Crucified is a very good addition to the Jack Warr series by Lynda La Plante. I did feel the story started off quite slowly and it took time for me to become fully invested in the story and its characters. Here Warr looks into the world of art forgeries. I think the authors writing is good and the plot line intricate, multi layered and well thought out. Warr is a very likeable and relateable character who you just root for. The glimpses into his home and personal life give his character more depth and I've always liked Maggie and Penny. Lynda La Plante deals with Warrs mental health issues sensitively and with care and I had so much empathy for Jack and how his previous investigated cases affected him. I really like the ending which sets up the next book perfectly and I will want to read it to see what is in store for Jack next. If you like crime, police procedurals then I think you'll enjoy this series and I'd recommend it although you need to read the books in order to get to know the characters from the beginning.

4 stars

Like anyone who reads detective fiction I have long since regarded Lynda La Plante as crime thriller royalty. I've read virtually every book she's published and don't think there has ever been a bad one. And 'Crucified' is a very good one!
In the hands of a lesser writer this might well have been a bog standard police procedural but Lynda has such an intimate relationship with her characters it makes everything so much more compelling.
Jack Warr is fast becoming one of my favourite detectives and I love the way one learns so much about his home life and family. And I love the way he's a maverick and willing to bend or break the rules. His wife, Maggie, is also a very strong character. I have lots of empathy for them both.
I really can't wait to read the next book in this fabulous series. When you read the final chapter you will see why!

This is the fifth book in the Jack Warr series, and it is the first one I have read. It can be read as a standalone, and I enjoyed it a huge amount. I will say it did work well, but there are mentions of things in Jack's past that crop up. While these are mentioned, I was curious to know more, so I will probably start this series at the beginning.

As this is the first meeting for me, Kack is on leave and has been struggling after being in court for a previous case. They have a new baby, and his wife is looking to potentially go back to work. They have his mum staying with them to help with the children.

Jack bumps into someone he knew from the past, art forger Adam Border. He and Jack get along, and it is the distraction he needs, but he is starting to enter a world that he knows nothing about. Another friend visits from the US. With new colleagues as well, there is a lot now starting to go on. The author, however, knows just how to keep the plots running and she flits between the various characters and subplots effortlessly.

This only has a short synopsis, and it is difficult to say too much without giving things away. There is a certain amount of cat and mouse, some manipulation and a huge amount of secrets, backhanders, and many different avenues of investigation. There is murder, mayhem and some very close shaves for Jack and those close to him.

The pacing of this book is excellent, if I weren't so busy at work, I would have got through it so much quicker than I did. I adored the suspense and misdirection as well as the juggling subplots. I do think this is a series I will be sticking with if the author does continue it as there is a new angle that has been mentioned for Jack.

It has been a long time since I have read a book by this author and it was great to pick one up. It is an intense crime, thriller and police procedural novel that I adored and would recommend.

It’s as great to be able to catch up with DCI Jack Warr and his family in the new book in this series featuring him as our protagonist. Reeling from a brutal last case we see Jack struggling with his mental health and coupled with changes at home Jack seems to be acting with more reckless abandon in all aspects of his life.

Featuring his metal health together with a continuation of the relationship with artist and renounced art forger Adam Border, this is a rollercoaster book, which sees Jack put himself and his family in a precious position.

Great storyline and more flesh on the bones of characters the reader has grown to know and love this is a great next instalment of this gripping crime novel series.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jack Warr is traumatised and suffering from nightmares after dealing with a serial killer. Jack is supposed to be resting at home but crime manages to find him. The exciting plot includes drug crime, art forgery and a brutal murder. The intensity of the plot is balanced by details of Jack's home life as the characters introduced ealier in the series are further developed.
This is another great read in the Jack Warr series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Warr is a tricky character- a detective invested in saving a fraudster from discovery seems like a recipe for disaster and Warr certainly finds himself in hot water more than once, both professionally and personally as the plot unfolds.
With an eclectic mix of crimes from drugs to art fraud to murder and corruption the book is fast paced and will keep you reading late into the night!

Crucified by Lynda La Plante is a gripping and intense crime thriller that masterfully blends procedural detail with compelling suspense. From the very first chapter, La Plante draws readers into a complex and unsettling investigation, delivering a story that feels both gritty and authentic. The writing is sharp and immersive, making every twist and revelation hit with impact.

The characters are well-developed, particularly the lead investigator, whose determination and depth add emotional weight to the case. La Plante’s expertise in crime storytelling shines through, balancing intricate police work with moments of raw tension. While some plot threads feel familiar, the execution is so strong that it keeps the story engaging throughout.

The pacing is excellent, building tension steadily before delivering a satisfying and hard-hitting conclusion. Crucified is a gripping and expertly crafted thriller—an easy 4.5-star read for fans of crime fiction that’s both intelligent and relentless.

Was looking forward to Jack Warr’s return in this the 5th book of the series and as was expecting it did not disappoint,it was good to be back with his family and colleagues and meet some new ones,,including a new boss who has a secret to hide…

This book deals equally with Jack’s mental health after a particularly soul destroying case and also with his home life and then with a case regarding a very gruesome murder that is connected to the art world,there was much information on this world and forgeries which was interesting and a subject I knew nothing of

There was also a prison nurse character who had started her career well and with all good intentions but somehow along the way had gone to the other side and it was good to read about her,her justifications and what happened to her ( and what she was prepared to do for a good retirement! )

I really like Jack,its hard not to,his edgy manner combined with his gruff kindness when needed and most of all his determination to see justice being servied,a complex man for sure but a good man too

Pleased to see Book 6 is in the offing,there is no reason these books cannot go on and on as there is so much for the author to bring to us readers re Jack,his life and the cases he deals with

Brilliant read

This is the first DS Jack Warr book that I have read and it is so well writen that this did not matter. The backgroung parts that appear fairly early on are self explanatory and enough information given always to understand what had happened preiously. With so many characers it took a while to get to grips wth all of them and how they slotted into the story. It is a great story that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Jack was a lovable character who was stuck between his police investigation work and wanting to be with his family. Maggie, his wfe, who is a doctor showed great strength supporting Jack through all his work and made such a great effort to back him up when he was looking for information. I am looking forward to the next part of DS Warr's new position in the Met and how he continue with his determination to bring down Adam.

Jack Warr is my favorite character in all the books I have read by this author. So, it was with great pleasure that I was able to dive back into his story and see what he will get up to next. I love how quick his mind is, and even if he skirts back and forth across the line of legality and justice, he is a good guy and definitely does his best to bring down the worst murderers. This time it is a mysterious person than was brutalized and then hung on a cross. Add in art forgery (including the return of Adam) and Jack trying to rise above the violent nightmares, be a loving father and husband, and a good detective (plus find some cash to finish the renovations in his house), it makes for a wonderful addition to this series. I cannot wait to see what he next gets into after that ending! I really hope he can stay ahead of those that are suspicious of his actions/reasons because he is a great character!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this great book!

Brilliant detective story featuring Detective Jack Warr who suffers from night terrors after a gruesome case. He strikes up a friendship with master forger, Adam Border. When a body is found murdered in the framers shop Jack starts to investigate, what follows is a page turner with lots of twists.
Great story from Lynda La Plante would highly recommend for thrills.

This is the first Lynda la Plante book I’ve read…and won’t be the last for sure! I’ve always eagerly lapped up any tv series she’s been involved in writing, always utterly brilliant however having read this book I’m now aware that the books are even better!

This one keeps you in the edge of your seat, lots of characters to both like and dislike, a plot that grips from the start and a hero and his family you want to know more about.

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review

Absolutely brilliant book wouldn't expect anything less from legend Lynda La Plante
Worth reading keeps you guessing throughout

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for the this ARC.
I thoroughly enjoy Lynda La Plante books and have read all the Jack Warr books. I did enjoy this but it was not the best in the series.
There felt to be something missing from this book, it was quite predictive. But it remains an enjoyable read!

As always a new Lynda La Plante novel is a joy to read. The reader is drawn in from the outset and the characters just jump off the page. I enjoyed reading about Jack Warr's police activieties but just as much pleasure was gained from the insights into his personal and domestic life, and getting to know more about his family. I look forward to the next in the series.

A good addition to the series, Jack is laying it all on the line again to catch a serial killer, very dark and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

An excellent read

I have always enjoyed Lynda La Plante, but unfortunately this one didn’t tick the boxes for me. Just couldn’t get into it and a far cry from the usual excellent reads that she has provided over the years.

It might be harsh to label DS Jack Warr as a ‘Bad Cop’, but it’s close at times, but frequently in a good cause to solve a case. He’s so likeable, incredibly plausible, and programmed to talk himself out of trouble at work and home. Indeed, he could easily fight his way out of a paper bag. He’s suffering nightmares from a previous case at the start, which sounds like PTSD. I was also interested in the sub-theme about Fentanyl. I’ve read in other books about people taking them, but I wondered what they were. President Donald Trump has also mentioned this medication.

I enjoyed the mix of home life and the detective cases. When the couple converts their home, Maggie exerts her female wiles to enhance the decor, which amuses me. Jack is so involved with the children, Hannah and Charlie, that it’s moving.

Jack is like a moth to a flame over the talented but dubious Adam Border. It’s hard not to admire the fraudster’s talent as an art forger. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of him. The Crucifixion was sickening and gruesome. It makes you realise what evil prevails in the world. I loved how the author started calmly, heated the momentum, and then exploded the plot, causing you to take a breath. When Jack later finds himself on the naughty mat at work, his wife, Maggie, is supportive and craftily saves his skin. The incident ultimately makes him take stock of his future. Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for the honour of reading a great new novel.

Detective Jack Warr is still recovering from the aftermath of catching serial killer Rodney Middleton. The case may be over, and Middleton safely locked up, but Jack is still having nightmares that terrify him and his wife.
Then Jack bumps into an old adversary, Adam Border. Suddenly Jack has a new interest. The world of art forgery.
When a man is discovered brutally murdered in a framers shop that Jack has seen Adam frequenting, Jack wonders if Adam could be the victim, or could he be the killer?
Jack can’t help becoming involved, he has a grudging respect for Adam and needs to know the truth. But getting involved could put not only his career at risk but also his life and his family.
This book takes you into the shady side of the art world, but it also lets you get to know more about Jack Warr both as a man and as a Detective. It’s well written and is another hit from the incomparable Lynda La Plante.

This is an unusual book in that early on respected detective Jack is suggested to be corrupt as he has been staching away large numbers of banknotes. He also cannot resist tinkering in cases that are none of his business and that leads to questions being asked at work about his trustworthiness. On his side, he has just finished solving a complex case and his experience in court left him with mental health issues. He also, with Maggie, has a lively home life which is a welcome relief from the intense parts of the book. Eventually he does get himself into difficulties at work when he turns up on television as the hero at a reception in London which goes wrong. The figures behind the event are under scrutiny by detectives. The problem is he has become fascinated by art forgery and has got too close to some of its main figures. There are many strands to this story and many figures to keep your mind active! I recommend it.