Judas Horse is the second book involving D.S. Jack Warr, you do not have to have read the first but you will want to after reading this.
Due to a series of unsolved burglaries in the Cotswolds where the violence factor during these are rising Jack is seconded from the Met to help out as he has had success previously of solving cases like this one. Jack does not suffer fools lightly and is well able to hold his own against those in this force that feel they do not need his help. He soon proves himself but not without ruffling a few feathers during the investigation.
His personal life remains solid and happy and his daughter is born during this time.
This is a fast paced book as Jack and colleagues race to find out who is organising and responsible for these crimes, a host of characters each whether good or bad well written, with humour at times to give some light relief to the atrocities this group of thieves commit this book is extremely page turning and I was on the edge of my seat during the final chapters.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

In this second of the DS Jack Warr series he is seconded to the Cotswolds to help investigate a series of violent burglaries following his success in a similar investigation in Wimbledon.

The book starts well with a grim discovery, then takes a while to set the scene. Once this is established the pace of the novel is brisk. The biggest success of the series is the creation of some very interesting characters especially Jack Warr. Jack is an intriguing blend of his ‘gangster’ birth father and the lovely man who raises him. I really like the contrast between the gut instinct cop that is Jack versus the steadier hand of his boss DCI Simon Ridley. In this one we see the softer side of both after the birth of Jack’s daughter Hannah and I like this as it adds even greater authenticity to well crafted characters. The setting in the gorgeous Cotswolds is good, there are some well portrayed characters both in the Chipping Norton police (especially DC’s Oaks and Bevan) and amongst the public. I really like the Judas Horse concept and how Warr uses this to achieve a break into the vicious gang and this keeps the plot momentum going. The testosterone fuelled face off between Warr and two DI’s brought in from Oxford to ‘solve the case’ adds an intriguing element to the well layered storyline. The conclusion is exciting and action packed and yet again Warr demonstrates his maverick ‘Robin Hood’ tendencies.

Overall, another enjoyable read from Lynda La Plante and I hope it’s not too long to wait before there’s a Jack Warr 3!

With thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books Zaffre for the arc for an honest review.

An exciting follow-up to last year's crime thriller 'Buried', which itself was a sequel to La Plante's Widows' tales.
After helping solve a series of tricky burglaries, newly promoted DS Jack Warr is asked to assist a neighbouring police force to catch a brutal gang of burglars on their patch, who are becoming more daring and violent.
Jack has his hands full as a new dad and rubbing up his new colleagues the wrong way.
A gripping novel with a galloping pace.

I have not read the I first book in the Jack Warr series but this didn’t hinder the enjoyment of this story.
Jack Warr is a complex character and has maverick tendencies. Jack is seconded to a wealthy area in the Cotswolds, where a gang of thieves are operating. The crimes have an escalation in violence , and it’s only a matter of time before someone is murdered.

I found the writing fast paced and enjoyable. The protagonist Jack Warr is a multi faceted character , and this added to the story and kept my interest throughout.
I enjoyed the conclusion of the book and found it a satisfying end. A great read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for this ARC copy.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

I thought this book was a great follow on from Buried. Jack Warr, for me, is a very likeable, believable character and I really enjoyed being back in his world again. I love the authors style of writing and I was hooked and drawn in from the first page to the last. The book was well written and flowed very well. Jack is sent to another Police Force to investigate a number of professional burglaries. I really liked all the side characters, and the small glimpses into Jacks personal and home life outside his work.
I thought this was a fast paced book, one that held my attention throughout and it raced to a thrilling conclusion with all loose end tied up nicely. If anything, I didn’t want the book to end ! I have read most of the authors other books and think this is one of her best series. Just loved it and eagerly await the next one. 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Judas Horse is the second book in Linda La Plante's Jack Warr series,which in turn is a follow on from the Dolly Rawlins "Widows" series. As the first book in the series, Buried, tells us Jack Warr discovers that he is the son of Dolly's villainous husband Harry and that book carries on from where "She's Out" leaves off.
The book begins with a series of burglaries in Wimbledon that Warr's intuition helps to solve and leads to him being later seconded to Chipping Norton to help catch a gang of burglars who have become increasingly audacious and violent. Typically the spiky Warr clashes with the local police and manages to upset some very prominent members of the rather affluent area.
As with Buried ,Warr's personal life plays a large in the book,not least becoming a father and the book does occasionally veer into "soap" territory.
Warr is a complex character, he has the characteristics of both his criminal birth father and the warm and gentle stepfather who brought him up, he's a loving husband and doting new Dad not averse to a spot of thuggery and profiting from the ill-gotten gains of others when it suits him.
Judas Horse is an entertaining read with some great characters that has "TV Series" written all over it.

This is the second book in the DC Jack Warr series by author Lynda La Plante that works just as well as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book ‘Buried’ so was eager to read this one as well. It proved to be as good as the first one and I enjoyed it from start to end, great characters, interesting plot and lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

A gang of violent burglars have been terrorising residents across the English countryside for some time. But when a mutilated body is discovered in a Cotswolds house, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary group of opportunist thieves. Detective Jack Warr is on the case and it is not long before he is discovering dark secrets, hidden crimes and lots of false leads.

Charlotte Miles is a terrified woman with links to the group and Jack Warr feels he must use her to lure the unsuspecting killers into one last job, and into his trap. The pressure is on for Jack to bring these burglaries to an end and without any more dead bodies.

I really enjoy the Tennison series by this author but this character is so different to her and makes an entertaining read. Intriguing plots and lots of action make this a great read as well as the likeable Jack Warr. Feel sure there will be more books in this series.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bonnier Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second in the new Jack Warr series from La Plante, following on from Buried last year.

Another great book from this masterful writer. She never fails to deliver and I am a MASSIVE fan of hers. Ever since I read Above Suspicion, La Plante has been my go to author for police procedural novels, as this one didn't disappoint.

Jack is called on to investigate a robbery. He has an informer up his sleeve, and as the title suggests, this informer gets sent into the criminal gang as a Judas Horse....

There's the usual amount of detail and plotting here, where La Plante uses her obviously extensive research to tell the tale of the notorious criminal underbelly of the seemingly calm Cotswolds. Jack has a new child and I find it refreshing to read that his home life isn't all crumbling beneath him in the background, as with so many protagonists in the genre.

I would recommend this to fans of crime fiction, police procedurals, Lynda La Plante's earlier series' and anyone looking for an action packed book.

It took me slightly longer to read this than it usually would, but that is no reflection on the book itself. I loved it!

This is Lynda La Plante at her best. A storyline that you are inside from the start with a leading character who will appear in more than a few titles to come.
It is me of those books that you want to finish in one, yet you don’t want it to come to a conclusion.Certainly looking forward to more n this series.

This is the second in the Detective Jack Warr thrillers and goodness me, it’s a good one. A mutilated body is found in a Cotswolds home and it’s clear that this is more than a simple, straightforward burglary. In a multi-layered story, Jack has to battle with secrets, lies and hidden crimes, at the same time as lead a team who aren’t all on his side, and worry about a partner who is soon to give birth. It’s clear that Jack will have to make big moves to get ahead of those responsible for the crimes. When he meets someone who could help with tracking the culprits, can he persuade her to lure them into a trap? A great, fast paced read that has you questioning everyone you meet.

Definitely my favourite Lynda LaPlante book so far. Many of her books are from the 80’s and 90’s (but I have only come to them recently) so it was different to read one set in the present day, albeit with a few inspired references to her previous very successful novels. The Jack Warr series leave scope for many more as Jack’s character is developed further, as too are his colleagues. A daring heist is what LaPlante writes best and this is no exception. Plenty of action and cunning, smart references and new developments, enough to keep you turning the pages right to the end.

I loved this book and read it in one sitting. I haven't read the first DS Jack Warr book, but it is definitely going on my list.
The story starts with two young lads discovering a body in a lake. The story then switches tack and we see Jack Warr assisting a team in Wimbledon with the capture of a serial burglar. Then his boss is asked to assistance on a strange burglary case in the Cotswolds. Jack volunteers himself and is transported to the world of the rich and famous and understands why the team there are not getting any further forward with their enquiries. In his usual manner he ruffles feathers and bruises egos in his search for the culprits. The reader does find out the significance of the body at the beginning of the book (it bothered me!).

Oh I do love Jack Warr. He's such a refreshing character. Devoted family man, determined and focused Police Officer and with just enough of a hint of menace and independance to keep him on the right side of being must too perfect, he's the kind of character I love to read about and to spend a tension, action and thrill filled afternoon with. I ate this book up in a single day and as satisfying as it was, it just leaves me hungry for more from the series too.

This time around we find meet up with Jack with his circumstances somewhat changed and still changing. His fiance is on the cusp of giving birth, a time that fills him with a touch of dread more for the fact he may have to engage in meaningful discussions over how to decorate the nursery as it does the through of impending fatherhood. Despite this, he still finds himself caught up in a couple of truly meaty cases. His reputation from his previous cases precedes him and he finds himself invited to assist on the case of the 'Wimbledon Prowler', a man who has been targeting homes around the Wimbledon area and burgling them whilst the owners are away. He doesn't arrive empty handed, and the experience he gains from working with former Detective Mike Haskin proves invaluable when he takes a temporary transfer to Wiltshire to help in the case that will prove to be an absolute killer.

Very wealthy homes in the town of Chipping Norton are being targeted but burglars intent of the biggest of paydays (think David Cameron, Anne Diamond, Jeremy Clarkson kind of digs and you'll get the picture). This is well beyond the scope of the Wimbledon Prowler's top hauls, and the victims are not the kind of people to want their private lives made public, just adding to the challenges the local team face. When the case turns violent, it is DI Simon Ridley they turn to for help, and from there to DS Jack Warr. And this is where it all starts to get ... interesting.

Lynda la Plante has done a brilliant job of creating this new team and this new dynamic for Jack to work in. Whilst his presence is initially met with hostility, his natural way of charming, maybe manipulating people, turns in his favour and he has. the local team eating out of his hands. That doesn't necessarily extend to his superiors and there is much conflict to be found just within the investigating teams, conflict which keeps things fresh and keeps the tension high, even when the investigation keeps hitting dead ends. I love the duality of Jack's nature, and it you have read the first book you will know there is good reason to be excited to see this explored in more detail this time around. You never get the feeling that he will cross to the dark side, but his determination so see wrongs ut right means that he's not afraid to bend the odd rule, or push his toes across the odd dangerously red line. But for every moment his anger erupts up see the absolute tenderness of his nature when he is with his family, the love and trust they have for each other which makes me root for him even more.

The tension in this tale is pitched just right. Although it is sometimes hard to feel sorry for one of the victims, the pomposity of his nature, you are still aware of the fact that he is ultimately still a victim and the empathy and sympathy will come. The escalation from simple breaking and entering to violence, whilst explored with a certain sense of detachment and kept largely off the page, is no less shocking and still made me angry as a reader, all the while realising how authentic that scene and that emotion felt. There is a perfect blend of character and story here, and there is nothing to fear from having to meet a whole new team of Detectives as their personalities are set out so clearly that I felt as though I already knew them, or at the least, characters like them. They aren't all likable, although some do redeem themselves eventually, but it was fun watching Jack get the better of the worst of them. Ridley is growing on me too. He's still very straight, a counter to Jack's more maverick style, but we see him human side emerge, even if it is only after a healthy portion of Pimms.

There is a very cinematic feel to the story, making me feel like I was really in the thick of the action and feeling every moment of tension as it grew. With a very dramatic final chase to catch the perpetrators, and one humdinger of a showdown between Jack and the most violent of the team, I was left with a big smile on my face and an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. I am loving this series and can't wait to see what Jack gets up to next.

I absolutely adore Lynda La Plante so instantly jumped at the chance of this blog tour. Especially after reading Buried which I devoured very quickly.

This is well-written and pulled me within pages. I haven't been disappointed with this book and absolutely need more in this series. The book starts off with a grim discovery which really captured my attention. This has been a book which I have been completely unwilling to put down.

La Plante has filled this one with a range of interesting characters and a plot which builds slowly. This makes it both exciting and intriguing. I have been completely unable to predict where this one was going.

I adore Lynda La Plante, I'm always completely captivated by the writing style and fascinated by the plots that she is able to create. This is a definite five star read which I highly recommend, I cannot wait for more.

This is the second book in the DC Jack Warr series and I can say it works very well as a standalone, I have not read the first one.

It has been a while since I have read any of this authors books, and I am delighted to see that she has lost none of her magic when it comes to writing. There is something mesmerising about her writing and the ability to draw the reader into a story so quickly.

Jack Warr is a character I already have a soft spot for. He is one of those intrinsically good guys, but there is something a little more to him. He shows not only great instincts when it comes to his work, but has a way with people, they either respect him or think he is above himself.

The story sees Jack join a team that has run out of ideas for a series of burglaries. Jack has superiors who believe in him and his abilities to get to the bottom of cases, so he becomes the ideal officer to send to the wealthy area of Chipping Norton.

The ability of the author to create such a complex and yet easy to understand the story is something else. There are layers upon layers to the story that seems to get deeper and deeper the further the story goes. It takes a while for all the threads to emerge and for them to get linked. This means the reader gets a wonderful story that is full of intrigue, plots, subplots and as if this isn't enough there are some wonderful personal stories that have been woven in as well.

This was such a brilliant crime novel to read and has made me realise how much I used to enjoy reading this authors books. I thought that Jack was such a good character and is one that has more to him than meets the eye. I can't wait to get to know him more. This is one for police procedural fans and lovers of crime thrillers. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.

This is the second book in the DS Jack Warr series from Lynda Is Plante

Another gripping storyline
A slow burner to start and then faster paced towards the end
Plenty of twists and turns
With great characters that you are finding more about from the first book
Loved widows and love this series that keeps you intrigued to find out how Jack's connection to Harry Rawlings is going to pan out

Thank you netgalley, Lynda Is Plante and Bonnier Books UK

Lynda La Plante just keeps getting better and better (and long may she continue to do so!)
Jack Warr is a great new character, written with honesty, humanity and passion. It would be impossible not to have a lot of empathy for Jack and his family. When he occasionally steps out of line it just adds to his charm.
The plot slowly builds to a rollercoaster of a crescendo that puts lesser crime writers to shame. It even has a hint of Dick Francis. I eagerly await the next book in the series.

Judas Horse is the second book featuring D.S. Jack Warr. You do not need to have read the first but I thoroughly enjoyed it so it is worth a read too! Jack is conflicted between his real father and his adopted father and wonders what traits he has genetically inherited. He has had success in solving burglaries recently whilst in the Met, so is drafted to help out in the Cotswolds, where a series of burglaries are becoming more violent.

He is not afraid to bend rules to get what he wants - could this be part of his inherited genes? The burglaries are linked to an organised gang with connections to London and Jack moves back and forth between London and the Cotswolds with his own brand of detective work!

It is a fast paced thriller with good characters, a good story and lots of suspense!

I haven’t read a Lynda La Plante book for years. I’m not sure why that is, but now I’m kicking myself for all that time lost because now I really need to go and catch up! I’d forgotten how good she is at what she does!

Judas Horse is actually the second book featuring DC Jack Warr. I probably only realised that when I was about halfway in and started thinking that there might possibly be some backstory here, but the truth is that sufficient background info is given to allow this to be read as a standalone. I would definitely go back and read that first book (by the name of Buried) though, purely for the heck of it!

La Plante has created a character who’s that perfect blend of astute cop and rugged family man with enough of a past to make him interesting, but not too messed up! Jack Warr knows exactly how to read people. He understands how they work, and knows how to use this to his advantage. This has helped him become a sought after team leader when there’s a tricky case to crack. And this is what happens when he’s recruited to go and head up an investigation in the Cotswolds that the department there have been struggling with for some time. There have been a spate of robberies happening that they just can’t seem to get to the bottom of and although initially they seemed to be few and far between, they’re definitely escalating in number and now happening every couple of weeks.

The area is an affluent one, with many celebrities and wealthy A-listers living there, both full- and part-time. The main thing that’s been hindering the investigation is that many of these people don’t want the interference that comes with a police investigation, so they’re not willing to allow much to be done about the robberies. The police in the area are also sure that more robberies have occurred that haven’t even been reported. They’re concerned that this is all leading somewhere, but they’re not sure where … or why. It’s Jack’s job to find that out.

He’s immediately aware that he’s the interloper who’s arriving in, what to him, is foreign territory. But with his usual sensitivity and charm, he quickly wins over the locals and has no problem being able to lead from the front. Just as he’s been able to learn from others, he has a way about him that ensures that others will learn from him. And as he starts to get the lay of the land the team working with him all eagerly open their eyes and start to see things in a completely different light. Sometimes all that’s needed are a fresh pair of eyes.

As the burglaries continue, they start to increase in frequency it seems that the perpetrators are more willing to take risks, and when the autistic son of one of the homeowners is brutally assaulted, there is concern that whoever is committing these crimes will have no problem with violence if and when it’s required. Time seems to be running out, especially when one of the locals starts throwing his weight around, threatening to report Jack and his entire team if the situation is not brought under control … immediately!

But Jack is not worried about intimidation. He has his ways and means of getting to the bottom of things, and he understands how communities work when they seem to have closed ranks. He knows that what looks like arrogance is usually just disguised fear … or something else, hidden just under the surface. And he’ll get to the bottom of it.

This is Lynda La Plante at her best. She’s created a cast of characters that work so well together that it looks just about seamless. Jack’s not a saint: he’s willing to bend the rules if it means he’ll get results, but he does what he needs to do out of necessity. Most of the time he shares with his team: information, the highs and the lows … but sometimes he makes a mistake or two and when he does, he acknowledges it and tries to make it right if he can. But he’s not going to dwell on things that can’t be fixed. He’ll move on and expect others to do the same. He doesn’t have time for people who sulk. There’s a job to do!

The combination of police procedural with interludes of Jack as a homebody are a refreshing and different approach that allows readers to see him in both environments. We also get to see what contributes to the man he is in the field. There is often reference to family and to children and Jack’s perception of situations now that he is a father to a newborn baby girl. I found this to be such a unique change from all the cops we so often read about in numerous (oh so numerous!) books who are broken and damaged and who are estranged from their families with no hope of reconciling with their children!

This is a 5-star read! Edgy in parts, and a bit slower in others. But the pace is balanced perfectly.