Trial and Retribution

Trial and Retribution #1

by Lynda La Plante

THE UNMISSABLE SERIES OPENER FROM THE QUEEN OF CRIME DRAMA

It is every mother's nightmare. Her missing daughter found murdered. Her lover the prime suspect.

It is every police officer's fear. A child murder. The evidence circumstantial.

It is every rookie solicitor's dream. A high-profile case. An opportunity to shine.

Twelve men and women will decide the verdict. But only YOU can decide if justice is done for the victim.

Genres: Crime, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 1997

About the author

Lynda La Plante, CBE (born Lynda Titchmarsh) is a British author, screenwriter, and erstwhile actress (her performances in Rentaghost and other programmes were under her stage name of Lynda Marchal), best known for writing the Prime Suspect television crime series.

Her first TV series as a scriptwriter was the six part robbery series Widows, in 1983, in which the widows of four armed robbers carry out a heist planned by their deceased husbands.

In 1991 ITV released Prime Suspect which has now run to seven series and stars Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison. (In the United States Prime Suspect airs on PBS as part of the anthology program Mystery!) In 1993 La Plante won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for her work on the series. In 1992 she wrote at TV movie called Seekers, starring Brenda Fricker and Josette Simon, produced by Sarah Lawson.

She formed her own television production company, La Plante Productions, in 1994 and as La Plante Productions she wrote and produced the sequel to Widows, the equally gutsy She's Out (ITV, 1995). The name "La Plante" comes from her marriage to writer Richard La Plante, author of the book Mantis and Hog Fever. La Plante divorced Lynda in the early 1990s.

Her output continued with The Governor (ITV 1995-96), a series focusing on the female governor of a high security prison, and was followed by a string of ratings pulling miniseries: the psycho killer nightmare events of Trial & Retribution (ITV 1997-), the widows' revenge of the murders of their husbands & children Bella Mafia (1997) (starring Vanessa Redgrave), the undercover police unit operations of Supply and Demand (ITV 1998), videogame/internet murder mystery Killer Net (Channel 4 1998) and the female criminal profiler cases of Mind Games (ITV 2001).

Two additions to the Trial and Retribution miniseries were broadcast during 2006.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoy Lynda La Plante's writing. She places me in every scene and has me empathizing with each character. Colin Mace's nuanced narration is a great match for this series!

[Natalie M · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars a very average read!

I found the characters one-dimensional and there was nothing other than the core plot. I felt nothing for the protagonists and even less for the outcome.

A long-winded crime novel.

[Sarah Faichney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynda La Plante's writing is consistently brilliant. 'Trial & Retribution' is part police procedural, part courtroom drama, concerning the murder of a child. La Plante ramps up the tension brilliantly whilst keeping us guessing until the bitter end. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Colin Mace. This is the first experience I've had with his work, and I was delighted to discover that Mace is one of the best voice actors I've ever heard. His skill in switching between accents and characters is exemplary, making it seem effortless. I highly recommend listening to the audio version of this book as it really elevates the experience. 

[Jacinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK, young girl goes missing on an estate in England. Too many characters, police, neighbours, lawyers and legal experts. Felt dated, obvious signs of abuse on siblings which was overlooked by police. Most of the characters smoked, at work, in their cars, all the time.

[Suzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given this was written nearly 30 years ago, it still reads quite well! Some parts are a little dated but it was still a compelling mystery.

I do think some details were either glossed over or just never revisited, so elements which seemed important during the investigation were just completely missing from the trial and conclusion.

It's my first from this author and will be trying the others in this series as well as others from her as she has such an extensive backlog.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11690967

[FeebleExcuses · Rating 1 out of 5]

0 stars

I have so many thoughts on this book that I am going to write my first ever spoiler review because none of them are good.

First of all, I should’ve DNFed this book 20 pages in when I realised how much the author hates poor people. It’s as subtle as a punch to the face. It has all your standard stereotypes, including but not limited to the woman on benefits that doesn’t work and just has children, and the unemployed creep that spends his benefits on alcohol.

Also, I get the feeling that the police are supposed to be good guys in this book. My feelings on the police aside, they are very much one of the bad guys. They decided who the bad guy was at the beginning based only on prejudice and ignored any leads that could’ve pointed elsewhere. And don’t get me started with the tampering of evidence and how little of a big deal it seemed to be.

Talking about evidence tampering. The whole prosecution case rested on the rope. Once it was found out that it had been planted, the case should’ve been thrown out.

And what’s with all the Peter/Jason subplot, lying and hiding evidence and nothing coming out of it? Did Peter only wanted to send Jason away to get rid of any of the kids that weren’t his? He was shady AF. There is no conclusion to it whatsoever.

And then the guy is really guilty, which comes out of nowhere and is explained in a paragraph??

And the cherry on top, what he did was heinous and should face consequences, but the jury should have never convicted him. The prosecution failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt, there were so many damned holes: the rope, the doll, the alibi. Who on earth did Terry think Dunn was? I truly thought it could’ve been Peter but then I guess Dunn would have recognised him? Either way, anything would have been better than this.

Not only was this book a waste of time, but the clear prejudices from the author have made me dislike her on a personal level despite never having heard about her before.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always wanted to listen/read a Lynda la plante book but just never got around to it. I am glad that I have now listened to my first one and will look for others.

The narration worked really well. There was enough suspense and interest/twists to keep you really interested. The ending really tied everything up overall so glad I took the opportunity
I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own

[Coca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine.

It was a pretty standard police/court room procedural, but it didn't really stand out much for me.

The characters were alright, though none of them were overly likable.

The plot wasn't bad but it wasn't unique either.

The writing was fine, it was easy to read. I just didn't vibe with it much.

[David Highton · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent police procedural, moves with a good pace despite being adapted from 4 hours of a TV series

[Rebecca Treagust · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was difficult to keep up with the characters but really enjoyed the book.

[Linda Terblanche · Rating 2 out of 5]

What rubbish

[Lysergius · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really just rewrite of the television series.

[Clare Byrne]

not bad but just rewrite of TV series. the Anna Travis books are much better

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong crime drama with strong female characters , I enjoyed this series as much as the prime suspect series, and the Tv adaptations as well.

[Michelle Mazwi]

Good mystery, I couldn't have predicted that ending. A lot of questions were left unanswered for me though.

[Ian Mcnamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it, it’s focuses more on preparing for the trile rather than the actual investigating. This is a really good series.

[Liza Hoogeboom · Rating 3 out of 5]

disappointing

[Lee Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to do a review for the series as a whole and post it for each book, this is because I feel that the further along the series and especially the last book are mostly about the private lives of the detectives rather than the crimes themselves.

I do feel that of all the series of Linda La Plante's that I've read/watched this is probably the weakest as far as story and character development go.

The character of Mike Walker is not someone I like, yes he may get the job done, but he really is a dinosaur, and frankly I don't think he is that good of a detective. He guesses a lot or plays a hunch, which by luck has been proved correct, so often no more follow up is done once a case has either had a confession or thought to be proved. Finding evidence whilst the case is going through trial seems really far fetched to me and also not professional.

The character of Pat North has a lot of potential, she should have stayed well away from getting involved in a relationship with Mike Walker, and frankly that whole scenario is completely unnecessary.

The Detective Sargent character of Dave Satchwell starts off predictable, seems to move forward, and then de-evolves by the last book.

How much of all of this is due to the fact that the author was writing for television, rather than writing a "book" I don't know, but the story does seem to suffer because of it.

I won't be revisiting the tv series, and I doubt very much that I will listen to the books again.

[Vicuña · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been some years since I read a Lynda la Plante book and I’m pleased I requested this title as I’d forgotten just what a great writer she is. This story sweeps you straight in to a sinister scene and it then follows the hunt for a child who’s gone missing on a seedy estate.

It’s part police procedural to start with but I then found the court scenes very realistic. The drama of defence and prosecution trying to make their points is realistic and gripping. La Plante sets the scene very well. There’s a family with issues; a violent male who’s stepfather to the missing child. There’s a local weirdo who enjoys the company of children and various other key characters who cement the scene at the time of the child is missing. Some are more reliable than others and a few have a false narrative.

The characters are taken from life; vivid and realistic. From the elderly lonely lady who watches from the window of her flat, the ice cream seller with an inappropriate interest in children, the police leading the investigation and the defence lawyer and barrister. Despite the fact this isn’t a new book, it’s aged well and is timeless in the themes explored; mainly poverty, drug and alcohol addiction, social deprivation and, of course, the reasons for abduction. Very realistic.

[Andrew]

DNF @ 58%.

I tried! I really tried. Full write-up to come

***audiobook by UK publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction***

Ever since I audiobook Lynda La Plante’s memoir last year, Getting Away with Murder: My Unexpected Life on Page, Stage and Screen, I really wanted to try one of her novels. I have several on my TBR, but I decided to this one over Widows & Crucified.

You can tell this was adapted from the TV series as it felt flat and there was no descriptions. But that’s not why I DNF this.

Main reason: the relentlessness of the darkness with no lightness to give the reader a bit of breathing space. This is a very heavy book tackling dark themes such as child murder, sexual assault, addiction, domestic violence among others. And I fully get why - this is a dark story that shows that there is never one victim when a crime happens, but there was no moment to take a breath and gather yourself.

I’m not giving up on Lynda. Like I said, I have other titles on my radar, but this wasn’t for me, sadly.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trial and Retribution is written by Lynda LaPlante. The title is Book 1 (of 6) in Ms.
LaPlante’s Trial and Retribution series.

Author’s Note. “Trial and retribution was originally a television series, launching on screens
25 years ago, following the success of Prime Suspect and The Governor. I wrote the novels
as the TV series progressed - 6 books alongside 12 television series - and both were a phenomenal success.”
*The Author’s Note is great reading in itself and too lengthy to repeat here.

Book 1 of Trial and Retribution revolves around “every mother’s nightmare - her missing daughter found murdered and her lover the prime suspect.
A very high-profile case. 12 men and women will decide the verdict. Only you can decide if
justice is done.”

Lynda LaPlante is a wonderful, prolific, author and screenwriter. I am a big fan. Her books are
well-written and plotted - full of tension, suspense, grittiness and British police politics. Ms. LaPlante writes excellent police procedurals and court procedurals.
Highly recommended *****

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 4 out of 5]

A golden-haired young girl is kidnapped and dies; a local alcoholic is accused but is he innocent? With a doddering eyewitness, planted and concealed evidence, and mistaken identity, the case and trial are shaky at best. Despite Lynda La Plante’s excellent writing, this was harder to love than her other books. Although there are two central police detectives, DSI Walker and DCI North, the story sits diffusely with the witnesses, suspects, and the lawyers. No one covers themselves in glory making it harder to barrack for anyone other than the accused. Moreover, there’s a pervasively grim tone that makes the Tennison novels look like a barrel of laughs - the murder of a child is difficult to sit with and watching the family disintegrate is tough. However, this had me gripped and guessing until the unsettling end. Audio narrator Colin Mace produced some excellent accents and captured the relentlessly somber mood perfectly.

[Sue Purbrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a disturbing story about a murdered child – not for the faint-hearted. A small girl goes missing after playing in the playground of her estate. Her distraught pregnant mother is desperate to find her. There is a witness who saw the youngster with a man – but she is elderly, and not necessarily a reliable witness. Several of the inhabitants of the estate point to the local alcoholic as the likely culprit, and the police end up arresting him for the murder. But there is very little evidence, and he insists throughout that he’s not guilty. Were the police just clutching at straws? Or did they have the guilty party? The narrator Colin Mace was wonderful, using a variety of different accents for the multitude of characters, which he really brought to life. I enjoyed the police team and their interactions, as well as the courtroom scenes. I found this gripping, upsetting and tense – in other words, a great crime thriller.

[Sarah Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Colin Mace, I think he did a fantastic job of defining the characters with his rendition and this really helped to solidify each character in my mind as there were a lot.

Yes, it was dated. The vigorous amount of smoking certainly put it firmly in the past, but it was a good procedural, which is what I have come to expect from La Plante and what I was in the mood for.

I absolutely hate; and this seems to be all La Plante books, how sexualised every woman seems to be, even the minor characters. There are about 10% of the descriptors used for men in comparison, it’s crass and clichéd.

[Nik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the Tv series, all of them. I'd never read any of the books so I was intrigued to give this first ones try when it was recently 're-published.

Yes it's good but, if you've seen the Tv series you've read the book and probably vice versa. There aren't many adaptations I've watched that are exactly "by the book" but this is as close as I've seen. For that reason alone I'm not bothering with any more of the books, though I'm sure they're all as good as their Tv adaptations though I'm sure some will prefer to read and watch them all which is fine but whichever you choose to do, this is a great series.

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trial and Retribution Book 1.
What a great read/listen this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the narrator did a fantastic job.
A disturbing story - Every parents worst nightmare. While playing on the estate a young girl goes missing. There is an all out search to find her.
Has anyone seen her, trying to find as much info as possible and hoping all the while she's just playing somewhere she shouldn't have gone.
When a witness is found who had seen the young girl playing the police are not convinced how credible she is.
A moving, heart wrenching story line filled with tension.
I would recommend.

[Denise Grantham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many unanswered questions, yes the murder was solved. But what about the abused children, the police noticed but ignored.
The abusive partner also noted but ignored.
Where was the Jason’s father, loving grandmother when Anita under coercion allows him to be taken away.
Does welfare children away so easily on the say so of an abusive father and a fright mother? .
Not to mention the shonky police work.
The list goes on.
Not a convincing story. Too many holes, too easy to pick the killer.

[Tammi Stuhldreher · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn't my kind of book. With the exception of the dead girl in the beginning and maybe the old lady, there was zero character development. At the end I asked "who were these people?" and the answer is who cares? It's basically a police investigation and court after they catch a suspect, but boring, boring, boring in my opinion. It could have been good if the writer(?) has pursued some of the other things going on. Instead she ignored the people and it read like a police file...