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THE UNFORGETTABLE LEGAL THRILLER FROM THE LEGENDARY LYNDA LA PLANTE
Identical and brutal assaults on three women. One woman survives to give a detailed description of her attacker.
The police arrest a suspect, Damon Morton, confident he is their man. But three of his employees admit to the crimes, and Morton’s wife and girlfriend provide him with an alibi.
They all declare Damon Morton innocent. The police know he did it. But if people lie under oath in a court of law - who can the jury believe?
Identical and brutal assaults on three women. One woman survives to give a detailed description of her attacker.
The police arrest a suspect, Damon Morton, confident he is their man. But three of his employees admit to the crimes, and Morton’s wife and girlfriend provide him with an alibi.
They all declare Damon Morton innocent. The police know he did it. But if people lie under oath in a court of law - who can the jury believe?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2023
215 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Lynda La Plante
123 books1,826 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 54 reviews
February 18, 2024
Enjoyed this one, super fast paced and read it in two sittings. Graphic details for the murder investigation, great read
January 28, 2024
Slow . Didn’t buy into the characters enough . Usually love her books but this was not for me
December 24, 2025
You always know what you’re getting. Easy to read, fast paced thriller. An incredibly consistent author,
February 11, 2024
Not the usual standard of La Plante's books
This book made the police look like idiots for not doing their job properly! There were obvious factual errors such as putting the 4 men in the same wing of the prison before their trial just because one wanted to be beside his pals,especially when he was coercing the other three! Bizarre move on author's part!! The police characters were weak and bland! There was no real explanation as to why the 3 men worshiped Damon! Weak,predictable plot and epilogue was a waste of time as it added nothing to the book! Very disappointed as I love Lynda La Plante's Tennison, andnd Widows series
This book made the police look like idiots for not doing their job properly! There were obvious factual errors such as putting the 4 men in the same wing of the prison before their trial just because one wanted to be beside his pals,especially when he was coercing the other three! Bizarre move on author's part!! The police characters were weak and bland! There was no real explanation as to why the 3 men worshiped Damon! Weak,predictable plot and epilogue was a waste of time as it added nothing to the book! Very disappointed as I love Lynda La Plante's Tennison, andnd Widows series
April 15, 2025
3.6
Graphic. Grim murders and detailed descriptions.
It was a really fast read for me.
But I still wouldn’t recommend it.
First, it’s about 30 years old, and as you might imagine, it didn’t age well. While the occasional mentions - of someone actually having a mobile phone or someone trying this new computer device to compare photographs - are funny, the misogyny is not. And while recent stories from the UK don’t sound like there was too much progress in that regard in the Met, I didn’t enjoy reading it.
Second, the murders really are grim. And the „why“ or how exactly the confessions occur etc - the explanation and reason is just stated plainly… it seems lazy. Very easy way out… maybe a little more insight on a psychological level would have helped.
Third, there are SO MANY characters. I genuinely can’t even remember the names of the victims, let alone all of the police officers/ detectives, suspects, solicitors etc. Fair enough, that there are lots of people involved in the process. But seeing that we don’t actually „get to know“ anyone on a personal level, they are all just names on the page and merge. I feel like the only person we got to know a tiny bit, was the first one mentioned in the book - and it is as if the author then thought that too much effort to do for more than one, so let’s not.
Forth, it’s kinda boring and repetitive when the case goes to court as we’ve already heard all details 20x by then. Makes it really slow. Nothing new happens anymore, apart from highlighting some oversights from the investigation that are then mentioned in the trial but those are super obvious and pretty inconsequential.
Graphic. Grim murders and detailed descriptions.
It was a really fast read for me.
But I still wouldn’t recommend it.
First, it’s about 30 years old, and as you might imagine, it didn’t age well. While the occasional mentions - of someone actually having a mobile phone or someone trying this new computer device to compare photographs - are funny, the misogyny is not. And while recent stories from the UK don’t sound like there was too much progress in that regard in the Met, I didn’t enjoy reading it.
Second, the murders really are grim. And the „why“ or how exactly the confessions occur etc - the explanation and reason is just stated plainly… it seems lazy. Very easy way out… maybe a little more insight on a psychological level would have helped.
Third, there are SO MANY characters. I genuinely can’t even remember the names of the victims, let alone all of the police officers/ detectives, suspects, solicitors etc. Fair enough, that there are lots of people involved in the process. But seeing that we don’t actually „get to know“ anyone on a personal level, they are all just names on the page and merge. I feel like the only person we got to know a tiny bit, was the first one mentioned in the book - and it is as if the author then thought that too much effort to do for more than one, so let’s not.
Forth, it’s kinda boring and repetitive when the case goes to court as we’ve already heard all details 20x by then. Makes it really slow. Nothing new happens anymore, apart from highlighting some oversights from the investigation that are then mentioned in the trial but those are super obvious and pretty inconsequential.
February 11, 2024
Really good book. Gripping story, right from the start.
Three women are brutally attacked. Two of them die, the third just manages to cling to life, They all have very similar injuries, both internal and external.
Three men admit to the attacks, and to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. However, their boss is a very manipulative and controlling character. Yet, despite the surviving woman's identification and subsequent evidence in court, and his wife and girlfriend lying to give him an alibi, he's found not guilty by the jury.
Almost everyone is appalled at the juror's decision, but Damon is overjoyed at being released, and goes home to his wife and young children. On arriving home, his wife has decided to tell the truth. Her final statement, despite contradicting her evidence in court, is what apparently gets Damon in trouble with the police.
A really well written, compelling story. Not for the squeamish, though, as the injuries inflicted on the victims is described in detail.
Three women are brutally attacked. Two of them die, the third just manages to cling to life, They all have very similar injuries, both internal and external.
Three men admit to the attacks, and to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. However, their boss is a very manipulative and controlling character. Yet, despite the surviving woman's identification and subsequent evidence in court, and his wife and girlfriend lying to give him an alibi, he's found not guilty by the jury.
Almost everyone is appalled at the juror's decision, but Damon is overjoyed at being released, and goes home to his wife and young children. On arriving home, his wife has decided to tell the truth. Her final statement, despite contradicting her evidence in court, is what apparently gets Damon in trouble with the police.
A really well written, compelling story. Not for the squeamish, though, as the injuries inflicted on the victims is described in detail.
January 7, 2024
I enjoyed the way this unfolds, the meticulous attention to the evidence, forensics and clues and the interrogation of witnesses, suspects and - of course - their alibis, before moving to the hearing. It occurs to me (now) that the show and books are very much antecedents to the Law & Order type TV shows, in which we follow BOTH the police investigation and (here anyway) the trial.
I have to say I do miss the a-ha moment that sometimes comes with thrillers along with some detail into the 'why' [psychopaths become psychopaths] but LaPlante throws a nice little twist in at the end, making this is a very satisfying read and a series with which I'm keen to reconnect.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
I have to say I do miss the a-ha moment that sometimes comes with thrillers along with some detail into the 'why' [psychopaths become psychopaths] but LaPlante throws a nice little twist in at the end, making this is a very satisfying read and a series with which I'm keen to reconnect.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
June 27, 2024
Three women are gruesomely tortured and murdered, and you get all the graphic detail my Ms La Plante. It has been a long while since I've read one of her books, and I was a huge fan of the Prime Suspect series. However I rate this as a mediocre effort. Perhaps because I am not familiar with the cast of regulars, but I found it a bit formulaic and the ending didn't satisfy enough. Sure they caught the killer, despite many frustrating road blocks, but I didn't feel any retribution was achieved. I wouldn't rush to read any more of these series, but I've read worse.
April 22, 2024
Brilliant!!!
January 21, 2025
Alibi by Lynda La Plante starts with a strong and intriguing premise, but unfortunately loses momentum as the story progresses. The beginning pulls you in with an exciting setup, but the plot becomes predictable and the pacing drags. The characters lack depth, and some of the decisions made by the police feel unrealistic. While the start was promising, the story becomes dull and disappointing by the end. A 2-star read for me.
July 7, 2024
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.
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.
December 6, 2024
A brilliant police procedural thriller.
A woman working as a masseuse & part time prostitute is brutally killed & her body dumped on waste ground.
Just as the investigation gets underway another woman working as a prostitute is attacked & dumped with astonishingly similar mutilations. This woman however has survived her attack.
While the police wait for her to be well enough to interview a 3rd woman, a teacher, is attacked & she is also found dumped with the same brutality to her body.
The survivor gives police a description of her attacker & his van which leads them to a surprising confession from 3 young men employed by a man whose description fits the description far better than the 3 who have confessed
A woman working as a masseuse & part time prostitute is brutally killed & her body dumped on waste ground.
Just as the investigation gets underway another woman working as a prostitute is attacked & dumped with astonishingly similar mutilations. This woman however has survived her attack.
While the police wait for her to be well enough to interview a 3rd woman, a teacher, is attacked & she is also found dumped with the same brutality to her body.
The survivor gives police a description of her attacker & his van which leads them to a surprising confession from 3 young men employed by a man whose description fits the description far better than the 3 who have confessed
March 29, 2024
A gruesome trail of murders set Detective Superintendent Walker and his team off to track down and convict the serial killer. Unfortunately for the killer he doesn't kill his last victim, a tough prostitute who is able to identify Damon at an identity parade. The police are convinced Damon is the killer as well as the abuser of his wife and girlfriend but he is the leader a cult - his employees - all of which admit on oath they committed the murder.
Just when it looks like Damon has walked free an ironic twist sees Damon rightly brought to justice.
A tense albeit somewhat graphic read that keeps the reader guessing how the story will unfold. A good read.
Just when it looks like Damon has walked free an ironic twist sees Damon rightly brought to justice.
A tense albeit somewhat graphic read that keeps the reader guessing how the story will unfold. A good read.
January 23, 2024
great book
As always Lynda la planet doesn’t disappoint . I enjoyed this book even though I knew what was going to happen as have seen the tv drama trail and retribution for this book but was still a good book . Would have enjoyed even more if hadn’t seen to drama but don’t regret reading it .
As always Lynda la planet doesn’t disappoint . I enjoyed this book even though I knew what was going to happen as have seen the tv drama trail and retribution for this book but was still a good book . Would have enjoyed even more if hadn’t seen to drama but don’t regret reading it .
February 15, 2024
This book is not for the faint hearted from the start. What I enjoy about Lynda La Plante’s books is her attention to detail. Here she describes police and legal procedures and clearly does extensive research. There are many twists and turns with a surprising ending, I reiterate not for the faint hearted. I recommend this book
May 16, 2024
Another thrilling read form this author!
Brutal attacks have been carried out on 3 women, only one of whom survives.
The police have great difficulty in pinning the murderer down as any witnesses there are, all seem to be lying. They can't all be not guilty!
It seems the survivor is the only one telling the truth!
Brutal attacks have been carried out on 3 women, only one of whom survives.
The police have great difficulty in pinning the murderer down as any witnesses there are, all seem to be lying. They can't all be not guilty!
It seems the survivor is the only one telling the truth!
January 9, 2024
Really good book. First Lynda La Plante novel I've read. I like the style of writing, just like the police true crime programmes you see on TV. But there were a lot of characters which got me confused at times!
February 12, 2024
I always found Trial and Retribution storylines very powerful and disturbing, and 'Alibi' is right up there with the worst of them. It's a reverse whodunnit and all the more tense for being sure of the killer but unable to prove his guilt. The outcome is unforgettable and absolutely horrific.
March 28, 2024
Has a man been wrongly accused of killing two women and a failed attempt at killing one more? Damon Morton presents himself as a hardworking, married father but what lies beneath this facade? My jaw dropped at the twisted outcome that initially left me gasping then triumphant!
August 14, 2024
Fast paced and gripping. Would have enjoyed more in terms of what he had over the boys specifically. Things mentioned during the sleep talking part never got brought up again and I feel like that could have been explored more.
January 18, 2024
Loved it. Binge read it.
February 27, 2024
As usual with Lynda La Plante a very good fast paced thriller.
March 5, 2024
Yep. The sort of book you read in a day. Standard thriller. Very gory but well written. Definitely got my heart started. Only 3 stars as the characters aren’t really complex
March 14, 2024
I loved this book, very fast paced which is what I like as well as a good storyline. It was also easy to follow along with a perfect amount of different characters.
March 16, 2024
This is one was rough and very visual. But VERY GOOD as per usual! 5 outta 5*
April 16, 2024
I haven't read many books by this author but I really enjoy them when I do
April 25, 2024
One of her better stories.
Good story but a bit drawn out especially in the court part but kept me interested throughout. On to the next one!
Good story but a bit drawn out especially in the court part but kept me interested throughout. On to the next one!
April 29, 2024
Gripping
A gripping novel just what you expect from Lynda. I am now trawling though what to read next . Searching kindle
A gripping novel just what you expect from Lynda. I am now trawling though what to read next . Searching kindle
May 9, 2024
Wow! A very fast moving story, plenty to keep you interested. Well written with enough detail to make you cringe without being over the top. Well worth a read.
June 22, 2024
short, snappy and utterly enthralling keeps you on your toes until the very last page. fantastically written with incredible depth of character
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews