Lee Allen's Blog - Posts Tagged "tv-series"

Widows by Lynda La Plante

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The classic heist thriller from Lynda La Plante - her first novel, a novelisation of her first TV series, 'Widows'.

Set in 1984, when gangland is ruled by men, Harry Rawlins is the mastermind behind numerous successful robberies that have left the police with no trace of the perpetrators. But their latest plan goes horribly wrong - the hijack of a security van results in the deaths of Harry and two of his team, leaving their wives - Dolly, Linda and Shirley - widows.

Dolly Rawlins is an incredible character - strong, fierce, clever and resourceful, she becomes determined to finish what Harry started when she finds detailed plans included in his infamous ledgers. She recruits Linda and Shirley and later a fourth woman, Bella, to commit the same robbery that went so disastrously wrong. But the police are tracking Dolly wherever she goes, while local criminals are searching for Harry's ledgers and the fourth man of Harry's team still remains missing.

As the women rehearse the crime, their enemies are closing in, building to the incredibly tense perpetration of the crime and its aftermath. Gripping from beginning to end, the novel explores the complexity of the relationships between the four women and finds you willing them to succeed, despite operating on the wrong side of the law.

Of course, it's impossible to talk about the novel without also talking about the TV series and the author herself. Originally shown in 1983, the first series of 'Widows' was Lynda La Plante's first TV series, developed from a plot outline entitled 'The Women' and submitted alongside others. The words of encouragement written on that outline encouraged La Plante to create the series and its characters - most notably Dolly Rawlins, brought to life in a superb performance by Ann Mitchell.

Years before Jane Tennison became the iconic first female senior detective in 'Prime Suspect' in 1991, and before Martina Cole published her first novel in 1992, Lynda La Plante put women at the centre of the gangland and heist genre. Dolly and the other widows would return in a second series two years later and Dolly would return again in 'She's Out' a decade after the second series. Both series have also been novelised.

I first saw 'Widows' on its realise on VHS in 2002, already a fan of Lynda La Plante as a result of the brilliant 'Trial & Retribution' TV series (and novelisations). At the time, the 'Widows' novels were out of print, but I was lucky enough to find second-hand copies, much to my excitement. Now, years later, the original is back in print, revised and updated, ahead of a new movie adaption later this year (the second time the series has been adapted; La Plante herself produced an American TV remake in 2002).

Thrilling, detailed, with twisting plotting and endearing yet flawed characters, 'Widows' proves - alongside all her other work - why Lynda La Plante is and always will be a crime-writing legend. As a reader, her work is gripping and powerful; as a writer, she is an inspiration and a hero.



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A Meditation on Murder by Robert Thorogood

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A delightful slice of 'Death in Paradise' from the creator of the TV series.

'A Meditation on Murder' is the first in the series of 'Death in Paradise' tie-in novels, starring DI Richard Poole, the original fish-out-of-water detective who featured in the first two series of the TV show. Robert Thorogood perfectly captures the setting, the characters, the humour and the mystery that he created for the screen.

The plot centres around the murder of Aslan Kennedy, a meditation and healing guru, who runs a spiritual retreat/hotel with his wife on the island of Saint-Marie. Every morning, he hosts a session known as Sunrise Healing with five guests, locked in a meditation space constructed of paper and wood, situated in the middle of the hotel lawn. On this particular morning, he is murdered during the session, and soon Richard, Camille, Dwayne and Fidel are called to the scene.

What originally appears to be a clear-cut case soon manifests into a complex investigation for Richard and the team. One of the five guests inside the meditation space with Aslan must be guilty, but which of them wielded the knife?

The novel features the many classic twists and turns that you expect during episodes of the TV series, with Richard showing his brilliance and his attention to apparently inconsequential details. As the story progressed, I could easily picture the lead cast in their roles and it was great to revisit the characters again, as they have, with the exception of the hilarious Dwayne, since left the show.

Thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end, 'A Meditation on Murder' is a clever, locked-room mystery and the perfect escape from everyday life with the Saint-Marie police team.



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Widows' Revenge by Lynda La Plante

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Lynda La Plante’s gripping sequel to her gangland thriller ‘Widows’.

Originally published in 1985 as ‘Widows 2’, ‘Widows’ Revenge’ is a novelisation of the second series of La Plante’s hugely successful ‘Widows’, the first series and novelisation of which had been broadcast and published two years before. As she did last year with the original novel, La Plante has revised and updated the ‘Widows 2’ novel, now available in a stunning hardcover edition.

(Warning: contains spoilers for 'Widows')

Dolly, Bella, Linda and Shirley return, months after their escape to Rio following the successful robbery that had originally been planned by Dolly’s husband, Harry, assisted by Linda and Shirley’s husbands, Joe and Terry, who both died in their attempt at committing the robbery. Unbeknownst to Dolly and the others, Harry survived and has now followed them to Rio. Meanwhile, Dolly has returned to London, making preparations to move on with her life following Harry’s betrayal. Hunting the women down to their villa, Harry attacks Linda and she reveals to him where Dolly has hidden the money they stole.

Alerted to the danger they are in, Dolly hurries to move the money, and so begins a cat-and-mouse game between the women and Harry. Tragedy strikes as they enact their plan to have him arrested and framed for the robbery they committed, further fuelling their desire for revenge. As Harry plans a new robbery and the police begin to close in on them all, can the widows hold on to their freedom and their new lives?

Despite having seen the television series (multiple times) and previously read the novel in its incarnation as ‘Widows 2’, I was nevertheless hooked from the first to the final page, on tenterhooks throughout. Much like the first novel, the plot is engrossing and fast-paced; the characters well-written, their stories captivating. Dolly is without a doubt my favourite character, the first of the strong women La Plante became famous for creating. Her conflicting emotions for Harry are hidden beneath a steely exterior. She still drives the plot despite Bella taking a lead in their plans against Harry. The novel hurtles towards its conclusion, neatly tying the loose ends and concluding the story arcs of many of the characters that continued from the first novel.

Most of the cast of characters return in the sequel, which was also matched on screen, apart from Bella being recast after Eva Mottley left the production, tragically passing away shortly afterwards.

Coupled with La Plante’s writing, Ann Mitchell’s superb performance as Dolly and the performances of the rest of the cast continued to thrill audiences. It was no surprise that Dolly would return ten years later in ‘She’s Out’, nor that even thirty-five years later the novel would top bestseller lists and a brand-new movie adaptation be produced.

With ‘Widows’ Revenge’, Lynda La Plante once again proves why she is the Queen of modern crime fiction.



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The Killing Of Polly Carter by Robert Thorogood

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


DI Richard Poole and the team return to solve another intriguing murder mystery on the island of Saint Marie, in the second novel from the creator of the BBC series ‘Death in Paradise’.

Richard is still stranded on Saint Marie, suffering its many discomforts and indignities. To make matters worse, his mother is due to visit and he is scheduled to pick her up from the airport. But he is soon thrown into a new case – ex-supermodel Polly Carter has fallen from a cliff, minutes after declaring she’s going to commit suicide and running down the cliff steps away from her disabled sister, the exchange overheard by her sister’s nurse. Richard becomes convinced she was murdered – but how could the murderer have committed their crime and escaped unseen? This is the first of many questions in a case that features many twists and turns.

In the same way as each episode of the TV series, the suspects are introduced to us early in the story, part of the joy for the reader found in theorising whodunit alongside the detectives. The team are as entertaining as they are on television, written with the same wit and humour with which they are portrayed by the actors. The suspects are well-written, their backstories explored to reveal their potential motives. ‘Death in Paradise’ has always done well in balancing drama and comedy, keeping the mood light-hearted while at the same time never detracting from the seriousness of the crimes. Much of the humour comes from the characters and their personal interactions – Richard’s dilemma arising from his mother’s visit playing alongside the case, giving us a rare insight into the emotion hidden behind the buttoned-up Englishman. The mystery concludes with a satisfying revelation of the murderer, showcasing Thorogood’s clever sleight-of-hand writing (to highlight particular scenes would spoil the ending).

‘The Killing of Polly Carter’ feels like a feature-length episode in written form; an enjoyable follow-up to ‘A Meditation on Murder’ and continuing addition to the TV series, currently in production of its ninth series, with a tenth also commissioned, featuring its third lead detective in DI Jack Mooney. Thorogood has also published two further novels – ‘Death Knocks Twice’ and ‘Murder in the Caribbean’ – so there's still plenty more mystery and intrigue to enjoy in the company of original series lead DI Richard Poole and the rest of the original team.



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The Returned by Seth Patrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A thought-provoking, character-driven horror novel, based on the TV series ‘The Returned’, novelised by Seth Patrick.

Camille, fifteen years old, finds herself alone on the mountainside, with no memory of how she got there. She cannot remember dying in a bus crash four years before, her only concern to return home. But her home is now a broken one; her parents, Claire and Jerome, are separated and her sister, Lena, now nineteen, is wracked with guilt and painful memories, spending much of her spare time at the local Lake Pub.

Elsewhere, Julie, haunted by an attack that almost killed her several years before, meets a young boy, Victor, apparently abandoned and with nowhere to go. She takes pity on him, but soon finds that his presence may fill a hole in her life.

Others are slowly beginning to return home, their presence four years later not as readily welcomed as Camille and Victor find themselves. Simon finds his wife, Adele, now engaged to another man. Serge, brother to the landlord of the Lake Pub, hides dark compulsions that threaten to ignite the tension that is descending across a town that has been haunted by its losses for the past four years.

With a large cast of characters, ‘The Returned’ carefully unspools its growing tension, secrets and lies slowly rising to the surface. The complex web of each of the characters' stories unravels with each revelation, while the personal battles build to a war for the town itself. Sides are taken, leading to its inevitable climax. But another danger lurks and threatens to engulf the town in another tragedy.

The novelisation is based on the first season of the critically acclaimed 2012-15 French TV series ‘Les Revenants’, which was broadcast internationally at ‘The Returned’. The TV series was itself based on the concept of a 2004, also French, film ‘Les Revenants’/‘They Came Back’ – released in the UK under the title ‘The Returned’ – which follows a similar premise of the dead returning to their former lives. The TV series ran for two seasons, but the reported second novel was never published. A single season US remake also premiered in 2015.

Absorbing and well-written, ‘The Returned’ is a far deeper and emotional exploration than you’d usually expect from a zombie horror, like the film and TV series before it, excellently portraying grief and loneliness and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they love.



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She's Out by Lynda La Plante

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Dolly Rawlins returns in Lynda La Plante’s final instalment in the trilogy, following ‘Widows’ and ‘Widows’ Revenge’.

‘She’s Out’ was originally published in 1995, a novelisation of the TV series of the same name, which served as a sequel and conclusion to the TV series ‘Widows’, which aired two seasons in 1983 and 1985. Much like the two novels before it, ‘She’s Out’ was out-of-print for many years, though was reprinted recently and thus not as rare as copies of the first two books, prior to the publication of this newly revised version to follow the republication of the first two novels.

(Warning: contains spoilers for ‘Widows’ and ‘Widows’ Revenge’)

After spending nine years in prison for the murder of her husband, Dolly is soon to be released. Her dreams of starting afresh and opening a home for disadvantaged children have kept her going throughout her sentence, with the proceeds of the diamond heist safely hidden away awaiting her release.

But Dolly isn’t the only one awaiting her release. Ester Freeman is busy gathering a group of women together on the outside, women who served time with Dolly and have all heard the rumours about the diamonds that the police were never able to recover. Also waiting for Dolly is DS Mike Withey, who holds her responsible for death of his sister, Shirley Miller. Unbeknownst to him, his mother, Audrey, is complicit in the disappearance of the stolen diamonds.

On her release, Dolly finds that Ester has made arrangements for her. Chauffeured to a remote manor house, Dolly is immediately suspicious. But Ester assures her she and the other women only have Dolly’s best interests at heart and that the manor house will be perfect for Dolly’s plans. On the spur of the moment, Dolly purchases the property, only afterwards discovering the amount of work that will be required. Ester has cleaned her out; now she must retrieve the diamonds. As the women continue their elaborate con and Mike persuades his superiors they should be paying close attention to Dolly Rawlins, Dolly begins the process of pursuing her dream of opening the manor to help children.

But the cracks soon begin to appear. Dolly’s criminal record, the presence of the other women and continued police harassment threaten to bring her dreams crashing down, while the risks she takes to retrieve the diamonds may prove fruitless. Backed into a corner, unsure who she can trust, Dolly begins making a different plan – to commit a dangerous and audacious robbery of a mail train transporting millions of pounds. But with so much mistrust and double-crossing, Dolly’s carefully laid plans threaten to unravel with tragic, violent consequences.

Full of flawed and intriguing characters, the novel explores the often-tragic stories of women pulled into a life of crime, continuing a theme firmly established in the first series/novel. The characters and their stories are at the novel’s heart, which asks both how many of them are ‘real’ criminals; and how possible is it for someone to truly be able to rehabilitate themselves? Both questions are as significant to our society twenty-five years later as they were at the time of original broadcast/publication, if not more so.

After her time inside, Dolly is colder, harder, less trusting, and still wracked with guilt. Despite his betrayal and her subsequent revenge against him, Dolly still misses Harry dreadfully. Her memories of him and the other widows allow us brief glimpses beneath her exterior and we are rooting for her throughout. On TV, Ann Mitchell returned as Dolly, showcasing the quality that the right mix of writing and acting can bring to the performance of a character.

Captivating throughout, ‘She’s Out’ hurtles relentlessly towards its devastating denouement, the final chapters full of action, tension and emotion, concluding the trilogy in a satisfying, intense and ultimately fitting way.

Having now revisited the entire trilogy, I thoroughly enjoyed reacquainting myself with every character and every twist and turn. Both the original TV series and the three novels, now reworked and republished with matching cover art, standout for their gripping storytelling and strong characterisation, both as separate pieces of work and as a whole. It certainly won’t be the last time I revisit the story of Dolly Rawlins.

Of course, if you look hard enough, as in life, there are always some threads left to pull if you so choose. Lynda’s new novel, ‘Buried’ (which will be out next week) promises that some of these threads may linger in the background of new character DC Jack Warr’s life and a case he becomes involved with. Some stories may always leave a final surprise for us. I cannot wait to read it.

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Death Knocks Twice by Robert Thorogood

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


DI Richard Poole and the team return in the third 'Death in Paradise' novel, for yet another brilliant and entertaining mystery.

A woman arrives at the police station, anxious and on edge, reporting that she is being stalked by a mysterious vagrant who watches her at her home - a coffee plantation where she lives with her family, the Beaumonts. When Richard and Camille accompany her to the plantation, they are searching the jungle when they hear gunshots, leading to the discovery of the vagrant's body in a secluded shower room, locked from the inside. It is initially assumed that his death is suicide. But nothing is as it first appears and Richard soon becomes convinced that the man was murdered.

The Beaumont family have a long and controversial history on the island, while their recent family history and current feuds and misdeeds seem to have done little to improve their reputations. Uncovering secrets, lies and misdirection, Richard and the team are determined to uncover the truth. But can they solve the mystery before death knocks twice?

It's always a joy to revisit the original team in the novels. I absolutely loved this book, my favourite of the three in the series so far, and read it in just one weekend. Some of its themes are also quite topical - weaved throughout the narrative are domestic abuse and racial prejudice, the societal injustices that have allowed male and/or white dominance and criminality, as present today as through history. Thorogood's characterisation of the four leads on the page is perfect - as you read, you can hear the voices and imagine the mannerisms of the cast, which is especially effective in the comedy elements. 'Death in Paradise' has always expertly balanced the crimes and comedy - the characters and some of their predicaments bring the humour, while the investigations and the nature of the crimes retain the necessary seriousness of their nature. A cleverly orchestrated locked-room mystery, packed with twists and turns and skulduggery, presents the perfect challenge for both the police team and the reader.

Something of interest to note: I regarded the first two novels as taking place between and around episodes of the first two series, prior to the first episode of series 3. However, assuming series 3 took place in the year it was broadcast in 2014, that sets this book as taking place after that date (in its year of publication, 2017) - thus the novels present an alternative narrative to the TV series, undoing what is perhaps the only slight misstep the show has made in almost ten years.

While I identified the murderer and their motives before the reveal, part of the fun of a whodunnit is trying to solve the mystery yourself and solving it takes nothing away from the enjoyment. Robert Thorogood's writing is very skilfully done, so, during Richard's summing-up, I still found myself questioning my theory right until the final moment. Much like the first two novels in the series, this feels like a feature-length episode in novel form, transporting you to the sandy beaches and locales of Saint Marie.

'Death Knocks Twice' is another entertaining and engrossing novel; I'm looking forward to soon reading the fourth, 'Murder in the Caribbean'.



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Trial and Retribution by Lynda La Plante

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The novelisation of the classic police procedural legal thriller.

Five-year-old Julie Harris never gets home for her dinner. As the hours go by, fears mount that she has been abducted.

DI Pat North is leading the police search for the little girl. When the worst happens and her body is discovered, a murder investigation is launched, headed by Detective Superintendent Mike Walker.

Walker and North soon apprehend their prime suspect, continuing to build the evidence against him. As the case nears trial, there are still questions left unanswered. Can the verdict ever bring justice for Julie?

'Trial and Retribution' is the first in the police procedural series by Lynda La Plante, novelised from the intense and emotive first season of the TV series of the same name. Introducing us to Mike Walker, Pat North and the team, we delve deep into their first investigation, following the abduction and murder of a little girl.

'Trial and Retribution' was first broadcast in 1997. Starring David Hayman as Det. Supt. Walker and Kate Buffery as DI North, it has often been labelled as La Plante's follow-up to her highly acclaimed 'Prime Suspect'. It ultimately ran for twelve seasons - comprising fourteen of La Plante's trademark feature-length mini-series and the final two seasons featuring traditionally shorter two-part episodes. High in quality across its writing, casting and direction, pioneering in its use of split-screen technology to convey multiple perspectives and the multi-faceted nature of criminal investigation, the series garnered critical acclaim and huge popularity - it was and remains a landmark crime drama.

The series' signature is that we follow the case from beginning to end - starting with the crime itself and its discovery, seen from multiple perspectives through victims and witnesses, following the ensuing police investigation, with particular attention to detail with both forensic science and police procedure as the officers follow and gather evidence, culminating in the trial as the evidence is presented, examined and assessed. As such, this is a combination of both police procedural and legal thriller – with this depth into the full criminal justice process within a single narrative still a relative rarity.

Every character is impeccably developed, following each of their entwined stories through the evidence and a compelling psychological depth. The effect of such a devastating crime is explored with empathy and respect - for the victim's family, the community, and the investigators. Walker, on page and screen, is a riveting character - an old school detective, incredibly driven, committed and passionate about his work. Between Lynda and actor David Hayman, they developed a powerhouse character in Mike Walker, so perfectly realised on the page as much as the screen and the driving force of the narrative, going on to lead the series throughout its duration.

Exploring difficult themes of child abduction, sexual assault and murder, as well as domestic violence, this is a dark and intense thriller. Despite the heaviness of its subject matter, it’s a fully immersive and fascinating novel - relentless and gripping from the first page, as the scene is set for this horrific crime, through to its tense conclusion as the verdict is read and we are left to decide if justice has been served.

My personal experience with the series began with 'Trial and Retribution VI' on screen. It was then through the series of six novelisations, beginning with II, that I first experienced the preceding five stories, before a DVD release of I-IV finally arrived in 2004, followed by V-VIII in 2005. Now the series is making a return to print (and audio), I couldn't resist revisiting them. Alongside 'Widows', this series introduced and cemented me as a lifelong fan of Lynda's work. Needless to say, I loved this story as much revisiting it again as I did when I first both read and watched it!

Tragic and captivating, ‘Trial and Retribution’ is an enthralling police thriller, marking the beginning of a masterpiece series.



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Murder in the Caribbean by Robert Thorogood

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A thrilling mystery under the tropical sun of Saint-Marie.

A boat explosion off the coast of the island initiates another investigation for the team, leading them to quickly identify a suspect in the crime.

Recently released from prison, Pierre Charpentier has waited twenty years to get his hands on his share of the proceeds from a jewellery robbery. But on release he discovers his money has been spent.

Now, his fellow armed robbers are being murdered one by one. But as the police pursue the killer, always one step behind, they discover there may be more to this revenge mission than first meets the eye.

‘Murder in the Caribbean’ is the fourth novel in the ‘Death in Paradise’ series, written by creator of the TV series Robert Thorogood. Part revenge thriller, part comic mystery, Thorogood has once again captured the magic of the series on the page, the story featuring the original cast of characters led by DI Richard Poole. Cleverly written and plotted, the narrative leads you into a warren of red herrings in the hunt for a relentless killer. There are also excerpts from a confession by the guilty party inserted into the narrative, allowing for a slightly different approach to the format.

For the first two thirds of the novel, the case appears very straightforward as the team hunt for a recently released ex-offender intent on revenge against his fellow armed robbers. This is interlaced with the comedic interplay between the lead characters – specifically Richard in his quest to catch Dwayne in the act of slacking with his new girlfriend during study time for his sergeant’s exams. All along, the mystery has been subtly woven, ready for the twist and the final conclusion, Richard revealing the truth in a gothic edge-of-your-seat twist on classic detective fiction’s 'drawing room summing-up'.

Part of the beauty of a whodunit is putting your own detective skills to the test. The clues present multiple theories to pursue, each of which is ultimately explored by the characters; it’s as equally satisfying to find your theory proven correct (as mine was) as it is to be surprised by the outcome. The true beauty of this series is of course the characters, with hilarious interactions and clever deductions – both Richard and Dwayne shone in this novel, as much as their portrayal by the actors did on screen.

For now, this is the last novel in the series, though I hope Robert Thorogood will return to this series in the future. In the meantime, he’s concentrating on his new cosy mystery series ‘The Marlow Murder Club’. On the screen, ‘Death in Paradise’ will soon air its third Christmas special ahead of its thirteenth series, while spin-off ‘Beyond Paradise’ began this year and will also be returning for a Christmas special and a second season next year, so there is still much to look forward to.

Another slice of pure escapism, ‘Murder in the Caribbean’ is an entertaining mystery that takes you to sun-kissed beaches, tropical jungles, and into the dark heart of paradise.



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Alibi by Lynda La Plante

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


An intense police and legal thriller following the case of a dangerous predator.

The discovery of a woman's mutilated body disposed of on waste ground launches a major inquiry, police fearing this is only the beginning.

As the number of victims rises, it is clear they are hunting a man who will continue to attack and murder women if he isn't apprehended.

Miraculously, one of the victims survives. With her evidence, police believe they have their killer – but he has alibis for each of the attacks. How can justice be achieved if truth is blurred by lies?

'Alibi', previously published as 'Trial and Retribution II', is the novelisation of the second season of Lynda La Plante's police procedural legal thriller series 'Trial and Retribution', originally televised and published in 1998. Lightning-paced and intricately detailed, the novel begins with the disappearance of the first victim, the investigation rapidly developing into the pursuit of a serial offender following the discovery of three victims in quick succession. We follow the police investigation with particular focus on witness interviews and forensics, as they build their case, leading to the trial.

The team of the previous investigation returns, led by Det. Supt. Mike Walker, DI Pat North and DS Dave Satchell. With a major breakthrough leading them to identify their prime suspect, Walker becomes intensely focused on his certainty of Damon Morton's guilt, despite the evidence initially suggesting otherwise - his wife and girlfriend both provide alibis, while his employees seem determined to take responsibility for the crimes. Yet the testimony of the only surviving victim implicates Morton.

As is often the case with novelisations, the performances of the actors and the cinematography merge with your reading experience. David Hayman's intense portrayal of Walker drives his vivid realisation on the page, while the crimes are brought into sharp focus through the forensic examinations and testimony of witnesses. The investigation exposes the chilling sadism and narcissism of a killer who controls and manipulates those around him, detailing the sexual violence, mutilation and torture inflicted upon the victims, culminating in the drama of the courtroom and a final post-verdict twist, while we also witness the determination and resilience of a survivor to overcome her trauma and see justice done.

This was the first of the six novels I read after discovering the series on screen with 'Trial and Retribution VI', and remains one of my favourites in the series (which ultimately ran to twenty-two stories on screen). It was also the first Lynda La Plante novel I read, as well as one of the earliest police procedurals and legal thrillers I experienced on the page, a cornerstone in cementing me a lifelong fan of La Plante’s work and these sub-genres of crime fiction.

Dark and disturbing, ‘Alibi’ is a gripping novelisation of a riveting chapter in this landmark series.



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