Vanished by Linda La Plante

When an eccentric widow claims she is being stalked by her former lodger, Detective Jack Warr is the only person who believes her wild claims.
Days later, she is found brutally murdered in her home.
When the investigation uncovers an international drugs operation on the widow's property, the case grows even more complex. And as the hunt for the widow's lodger hits dead end after dead end, it seems that the prime suspect has vanished without a trace.
Yet again the author has managed to pull a great detective thriller/ murder case out of the bag. She gets under the skin of her characters and turns them into ones we want to read again and again.

Vanished is the third instalment of Lynda La Plante's very popular Jack Warr series,itself an offshoot of the Dolly Rawlins "Widows" books.
The book begins with Warr tasked to decide whether elderly widow Avril Jenkins really is being subjected to multiple thefts and harassment by a former lodger or is a confused time-waster. with her constant calls to local police.
What starts as a seemingly routine and relatively trivial investigation escalates into an increasingly complex tale of murder,art theft, international drug rings and cannabis farms.
Warr is rather a complex character who's not exactly squeaky clean and in this book a face from the past threatens to bring his world crashing down soon after his wedding. As ever Warr crashes through police work upsetting senior officers and blatantly disregarding orders to a degree that I can't be the only reader wondering how he's stayed in a job. It is entertaining though and will be another big hit for Lynda La Plante.

DS Jack Warr #3
4.5 stars

Avril Jenkins, a widow in her 70s has made several reports to the police about her former lodger Adam Border. She claims he breaks in, torments her and has stolen items but the local Kingston police are dubious. DS Jack Warr is asked to visit Avril to get to the bottom of her many reports. Is Adam the monster Avril claims? Jack’s gut tells him there’s more to the story than other officers believe and oh boy, is he ever right.

Well, I think this “Queen of Crime“ has done it again! This is a very good series and in my opinion number three is the best so far and in Jack Warr Lynda La Plante has created yet another intriguing character. He’s a very complex man, he’s close to few, the exceptions being DCI Simon Ridley, his partner Maggie and his mother Penny. In this one through a more personal lens we get more of an insight into his personality which is heartwarming and a welcome relief from the bleakness of parts of the plot. This is a very complex but extremely clever and well thought out plot. It starts off in one place and heads into another totally unexpected direction as the investigation takes ever darker turns. It feels credible and very believable with what is uncovered being breathtaking, horrifying and on occasions it’s audacious and enormous in scale. The enquiry takes many a twist and turn on the journey to the truth as the team try to catch up with what unfolds and catch their breath from the pace.

This journey takes a bit of a European tour and encompasses at least two fascinating themes which is compelling reading and keeping you glued. It’s set up very nicely for number four which I look forward to reading. My only negative is that it’s quite long and although I cannot deny it interesting it could have been refined somewhat.

This well written instalment can easily be read as a standalone but it’s well worth picking up the other two. I’d say this is another winner!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bonnier Books, Zaffre for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

DS Jack Warr returns in Lynda La Plante’s Vanished which is another highly entertaining police police novel with, as you would expect from this author, a nice twist or two.

The main storyline is a complex one but there is still time for the series’ underlying arcs to move along nicely.

So overall another enjoyable book in this series

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

I am really enjoying this series and think the author has created a very likeable, strong and believable character in Jack Warr. For me, this series just goes from strength to strength. DS Warr is sent to see an old lady who believes she is being stalked and when she is found murdered just days later the investigation takes a very unexpected turn. I loved all the separate story threads here, they grabbed and held my attention and I wondered many times how everything would all come together. I liked the authors writing style, I found it to be very engaging and thought the book flowed really well all the way through. The author continues to give lovely glimpses into Jack’s home, personal and family life, which for me just adds to the story and gives his character a lot more depth. I honestly can’t fault this read. I loved its pacing and thought it had a great plot line that was very well executed. Lynda La Plante certainly knows how connect with her readers through her writing and maintain that connection throughout. The book raced to a final and fitting conclusion which sets up the next book nicely.

Excellent read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It had two main plots and many sub plots. It was very well written and the plots were intertwined seamlessly. I was amazed that anyone could write such a complex storyline and keep track of everything to keep the reader so engaged.There were some very strong characters, the main one being DC Jack Warr. Other characters played a pivotal role in the storyline and were all well developed. The descriptions were brilliant and it was very easy to build up visual pictures of the described settings, especially Avril’s house and outbuildings.
I had not read the previous two books which was no detriment to this one, which was stand-alone.

In this page turner of a novel, Avril appears to be an old woman being stalked by her ex lodger. Adam. Jack investigates, the stalking, thinking that there is maybe something in it, maybe not, because she has reported the matter to the police on numerous occasions for one thing and they found nothing, but when she is murdered he revises his estimation of her. and finds out there's more to Avril than he had dreamed of. I cannot say more for fear of spoiling the novel. But the reader will have to find out the rest of the plot for their selves, and such a plot, full of surprises and totally gripping. Highly recommended. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

This is the third book in the DC Jack Warr series by author Lynda La Plante. I am enjoying this series and this is another very good read following on from ‘Judas Horse’

I always know what I am going to get from a Lynda La Plante novel, well written plots that are not rushed answering every question the readers wants answered. Good solid characters and plenty of intrigue made this a very good read.

Detective Jack Warr is the only person prepared to listen to the seemingly wild claims made by an eccentric widow. Her claim is that she is being stalked by her former lodger and the temperature rises days later when she is found brutally murdered in her home.

Now the police will have to pay attention and the stakes are raised when the investigation uncovers an international drugs operation on the widow’s property. The police are searching for the widow’s lodger but it appears he has vanished.

This is a case that will push Jack to his limits and will test him to how far he will actually go in order to get justice.

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

Really loved this book, Lynda la Plant really is the queen of crime. jack is a really likeable character and gets better and better as the series goes on. it was also nice to get to see what jack was like when not working and to me that just builds on the likability of the character.

DS Warr is sent to see a old lady who is convinced she is being stalked, but when she is found dead the story takes a dramatic turn and it is just a page Turner.... I could not put this down.

Linda La Plant is a fantastic story writer and I cannot wait for the next book to see what comes next

The Queen of Crime has done it again!!!!
This is a smorgasbord of a gripping, intense crime thriller. This book has everything from gangland wars, murder, drugs and so much more. A busy, complex and clever read. This is another tour de force of a crime thriller from this very talented author and another fantastic five star read. This author is always a MUST READ. Loved loved it!!!!

Book 3 in the Jack Warr series finds him investigating the death of an elderly lady who had made frequent reports to the police regarding her former lodger. As the investigation proceeds, we discover there are multiple threads in this cleverly written book. I enjoyed the glimpses into Jack's personal live and the many twists in the investigation. This has to be another winner for the author! Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Excellent book by Lynda La Plante it has a great story that blends so well with the characters and a will be recommending this to friends.A brilliant book by a brilliant author5*

I’ve read plenty of Lynda La Plante books before and always enjoyed them.

This is a new main character for me, and I hadn’t read the first in the series. Nonetheless, this novel worked well as a stand-alone and was very gripping.

A true La Plante classic.

Wow what a talent Lynda La Plante has for writing crime novels. This third book in the series is full of twists and turns that kept me reading late into the night. There is reports of stalking, a murder and drugs. The book is so good that as you turn the last page it leaves you waiting for the next book in the series. I hadn’t read the two previous books but it was easy to read as a stand alone, having said that I am now about to read book one and two and learn more about DS Jack Warr.

DS Jack Warr is back in the 3rd book of this series. He’s an interesting character, flawed, dedicated and demanding but this makes him feel all the more relatable. When he is asked to look into a series of reports of stalking and theft from an elderly lady, he seems to be the only person who believes there’s something to her claims. And when she is found murdered at her home, things start to really heat up.

This is such intricate and devious plotting, it’s a joy to read. I loved Jacks character, definitely the sort of copper you wouldn’t want tracking you if you’d committed a crime. He’s thorough almost to obsession, but with a down to earth family background, which grounds him. He’s asked by his wife to do a favour for her mentor, but this turns into more than a simple chat, with this storyline dovetailing nicely into the world of drugs and organised crime. Fast paced, almost making you hold your breath at certain points, and want to turn away at others. I hadn’t read the first two books, which would helped with the relationships between the main characters, but it’s still a stand alone read. Excellent read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed this. I didn't realise it was part of a series but it worked well as a stand alone. It is my first by Lynda La Plante and its has left me wanting to read the rest of the series. The story was very good and good characters. I liked the way different threads are running through it. Perfect for a weekend read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an Arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Nobody does crime like Lynda La Plante and this book is no exception. A complete page turner from beginning to end with sub plots a plenty to keep the reader engaged. This is the perfect book for a weekend read!

This is the third in the Jack Warr series, the first two books having been hugely popular. The story begins with DS Jack Warr investigating if the elderly widow Avril Jenkins is being subjected to a series of thefts and stalking by a former lodger, Adam Border. It has been passed over from another station, and Jack’s boss is keen for Jack to sign it off, and hand it back as closed.

Avril is a cantankerous, unlikable woman in her 70s, who doesn’t do much to get along with people. Despite this, Jack follows due diligence and investigates all her claims by the book. Something is making him think there is more here than seems. Eventually he has to admit defeat, and is just about to sign the case back over to the original officers when there is a horrific discovery.

This throws Jack into what becomes an increasingly complex investigation, involving international drug production and smuggling, cannabis farms, art theft, murder and more. Jack has to try and pick his way through it all to get to the bottom of it all, and finding Adam Border is the key. Oh and Jack is due to get married shortly too, so factor in wedding planning and taking the time to actually get married.

I enjoyed this book, it kept up a rapid pace, and every page turn had you engrossed in a new clue or happening to keep you saying ‘just one more chapter’. I do find DC Jack Warr a bit of a flawed character, as I would question his ability to be so disrespectful to senior officers, and how he gets away with some of his less, well, police like behaviours regarding property ownership is also dubious. But that aside, it is a great, fast paced read, which will keep you on your toes until the end.

*I received this copy from NetGalley for review but all opinions are my own.

Third Jack Warr book and they just get better and better
Intense, gripping and completely submerged in the plot
Good characters and a crafty little twist at the end

Thank you netgalley, Lynda La Plant and Bonnier Books UK

I have to say I love reading Lynda’s books and would even read the phone directory if she had a hand in writing it. This story had my attention from the first page and I’m already looking forward to seeing what’s next for Jack , there are a few hints as to what could be one of the storylines .

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for an advance copy of Vanished, the third novel to feature DS Jack Warr of the Met.

Wealthy widow Avril Jenkins keeps calling the police, saying that her former lodger, Adam Border, is stalking her and stealing from her. Nobody is taking her seriously except Jack, who thinks the story is strange enough to merit a bit of looking into, but before he can decide Avril is brutally murdered and evidence of large scale drug activity found.

I thoroughly enjoyed Vanished, which held my attention from start to finish. I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about the previous novels in the series, so this is by far the best in terms of engagement. My concentration has been poor recently, so any novel that holds my attention and calls me back when I put it down is worth 5* to me.

I love the plot, because it throws up so many possibilities from the start. Why would Adam Border want to stalk Avril, if in fact he is? Who would want to kill Avril and why? What about the drugs? Where is the mysterious Adam Border and what’s his involvement? The twists keep coming and I can confidently state that what I thought would happen didn’t, so I was surprised at every turn. It kept me turning the pages in search of the correct answers, because, obviously, I couldn’t get there on my own. I think the resolution is satisfying with most of the loose ends tied up and even more ambiguity about Jack Warr’s actions.

Jack Warr is an interesting protagonist. On the surface he is a dedicated detective with a determination to solve his cases and bring the killers to justice and just the right amount of insubordination to prove this determination, but there is a dark side to him with acts that could lose him his job or worse. It’s the old nature versus nurture scenario as his birth father was a gangster, but he was raised by a loving couple. I don’t think I like him, although familiarity brings a certain level of forgiveness. Whatever, I’m already looking forward to his next outing.

Vanished is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

I've been a longstanding fan of Lynda La Plante's books but admit I haven't read one of her books in a good number of years. However I'm glad I picked this one up. I read this one as a standalone, which was easy to do, and I didn't feel like I was missing a backstory. Good steady pace, classic whodunnit - recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

I always enjoy Lynda’s books, terrific plots and well written so they draw you in. This is the 3rd Jack Warr in the series (I have yet to catch up on the first) but it reads as a stand alone. What starts out as an elderly lady complaining about theft and stalking by a former lodger broadens out into a complicated plot involving drugs and art theft. it becomes so big it evolves into two teams working the case with simmering tensions between them As usual Jack goes his own way, taking time to get married during the case, beautifully described with a light hand, and a break from the day to day procedural. I found it hard to put down I was so immersed in the plot and happily give it 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bonnier Books UK Zaffre and NetGalley for an Arc. My opinions are my own.

Vanished is another book from this wonderful author featuring DS Jack Warr, it is an immensely engaging and entertaining read with a great cast of characters good and bad.
An eccentric rich widow claims she is being stalked by her ex lodger, and despite tight security he is entering her house at night and stealing various items. After over ten call outs and no sign of break ins the local police investigating feel she just an attention seeking time waster.
Jack is tasked with checking in with her after She has made a complaint about the previous police investigations, he feels there is something to her story.
A few days later she is found brutally murdered at home and when the police on the scene find an industrial size greenhouse full of cannabis plants and a drug making laboratory in her basement the reason for the murder takes a different turn.
This is a wonderful police thriller, and I do like Jack Warr, particularly his relationship with his wife and boss, though he has occasionally twisted rules to suit himself, he is a decent man.
My thanks to net galley and publishers for the opportunity to review this book honestly

Entertainment from the first to the last page I absolutely loved it. There is so much going on, the descriptions draw you into the book, making the scenes very easy to visualise. I found it hard to put down.and said to myself "just one more chapter" over and over again. DS Jack Warr is a complicated character who doesn't always do things by the book or follow commands from above but once he is on a case he gives it his all. The back story is just right with family life playing a part in getting to know Jack and giving some relief from the fast-paced and intense story. Five stars don't seem enough for this brilliant read.

You always know if you are reading a book written by Lynda La Plante you are going to enjoy it and this book was no exception ! I didn't realise there were two previous books in this series but Vanished is a good standalone book .I liked DS Jack Warr a very interesting complex character .The story is exciting with multiple layers ,fast paced a real page turner .The story starts with an elderly lady complaining to the Police about being stalked and turns into a complicated plot involving drugs and Art thefts .A brilliant book that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to reading the next book in the series .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

I really like Jack Warr as a character. Intrepid Detective, he lives by his instincts, usually spot on, but has been known in the past to step maybe a fraction outside of the law, with (mostly) the best of intentions, obviously. When he is drawn into the world of widower Avril Jenkins, a woman who is sure that her former lodger is tormenting her by breaking in to her home at night, Jack is almost ready to write her off as eccentric just as many of his colleagues have already done. Almost ... but not quite, and when Avril is found brutally murdered, it seems his instincts are proven correct once again. The investigation leads Jack and the team in a very unexpected direction, with revelations about the widow and her rambling property that no-one could have foreseen, not even Jack.

This was a really intriguing story. Perhaps slower in pace than its predecessors, it took me off in a direction I definitely hadn't expected, as we are drawn into a world of drug dealing, murder and difficult family relationships. And it's terrible timing for Jack with his wedding on the horizon and relations with his boss and mentor, DCI Simon Ridley, taking a decidedly frosty turn for reasons Jack just cannot fathom. There are plenty of twists in this story and the old house holds many secrets that are slowly uncovered. Just when you think the team have seen it all, there is a new revelation, and the whereabouts of Avril's mysterious former tenant add another layer of uncertainty to an already complicated investigation. Add in some interdepartmental conflict between the team and the Drug Squad, as well as an accusation of potential misconduct that comes a little too close to home for Jack and it makes for quite a heady mix of a story.

In honesty, it was some of the quieter moments that really worked for me in this book. Seeing Jack in his domestic setting, preparing for his wedding in spite of all the distractions, and the tender relationship he has with his mother, really adds a different dimension to these stories. There is a strong emphasis on family throughout the story, not just Jack's, but also Avril's and that of one of Maggie's colleagues and hit daughter. The story also brings Jack face to face with someone from his past too, someone who could derail his future but may also hold the key to one element of the investigation too.

As always, the tension and pacing is just right, the mystery and the emotion perfectly blended, tears fallin when needed, laughter and anger flowing in abundance too. It had a different feel, a slightly different tone, to the last book, but it was still a story I really enjoyed. There are moments of darkness, when we understand the full extent of the violence that Avril is subjected to, but seeing Jack finally having his perfect moment with Maggie is a real heartwarming touch and brought a much needed smile to my face. I'm keen to see what is next for Jack and the team. I'm really growing to like them.

This is the latest instalment in the DC Jack Warr series. The first two have gone on to become Sunday Times Bestsellers and I’d say it’s likely that this one will join them. It is a faultless read.

Now we’re at the third book in the series, Jack’s character has really grown. But this character development hasn’t just been reserved for the lead protagonist, it’s been extended to the supporting cast as well. That extra work is welcome here, as the book contains Jack’s most complex case yet – involving the drugs squad, art forgeries, and a trip abroad to hunt down an elusive suspect.

The book works as a standalone if you don’t want to go back and read the whole series, but I recommend that you do. Over the course of these books I’ve enjoyed seeing the changes in Jack’s private life.

There’s a calm confidence you have as a reader of these series of books, which makes them a really pleasurable read. Even if you can’t work out where the plot is going, you always feel like you’re in safe hands. The book maintains a strong and steady pace all the way through, and it builds to a satisfying finale as the pieces begin to fall into place. This is a series that continues to go from strength to strength.

This is the third Jack Warr book in the series, and it was just as good as the previous two.

I really enjoy reading this new series, as it reminds me of her earlier Anna Travis series, which is one of my all time favourites.

No one believes the old lady claiming she has a stalker. Except Jack. He gets tangled up in so much more, but at the heart lies this stalker case.

Gritty and heart pounding, this one doesn't disappoint - if you are new to Lynda La Plante then I would urge you to go back and read more of hers, but to seasoned fans of hers, such as myself, this is a solid instalment and has everything we've come to know and love from her books.

Recommended to fans of crime thrillers, police procedurals and general crime fiction.

This one is a real page turner! The first of Lynda La Plante’s books for this reviewer and it stands very well on its own, even though it is the third book in a series.

Jack Warr, a police sergeant is asked to visit a difficult elderly lady who is convinced that her ex-lodger is stealing valuable antiques and paintings from her. No one else has believed her, but Jack is investigating her assertions when she is found brutally murdered in her home. A straightforward murder investigation you might think, but there is so much else going on here, and the really excellent characterisations and intertwined story lines make this a gripping thriller. Huge respect is due to any writer who can control such a complex plot and a such a large cast without leaving the reader floundering. If you like a brilliant thriller and don’t mind a bit of gore read this - you won’t be disappointed!

My thanks to Lynda and NetGalley for allowing me to read Vanished before the publication date.
This is a real page turner.

Avril is an elderly widow who lives in a large property with a collection of arts and antiques.
She has made many complaints to the local police about her former lodger, Adam, entering her home and stealing her belongings.
With no evidence, she is thought to be lonely and makes the complaints to get attention.
When she claims that Adam is threatening her, DS Jack Warr is given the case.
Avril is found dead and it seems that there was a whole lot more to Avril than anyone would have believed.
When DCI Lewis demands that his drug squad take the lead , Jack is left to investigate the murder whilst avoiding Lewis’s wrath.

There are lots of red herrings in this story and some startling revelations.
Lynda has created several intriguing storylines and many interesting characters, some of whom I am sure we will meet again in future books.

This is the second book from Lynda La Plante featuring DS Jack Warr.
A horrendous murder to an older lady ,alone in a large house. Jack investigates having met her previous to the murder. Her gardener ,who ha disappeared is number one suspect ,cannot be found. But who is this mysterious person of interest ?.

The case begins to unfold taking the team headed up by Jacks boss DCI Simon Ridley into areas nobody want to go in. Jack is in the process of marrying his partner Maggie a hospital doctor and has leave to take this personal investigation further. Surprise after surprise leads Jack to his very childhood and a past he wants to keep hidden.

Another twisting tale that has the reader daring to finish the book in order to unravel the mystery .Great really loved this novel. The character with Jack Warr is likeable and becomes a friend .

Detective Jack Warr wonders if he has drawn the short straw when he is asked to investigate the case of an eccentric widow who claims she is being stalked by an ex-lodger. After speaking to her, Jack wonders if there is more to this story than it at first seems, his hunch proving to be correct when she is found brutally murdered in her home. When the case merges with a major drugs invesigation and the former lodger is nowhere to be found, Jack’s past comes back to haunt him. How far will he go to get what he wants?

The third book in the DC Jack Warr series sees the detective investigating a complex case that gets more and more mysterious as it progresses. What initially starts off as a potential stalking case, soon becomes bigger than the dectective could imagine, leaving him to feel guilt-ridden as he wonders if he could have done more. This is what I like about Warr as he will stop at nothing to achieve justice even if it means that he isn’t strictly on the right side of the law. We see a face from a previous book reappear but this does not mean that you have to have read the previous books – Vanished can be read as a standalone.

For many years, Lynda La Plante has been one of my favourite writers, having been a fan of the Prime Suspect, Anna Travis and Tennison series. In Jack Warr, she has created another fascinating, well-rounded character who is part of a brilliant series of books. Although Vanished has a complex, multifaceted plot, La Plante’s writing makes it easy to follow and as a result I found the book highly engrossing and intriguing. I was certainly kept on my toes throughout my reading as the twists and turns kept occurring – I could certainly empathise with Jack as he tried to solve this baffling case!

If you haven’t read any Lynda La Plante books before, you won’t go far wrong if you start with this one!

This is the first book I have read featuring Detective Jack Warr and what a great detective story This well written instalment can easily be read as a standalone. It follows the story of a eccentric widow called Avril who is convinced she has a stalker and Warr is tasked to decide whether elderly widow Avril Jenkins really is being subjected to multiple thefts and harassment by a former lodger or is a confused time-waster. with her constant calls to local police. Days later she is found murdered and what follows is a complex and dark case which keeps you riveted and eager to find out what was really going on and how Avril was involved.
Could not put this down and look forward to reading the other two.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for a advanced copy.

I used to be a massive fan of this author but for some reason I haven’t read her for years. My loss. I didn’t realise until I’d finished it that this was book 3 of the DC Jack Warr series so clearly it can be read as a stand alone novel. I however will be reading the two previous one as this was so good. I mean blindingly good. Unputdownable. A page turner. Brilliant. And all those often dragged out expressions for an amazing read.

Briefly, the very eccentric Avril has reported she is being stalked. No one but Jack believes her. But when she is murdered the investigation into her life and death give us insight into Jack’s own upbringing and how close he came to ending up on the wrong side of the law. As the investigation continues It becomes a complex and far reaching case involving Art Theft/ Forgery, international drug dealing and murder. The prime suspect, Adam Border, however cannot be found. Jack finds himself having to deal with his own wedding whilst becoming more desperate by the hour to locate the missing suspect to the end that he takes matters into his own hand. So how far will he go?

Jack is a wonderful character, he doesn’t get close to many people but he is a determined and dogged officer who has a kind and caring side. There are a number of threads to the story, masterfully interwoven and meeting seamlessly. A very cleverly written thriller with a complex and well thought through plot which I simply could not put down, and it’s quite a long book! I’m ready for the next in the series please. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lynda La Plante is an excellent storyteller and this is another gripping and entertaining crime story. It kept hooked and guessing till the end.
The plot is complex, full of twists, and I wasn't able to guess the culprit or the twists.
The characters are fleshed out and interesting.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is an enthralling reader which does not at any point bore the reader with unnecessary description. Every word is relevant to the engrossing story as it unfolds. DS Jack Warr takes seriously the accusations of a grumpy widow in a large house with vast grounds. She maintains her former gardener is stalking her. Then she is murdered and it becomes evident that the estate is crucial to a drugs ring. Jack is getting married as the book unfolds and his personality is cleverly developed. He is not what seems. He becomes involved in tracking down an international drugs ring with potentially harmful consequences for him and his family. This book is a must. One of the author’s best! I strongly recommend it.

This was only the 2nd book by Lynda that I’ve read and although it’s the third in the series it reads as a stand alone. It was interesting and also exciting at times and I loved it. In fact I’ve bought the first two in this series already which shows how much I enjoyed this one. I can understand why Lynda is so successful with her books if this is what her others are like. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

With any Lynda La Plante book, you know you are going to be reading a well concocted story that will weave across a variety of characters that you will quickly know and understand. This next story in the detective Jack Warr series is engaging from the very first chapter. You may believe you're getting to know about a very strange and eccentric widow who believes that a former lodger is making her life hell, but she is quickly murdered in a devastating manner.
Warr’s boss is behaving strangely and the detective’s home life, with a future wife directing their marriage plans with an over-exacting intensity, builds the story in various different directions, but never strays away from the central premise, until you learn more.
The detective finds a range of outbuildings that are being used for illegal purposes and Jack is asked to take a secondary role to another Police Department brought in to investigate. All of a sudden we don't know if we're dealing with the British or Dutch illegal connection, whether the lodger still exists, who his girlfriend is and why the story is dealing with art, stolen or forged.
Linda La Plante’s story writing is excellent as always and is guaranteed to keep you gripped until the very last page. While I received a free copy of this book, my review isn't changed at all as this writer continues to bring the very best of British crime to the bookstore. I can't wait until the next in this series. The best quality of this writer is her ability to encourage the reader to get inside all of the characters and be taken along for the ride.

Avril Jenkins, a 70 year old eccentric widow, has made several reports to the police about harassment and burglaries by her former lodger, Adam Border, but none have been taken seriously. DC Jack Warr is one of the few to suspect there substance to her case… and then Avril is found brutally murdered…

This is the third of Lynda La Plante’s novels to feature Dr Jack Warr, but it’s not necessary to have read the two preceding novels in order to enjoy this one. Leap in right here.

Enjoyed reading about Jack Warr as a character; he’s enjoyably nuanced. All in all, I thought this was a well-written crime thriller that kept me turning the pages.

I’m late to the Lynda La Plante party – this is the first of her books that I’ve read. She is undoubtedly a writer at the top of her game.

Recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zaffre publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This the third outing for the DC Jack Warr series and it's one of the best yet.
If you haven't read the previous two don't worry it can be read as a stand alone.
Avril is a little bit eccentric to say the least, and when she makes a report to say she is being stalked no one takes her seriously apart from Jack.
But when she found murdered things change direction and what Jack discovers from her past makes Jack look into his own past and how a decision could have changed his life,and not for the better.

With his upcoming wedding and to try and find out what happened to Avril takes it's toll and with the main suspect Adam Border disappearing doesn't help matters.

This is a brilliant book of international drug dealing, art and forgery with a wonderful plot.

Book 3 in the DC Jack Warr series and the best one yet.

Full of twists to keep the pages turning. I was totally hooked. This us a great series and I can't wait to read more. A brilliant 5 🌟 police thriller.

Having seen several of Lynda’s TV series in the past, it really was about time I actually read one of her books. DS Jack Warr is an engaging character who had a difficult start in life but now has a lovely family and successful career. He is warm and kind but has a gritty determination to find the truth at all costs. When a rather eccentric elderly lady keeps calling the police complaining of an intruder who steals bizarre objects, many believe she is imagining it or is just lonely or confused. Jack however, digs a bit deeper but gets no answers before her body is found, horrifically murdered. The story develops at an alarming pace revealing an incredibly complex plot that twists and turns with sub plots aplenty. As Jack gets closer to the truth, he finds his own career in jeopardy but is determined to bring those responsible to justice. The characters in this book really make it stand out. They are all strong, distinctive and criminals apart, are likable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and as there were a few unanswered questions remaining, I can’t wait to read the next in the series.

This is the first Lynda la Plant book I’ve read…I’m now off to buy the lot!! What a fantastic book, it is the 3rd in a series however it read easily as a stand alone. Such an interesting plot, it rolled along at speed keeping me up until after 3am last night, I had to finish it it was so absorbing. Believable characters, twists and turns galore, not too much violence, a bit of humour and a nice wedding to make me cry!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review

This is book three of this series so, although the main story is self-contained, to get the very best from the characters re backstory and development, I do recommend you start from book one and read in order.
So, what starts off as an elderly lady being dismissed when she reports her former lodger stalking her swiftly degenerates into a multi national drug ring when she is brutally murdered! In fact, going back, it is actually only Jack who takes her seriously but sadly, not in time to save her. But he can make up for it now as he throws himself into the case. And even though the case escalates very very quickly, there was never anything that felt either forced or too far fetched. Everything was plotted with due care and attention and the narrative flowed well throughout.
Outside the main plot, we also see a bit more of Jack and his home life, as well as his relationships with others, giving him a more rounded personality. Never in any danger of overshadowing what is going on in the case, but good background and development nonetheless.
Pacing is good and matches the narrative all the way through. Characters, both main and extras, are all well described and play their parts to aplomb. And the ending, when it came, well, looking back at when I started the book, I never thought we were going there!?
All in all, a cracking addition to what is shaping up to be a solid series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another excellent read from La Plante .
Jack Warr is back in the third book of the series.
Jack is asked to look into a case of theft and possible stalking which is reported by an eccentric old lady called Avril.
The case quickly escalates and Avril is found murdered and dismembered , and what ensues is an investigation into an international drug ring as well as art forgery.
The writing is excellent , and the plot is fast paced and kept me reading late in to the night .
I like the character of Jack Warr both his insecurities due to his past and his double edged natured where he could easily be on the wrong side of the law make him an interesting and at times fallible character.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
A great read!