Accused: A Trial & Retribution thriller

by Lynda La Plante

THE ACCLAIMED LEGAL THRILLER FROM THE QUEEN OF CRIME DRAMA

Young Cassie Booth goes missing on her paper round. Then her bloodstained jacket is found in a boathouse belonging to Karl Wilding - but there is little evidence against him.

Meanwhile, a routine visit by Detective Inspector Pat North to appease persistent complainer Stephen Warrington soon spirals into something far more sinister. As his behaviour becomes increasingly obsessive, North suspects that Warrington has been involved in a far more horrific crime.

Only one of the men is guilty of Cassie's murder. But can the jury unravel the complex web of lies and deliver justice?

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Thriller, Contemporary

320 pages, Paperback

Published December 5, 2024

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

[Sophie Simmonds · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice quick thriller. Think broadchurch vibes.

[Daniella Fadljevic · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was unfortunately quite a miss. I just did not enjoy the writing style or the story telling for this one. The dialogue especially was so annoying. The third person writing was just such a mess when jumping from character to character so it took a while to get into every character jump and understand what was going on tbh.
Also mad that guy got away.

[Eden Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Lynda. The ending ruined me...

[Lee Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark and compelling chapter in a classic thriller series.

Cassie Booth vanishes while on her paper round early one morning. An anonymous tip leads police to discover her bloodstained jacket in a boathouse, the owner becoming their prime suspect.

Meanwhile, DI North undertakes a visit to appease a routine complainant. But the man’s obsession is escalating, his behaviour becoming increasingly suspicious and volatile.

Believing they are now searching for Cassie’s body, Det. Supt. Walker leads the investigation, leading to two significant suspects, both of whom may be guilty of murder.

‘Accused’ is the third in Lynda La Plante’s ‘Trial and Retribution’ series. Originally published as ‘Trial and Retribution III’, novelised from the third season of the crime drama, broadcast and published in 1999, the story follows the disappearance of teenager Cassie Booth and the subsequent major investigation led by Detective Superintendent Mike Walker, as evidence is discovered suggesting she has likely been murdered and the focus turns to hunting her killer.

Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Pat North becomes embroiled in the complaints of one Stephen Warrington, whose calls to police quickly evolve into harassment of North herself. He is insistent that a brothel is being operated from one of his neighbours’ homes, before he himself begins to suffer accusations that he hopes North can assist him in clearing up. As Warrington’s behaviour becomes more alarming, North begins to suspect that he may be linked to Walker’s inquiry.

Lynda La Plante presents a twisted, riveting thriller, narrating a complex investigation through taut, relentlessly-paced storytelling, detailing police procedure, forensic science, psychological insights, and legal procedure, as multiple inquiries become entangled in the core murder case. In the series signature approach, the police investigation is succeeded by the criminal trial.

Featuring the return of captivating and much-loved characters, we also delve deeper into their personal lives in this novel. Walker and North are moving into a new flat, embarking on a new life together after beginning their relationship shortly after the conclusion of their previous case. But their challenges start immediately: Walker facing issues with his ex-wife, as his children struggle to accept his new relationship; while Warrington’s escalating behaviour towards North affects her deeply. Walker, as always, is intensely focused on his investigation, the team closing in on their two suspects, evidence mounting that the two men were both complicit in the young girl’s abduction and murder. Both charged with the crime, each claiming the other is responsible, they are tried as a joint enterprise, but the question remains how the jury will interpret the evidence and whether convictions of both men will be secured.

As always, the vivid reading of the novelisation is influenced by the original serial on screen, significantly Richard E. Grant’s superlative guest performance as Stephen Warrington, alongside returning lead actors David Hayman and Kate Buffery as Walker and North. I adore the blend of elements featured in this series – becoming an exhilarating mix of police procedural, psychological thriller, and legal drama.

A richly captivating thriller, ‘Accused’ is another gripping entry in a fantastic series; an immersive, nostalgic treat. I’ve been immensely enjoying revisiting the series with the first three investigations and look forward to continuing with the next three books!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book I’ve read by this author and I wasn’t impressed. Some of it seems to be as if a thesaurus was used to choose an alternative word as the chosen word doesn’t fit in to the sentence correctly. They’re not even really synonyms. Strange. Quite an old fashioned style maybe. I expected that she’d be good as has been around a while but is not for me.

[Lauren Millar · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Good book easy read
No mystery/ twist and turns. Felt like I was reading a police tv drama

[Dom White · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting missing persons case sparks questions of validity for its prime suspect creating wholly believable characters and a plot with some nice twists and turns. It feels a little rushed to get from point to point which can make the timeline confusing, and adding a wealth of characters towards the end was a bit disorienting, but non-the-less, a nice read. I'll give La Plante another shot!

[Louise Munden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Lynda La Plante’s style of writing and her characterisations. I felt that this was a book written for tv, or a tv episode converted into a book, it could have been a bit longer and built the tension a bit more. The finding of an unrelated body was pretty much glossed over which felt odd, and whilst I appreciate it was written in the 90s I felt that the police were too quick to prosecute without sufficient evidence and as a result they blew it. Maybe that was the point? A very frustrating end!

[Nicola Lane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blurb states a character is called Karl Wilding, however throughout the whole book it is Karl Taylor. Lots of loose ends that don’t get tied up, bringing in a character of uncle W for a chapter that the detectives want to track down only for it to never be mentioned again.

Poor writing. Poor ability to continue a storyline.

Would not recommend to anyone

[Rebecca Eavers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t a fan of how the book was written, it used surnames due to the nature of the story line, I had to keep refreshing myself with who was who.
The story got better as the story progressed, but feel that some aspects were drawn out.

[Emma King · Rating 3 out of 5]

With what was provided in the blurb I’m disappointed by the ending. I got very lost with who was who during as well. Overall a good story though.

[Liv · Rating 2 out of 5]

So badly written and such an unsatisfying ending

[Michelle Jessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read but it left me feeling ripped off at the end! Lynda LaPlante stories are really good and the investigative research that goes into them is phenomenal!
This story revolves around an abducted 13 year old and the investigation into her abduction and subsequent murder.
There are two suspects; one a smooth overly confident operator and a neurotic, mentally unwell man.
The investigation doesn’t always run smoothly and mistakes are made by the police which have an effect on the outcome.
The clues and evidence point to both men at different times and in the end both men are charged with conspiring to murder and dispose of the body. The perpetrators are represented by two different lawyers who are out to save their clients by discrediting the other accused party.
The verdict is based on the facts presented to the jury and the overwhelming evidence pointing to only one of the accused. However evidence acquired while the jury were debating would have led to a different result meaning the wrong man was convicted of the murder.
The story ends with the incarcerated man suiciding. I wanted justice to be served and yet the book just ends leaving me wanting more.
3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4⭐️

[John Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am guessing from reading the reviews that many like me like a good ending, all nicely tied up, feeling fuzzy or whatever one would call it.
Anyhow I have upgraded my rating to 5 star as the book ends on a messy ending and I think the author intentionally and cleverly introduces the lack of clarity and confusion as it can be very much like this in real life. Justice, fairness and the facts are not clear. The case near the end as things were beginning to come out was rushed to court. Both characters used the same car on the Saturday, both were known to be perverts. Both changed their name and so on..... The jury had read the news paper with the witness story discredited. (Now news media forbidden to print trial evidence outside of what had been presented in court.) The jury and the reader etc could not really give a clear verdict. The South African who was the former boss of the main mentally ill character most likely would be shown as the most likely dangerous pervert and killer. He was acquitted and never sent to South Africa etc. The mentally ill guy was convicted. The book illustrates very well how murky things can be and the final judgment could be wrong. Wrong one jailed.

[Eloise · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an interesting and a sad book. The story caught my attention a while ago and did enjoy it. It was a boom with a lot of things right and a lot of things wrong.

This book is about Cassie Booth who goes missing after her paper round and 2 men overtime get accused. Stephen who is mentally ill and has a lot of problem. Karl who is wealth and has an alcoholic wife. Who is the murderer?

I believe the story is set in late 90s/2000s. It felt like reading an episode of Heartbeat or Midsummer Murders. It has that vibe to it. If you are from the UK. The overall story was okay. I didn’t love it I didn’t hate it.

What I liked:
-The era 90s/2000s
-Shows a good way of the justice system is awful sometimes.
-The little twist during the story.
-How Stephen’s character was written. He was the most interesting character.

What I didn’t like:
-North did some stupid decisions as a police officer
-Too many police officer characters. Hard to keep track who is who
-Bit obvious on the who done it. Wasn’t surprising.
-The ending was a bit rushed

A good quick thriller read to pass the time. 3.5/5

[Veronica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Utter rubbish. Won’t even be donating the book, as I wouldn’t want anyone else to experience the misery of reading it. Incredibly hard to follow, so many characters often referred to by last name only and without a proper introduction, so very difficult to keep track and follow the storyline. Dissatisfying and unclear ending, confusing plot with multiple unexplained elements. Can’t even say I was left with questions, as the writing wasn’t compelling enough for me to care about the unanswered parts. As another reader rightly points out, the blurb even uses the wrong name for a character? Seems incredibly lazy. Uninspiring writing, boring throughout, and disappointed I wasted the time trying to push through.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main idea here was that 2 men could be responsible for the crime (but which one?), but it didn't really work. It just highlighted how bad the police investigation was, not to mention the super speedy trial. And as for the relationship between the 2 detectives, that was terrible. I couldn't believe how a female detective who worked in Vice, repeat Vice, could fall to pieces when a male suspect looked at her strangely. And the happy couple are looking at wallpaper samples for their rented flat? This was first published in 1999, and it really shows.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl, Cassie Booth, who goes missing on her paper round. Detectives North and Walker, who have recently moved in together, work in different parts of the police force but this investigation brings them together but puts intense pressure on their personal lives. A very unstable Warrington and suave Taylor are the main suspects but after some unpredictable events it becomes apparent they are "partners in crime" but who committed the murder and will the jury come to the right conclusion?

[John Hackett]

A great read with an interesting finish in a courtroom. The result was somewhat dissatisfying but I realise that not all crimes and trials end the way you think they should, particularly when as in this case there are two perpetrators with no clear indicator of who did what and each perp is trying to show that the other is guilty. I did like the twists and turns as the cases were built. My one gripe is the situation regarding the eyewitness- I found that plot line unbelievable.

[Daphne · Rating 3 out of 5]

What era is this set in? The dialogue is from the 1990’s, with talk of ineptitude of technology and opening bookies accounts via phone. Reference to QC indicates prior writing but I couldn’t get my head round it. The names of the women too, Pat, Norma, Susan. Barristers are more likely to be called something less 1980’s nowadays.

[Teagan Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading a lot of romance lately I wanted something different, I loved the overall story and the twists but for a shorter book it seemed to drag whilst reading and the ending I think seemed quite rushed.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the tv series 'Trial and Retribution' and was delighted when this book of one of the episodes appeared in the bookshop. Lynda La Plante is a brilliant writer of crime novels and this is no exception.

[Milly Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick mystery with plot twists throughout - some parts literally made my skin crawl! At times felt like there were a few more than necassary characters but maybe if I read more in the series it’ll make more sense.

[Graham Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting mystery with some truly evil offenders who should have been locked away without the undue degree of dallying displayed by the police. It's almost as though Ms La Plante was trying desperately to produce enough pages to produce a saleable book.

[Catherine Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also known as trial and retribution iii (3)

[Sue Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as normal

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another DNF what is going on?

Is it me or what I'm choosing?

So annoying

[K L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous read

Really enjoyed reading this book
Shall have to invest in more of these to read
Can't wait for the next book

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very readable

[Helen Robson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this as much as the other books in the series. A rushed and disappointing ending.