18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Rookie Detective and the Serial Killer, April 19, 2006
This review is from: Above Suspicion (Anna Travis Mysteries) (Hardcover)
For the reader that is tired of the same old stories of tough, hard-drinking detectives in Los Angeles or New York, Lynda La Plante offers a refreshing detective in a tale from London that has a gratifyingly authentic flavor. There is a hint of La Plante's excellent Prime Suspect television series, and a hint of Jack the Ripper in this story of bright, young Detective Sergeant Anna Travis, daughter of the late Detective Chief Superintendent Jack Travis. Anna is chosen by Detective Chief Inspector Langton to join his team investigating a series of murders of prostitutes. There is almost no evidence identifying anyone as the killer, but the team continues to dig until they uncover puzzling clues pointing to a handsome, famous movie star. It seems unlikely that this wealthy man is the murderer, but as the investigation continues, he turns his charm toward Anna. Or is he stalking her? Suspense builds until we reach a gripping climax to a most enjoyable story.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Watch the eyes. Wait for the fear.", March 7, 2006
This review is from: Above Suspicion (Anna Travis Mysteries) (Hardcover)
Being the new kid on the block is disconcerting to say the least, as Anna Travis joins a bustling murder squad in search of a serial killer who has just claimed his seventh victim. Getting up to speed by taking home victim files, Travis is sorely tested by her first corpse and coroner's exam, but in the spirit of her father, a revered cop known as "Jack the Knife", the fledging murder detective throws herself into the case. The last victim brings a much-needed break in the case, the squad subject to constant budget constraints and the good will of their superiors, who in turn must answer to the people. Far from glamorous, this is tedious labor, checking and rechecking facts, witnesses, necessary minutiae by which a strong case is built. Travis finds her presence increasingly requested by DCI Langton, perhaps because she puts a female face on a primarily male venue, but also for her tenacity and willingness to get the job done.
From one lead to another, Travis takes her cues from an unpredictable Langton, who is by turns elated by new information and depressed by a lack of progress. Finally, the meager leads bear fruit, all leading to the son of a prostitute, one of the serial killer's victims; the son's name is Anthony Duffy, now a well-known actor, Alan Daniels. Everything points to this man, but the evidence is circumstantial at best. If Daniels is the killer, he is brilliantly circumspect, going out of his way to be cooperative and charming, even paying special attention to Anna. Unnerved by his interest, Anna is confused and begins to doubt her cop instincts. Is Alan genuinely attracted to her or is he a practiced sociopath? In either case, Langton suggests Travis take advantage of Daniel's interest to ingratiate herself, in hopes of finding the critical piece of evidence that will put him away. In spite of being her father's daughter, Anna is hampered by a lack of self-confidence in her relationships with men, a tempting target for the inscrutable actor, Daniels.
LaPlante is a gifted writer of this genre, shuffling characters, clues and plot elements for maximum suspense. While the sardonic Langton is a perfect boss, waxing hot and cold in equal measure, Travis, the new female detective, is both sympathetic and likeable, a compelling combination. Smart and increasingly savvy in this new job, Travis takes to murder, although she first suffers the usual pangs of initiation, foolish mistakes and dangerous situations born of her naiveté. This police procedural combines the inner workings of a tough occupation, with the loyal, determined personalities that dedicate their lives to making the world a safer place. Anna Travis is at home on her new turf, ready for her next assignment. Luan Gaines/ 2006.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Above Suspicion, May 19, 2009
I recently fell in love with books written by Lynda La Plante.
I want to read all she has written. Her style keeps you turning
the page and at the end wanting to read another book. I especially
love the Anna Travis Mysteries.
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