Member Reviews
This was a brilliant read. As soon as I started reading this book I just knew I was going to love it. Highly recommended
Zaffre and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Good Friday. I voluntarily chose to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
Detective Constable Jane Tennison ends up in the center of a media storm after surviving a bombing at the Covent Garden tube station. As a key witness, the Metropolitan police is concerned for her safety and puts her under guard. In a race against time, does Tennison hold the key to unlocking the whole terror operation? Will her personal life prove to be a help or a hindrance regarding Tennison's professional career?
Having read the previous prequel books in this series, I did expect certain aspects of the plot regarding Tennison's career to be strikingly familiar. There really was no growth for the character, with Jane getting in over her head surprisingly a lot for one book. Having read some of the books from the original series, as well as having watched Prime Suspect, I did expect Tennison's poor judgment of character. However, I found that aspect of the plot to be a little over the top. Although I did not find Good Friday to be outstanding or remarkable, I would like to see in future books how author Lynda La Plante merges this timeline with the original series.
Fans of LaPlante will enjoy this for its twisty quality. Good characters and writing combine to make this a good read.
I love this author and all her books have amazed me.
I couldn't read this one as the format for some reason kept repeating the same sentences.
It's not an issue, it's a book I've since bought, and I will leave another review once I have finished my new copy.
Thanks
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Good Friday is the third book in WDC Jane Tenninson series.
Jane had officially passed her WDC course and was a fully fledged detective in CID. Jane was still based at Bow Street Station from her last investigation. Despite being instrumental in arresting a serial rapist, Jane felt she was not being involved in any serious investigations and requested a transfer
Jane said she wanted to join The Flying Squad (The Sweeney) but was told there were no women on the squad. Instead she was assigned to the DIp Squad who were another arm of The Sweeney. On her first day Jane helped apprehend a pick pocket, and was asked to give evidence in the magistrates court the next day. However on the way to court Jane was at a Covent Garden Tube Station when a IRA bomb was detonated. Jane saw the bomber leaving a rucksack that contained the bomb. and tried to tell him. The next day the press released a picture of Jane at the station helping the victims. Her boss held a press conference saying that Jane could identify the bomber, putting her and her family at risk.
I have read all three prequel Jane Tenninson books in the series. In the first two books Jane was a natural detective, observant and a bit of a know it all. In Good Friday Jane's naivety caused her to befriend a shoplifter and a IRA sleeper.
I enjoyed reading about the Dip Squad and the blokes camaraderie in the team. I found it hilarious but informative, when the squad demonstrated to Jane the techniques professional pickpockets use to steal money. There were some interesting characters in this book. I liked Pearl', Jane''s vegetarian flat mate, I really emphasized with her book addiction lol. I also liked DS Stanley and DS Dexter a bomb disposal expert who seemed to thrive when in dangerous situations.
Good Friday was fast paced drama which I could not put down. It was pretty obvious who the IRA sleeper was, but I enjoyed the red herring that made me doubt myself. The scene when Dexter had three minutes to disarm a bomb were scary I felt a shiver running down my spine. I recommend this series to all Jane Tenninson fans
Before Prime Suspect there was Tennison by Lynda La Plante is my first book I have read by Lynda La Plante and will not be my last. This book is fast paced and gritty. Once I started reading it I could not put it down.
In 1974 and 1975 London was subjected to IRA Bombings. In one day the IRA planted 7 bombs all at different locations across Central London. Some of the bombs were was defused however, some where not.
Detective Jane Tennison was passing through Convert Garden Underground Station and is caught in the bomb blast. This blast leaves several people dead and many seriously injured. Jane is a key witness, as she was helping the injured etc but she can't identify the bomber. When a photograph appears in the newspapers, showing Jane assisting the injured at the scene, it puts her and her family at risk from IRA retaliation. Then the story begins........
I loved this book and the way Lynda La Plante writes.
Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read this book to write an honest review
My mum is a huge fan of Lynda La Plante and always has been, so I was sure I would love this book. Unfortunately I couldn't get into it. It might have been my frame of mind at the time, but for whatever reason, I just didn't engage with the story and didn't keep reading it. Sorry. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Another excellent detective story by Lynda La Plante, full of suspense, lots of twists and turns, excellent characters and a brilliant storyline. Very topical story and easy to imagine the effect of terrorists on peoples lives. Fantastic, realistic conclusion, couldn't put it down.
Every legend has a beginning . . .
During 1974 and 1975 the IRA subjected London to a terrifying bombing campaign. In one day alone, they planted seven bombs at locations across central London. Some were defused - some were not.
Jane Tennison is now a fully-fledged detective. On the way to court one morning, Jane passes through Covent Garden Underground station and is caught up in a bomb blast that leaves several people dead, and many horribly injured.
Crikey, what a rattling good read! At first I wasn’t sure about reading about the early career of Jane Tennison. Then I watched the tv drama and was hooked. I like Jane as a character and its really interesting to see how she develops her skills and enthusiasm for the job. The writing brings the drama to life and draws us into the mid1970’s when the IRA were determined to disrupt British life as much as possible. As much a drama as a crime thriller this book is hard to put down!
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
I loved Helen Mirren's portrayal of Tennison so I was afraid that it would spoil my enjoyment of this book. I was pleasantly surprised, Jane is young and an inexperienced Detective constable thrown in at the deep end when she witnesses a bomb explosion in Covent Garden. Jane deals with sexism and misogyny whilst trying hard to prove herself in a male dominated world women are seen as sex objects. Although this is a rather naive Jane we do see elements of the balls of steel that are apparent in the older Tennison.
A thoroughly enjoyable portrayal of a young female's struggle to prove herself in a world before equality and political correctness.
One very naive woman DCI in 1976 London during the time of IRA bombings who is ambitious but nervous and emotional about the people in her life. It is also an interesting view of the various departments and how they are run or not.
Welcome back, Jane Tennison! Good Friday explores the early days of Tennison’s career. In an author’s note, Lynda La Plante takes us back to the early ’70s when Londoners coped in their carry-on fashion to the constant threat of IRA bombings. “Both police and public lived in fear: where and when would the IRA strike, and could they be stopped in time?”
The ambitious Tennison is now a fully-fledged detective and is having a difficult time landing a spot in a good operation. She turns down one transfer and privately asks her boss, DCI Shepherd, if she can remain where she is.
Jane was in a catch-22 situation. Although Shepherd had agreed for her to remain with the CID at Bow Street, he gave her very little opportunity to prove herself and she was becoming increasingly frustrated.
A chance encounter with a colleague, DC Brian Edwards, riles her up even more. Edwards speaks with great enthusiasm about his role in the Flying Squad: “The adrenalin buzz when you nick an armed blagger on the pavement is incredible.” Translation: it’s a unit dedicated to “investigating armed robberies.” He’s rather insulting when he defends the lack of women on the Flying Squad, stating, “It’s tough work, Jane, and we get results.” Arrogance and chauvinism permeate his statement. Unsurprisingly, Jane decides to ask her boss for a transfer to the Flying Squad.
Shepherd laughed. ‘Tennison, with your length of service and experience there is absolutely no possibility of your being transferred to the Flying Squad. You are welcome to apply but I doubt the application would be taken seriously.’
Edith, the CID’s clerical officer, nails what’s happening to Jane.
‘As I keep telling you Jane, the Met really don’t like giving women the kudos they deserve. They’re old-school, and Shepherd is as well ... although he maintains he’s a forward thinker, in my opinion he plays by the rules—and those rules don’t include female detectives.’
Although Jane’s request to join the Flying Squad is turned down, Shepherd asks her if she’d be interested in joining a subdivision called the “Dip Squad”—the target of their investigations are professional pickpockets. Thinking the move might help her eventually get chosen for the Flying Squad, Jane agrees.
One of DC Tennison’s greatest strengths is her power of perception. She sees more in situations than meets the eye, like when she perceives that an attractive young woman on the tube might be part of a gang of pickpockets—the young lady’s cleavage serving to distract the would-be objects of crime.
On her way to court one morning, fighting through the crowds at Convent Garden station, Tennison overhears an elderly woman calling after a man, “Hey, you left your bag!” Jane notices a rucksack lying on the floor.
Jane followed her gaze and caught sight of a man wearing a hooded winter coat, walking away with his head down. Instead of turning to acknowledge the old lady he pushed people out of his way as he hurried towards the Long Lane exit.
Jane follows him, grabs at his sleeve, and gets a “momentary glimpse of his profile.” But he eludes her and twists “out of her grasp, batting her away.” Where is the rucksack? She senses “something was very wrong” and yells for everyone to leave. Too late.
The sound of the explosion was horrific. A ball of flame mixed with shattered glass and metal filled the air, followed by dense smoke which consumed the lift and ticket area.
A huge man blocked Jane and unintentionally shielded her from the blast and flying debris, but his weight pushed her to the ground. Jane was completely dazed, and her ears throbbed with a high-pitched whine. A thick cloud of black smoke quickly filled the air, making it hard to breathe.
The CID lets it be known that Jane can identify the IRA bomber, even though she has made no such claim. She and her family are placed under protection. It’s a brutal race to prevent another bombing, even though Londoners react with their usual resilience: “Only a day after the horrific explosion everything was up and running, and throngs of people were still using public transport to get to work.”
The tension in Good Friday is unrelenting—it’s fascinating to see Jane at this early stage in her career insist that her instincts and perceptions of the bombing be respected and taken into account.
Firstly I want to say that I haven't read this author's Prime Suspect series although I am familiar with the TV adaptation of both this and her Anna Travis series. I also watched the TV series of Tennison based on the earlier books in this series, but yeah, this is the first of her stories I have actually read.
It is set in the mid 70s. Jane Tennison is now in the CID and has requested a transfer to something a little more exciting. Ideally she'd love to join the Flying squad but that's a step too far so she settles for the Dip-Squad instead. Busying herself with all the ins and outs of the wonderful art of pick pocketing. Then, one morning, on her way to court after a successful (ish) arrest, she is caught up in an IRA bomb at an underground station. Caught on camera, her life is thrown into turmoil as she could be earmarked as a target herself. This situation isn't aided by the fact that she has just spread her wings and moved out of the section house and into a flat and is currently advertising for a flatmate. Despite all this, she is really looking forward to the annual CID dinner, being held on Good Friday at a rather plush hotel. Things contrive to make Jane believe that this event could be the IRA's next target, but can she manage to convince the powers that be in time? Given her reputation and past track record, very well described also within this story, will they believe her and manage to act on time?
Well, Jane does manage to get herself into some jams. On the whole, she's a good cop but as things transpire, it's obvious that she is still more than a little naive at times. I think part of her problem is that she just wants to be liked and so makes certain mistakes in relationships, especially with respect to trust and (over)sharing! But, despite all this, she's a good cop and despite attracting trouble at every turn, does manage to come out smelling of roses most times, mostly because she has good instincts.
It's always hard to write about The Troubles without over egging or glamourising them. There is a balance that needs to be struck as some of the atrocities are still quite present in people who lived through them and here, Ms La Plante gets that balance perfectly. Especially with regard to motivation and retaliation.
The 70s setting was also accurately portrayed. I especially love the parts where the characters had to find a phone and also leaving messages for people because they were out. How far things have come now. The language and attitudes were also accurately portrayed, if at times a little uncomfortable. But that's how things were back then. Especially towards a smart woman insisting on working in a very male dominated profession. You can understand why Jane does what she does sometimes as she has to be just that little bit better than her male counterparts just to break even. That said, she is a little on the stupid side sometimes, but hey, who isn't?
I also found the author's writing style very easy to get into. So much so that I am a little disappointed with myself for never having read her books before. I am going to make a concerted effort to rectify this, TBR permitting!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
“Good Friday” by Linda La Plante takes place in March 1976, a time when the Irish Republican Army subjected London to a terrifying bombing campaign.
Jane Tennison completed her CID course and was anxious to put her skills to work. Unfortunately, in 1976, roles for women in police-work were very different, and police regulations included obtaining permission to live anywhere except in the section house, having roommates and neighbors checked for criminal records, and even requesting permission to get married. Her prospects for high-level police jobs were severely restricted, so instead of a spot on the elite “Flying Squad,” she was offered a position in the “DIP squad” chasing pickpockets. Even there, she was the first woman member.
Nevertheless, she was determined to accomplish her goals. She took the new job, got her own place with a roommate, and endeavored to learn all there was to know about being a pickpocket and catching a thief. Of course, the Scotland Yard Detective Squad’s annual black-tie dinner dance was approaching on Good Friday, April 16, at St. Ermin’s Hotel, and she was expected to attend with a date and in formal dress.
The book followed Jane through her every day comings and goings as she struggled to cope with ordinary events and an extra ordinary job. She focused on being a good police officer and a good friend. She found a roommate, reconnected with an old friend from Hendon Police College, and even took a few cooking lessons.
However, all was not well in Janes’ world. Her life became increasingly complicated by sexual tension on the job, a prostitution ring case involving an underage girl, and a horrific IRA bombing. Her personal life collapsed in shambles, and she was at a loss to know whom she could trust. Things came to a terrifying climax that had me on the edge of my seat.
I received a copy of “Good Friday” from Bonnier Zaffre Publishing, Linda La Plante, and NetGalley in exchange for my impartial review. I enjoyed the book and its look at complex London police work in 1976. The contrast between Jane’s everyday existence and her unpredictable, even gripping police life made this a compelling book. I highly recommend it.
Hi Karen,
My next review is:-
"Good Friday:Tennison 3", written by Lynda La Plante and published in hardcover by Zaffre on 24 Aug. 2017. 400 pages. ISBN-13: 978-1785762819
During 1974 and 1975 the IRA subjected London to a terrifying bombing campaign. In one day alone, they planted seven bombs at locations across central London. Some were defused - some were not.
Jane Tennison is now a fully-fledged detective. On the way to court one morning, Jane passes through Covent Garden Underground station and is caught up in a bomb blast that leaves several people dead, and many horribly injured. Jane is a key witness, but is adamant that she can't identify the bomber. When a photograph appears in the newspapers, showing Jane assisting the injured at the scene, it puts her and her family at risk from IRA retaliation.
'Good Friday' is the eagerly awaited date of the annual formal CID dinner, due to take place at St Ermin's Hotel. Hundreds of detectives and their wives will be there. It's the perfect target. As Jane arrives for the evening, she realises that she recognises the parking attendant as the bomber from Covent Garden. Can she convince her senior officers in time, or will another bomb destroy London's entire detective force?
This was a very atmospheric and fast moving story. I was gripped by this fabulous page turning read. I have not read any of the Tennison stories before but have distant memories of the TV series and I reviewed in 2010 her book "Blind Fury", which featured her other protagonist DI Anna Travis and was very impressed with that story. I remember the 1970's very well and the IRA bombing campaign was very shocking and the TV news reports very filled with all the latest outrages and the difficult reporting of all the latest news from Northern Ireland.
This was thoroughly engrossing read and the very experienced author has done her historical research impeccably and the book is infused with period detail to give a real flavour of life as I remembered during the mid 1970's. One just could not fault the plotting of this story. The dramatic plot with many twists and turns in the story telling kept me gripped until the sensational conclusion. Very strongly recommended.
Best wishes,
Terry
(To be published on eurocrime in due course)
I have been a fan of the Tennison books from the beginning, and this book, taking BACK to the start when Tennison was fresh on the force was a superb entree into the series! Not only does it show just what she had to overcome, but it shows her strength of character, and we as readers get to see where that inner resolve of hers came from! It is odd to see her as such a young woman, as you really can't get Helen out of your mind! Although if you've seen the new series, then Martin does an admirable job. She's just not Helen, LOL! But it was such FUN to step back into Tennison's world and to see how her mind worked it's amazing logic, even then. She may have been rough and naive in some ways, but she was quick on her feet, and knew what she wanted to become. If you love this series, this book is a must read, if you're new to it, START with this one, and then get into the rest of the books! You won't regret doing so!
I enjoy both the old Prime Suspect and the more recent Prime Suspect:Tennison series on PBS, so I thought I would try this book; I’m glad I did.
Good Friday features the younger Jane Tennison as she is beginning her career as a detective in the 1970s. The plot revolves around the bombings by the IRA in London and is a stark reminder that terrorist attacks are all too familiar for this city.
Recently transferred to a new division and making new acquaintances there as well as settling in to a new home and adjusting to a roommate, Jane is witness to a bombing that takes place in the Covet Garden tube station.
The story moves along at a good pace and is believable. La Plante is a
good writer who pays attention to detail. The supporting characters are well developed and easily distinguished from each other. I was a little uncomfortable with how the males in the department tend to treat her more like a pet than an equal, but that is probably realistically reflective of the times.
I found myself lost in this book and didn’t want to put it down. It is a good choice for those who enjoy police procedurals with good character development.
I cannot think of this character without picturing the inimitable Dame Helen Mirren from BBC’s excellent “Prime Suspect”. But before she became the complex & world weary DCI of that series, she was DC Jane Tennison, a young woman just finding her feet.
London in 1976 is a dangerous place to be a cop. The IRA & its various factions are a constant threat & their bombing campaign has resulted in fear & fatalities. Jane feels like she’s collecting dust at Bow St. & is desperate to handle “real” cases. Her boss finally gives in & transfers her to the “Dip Squad”, a motley crew charged with taking down organized gangs of pick pockets.
Jane is the only woman on the team & has a lot to learn. But in the course of her first few days, she inadvertently becomes the centre of attention after the bombing of a tube station. She finds herself in the middle of a huge investigation, surrounded by colleagues who won’t hesitate to use her to get a result. Her personal life is also undergoing great change. Jane is eager to leave her sheltered home life behind & buys a small flat. There are potential love interests on the horizon but as the book progresses, it becomes clear one or two have hidden agendas.
This is a quick, easy read with several side plots to flesh out the story. It does a good job of reflecting the social attitudes & reality of the times for women who dared to want something more (ie. other than a nice little clerical job to keep them occupied ’til they snag a husband & start a family).
This is Jane’s story so the large cast of peripheral characters are only lightly sketched out as they cross Jane’s path. She can be smart & headstrong yet retains the insecurities & naiveté of a young woman slightly daunted by the prospect of taking responsibility for her choices. My only quibble is her tendency to eye every male colleague she meets as a potential suitor. It’s ironic considering she spends a lot time bemoaning how female cops are objectified & treated as “skirts” whose job description includes making the station house tea.
The last few chapters are tense & fast paced as bomb investigation comes to a head. For fans of the later books, it’s an interesting look at how it all began for the woman who would become the formidable DCI.
Another fantastic story by Lynda La Plante. Great characters, and plot. Never disappointed!!
From the time I finished the prologue, I was hooked on this book. The third in the Prime Suspect prequels, I found I loved the character of young Jane Tennison. She's just finished her CID course and is dreaming of a job on The Flying Squad, but gets placed with the Dip Squad, catching pickpockets. Although she's disappointed with her job, she gamely gets involved and enjoys the company of her co-workers. But while at Covet Garden station, she sees an IRA bombing suspect and gets moved to the bomb squad. In her personal life, she buys a small flat and finds a roommate to share it. She also runs into an old friend from her academy days, and together they cook meals together and plan what she'll wear to the gala dinner and dance on Good Friday. This is the night when it all comes to a head.
I found this an easy and fast read, it just ran along at a fast pace. Jane is a great character, she never says no when she should. Now I need to read the first two in this series. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy.