamond as he reluctantly agrees to investigate a potential miscarriage of justice at the request of his former colleague Julie Hargreaves. What begins as a simple favor evolves into an intricate exploration of art forgery, hidden passions, and the dark secrets that can simmer beneath the surface of even the most picturesque village.

A Fish Out of Water

One of the novel’s greatest pleasures is watching the urban-dwelling Diamond navigate rural life. From his mishaps with tractors to his awkward participation in traditional country dances, these scenes provide delightful comic relief while revealing new factures of his character. Lovesey excels at finding humor in Diamond’s discomfort without ever making him appear incompetent at his core mission—solving crimes.

Layers of Mystery

The central case involves a woman named Claudia Priest, convicted of manslaughter after a man died in her farm’s grain silo. As Diamond investigates under the guise of a visitor to the village, he uncovers connections to valuable artwork, decades-old secrets, and the complex relationships between villagers and wealthy weekenders from Bath. The plot unfolds like a masterfully constructed puzzle box, with each revelation leading to new questions.

Strengths and Minor Shortcomings

The novel’s greatest strengths lie in:

• Vivid characterization of village life and its inhabitants
• Clever integration of art history and forgery into the mystery
• Skillful balance of humor and darkness
• Poignant exploration of Diamond’s character growth

A few minor weaknesses include:

• Some plot developments rely heavily on coincidence
• Certain supporting characters could be more fully developed
• The pacing occasionally slows in the middle sections

Memorable Characters

The supporting cast is richly drawn, from the enigmatic Maggie Harrap to the Douglas family managing the farm. Julie Hargreaves makes a welcome return, though her role feels somewhat limited. Diamond’s partner Paloma provides an excellent foil for his curmudgeonly tendencies, their relationship adding warmth and depth to the story.

Technical Mastery

Lovesey’s prose remains sharp and effective, with particularly strong dialogue that captures the nuances of both rural Somerset speech and Diamond’s urban directness. The author’s research into farming practices, art history, and village traditions shines through without becoming pedantic.

A Fitting Conclusion

What makes “Against the Grain” especially satisfying is how it allows Diamond to evolve while remaining true to his essential nature. His experiences in Baskerville challenge his preconceptions and force him to adapt his investigative methods, yet his fundamental integrity and determination remain unchanged.

Legacy and Impact

The Peter Diamond series has been a cornerstone of British detective fiction for three decades, winning numerous awards including the CWA Diamond Dagger. This final installment maintains the high standards set by classics in the series like “The Last Detective” and “Diamond Solitaire” while adding new dimensions to the character.

Comparative Context

Fans of Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope series or Louise Penny’s Armand Gamache novels will find similar pleasures here—complex mysteries set in well-realized communities with strong sense of place. The book also shares DNA with classic village mysteries while bringing a contemporary sensibility to the genre.

The Verdict

“Against the Grain” succeeds both as a standalone mystery and as a conclusion to a beloved series. While not quite perfect, its strengths far outweigh its minor flaws. Lovesey demonstrates that even after 22 books, he can still surprise readers while delivering the satisfying elements they’ve come to expect from a Peter Diamond mystery.

For Readers Considering This Book

If you’re new to the series, you can enjoy this as a standalone, though you’ll miss some emotional resonance in the relationships between characters. Long-time fans will find this a satisfying, if bittersweet, conclusion to Diamond’s journey.

Key Recommendations

• Perfect for fans of: British police procedurals, village mysteries, art-related crimes
• Ideal reading atmosphere: A rainy afternoon with a cup of tea
• Best appreciated by: Readers who enjoy character development as much as puzzle-solving

Final Thoughts

In closing his long-running series, Lovesey has crafted a novel that honors what came before while still offering fresh insights and surprises. “Against the Grain” demonstrates why Peter Diamond has endured as a character and why Lovesey remains a master of the genre. It’s a fitting farewell to a detective who has entertained readers for over three decades, proving that even curmudgeons can learn new tricks—though they might grumble about it all the way.

Note: This book brings Lovesey’s Peter Diamond series to a close after a remarkable run of 22 novels spanning from 1991’s “The Last Detective” to this final installment. The series has consistently delivered high-quality mysteries while evolving with the times, a remarkable achievement in the genre.