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Tennison #9
Taste of Blood
Detective Jane Tennison made a bad choice.
She was the one who put in a transfer to the quiet, local police station in Bromley, keen to escape the relentless pressure of her former West End department.
Now she regrets her decision. The tedium of petty crime investigations even makes her question remaining in the force.
But then a complicated domestic assault case lands on her desk - one that might still result in a murder charge if the victim dies of his injuries.
The warring neighbours who witnessed the assault intrigue Jane. The case has a sinister underbelly, she can sense it. And when Jane discovers a handsome young boy had recently disappeared after the tragic death of his girlfriend, every family in the private close becomes a suspect.
As Tennison hunts for the link between the crimes, she uncovers a truth more shocking than she could have contemplated. One that will either make her career - or break it.
She was the one who put in a transfer to the quiet, local police station in Bromley, keen to escape the relentless pressure of her former West End department.
Now she regrets her decision. The tedium of petty crime investigations even makes her question remaining in the force.
But then a complicated domestic assault case lands on her desk - one that might still result in a murder charge if the victim dies of his injuries.
The warring neighbours who witnessed the assault intrigue Jane. The case has a sinister underbelly, she can sense it. And when Jane discovers a handsome young boy had recently disappeared after the tragic death of his girlfriend, every family in the private close becomes a suspect.
As Tennison hunts for the link between the crimes, she uncovers a truth more shocking than she could have contemplated. One that will either make her career - or break it.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2023
829 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
About the author
Lynda La Plante
123 books1,825 followersLynda 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
July 10, 2025
This was a truly interesting investigation with lots of components and a satisfying ending. The interviews with the suspects were truly thrilling! I felt as if I were there in the room at that time. Narration provided by Rachel Atkins is excellent as usual.
August 12, 2023
"He knew how to bait a hook to catch a fish. He had played that game many times. He realised she had leaned to play the game too, perhaps even better than him. DI Tennison was now a force to be reckoned with. But it can be a dangerous game"
This book was so good. This is my second book from Lynda La Plante, my first book was Dark Places the 8th book in the Tennison series I enjoyed but this one was so good.
If you love a police procedural, this one is top notch and I highly recommend it. The level of detail is so good, it kept me intrigued and wanting more. If you love a dark and gritty domestic thriller this one surpassed all my expectations.
It all started with an altercation between neighbours disputing property boundaries. DI Jane Tennison is assigned the case what seems a tedious domestic altercation at the onset, but Jane is convinced there is more to the story. Against her boss's orders Jane digs deeper, uncovering dark secrets, manipulation and a cunning killer.
The last 80 pages of this book is just gold! I was laughing, cringing, gasping all the emotions it was so well done I cannot recommend this book enough.
I am so grateful to the wonderful team at Allen & Unwin Australia for introducing me to my new favourite writer earlier this year with Dark Places. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
This book was so good. This is my second book from Lynda La Plante, my first book was Dark Places the 8th book in the Tennison series I enjoyed but this one was so good.
If you love a police procedural, this one is top notch and I highly recommend it. The level of detail is so good, it kept me intrigued and wanting more. If you love a dark and gritty domestic thriller this one surpassed all my expectations.
It all started with an altercation between neighbours disputing property boundaries. DI Jane Tennison is assigned the case what seems a tedious domestic altercation at the onset, but Jane is convinced there is more to the story. Against her boss's orders Jane digs deeper, uncovering dark secrets, manipulation and a cunning killer.
The last 80 pages of this book is just gold! I was laughing, cringing, gasping all the emotions it was so well done I cannot recommend this book enough.
I am so grateful to the wonderful team at Allen & Unwin Australia for introducing me to my new favourite writer earlier this year with Dark Places. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
September 13, 2023
I do love these books of Jane's past. An interesting case that explodes into so much more. Fantastic ending!!
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September 18, 2024Thinking about reading this book? I have an excerpt for chapters 1 & 2 on my blog available.
Read it ➡ Taste of Blood excerpt
Read it ➡ Taste of Blood excerpt
December 3, 2023
A solid addition to an excellent series.
I am still enjoying this ‘early years’ Jane Tennison series. The novel is strong on police procedures with a focus on the struggles of being a female officer in a male-dominated environment (not that long ago). These aspects help this novel and character’s development and my overall enjoyment of the series.
A couple of aspects of the central case and a few of Jane’s choices were not my cup of tea but overall the series moves forward and the read was satisfying.
Definitely one I’ll keep reading.
I am still enjoying this ‘early years’ Jane Tennison series. The novel is strong on police procedures with a focus on the struggles of being a female officer in a male-dominated environment (not that long ago). These aspects help this novel and character’s development and my overall enjoyment of the series.
A couple of aspects of the central case and a few of Jane’s choices were not my cup of tea but overall the series moves forward and the read was satisfying.
Definitely one I’ll keep reading.
September 17, 2023
3.5 / 5
I’ve not read a Book from Plante or even a series from her. But I was surprise at how well the book came across. Overall a pleasant read, will be tuning in to see what the next instalment is about.
The book is about DI Jane Tennison who has just moved station so she is working closer to her home. She is assigned a case about a neighbourly dispute over the installation of fences which has started out as a physical altercation. As Jane digs deeper, her gut instinct tells her there is more to the case than what meets the eye. Against her bosses order she continued to dig at what is not matching up, resulting in the case upgrading from a physical dispute over potential murder inquiry.
I enjoyed how the plot was portrayed, I also liked how genuine Jane is, you see her struggles with her profession and personal life which often is not shown in other series. I liked how real the book felt, someone working in a industry which is very heads on- trying to balance all her conflicting emotions off and on work. Overall not a bad read, I liked how researched the book was and making it feel like something set in the late 80’s. But the best thing was that, they didn’t shove the how ‘year’ and behind technology was- I’ve read book that have been cast in the 90s and you couldn’t get away with a chapter that didn’t mention how ‘we don’t have technology to help’. Felt like a proper book, and a view of what police procedures are like during the late 80’s.
I’ve not read a Book from Plante or even a series from her. But I was surprise at how well the book came across. Overall a pleasant read, will be tuning in to see what the next instalment is about.
The book is about DI Jane Tennison who has just moved station so she is working closer to her home. She is assigned a case about a neighbourly dispute over the installation of fences which has started out as a physical altercation. As Jane digs deeper, her gut instinct tells her there is more to the case than what meets the eye. Against her bosses order she continued to dig at what is not matching up, resulting in the case upgrading from a physical dispute over potential murder inquiry.
I enjoyed how the plot was portrayed, I also liked how genuine Jane is, you see her struggles with her profession and personal life which often is not shown in other series. I liked how real the book felt, someone working in a industry which is very heads on- trying to balance all her conflicting emotions off and on work. Overall not a bad read, I liked how researched the book was and making it feel like something set in the late 80’s. But the best thing was that, they didn’t shove the how ‘year’ and behind technology was- I’ve read book that have been cast in the 90s and you couldn’t get away with a chapter that didn’t mention how ‘we don’t have technology to help’. Felt like a proper book, and a view of what police procedures are like during the late 80’s.
August 25, 2023
This takes a long time to get going and I tended to agree with Jane’s DCI who was frustrated that more important things (whatever they may have been) were being ignored. So, we had a missing person and a newly resurfaced courtyard. It didn’t take a Philadelphia lawyer to work out the connection. Still, it was nice to learn that the police canteen served yummy breakfasts.
November 13, 2023
Possibly one of the worst books I've ever read.
Every single character had the emotional IQ of a pot plant.
The writing was abysmal.
Every "twist" was completely predictable and tiresome.
Every single character had the emotional IQ of a pot plant.
The writing was abysmal.
Every "twist" was completely predictable and tiresome.
January 31, 2024
I always feel conflicted when "scoring" this series. I read it all in one day, which says enough on one level. Maybe my misgivings are literary snobbery, so will judge on perfect immersion! Can't lie, I inhaled it!
This book brings us almost to the point when we first met Jane Tennison before these prequels, think there is one more still to go.
This book brings us almost to the point when we first met Jane Tennison before these prequels, think there is one more still to go.
September 13, 2023
I have loved Jane ever since I read then watched Prime Suspect. Prime Suspect was one of the first adult books gifted to me as a teenager by my mother who was a fan of the TV series.
The Tennison series goes back to Jane's early career and the many ghastly cases that have turned her into the notorious, sharp DCI we all know. We are coming very close to the time line of the TV series. I hope for a few more books in this series before we catch up.
This book was slow to start, an intention, I believe as Jane is moved to a quiet station which is dealing with neighbourhood quarrels rather than dead bodies. Only Jane will soon get what she wished for!
The Tennison series goes back to Jane's early career and the many ghastly cases that have turned her into the notorious, sharp DCI we all know. We are coming very close to the time line of the TV series. I hope for a few more books in this series before we catch up.
This book was slow to start, an intention, I believe as Jane is moved to a quiet station which is dealing with neighbourhood quarrels rather than dead bodies. Only Jane will soon get what she wished for!
January 7, 2024
400 pages of a story which could’ve been told in 40… nothing happens. Even the ‘murder’ doesn’t really happen… and if you think you’ve guessed everything by chapter three? Yup, you have. Don’t be expecting a big twist or… you know… a plot…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2024
This latest novel in the (latter) Tennison series is a bit spotty and unevenly paced. However, it illustrates, as did the BBC TV serial, ‘Prime Suspect’, the stiff price D. I. Jane Tennison pays for her dogged determination and dedication to her calling. Still, the series has become less satisfying as it progresses - inevitable, I suppose.
March 11, 2025
I did enjoy this book though it’s very predictable and has lots of unnecessary fillers which I had to flick through but I got too the end. Who needs to read about yummy breakfasts and pastry shops and her neighbours?
March 4, 2025
Plot was pretty easy to figure out from about 100 pages in, but I enjoyed the story and the local neighbourhood setting
August 10, 2024
It was good, gave it away early.. I found the character chemistry hard to like. But the book itself was written well.
May 12, 2025
As wooden as a pirate’s prosthetic.
February 11, 2024
This book reignited my love for Tennison. In the last book I found her whiny and just not the strong character that she has been through the entire series. But this book, wow! Possibly my favourite book. Can’t wait for the next one.
November 1, 2023
Having read the previous eight Tennison books, this latest addition doesn't disappoint, great read from page to page, lynda la Plante is just supberb.
September 6, 2023
Book number 9 in La Plante's young Tennison series. La Plante is really pumping out the novels these days about two a year double her previous one per year. She is sacrificing quality by doing so.
I just to so love La Plantes thrillers they were Edge of the seat stuff. But not anymore.
At 80 years of age she has maybe lost her touch.
A neighbourhood dispute is a smokescreen for a four year old grisly murder.
Not one of la Plante's best.
I just to so love La Plantes thrillers they were Edge of the seat stuff. But not anymore.
At 80 years of age she has maybe lost her touch.
A neighbourhood dispute is a smokescreen for a four year old grisly murder.
Not one of la Plante's best.
May 22, 2024
This was a good book, the story is written really well. I think that the ending of it was quite predictable, especially from about 2/3rds of the way in to the book.
December 26, 2024
Another move for Jane, but this is one that she has requested herself. She is now stationed in Bromley, much closer to home, which is helpful as her boyfriend is making great progress in refurbishing her new home. His efforts are going to add significantly to its value and give it a comfortable modern feel. Her new boss is a woman, but if she felt a sense of sisterhood would help her career, she quickly realises she is mistaken. DCI Fiona Hutton is a formidable presence and not one to show favour to another woman.
The real problem for Jane though is her career so far has been based upon action and danger, but Bromley is more than a little dull. A measure of how dull it is, DI Stanley has moved here for a quite end to his career, with only two years to serve until he can claim his pension. With little chance of coming across a major crime, let alone a murder, Jane is beginning to regret her move.
Jane is given a new case, a familiar one in suburban life, a boundary dispute, albeit one that is heading towards acrimony.
One thing that puzzles Jane is why should Martin Boon be so vociferous in his attempts to stop David Caplan installing a new set of gates when they do not encroach on his own property. She is certain that there is more to this than first appears, much to Hutton’s chagrin, but that is not going to stop our intrepid investigator.
The penultimate episode before the first appearance of Jane in Prime Suspect sees Jane away from the limelight, but not for long. This is not the most complex of the stores in this series but that allows the narrative to focus upon the development of Jane’s character arc. In this we are seeing her far removed from the naïve rooky of Tennison, as she begins to shed some of her idealism for pragmatism. He remains intensely focused and determined to get answers and justice, but now she realises there are often more ways of achieving the end goal.
Compared to the earlier stories in the series, the action is dialled down. This story essentially becomes a cold case, and one were emotions and motives are buried deep, requiring a more nuanced and subtle piece of storytelling. One that draws Jane in and we can see the great empathy she possesses.
Family relationships are at the core of the story as Jane goes in search of the previous owners of the big house now owned by the Caplans. The husband and wife have divorced, him moving back to his native Germany, she stays rather than going back to Mexico, as she hopes her son will return and she fears he will not find her. This is a fabulous portrayal of a loving mother, just scraping by, but totally hamstrung by hope, unable to move on. A woman so desperate she engages a medium. Here the author comes into her own and has a little fun with the character. Initially Jane is in the charlatan camp, but gradually comes to see that it is the hope of finding her son alive that is keeping Mrs Martinez going and hope is what she gets from the medium. Then the medium says something profound to Jane that flips her perspective on its head.
Once again, the course of true love is a rocky one for Jane. Firstly, she takes the shock news of Dexter’s death in a racing car accident very badly. Of all of Jane’s men he was the one who touched her heart, but because of his lifestyle and nature it could never be more than the briefest of liaisons. Seemingly now settled with Eddie, she is beginning to open her eyes to the problems that he may bring with his ‘ducking and diving’. Janes men do put her through an emotional wringer, but she comes out stronger.
There are some nice period touches for those nostalgia junkies who lived through the 1980s. There’s Prince Andrew’s wedding, DNA analysis being introduced and Eddie’s sense of wonder of the first ‘mobile’ phone which was akin to carrying a car battery around. These are more marker points along the way of a tightly written emotionally charged story.
The real problem for Jane though is her career so far has been based upon action and danger, but Bromley is more than a little dull. A measure of how dull it is, DI Stanley has moved here for a quite end to his career, with only two years to serve until he can claim his pension. With little chance of coming across a major crime, let alone a murder, Jane is beginning to regret her move.
Jane is given a new case, a familiar one in suburban life, a boundary dispute, albeit one that is heading towards acrimony.
One thing that puzzles Jane is why should Martin Boon be so vociferous in his attempts to stop David Caplan installing a new set of gates when they do not encroach on his own property. She is certain that there is more to this than first appears, much to Hutton’s chagrin, but that is not going to stop our intrepid investigator.
The penultimate episode before the first appearance of Jane in Prime Suspect sees Jane away from the limelight, but not for long. This is not the most complex of the stores in this series but that allows the narrative to focus upon the development of Jane’s character arc. In this we are seeing her far removed from the naïve rooky of Tennison, as she begins to shed some of her idealism for pragmatism. He remains intensely focused and determined to get answers and justice, but now she realises there are often more ways of achieving the end goal.
Compared to the earlier stories in the series, the action is dialled down. This story essentially becomes a cold case, and one were emotions and motives are buried deep, requiring a more nuanced and subtle piece of storytelling. One that draws Jane in and we can see the great empathy she possesses.
Family relationships are at the core of the story as Jane goes in search of the previous owners of the big house now owned by the Caplans. The husband and wife have divorced, him moving back to his native Germany, she stays rather than going back to Mexico, as she hopes her son will return and she fears he will not find her. This is a fabulous portrayal of a loving mother, just scraping by, but totally hamstrung by hope, unable to move on. A woman so desperate she engages a medium. Here the author comes into her own and has a little fun with the character. Initially Jane is in the charlatan camp, but gradually comes to see that it is the hope of finding her son alive that is keeping Mrs Martinez going and hope is what she gets from the medium. Then the medium says something profound to Jane that flips her perspective on its head.
Once again, the course of true love is a rocky one for Jane. Firstly, she takes the shock news of Dexter’s death in a racing car accident very badly. Of all of Jane’s men he was the one who touched her heart, but because of his lifestyle and nature it could never be more than the briefest of liaisons. Seemingly now settled with Eddie, she is beginning to open her eyes to the problems that he may bring with his ‘ducking and diving’. Janes men do put her through an emotional wringer, but she comes out stronger.
There are some nice period touches for those nostalgia junkies who lived through the 1980s. There’s Prince Andrew’s wedding, DNA analysis being introduced and Eddie’s sense of wonder of the first ‘mobile’ phone which was akin to carrying a car battery around. These are more marker points along the way of a tightly written emotionally charged story.
November 17, 2023
A mysterious case for DI Jane Tennison.
Starting work at a new station, Jane is tasked with investigating a dispute between neighbours that has left one of them hospitalised.
Initially appearing a tedious case of neighbourhood bickering gone out of control, the investigation takes a more complex turn the more Jane digs.
A chance encounter with a psychic leads Jane to believe there is far more beneath the surface of this dispute, uncovering a case of murder.
'Taste of Blood' is the ninth and penultimate novel in the Jane Tennison prequel series, which has followed Jane from her joining the police and leads us up to her first murder inquiry as DCI in the first 'Prime Suspect'. Lynda La Plante delivers another brilliant, riveting thriller – a character-driven drama entwined with multiple twists and turns, a classic whodunnit buried beneath the surface of neighbourhood quarrels - with a select set of suspects within a confined locale giving it that vintage mystery quality. A major theme of the novel is psychic phenomena, several lines of enquiry presented through Jane's interaction with a psychic medium. Mediums and clairvoyants assisting in police investigations has always been a fascinating subject, one Lynda has impeccably researched. These scenes were superb, atmospheric and moving, perfectly balancing belief and scepticism, and an aura of the gothic and supernatural.
Transporting us back to the 80s, before our age of technological advancement, both in our personal lives and specifically relating to police practice and procedure, La Plante once again portrays this era vividly. Something that always strikes me about the early seasons of 'Prime Suspect' is how it depicts so brilliantly life and policing in the early 90s - as with many classics, simultaneously a glimpse of its time and a timeless narrative – something that each entry in this series has also captured, progressing from 1973 onwards. Forensic science always plays a key role in La Plante's work - this investigation taking place immediately following the breakthrough of DNA profiling and the successful arrest of Colin Pitchfork for multiple sexual assaults and murders in 1987, a case that significantly changed forensic science and police procedure (and, by extension, crime fiction) forevermore.
The series has focussed on the significant milestones of Jane’s life and career, exploring her impactful cases as we witness the development of her character. This chapter is an emotional rollercoaster for Jane; so much in this novel feels like the final formation of that tough outer shell she wears when we first meet her in 'Prime Suspect', as we experience perhaps one of the most tragic periods of Jane's life since the events of the very first novel in the series, with several deeply emotional moments that also shine a new perspective on what we know is to come in Jane’s future. As the case concludes and Jane embarks on the months of trial preparation, we are left tantalised for the next stage of her career, the final step towards her promotion and 'Prime Suspect'. I cannot wait for the next (and final) book!
Intense, absorbing, and fraught with emotion, ‘Taste of Blood’ is another fantastic book in a beloved series.
Starting work at a new station, Jane is tasked with investigating a dispute between neighbours that has left one of them hospitalised.
Initially appearing a tedious case of neighbourhood bickering gone out of control, the investigation takes a more complex turn the more Jane digs.
A chance encounter with a psychic leads Jane to believe there is far more beneath the surface of this dispute, uncovering a case of murder.
'Taste of Blood' is the ninth and penultimate novel in the Jane Tennison prequel series, which has followed Jane from her joining the police and leads us up to her first murder inquiry as DCI in the first 'Prime Suspect'. Lynda La Plante delivers another brilliant, riveting thriller – a character-driven drama entwined with multiple twists and turns, a classic whodunnit buried beneath the surface of neighbourhood quarrels - with a select set of suspects within a confined locale giving it that vintage mystery quality. A major theme of the novel is psychic phenomena, several lines of enquiry presented through Jane's interaction with a psychic medium. Mediums and clairvoyants assisting in police investigations has always been a fascinating subject, one Lynda has impeccably researched. These scenes were superb, atmospheric and moving, perfectly balancing belief and scepticism, and an aura of the gothic and supernatural.
Transporting us back to the 80s, before our age of technological advancement, both in our personal lives and specifically relating to police practice and procedure, La Plante once again portrays this era vividly. Something that always strikes me about the early seasons of 'Prime Suspect' is how it depicts so brilliantly life and policing in the early 90s - as with many classics, simultaneously a glimpse of its time and a timeless narrative – something that each entry in this series has also captured, progressing from 1973 onwards. Forensic science always plays a key role in La Plante's work - this investigation taking place immediately following the breakthrough of DNA profiling and the successful arrest of Colin Pitchfork for multiple sexual assaults and murders in 1987, a case that significantly changed forensic science and police procedure (and, by extension, crime fiction) forevermore.
The series has focussed on the significant milestones of Jane’s life and career, exploring her impactful cases as we witness the development of her character. This chapter is an emotional rollercoaster for Jane; so much in this novel feels like the final formation of that tough outer shell she wears when we first meet her in 'Prime Suspect', as we experience perhaps one of the most tragic periods of Jane's life since the events of the very first novel in the series, with several deeply emotional moments that also shine a new perspective on what we know is to come in Jane’s future. As the case concludes and Jane embarks on the months of trial preparation, we are left tantalised for the next stage of her career, the final step towards her promotion and 'Prime Suspect'. I cannot wait for the next (and final) book!
Intense, absorbing, and fraught with emotion, ‘Taste of Blood’ is another fantastic book in a beloved series.
June 4, 2024
Detective Inspector Jane Tennison has now been transferred to Bromley station at her request but she starts to question if serious crimes are committed there especially when she is assigned to investigate a neighbour dispute. However, the case is a more complex than she ever imagined especially when she starts to view the neighbours with suspicion. What secrets are the residents of Clarendon Court hiding?
Having read nine books in the Tennison series what I love about each book is that they just get better and better. Each story is different and fresh. I always look forward to reading a Tennison book but this one definitely grabbed my attention because of the title. It was distinct, memorable and stuck in my mind.
The storyline was brilliant, bold, chilling and filled with secrets. There was more to the story than met the eye. When we catch up with Jane she’s doing very well in her career however when she decides to transfer to a station closer to home she thinks she may have made a big mistake. Especially because the first case that she's assigned is a neighbour dispute and that is very different to the serious crimes and criminals that she normally deals with. When she arrives at the scene it appears to be a straightforward case but there’s something about it that doesn’t feel right and the issue isn’t about a wall/fence or gate. So Jane starts to ask questions and dig a little deeper. She finds that the neighbours are keeping secrets and that they are connected by more than she initially thought. Although Jane has a new boss and a female boss for the first time, her boss asks her to wrap up the case quickly but she goes against her boss’ instructions. Soon Jane becomes involved in the investigation not only professionally but also emotionally. One aspect of the story that I really liked was the introduction of a psychic. It was interesting to see how Jane interacted with the psychic. Initially Jane is a little sceptical but then she's given information that makes her question what she believes in.
Some of my favourite scenes were when Jane was interviewing suspects because it showed how much Jane has grown during her career. She is confident, able to take charge, navigate interviews and form a strategy that will enable her to obtain the information she needs. We also see a little bit more of Jane's personal life in this story especially as her relationship with Eddie has become serious and they are now living together. But as Jane learns it isn’t easy juggling her role as a Detective Inspector and her personal life.
The ending of this book has definitely set up the next book very well and I can’t wait to read it.
Having read nine books in the Tennison series what I love about each book is that they just get better and better. Each story is different and fresh. I always look forward to reading a Tennison book but this one definitely grabbed my attention because of the title. It was distinct, memorable and stuck in my mind.
The storyline was brilliant, bold, chilling and filled with secrets. There was more to the story than met the eye. When we catch up with Jane she’s doing very well in her career however when she decides to transfer to a station closer to home she thinks she may have made a big mistake. Especially because the first case that she's assigned is a neighbour dispute and that is very different to the serious crimes and criminals that she normally deals with. When she arrives at the scene it appears to be a straightforward case but there’s something about it that doesn’t feel right and the issue isn’t about a wall/fence or gate. So Jane starts to ask questions and dig a little deeper. She finds that the neighbours are keeping secrets and that they are connected by more than she initially thought. Although Jane has a new boss and a female boss for the first time, her boss asks her to wrap up the case quickly but she goes against her boss’ instructions. Soon Jane becomes involved in the investigation not only professionally but also emotionally. One aspect of the story that I really liked was the introduction of a psychic. It was interesting to see how Jane interacted with the psychic. Initially Jane is a little sceptical but then she's given information that makes her question what she believes in.
Some of my favourite scenes were when Jane was interviewing suspects because it showed how much Jane has grown during her career. She is confident, able to take charge, navigate interviews and form a strategy that will enable her to obtain the information she needs. We also see a little bit more of Jane's personal life in this story especially as her relationship with Eddie has become serious and they are now living together. But as Jane learns it isn’t easy juggling her role as a Detective Inspector and her personal life.
The ending of this book has definitely set up the next book very well and I can’t wait to read it.
April 21, 2024
Time taken to read - 3 days (in and out as able)
Pages - 403
Publisher - Zaffre
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Detective Jane Tennison made a bad choice.
She was the one who put in a transfer to the quiet, local police station in Bromley, keen to escape the relentless pressure of her former West End department.
Now she regrets her decision. The tedium of petty crime investigations even makes her question remaining in the force.
But then a complicated domestic assault case lands on her desk - one that might still result in a murder charge if the victim dies of his injuries.
The warring neighbours who witnessed the assault intrigue Jane. The case has a sinister underbelly, she can sense it. And when Jane discovers a handsome young boy had recently disappeared after the tragic death of his girlfriend, every family in the private close becomes a suspect.
As Tennison hunts for the link between the crimes, she uncovers a truth more shocking than she could have contemplated. One that will either make her career - or break it.
My Review
Jane has transferred to a smaller/quieter station, really what was she thinking, we all know she loves to be in the thick of it. The new place mostly investigates small crimes - not a long more than petty squabbles in some cases and it isn't long before Jane questions her choice. An ongoing feud with neighbours turns into an assault with one landing in hospital, badly injured. Jane and co have to investigate and as is with Jane's track record there may be more to the incident and squabbles than first thought. Neighbours can often have secrets and some darker than others, could that explain the erratic behaviours by some of the residents?
So whilst this book looks at an assault and then ?a missing person (older case) we find Jane doing what she does best, digging where folk don't want her to until she gets her answers. We also get a lot more of the person side with Jane, family, relationships and touching on loss and issues that often come hand in hand. She is a bit more tetchy and feisty in this book, she has found her feet and her voice and is a strong character who doesn't suffer fools gladly.
At one point I wanted to hug her, I also went through a few irritational moments with her. This book has a very domestic feel to it both in the investigation and her private life. I like that, this is book nine, we have been with Tennison from the start so it is nice to get a bit more meat from the characters as well as the police stuff. 4/5 for me this time, a few themes that will be emotive to some people. Huge fans of La Plante and really enjoying the Tennison series, looking forward to the next book and seeing what is next for oor Jane.
Pages - 403
Publisher - Zaffre
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Detective Jane Tennison made a bad choice.
She was the one who put in a transfer to the quiet, local police station in Bromley, keen to escape the relentless pressure of her former West End department.
Now she regrets her decision. The tedium of petty crime investigations even makes her question remaining in the force.
But then a complicated domestic assault case lands on her desk - one that might still result in a murder charge if the victim dies of his injuries.
The warring neighbours who witnessed the assault intrigue Jane. The case has a sinister underbelly, she can sense it. And when Jane discovers a handsome young boy had recently disappeared after the tragic death of his girlfriend, every family in the private close becomes a suspect.
As Tennison hunts for the link between the crimes, she uncovers a truth more shocking than she could have contemplated. One that will either make her career - or break it.
My Review
Jane has transferred to a smaller/quieter station, really what was she thinking, we all know she loves to be in the thick of it. The new place mostly investigates small crimes - not a long more than petty squabbles in some cases and it isn't long before Jane questions her choice. An ongoing feud with neighbours turns into an assault with one landing in hospital, badly injured. Jane and co have to investigate and as is with Jane's track record there may be more to the incident and squabbles than first thought. Neighbours can often have secrets and some darker than others, could that explain the erratic behaviours by some of the residents?
So whilst this book looks at an assault and then ?a missing person (older case) we find Jane doing what she does best, digging where folk don't want her to until she gets her answers. We also get a lot more of the person side with Jane, family, relationships and touching on loss and issues that often come hand in hand. She is a bit more tetchy and feisty in this book, she has found her feet and her voice and is a strong character who doesn't suffer fools gladly.
At one point I wanted to hug her, I also went through a few irritational moments with her. This book has a very domestic feel to it both in the investigation and her private life. I like that, this is book nine, we have been with Tennison from the start so it is nice to get a bit more meat from the characters as well as the police stuff. 4/5 for me this time, a few themes that will be emotive to some people. Huge fans of La Plante and really enjoying the Tennison series, looking forward to the next book and seeing what is next for oor Jane.
June 2, 2024
DI Jane Tennison wanted to be posted nearer home and starts at Bromley Station which features a very small CID dept and interestingly a female DCI, still very much a rarity in the police but showing things are at last moving in the right direction. Jane is engaged to and living with builder Eddie Myers but apart from renovating her house they seem to have very little in common. On her first day she immediately runs into old friends DS Paul Lawrence and DI Stanley but is upset to learn of former colleague Alan Dexter’s death on a French racetrack. Jane’s first case, along with Stanley and DC William Burrows, is a boundary dispute between two neighbours, David Caplan and Martin Boon. Caplan is trying to build a high wall around his house with electronic gates but was threatened by Boon with an iron bar. Caplan claims he defended himself with a spade and Boon now lies in a critical state in hospital. If he dies it could be murder, at least something worthy of Jane and Stanley’s combined experience and expertise. Two other neighbours, the Larssons who own the courtyard in the middle of all these properties, seem to be stirring the pot and siding with Boon but why is the tarmacked piece of ground so precious to them? Just when Jane is starting to regret her move to a station with low level rather boring cases, she runs into a woman working at a care home who once lived in the Caplan house and soon a whole dark intriguing story of love and loss is revealed.
The series is now moving into more modern times, including the mention of DNA and mobile phones, albeit still in their infancy. With a much slower build up and leading the reader to already suspect the worst about these decidedly dodgy neighbours, this is tenacious Tennison at her best! Despite orders to the contrary from her boss, she just cannot help pulling at a little niggling thread, maybe to fill the void in her own rather tragic and desolate home life, and with a little other worldly direction, soon finds herself in the middle of the heartbreaking case that will push her further up the ladder into book 10, the very final story of this series.
The series is now moving into more modern times, including the mention of DNA and mobile phones, albeit still in their infancy. With a much slower build up and leading the reader to already suspect the worst about these decidedly dodgy neighbours, this is tenacious Tennison at her best! Despite orders to the contrary from her boss, she just cannot help pulling at a little niggling thread, maybe to fill the void in her own rather tragic and desolate home life, and with a little other worldly direction, soon finds herself in the middle of the heartbreaking case that will push her further up the ladder into book 10, the very final story of this series.
May 2, 2024
“Taste of Blood” is book nine in Lynda La Plante’s #Tennison series and is the penultimate before the final book in the series, which is published in July this year.
Jane has become disillusioned with her career to date but receives a timely boost with a posting to a CID office closer to home, headed by a higher ranking female officer. Although at first Jane believes this could be the making of her career, she soon finds herself investigating a lowly crime, warring neighbours disputing boundaries. But Jane isn’t fooled and soon becomes convinced that there is more to the squabbling than is first suspected. Despite being told to stop further investigating, typical Jane is like a dog with a bone and unable to curb her gut instincts. Will she prove herself right or could this be the end of her career?
Jane’s personal life takes a more back seat as compared to the previous book ‘Dark Rooms’, although there are still some major changes and events that affect her mental and physical state. I feel like I’ve come to know Jane personally and as the story escalates and she becomes the driving force in the interview room, we see her at her best and finally achieving the recognition she deserves. Some fantastic police work is contained in the last 100 pages or so and I was addicted to the ensuing denouement.
Lynda La Plante has an exceedingly imaginative and creative mind and combined with being a brilliant writer, her books are always a pleasure to read. The ideas for the crimes she comes up with, continue to astound me and I personally feel that Jane Tennison is probably the best fictional female detective around. The crimes committed are realistic and often grisly and heart wrenching but with Jane usually at the core of the investigation, nothing gets past her and the villains are always caught.
I can’t wait for ‘Whole Life Sentence’ to see what the author has in store for Jane now she’s older, wiser and wholly respected for the police detective she is.
Jane has become disillusioned with her career to date but receives a timely boost with a posting to a CID office closer to home, headed by a higher ranking female officer. Although at first Jane believes this could be the making of her career, she soon finds herself investigating a lowly crime, warring neighbours disputing boundaries. But Jane isn’t fooled and soon becomes convinced that there is more to the squabbling than is first suspected. Despite being told to stop further investigating, typical Jane is like a dog with a bone and unable to curb her gut instincts. Will she prove herself right or could this be the end of her career?
Jane’s personal life takes a more back seat as compared to the previous book ‘Dark Rooms’, although there are still some major changes and events that affect her mental and physical state. I feel like I’ve come to know Jane personally and as the story escalates and she becomes the driving force in the interview room, we see her at her best and finally achieving the recognition she deserves. Some fantastic police work is contained in the last 100 pages or so and I was addicted to the ensuing denouement.
Lynda La Plante has an exceedingly imaginative and creative mind and combined with being a brilliant writer, her books are always a pleasure to read. The ideas for the crimes she comes up with, continue to astound me and I personally feel that Jane Tennison is probably the best fictional female detective around. The crimes committed are realistic and often grisly and heart wrenching but with Jane usually at the core of the investigation, nothing gets past her and the villains are always caught.
I can’t wait for ‘Whole Life Sentence’ to see what the author has in store for Jane now she’s older, wiser and wholly respected for the police detective she is.
June 3, 2024
Jane has transferred to Bromley station, but she is starting to think it was the worst mistake she has made; with nothing exciting happening. Has she demoted herself?
But soon something that was meant to simply be a quarrel between neighbours turns sinister when history is uncovered.
But no one believes her, especially when she states evidence from a psychic. Jane must once again work on her own to determine what happened all those years ago, and why the neighbours are really at war.
A chance accident happens that will lead to her finding the truth and the future which is most wanted.
I loved this book by La Plante, and is the best one yet, within the Tennison series. This novel is full of heartache for our main character; She never has the best of luck with romance. However, her career is moving up the ladder and her determination and tenacity are never-ending.
We also hear from some previous characters, which gives us a chance to reminisce about them, I loved how this was done, as it allows us to come full circle with certain characters and the parts they played in Jane's life.
This time we only hear a little bit from Jane's parents and her sister, but time has obviously moved for these characters also, I like that everything is kept so realistic with the timeline.
This is definitely a book that I would highly recommend. This is one that you don't want to put down. It can easily be read as a standalone however, I would recommend reading the series from the start because you will not be disappointed and it just gets better and better with every book that you read.
But soon something that was meant to simply be a quarrel between neighbours turns sinister when history is uncovered.
But no one believes her, especially when she states evidence from a psychic. Jane must once again work on her own to determine what happened all those years ago, and why the neighbours are really at war.
A chance accident happens that will lead to her finding the truth and the future which is most wanted.
I loved this book by La Plante, and is the best one yet, within the Tennison series. This novel is full of heartache for our main character; She never has the best of luck with romance. However, her career is moving up the ladder and her determination and tenacity are never-ending.
We also hear from some previous characters, which gives us a chance to reminisce about them, I loved how this was done, as it allows us to come full circle with certain characters and the parts they played in Jane's life.
This time we only hear a little bit from Jane's parents and her sister, but time has obviously moved for these characters also, I like that everything is kept so realistic with the timeline.
This is definitely a book that I would highly recommend. This is one that you don't want to put down. It can easily be read as a standalone however, I would recommend reading the series from the start because you will not be disappointed and it just gets better and better with every book that you read.
June 6, 2024
‘Taste of Blood’ is the ninth book in the Tennison series and I think my favourite so far! Even though we are deep into Jane’s story this book can be easily read as a stand-alone but I do recommend the whole series!
DI Jane Tennison has moved police stations to Bromley, in order to be nearer her home which she is now sharing with her boyfriend Eddie. At first she thinks she has made a mistake as the station seems to be lacking a bit of action. The biggest case involves a neighbourhood dispute over parking and a set of gates which turned violent. Jane has been teamed up with her old colleague Stanley but once again Jane go off in one direction after following her instincts that this case could be more involved than they thought.
Jane is always going to be a lone wolf as she tends to believe that only she can do the job correctly. Once again she is batting heads with her colleagues and even Eddie. Plus, when Stanley has a problems with your methods maybe inner reflection is needed. I do love Jane and her inner core of certainty but gosh I would hate to be her boss!
In this instalment we see the police force in general becoming more as we know it with the introduction of DNA and mobile phones into the mix! Plus, she has a female boss, how times are changing for the better!
I particularly liked this outing as it shows that sometimes routine police work is still interesting and compelling to read about. Sometimes, I think authors forget about that. We also get to see a more vulnerable Jane due to her personal life and interaction with a certain witness. I flew through this one and it was a real page turner! Roll on book ten!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
DI Jane Tennison has moved police stations to Bromley, in order to be nearer her home which she is now sharing with her boyfriend Eddie. At first she thinks she has made a mistake as the station seems to be lacking a bit of action. The biggest case involves a neighbourhood dispute over parking and a set of gates which turned violent. Jane has been teamed up with her old colleague Stanley but once again Jane go off in one direction after following her instincts that this case could be more involved than they thought.
Jane is always going to be a lone wolf as she tends to believe that only she can do the job correctly. Once again she is batting heads with her colleagues and even Eddie. Plus, when Stanley has a problems with your methods maybe inner reflection is needed. I do love Jane and her inner core of certainty but gosh I would hate to be her boss!
In this instalment we see the police force in general becoming more as we know it with the introduction of DNA and mobile phones into the mix! Plus, she has a female boss, how times are changing for the better!
I particularly liked this outing as it shows that sometimes routine police work is still interesting and compelling to read about. Sometimes, I think authors forget about that. We also get to see a more vulnerable Jane due to her personal life and interaction with a certain witness. I flew through this one and it was a real page turner! Roll on book ten!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
April 22, 2024
The ninth book of the Jane Tennison series and Jane starts a new job in another new station. This is nearer to her home in Bromley and after her issues with her previous boss the move proves welcome. The main case this time is a locked room mystery and once again Jane is acting as a bit of a lone wolf.
Briefly, Jane’s only concern with her new job is that there is very little by way of serious crime and her latest job is investigating a local neighbourhood dispute. Now this is Jane Tennison and of course nothing is as it seems and Jane soon suspects there is more to the dispute than at first appears and naturally she is proven correct. Matters deteriorate when Jane admits she is speaking to a medium in connection with the case. Something that I seem to remember was a part of a number of real police cases in this era.
Jane is clearly somebody who really isn’t that interested in teamwork and as usual this lands her in all sorts of trouble both with her boyfriend Eddie and her boss and colleagues. Jane is such a determined character and at times too much of a loner. As the series has progressed you can see how her work persona evolves and hardens whilst still retaining a measure of compassion. I love that we can see how policing is moving forwards with the introduction of mobile phones and DNA testing. Another exciting read in this the penultimate book in the series and I’m ready to read the final instalment in Jane’s pre ‘Prime Suspect’ career.
Briefly, Jane’s only concern with her new job is that there is very little by way of serious crime and her latest job is investigating a local neighbourhood dispute. Now this is Jane Tennison and of course nothing is as it seems and Jane soon suspects there is more to the dispute than at first appears and naturally she is proven correct. Matters deteriorate when Jane admits she is speaking to a medium in connection with the case. Something that I seem to remember was a part of a number of real police cases in this era.
Jane is clearly somebody who really isn’t that interested in teamwork and as usual this lands her in all sorts of trouble both with her boyfriend Eddie and her boss and colleagues. Jane is such a determined character and at times too much of a loner. As the series has progressed you can see how her work persona evolves and hardens whilst still retaining a measure of compassion. I love that we can see how policing is moving forwards with the introduction of mobile phones and DNA testing. Another exciting read in this the penultimate book in the series and I’m ready to read the final instalment in Jane’s pre ‘Prime Suspect’ career.
October 28, 2025
Taste of Blood, is the ninth book in the Jane Tennison series by Lynda La Plante. This novel focuses on an earlier time in Tennison’s career. I really enjoy this series and can’t help visualising Helen Mirren playing the Tennison role having watched the television series. Lynda La Plante doesn’t rush her novels and each plot is well planned and the characters are very strong.
Tennison requested a transfer to the quiet suburb of Bromley, hoping for a break from the constant toil West End. But its not long before she begins to wonder if she has made the right decision, her new post proves far from restful. Straightforward policing duties soon spiral into far darker cases. A complicated domestic assault case lands on her desk, that might still result in a murder charge if the victim dies of his injuries.
I have read all the books in this series and they have proven to be good reads. Lynda La Plante’s pacing is perfect for me, lots of relevant detail, while keeping up the suspense for the reader. This is a very good series that shows how a strong determined woman succeeds in a top job in a mans world as well as dealing with her own personal issues.
Rich characterisation, perfect pacing, and well thought out plots make this series well worth reading. Excellent police procedural that blends emotional depth with relentless suspense.
Tennison requested a transfer to the quiet suburb of Bromley, hoping for a break from the constant toil West End. But its not long before she begins to wonder if she has made the right decision, her new post proves far from restful. Straightforward policing duties soon spiral into far darker cases. A complicated domestic assault case lands on her desk, that might still result in a murder charge if the victim dies of his injuries.
I have read all the books in this series and they have proven to be good reads. Lynda La Plante’s pacing is perfect for me, lots of relevant detail, while keeping up the suspense for the reader. This is a very good series that shows how a strong determined woman succeeds in a top job in a mans world as well as dealing with her own personal issues.
Rich characterisation, perfect pacing, and well thought out plots make this series well worth reading. Excellent police procedural that blends emotional depth with relentless suspense.
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