Crucified

DC Jack Warr #5

by Lynda La Plante

A KILLER IN THE FRAME.
A DETECTIVE AT BREAKING POINT . . .

Detective Jack Warr should be resting on his laurels. He's just put sadistic serial killer Rodney Middleton behind bars and he's ready to enjoy some time at home with his young family.

Instead, Jack is having violent nightmares that leave his wife Maggie terrified.

What Jack needs is a break, but instead he finds himself sucked into another grisly case as a man is found horrifically murdered in an art-framer's shop. Jack becomes fascinated by the elaborately staged killing - especially coming straight after the surprise reappearance of charismatic forger Adam Border.

Could Adam be the victim?
Or the murderer?

Finding the truth will unveil a shocking portrait of a corrupt art world - but will it also expose the secrets Jack is so desperately trying to keep hidden?

PRAISE FOR LYNDA LA

'The UK's most celebrated female crime author' - DAILY MAIL

'DC Jack Warr is clearly destined for higher things, and I look forward to following his progress' - PETER ROBINSON, No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of the DCI Banks series

'A compelling, clever plot with a brilliant cast of diverse characters. Utterly riveting' - RACHEL ABBOTT, million-selling author of ONLY THE INNOCENT

'Lynda La Plante practically invented the thriller' - KARIN SLAUGHTER

Genres: Crime, Audiobook, Mystery, Fiction

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2025

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

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was looking forward to Jack Warr’s return in this the 5th book of the series and as was expecting it did not disappoint,it was good to be back with his family and colleagues and meet some new ones,,including a new boss who has a secret to hide…

This book deals equally with Jack’s mental health after a particularly soul destroying case and also with his home life and then with a case regarding a very gruesome murder that is connected to the art world,there was much information on this world and forgeries which was interesting and a subject I knew nothing of

There was also a prison nurse character who had started her career well and with all good intentions but somehow along the way had gone to the other side and it was good to read about her,her justifications and what happened to her ( and what she was prepared to do for a good retirement! )

I really like Jack,its hard not to,his edgy manner combined with his gruff kindness when needed and most of all his determination to see justice being servied,a complex man for sure but a good man too

Pleased to see Book 6 is in the offing,there is no reason these books cannot go on and on as there is so much for the author to bring to us readers re Jack…..and so look forward to more 😊

[bookswithpaulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one, took me a while to get into it and I havent read the other books in the series. But this didnt deter from the expereince, I enjoy Lynda's writing.

[Natalie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent series.

Book Five is worthy addition to the Jack Warr series, but it did take me a while to get into this one. The storytelling is brilliant as always, but I found it difficult to align with Jack this time. Pertinent themes (mental health, family, stigma) and the link to real-life crimes make this a great read.

Definitely a series I will continue to look out for.

[Karen Chong · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 / 5.0

First time reading the Jack award series and I have to admit it’s giving vibes similar to David Silva Gabrien Allons series but with less politics and theatrics and more police procedures, I have to admit this was borderline policing/ corruption but overall it’s not a bad read. I am slightly mixed about how Jack is portrayed at the start of the book then near the end, I didn’t necessarily understand the filler scenes (I.E Josh visiting Jack at his lowest, acts abit suspicious with then does a disappearing act which I find abit strange but given I don’t have the full knowledge of the series there’s probably a reason to this). I found at the start when we see Jack’s struggles it’s not directly clear how things ‘got better’ they weren’t mentioned again which I did find slightly bizarre- to me it seems as though Jack had found closure (due to events in the book regarding a corrupt prison warden), which from a logistical point of view seems too convenient.

I did find the ending got slightly convoluted at points, I wasn’t too sure on the direction it was heading towards. But overall it’s ok, not the best series I have read but it’s not a bad read I suppose.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like anyone who reads detective fiction I have long since regarded Lynda La Plante as crime thriller royalty. I've read virtually every book she's published and don't think there has ever been a bad one. And 'Crucified' is a very good one!
In the hands of a lesser writer this might well have been a bog standard police procedural but Lynda has such an intimate relationship with her characters it makes everything so much more compelling.
Jack Warr is fast becoming one of my favourite detectives and I love the way one learns so much about his home life and family. And I love the way he's a maverick and willing to bend or break the rules. His wife, Maggie, is also a very strong character. I have lots of empathy for them both.
I really can't wait to read the next book in this fabulous series. When you read the final chapter you will see why!

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve previously enjoyed this series, but I found this book slightly boring. I’m not keen on the path the series seems to be heading regarding the art world and forgeries

[Bec K · Rating 1 out of 5]

If your looking for a mystery, this is NOT it. If your looking for a story about a spoilt, whiny manchild protagonist, you might like this. I love Lynda's books and most of the other Jack Warr series but I hope this is his last. I couldn't stand him by the end, but I could see that he really is his (real) father's son.

[janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, yes, and yes again.... now this is what my head was yearning!

Dark, gritty, complex, enthralling, unputdownable, and a gruff and edgy protagonist.

Firstly, I have actually only read the previous novel in this series beforehand (but have since downloaded the rest) which may have been to my detriment but personally I don't think it affected my understanding of the characters or previous cases at all.

Jack Warr is one hell of a character. One who more often than not rides solo and under the radar. After being on partial paternity leave, he is now back at work. After his last soul destroying case, which has deeply affected his mental health, leabing him sleep deprived not only because of his new born so but also down to horrendous nightmares, he is thrown straight back into the thick of it.

Visiting Portobello Road with his wife Maggie, looking out furniture for their house renovation, Jack thinks he sees a ghost from his past. Not being able to catch up with him, he decides to scope out the location and find out if his mind is playing tricks on him. But Jack was right. An old adversary and forger Adam Border is already there when Jack turns up, as if Adam had planned the chance meeting!

Now, I won't go into any more detail because it would definitely ruin it for anyone who hasn't yet read it, but this was an amazingly complex, intricate and super charged tale that had me turning the pages at lightning speed.

Mainly centred around art forgery, for someone like me who has no idea about that world, I found the descriptive elements really informative and completely gripping. I loved reading just how invested Jack got with the subject and how it started to help heal some of his internal trauma.

Each character was brilliantly written with depth and emotion and were so easy to visualise, even though in my head, Adam looks like Fagen out of Oliver 😅

If you are ready to hide away in a corner and forget the outside world for a few hours, this is the book for you because it is totally unputdownable!

Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books for the ARC.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book, Crucified, takes us back to Jack. He is definitely troubled and a complex man, which isn't helped by his previous case in Pure Evil. He is mentally struggling and won't accept any help, as Jack does. One day, he catches sight of someone, a 'ghost' from a past case. Adam Border is the 'ghost', and Jack makes himself known to him. What Jack doesn't realise is this is the first step of another case...a murder case.
After Pure Evil, which was the best book for me, I hoped Crucified could keep up the adrenaline rush for me. Upon starting this one, I was already worried about Jack after a few pages. The fact that Adam Border is back didn't fill me with confidence for Jack's immediate future either. As the story developed and the further Jack got involved, I became more and more invested.
Lynda La Plante weaves a story that draws the reader in without even realising it! I was holding my breath and turning those pages as fast as I could. The way this book ended, Jack seems to be on route for a different path!. I hope the next book won't be overly long. I need to see how everything pans out for Jack!
Thanks to Tracy Fenton for allowing me to join the blogathon and my gifted ebook to take part.

[Vicki (chaptersofvicki) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the DS Jack Warr series and I’m loving this series. I recommend starting with the first book in the series and reading them in order.

Jack is struggling with the after effects of his previous case and he is in dark place in this book. His temper is very short and he seems to be taking more risks than usual.

I really liked how this book focused a lot on Jack and Maggie and their relationship as well as the case Jack was involved with.

I’m always fully invested in books by this author and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for Jack.

[Aisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly entertaining thriller.

[Debbie Coley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very good book with lots of twists and turns.

[Lee Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

DS Jack Warr returns in a dark, compelling thriller.

Jack is currently taking some leave following the conclusion of a serial murder investigation, the case continuing to haunt him.

When he spots a familiar face in a crowded market, Jack is drawn into the art world, something that ignites in him that drive and passion that’s been missing for many months.

But a brutal murder soon derails Jack’s world once again, initiating an investigation which may unravel his entire life.

‘Crucified’ is the fifth novel in the Jack Warr series by Lynda La Plante. Picking up a year after the events of the previous novel, ‘Pure Evil’, Jack has been struggling, the serial murder trial having taken a toll on him following the traumatic impact of the case itself. As the killer’s trial comes to an end, Jack remains haunted by the nature of the crimes and the still unanswered questions concerning victims whose identities they’ll never confirm, suffering nightmares and fearing justice can never truly be found, as La Plante delves into the effects of investigating serious crime on police officers, the trauma they can experience second-hand through the victims and in undertaking forensic investigations.

Still feeling a little lost and dislocated, a chance encounter leads Jack into perilous territory. Adam Border, the art forger we last saw in the third book, ‘Vanished’, returns, it soon becoming clear he has another scheme in play. But events take a dark turn with a macabre, brutal murder, the victim currently identified, and Jack begins his own private investigation, getting dangerously close to being connected to the case by his colleagues. Adam is an undoubtedly cunning foe, playing a cat and mouse game with Jack, a villain intensely committed to his art and his amoral code. Jack fears Adam may be the murder victim, or that he might even be capable of committing this brutal crime.

Jack’s tendency to be a bit of a maverick and skirt the fringes of the law may be beginning to catch up with him; this influence from the darker side of his nature that he discovered when delving into uncovering the identity of his biological father. His family and personal life continues to be a major element of the plot, his relationships tested like never before. Jack’s friend and colleague from US law enforcement, Josh, also returns from ‘Vanished’, with a warning to police and prison services of a dangerous new drug that has been hitting the streets in the US and causing astronomical harm to those who abuse it, something that plays a pivotal role in the unfolding story. Meanwhile, Jack returns to work to find much changed and continues to feel unsettled, his passion for the job ebbing as it had done years earlier; his unofficial investigation where he finds his old fire.

Lynda has gifted us another gem of a novel; ‘Crucified’ is an engrossing entry in this fantastic series and I was once again gripped from start to finish. A riveting, character-driven thriller, with fascinating insights into the art world and art forgery and drawing on numerous plot threads, La Plante has woven a fast-paced, multi-layered narrative around an intriguing central mystery, navigating numerous twists and turns, painting a picture of a dangerous, unstable mind and the extremes to which they will go in the name of art; suspense building to an action-packed revelation with Jack at its heart, then leaving us with tantalising glimpses of what may be to come. I shall be eagerly awaiting book six and where Jack’s journey takes him!

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many things about this book make it frustrating to read - unsophisticated and lazy writing; a lengthy trail of unclosed or unrelated storylines; antiquated household gender roles; uncomfortably high levels of alcohol consumption (while the characters face money trouble, no less).  The premise is excellent, but the execution is lacking throughout.

[Eden Morley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmmm not sure about this one. I usually love Lyndas books but have never really read any based on DC Jack Warr. A lot of it was about him struggling with different mental health disorders like insomnia and anxiety, and almost read in places like a slice of life story talking about different eating and sleeping schedules for his children, but there wasn't much crime or action... I probably would have been more attached to the character if I'd have read more books about him but as a standalone book I couldn't get onboard with this.

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m now back with DS Jack Warr in Crucified, Lynda LaPlante’s fifth book in this series. I finished book four a few days ago, so having the chance to dive right into book five was a real treat. If you haven’t read any of this series, I recommend starting with book four, as it sets the stage and makes the opening of book five more understandable. Ideally, you’d read all the books to really get to know Jack Warr.

At the start of this installment, Jack is on partial paternity leave after becoming a dad again with a newborn son. He’s struggling mentally, haunted by nightmares stemming from the previous case in book four, where Rodney Middleton deeply unsettled him. The trial following that case was also incredibly tough. When Josh from the USA arrives, planning to give prison talks on drugs, Jack agrees to host him for the night. Yet it’s hard to tell who is battling more inner demons—Josh or Jack—as Jack opens up about Middleton, and Laura one of Jacks colleagues also reveals that she has been affected by the case. But what is haunting Josh?

Will Jack be able to get back to work? With renovations underway at his house, one might expect him to want to escape, but the darkness still looms. His mood begins to shift when he is with Maggie on Portobello Road and thinks he sees someone from his past—possibly Adam Border, an old adversary. Jack follows the mysterious figure, although the baseball hat worn by his potential foe makes identification difficult. Determined as ever, Jack stakes out a meeting he had overheard being arranged at 7 o’clock, only for Adam to anticipate him and arrive early. Their confrontation rekindles a spark in Jack, a reminder of his old self.

Before long, Jack finds himself unofficially entangled in a murder investigation being investigated by a different station, teetering on the edge as an officer. With a new boss, DI Armani, Jack struggles to align with her methods. However, when he discovers she is connected to a case she assigned him, he begins to understand her perspective. Throughout it all, Laura remains a steadfast ally, though she occasionally questions whether she truly knows him after uncovering a few unsettling truths.

In previous books, Jack has often sailed close to the wind between the right and wrong sides of the law, always believing that the end justifies the means. This time, however, Maggie and Penny step up to help him, even if they don’t fully grasp the situation. It isn’t until Maggie tells him that he can’t keep protecting Adam, and that he should be protecting his family instead, Jack is forced to re-evaluate his priorities.

I also appreciate how Maggie and Penny show genuine tolerance toward Jack. Penny, in particular, seems to be the one most dedicated to looking after the children, a lot of this is because both parents work shifts, Jack sometimes appears to be emotionally absent. I absolutely love this series. Now, I must wait for book six to see where Jack’s journey leads next. Lynda LaPlante’s writing flows beautifully, and after five books, you feel as though these characters are lifelong friends. I highly recommend this series.

Thank you to @Tr4cyF3nt0n and @Bonnierbooks_uk for my spot on this blogathon.

[Bookshortie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A face from the past makes a sudden reappearance in Detective Jack Warr’s life and he is thrown into the art world which is murky and dangerous. Jack’s life is about to become very complicated both personally and professionally?

This is the fifth book in the Jack Warr series and having finished Pure Evil I couldn’t wait to jump into this book which starts with a new storyline but is also a continuation of the previous book. The trial of Rodney Middleton is underway and Jack isn’t able to move forward from this investigation. Jack has investigated many cases some of which have been gruesome and harrowing but the Rodney Middleton case has had a big impact on Jack as he’s struggled to leave this investigation behind because there are still so many unanswered questions which only Rodney Middleton can answer. Jack now finds himself taking time away from work. He’s not sleeping, when he does he suffers from nightmares and he’s struggling to cope. In the previous book the reader sees Jack on the verge of burnout and in this book it is confirmed that Jack has indeed burnt himself out. Jack has always put others first whether that be his family, friends, his investigations or his role as a police officer but for once Jack has to put himself first. Jacks mental health has suffered which has impacted on his family life. Jack has always helped others but when it comes to helping himself or asking for help he struggles. In this book the reader is given an insight into the toll Jack’s job had taken on him.

Despite Jack having a break he’s still not far away from an investigation, police work or a crime scene. What intrigued me about this book was the return of art forger Adam Border who first appeared in Vanished. After seeing the first interaction between Jack and Adam I felt there was more to their story and this book explored that further. Jack finds himself drawn to Adam and starts to spend more time with him. This in turn means that he is spending more time in the art world. Things become complicated when a body is discovered and it isn’t clear if the body is Adams or if Adam is a murderer. So Jack finds himself unofficially investigating what happened which does land him in hot water when he is identified as a potential suspect in the murder. Jack finds himself in a race against time to not only find the true culprit but also to clear his name.

Having devoured this book I can’t wait to read the next Jack Warr instalment to see what awaits Jack next.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in this series featuring DC Jack Warr and, as always, I would recommend starting from book one and reading in order. He's a troubled, complicated soul, is Jack and you really need to know what makes him tick for maximum enjoyment...
So... when we catch up with Jack, he is still suffering the fallout from his previous outing. He is very much suffering mentally but has resisted all forms of help. Instead, a chance encounter has him reconnecting with an old friend. You'd think this to be a good thing, until you realise that said friend is artist, master forger, and all round bad egg, Adam Border...
Things get worse when there's a rather violent and sadistic murder which occurs in the framer's shop that Adam uses. Jack had already flagged the premises for other potential nefarious shenanigans but not murder. He also fears that it could be Adam as the victim, but he is not on the case, so he has to inveigle himself in in some way... luckily, as we that know him, know he is not a fan of rules and boundaries...
He also has a new boss to get to grips with and to say that their working practices don't align is a bit of an understatement.
I love this series. Actually I love all this author's series. Especially Tennison which has sadly finished and which I also wholeheartedly recommend.
Jack is just the right side of maverick for me. I love his wiles and how he takes no prisoners in getting where he needs to be. His only voice of reason coming from Maggie who tries to keep him on a even keel but also knows when to just let him go and support what he does. I guess her main motivation for this is that he then feel guilty when he tries to not let her make the house renovations she wants!
And the case that Jack ends up assisting on is an absolute doozy and had me frantically turning the pages to find out what was happening, all the time wondering when Jack would slip up and get found out.
And then how the book ended, with what is mooted to be next for Jack. I can only wait with even more baited breath to find out what happens next. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been quite the ride catching up on the Detective Jack Warr series and the latest book Crucified initially sees Jack off sick from his job as the aftereffects of the Rodney Middleton case take their toll on him. Jack being Jack though won’t make the most of the offered counselling as he is never one to open up and certainly not to strangers. Added to this Maggie is on maternity leave following the birth of their second child and they have been having some remodelling done to their house. When a blast from his past in the form of forger Adam Border turns up Jack sees this as a welcome distraction, but the question is will it be one he comes to regret?
Jack is in a dark place at the start of this book, suffering from violent nightmares and a very short fuse you could be forgiven in wondering if he will ever go back to work. When he reconnects with Adam Border the old investigative spark is re-ignited but as he was the “one that got away” his fascination with him may be his undoing especially when he unofficially involves himself in a murder case that brings him to the attention of his superiors.
This book really focuses on Jack as he interacts less with his team and does not always agree with his new DI on how they handle cases, but he still manages to show his loyalty when a case brings up an unexpected connection to them. Jack clearly inspires loyalty too as an old friend helps him in an unexpected way and Maggie steps up to protect him and prove that she is his equal.
Jack has always walked a fine line between the right and wrong side of the law but if the ends justify the means he has always been ok with what he has done. For whatever reason his association with Border seems to blind him to the laws he swore to uphold and for the first time could seriously jeopardise his job and his freedom and possibly his relationship with his family. There is no doubting that when he gets the bit between his teeth, he throws himself fully into any investigation, but he may have finally stepped on the toes of someone who will happily bring him down given the opportunity.
Crucified is not as fast paced as some of the other books in the series but it is one I could not put down and I am hoping that we get to meet him again very soon.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Jack Warr series, and it is the first one I have read. It can be read as a standalone, and I enjoyed it a huge amount. I will say it did work well, but there are mentions of things in Jack's past that crop up. While these are mentioned, I was curious to know more, so I will probably start this series at the beginning.

As this is the first meeting for me, Kack is on leave and has been struggling after being in court for a previous case. They have a new baby, and his wife is looking to potentially go back to work. They have his mum staying with them to help with the children.

Jack bumps into someone he knew from the past, art forger Adam Border. He and Jack get along, and it is the distraction he needs, but he is starting to enter a world that he knows nothing about. Another friend visits from the US. With new colleagues as well, there is a lot now starting to go on. The author, however, knows just how to keep the plots running and she flits between the various characters and subplots effortlessly.

This only has a short synopsis, and it is difficult to say too much without giving things away. There is a certain amount of cat and mouse, some manipulation and a huge amount of secrets, backhanders, and many different avenues of investigation. There is murder, mayhem and some very close shaves for Jack and those close to him.

The pacing of this book is excellent, if I weren't so busy at work, I would have got through it so much quicker than I did. I adored the suspense and misdirection as well as the juggling subplots. I do think this is a series I will be sticking with if the author does continue it as there is a new angle that has been mentioned for Jack.

It has been a long time since I have read a book by this author and it was great to pick one up. It is an intense crime, thriller and police procedural novel that I adored and would recommend.

[Judefire33 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review –

As always, huge thanks to Zaffre Books for so kindly sending me a final hardback copy of Crucified to review and to Tracy Fenton for organising the Blogathon.

We start Crucified with the aftermath of the previous book, Pure Evil, Jack’s in court giving his final evidence before Rodney Middleton is sentenced. And Jack is struggling; he’s mentally troubled with the thoughts of what the last case involved. He isn’t sleeping, he is having night terrors that are so bad he is kicking and punching, and Maggie is worried, she’s never seen Jack like this. So he has been referred to counselling and is on sick leave from work, but Jack hates “talking about his feelings”!

Crucified focuses much more on Jack and Maggie’s relationship than any of the other books in the series, and Lynda La Plante takes Jack into some very dark places, but we find out so much more about what makes him the man he is. Crucified had me gripped from the beginning, it is a twisty, dark thriller and we also see the return of one of Jack’s previous criminals, what then transpires is a brilliant plot that reignites Jacks love of Policing and eventually sees him use his new found enthusiasm for a different career move into Art Fraud!

I finished Crucified over a couple of days. it was so compelling, and I know I’ve raved about every book in the series, but I actually think this one is the best yet! I just love the research Lynda does into criminals and their crimes, interlocking this into Jack’s dark & light side, I’ve said it before and will say it again, Lynda La Plante really is the leading lady in British Crime Fiction Authors!

For book 5 in the Jack Series, I’m giving Crucified and HUGE 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating! If you haven’t read this series yet, then you need to, it’s exceptional and Jack Warr is such a brilliant character. He is one of my favourite detectives.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since the capture and trial of serial killer Rodney Middleton, DS Jack Warr of the Met’s Serious Crime Squad has been suffering crippling and often violent nightmares. Terrified he might hurt Maggie or his two children by accident, Jack has sought help from therapists with no success. Surely there has to be something that can finally lay to rest the demons of his past? Returning from sick leave, he is back at work under DCI Clarke with a new DI in their squad. DS Laura Wade is still there but Anik has moved on. They have a new focus on warring gangs and knife crime which is on the rise but Jack’s attention is caught when he thinks he spies art forger Adam Border, whom he met in book three, coming out of a shop. Although not his case, he is drawn into the shocking murder of a man discovered in the same shop, a man so badly mutilated he cannot be identified, and once again Jack runs risks with both his job and family when he takes an unofficial interest in the case. But Jack’s judgement is horribly impaired, and when that happens, he may make bad decisions – and trust the wrong people.
There are smaller stories inserted throughout the main plot, such as domestic violence and an update on Middleton and Amanda. Also, old faces are back in the form of Josh and Adam. Sadly there is still no word on how Ridley is faring and I do miss him. This is an interesting case, albeit not as dark as the previous one which really took its toll on Jack, with lots of information on crime in the art world and features a host of colourful characters. Although clever and inciteful, Jack is becoming more of a loose cannon and making enemies and I am already wondering what will be in store for him in book six?

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might be harsh to label DS Jack Warr as a ‘Bad Cop’, but it’s close at times, but frequently in a good cause to solve a case. He’s so likeable, incredibly plausible, and programmed to talk himself out of trouble at work and home. Indeed, he could easily fight his way out of a paper bag. He’s suffering nightmares from a previous case at the start, which sounds like PTSD. I was also interested in the sub-theme about Fentanyl. I’ve read about people taking them in other books but wondered what they were. Trump has also been mentioning them.

I enjoyed the mix of home life and the detective cases. When the couple converts their home, Maggie exerts her female wiles to enhance the decor, which amuses me. Jack is so involved with the children, Hannah and Charlie, that it’s moving.

Jack is like a moth to a flame over the talented but dubious Adam Border. It’s hard not to admire the fraudster’s talent as an art forger. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of him. The Crucifixion was sickening and gruesome. It makes you realise what evil prevails in the world. I loved how the author started calmly, heated the momentum, and then exploded the plot, causing you to take a breath. When Jack later finds himself on the naughty mat at work, his wife, Maggie, is supportive and craftily saves his skin. The incident ultimately makes him take stock of his future. Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for the honour of reading a great new novel.

[Clover · Rating 2 out of 5]

I respect the control. The company left me cold.

I disliked this book, and I kept reading to understand why. I’ve read the Harry Hole novels by Jo Nesbo, and The Force by Don Winslow, and can stay with compromised men when the cost of their choices lands on them.
Here, the cost travels elsewhere.
The difference is simple.
Harry Hole suffers from who he is.
Jack and Josh profit from who they are.
Everything follows from that. Harry’s life contracts. His choices scar his body, his work, his relationships. With Jack Warr and Josh, behaviour compounds advantage. Bribes open pathways. Sex operates as leverage. Promotion arrives. Protection holds. The system responds exactly as designed.
La Plante writes through repetition. Each cycle builds authority. Power moves through habit and hierarchy. Meaning settles in the reader’s thinking. Consequence disperses outward, absorbed by others or managed upward.
The domestic sphere sharpens the effect. Jack’s wife lives inside financial comfort detached from source. The distance feels practised rather than naïve. I recognise that arrangement too clearly to read it as complexity.
This novel holds the reader at arm’s length. It presents men who thrive inside ethical erosion and a culture skilled at smoothing surfaces and continuing forward. Some readers will experience clarity as bracing. I experienced abrasion, because the world it shows feels ordinary.
I respect the control. The company left me cold.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crucified by Lynda La Plante is the 5th book in the DS Jack Warr’s series and it was another excellent book within this series, especially as this is one of the best series you can read, and they just get better and better. It is full of great twists and turns throughout and you will end up turning your pages to you kindle quickly to find out what happens next! It will not disappoint!

Detective Jack Warr is haunted by the gruesome legacy of serial killer Rodney Middleton and reeling from a series of events that has left him deep in depression. He is now refusing the Met-offered counselling service, Jack instead finds solace instead through renewing a dangerous friendship with the artist and master forger, Adam Border.

A body is discovered nailed to a giant cross in a framer's shop, Now, Jack feels there is a connection to the case even though it is not in his jurisdiction. But is his involvement that of a detective or witness?

Crucified can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend you go back and read the other 4 books. DS Jack Warr is an excellent character and I have loved reading all these books, everyone has been a superb read.

I am so looking forward to book 6 within this series.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and especially Bonnier Books UK | Zaffre for my ARC.

[Kay Parsons · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just looked through my reading history and see that I've read 2 other Lynda La Plante books, and gave each of them 5 stars. This will be my last book by this author, and 1 star, as I could not finish this poor lot of so-called writing. In fact, I only made it through 2 chapters. If the genre had been "dysfunctional family and friends" instead of "crime thriller" I might have persisted. Nope. Would have given it a miss. The protagonist's wife has recently gone back to full time employment after having given birth to their 2nd child. When this book was written, 2025, you might have thought that this is an enlightened age when couples share their work, family and financial concerns. Nope. The missus is spending a small fortune on house renovations, which her husband is having to pay for by dipping into all the money he has STOLEN during the years of being a detective. And although his mum is living with them and loves helping out with child-minding, the missus wants a live-in nanny. (She obviously hasn't read The Housemaid.) Could NOT continue with this trash. My apologies if it got any better, but somehow I can't see it.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crucified is a very good addition to the Jack Warr series by Lynda La Plante. I did feel the story started off quite slowly and it took time for me to become fully invested in the story and its characters. Here Warr looks into the world of art forgeries. I think the authors writing is good and the plot line intricate, multi layered and well thought out. Warr is a very likeable and relateable character who you just root for. The glimpses into his home and personal life give his character more depth and I've always liked Maggie and Penny. Lynda La Plante deals with Warrs mental health issues sensitively and with care and I had so much empathy for Jack and how his previous investigated cases affected him. I really like the ending which sets up the next book perfectly and I will want to read it to see what is in store for Jack next.
If you like crime, police procedurals then I think you'll enjoy this series and I'd recommend it although you need to read the books in order to get to know the characters from the beginning.

4 stars

[Kirsty Hinchliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and very engaging read. Having only read the first Jack Warr book (and really enjoyed it), I was looking forward to this one, and it didn’t disappoint. Definitely need to read the books in between now though.

Jack is still reeling from a particularly horrific case, and struggling with his mental health on the back of it. But when an old friend turns up who is an expert forger, he becomes very invested in the idea of art fraud. When a guy is literally crucified on a giant cross, in a building Jack has been frequenting, there are many awkward questions to be answered.

As Jack tries to work out who has actually been murdered, and how it all fits together, he is on a collision path with other officers within the Met.

The subplots around Jack’s family life, and his ongoing struggles is a good addition.
It will be really interesting to see where Jack goes next.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Bonnier Books UK | Zaffre for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars

[Angi Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts
Just when you’re convinced that Lynda La Plante can’t possibly up the stakes any further for Jack Warr, she hits it out of the park with Crucified!
This is a novel that I read inside 24hrs because it was impossible to put it down. The tension kept ramping up and up, and as a reader you’re willing Jack to stop and think. Knowing he won’t.
It’s again a masterpiece in crime writing and how to write people in their own world without overdoing it. We have so far had Jack’s good and bad points, and his work and home life. This shows him once again feeling connected to the mysterious Adam Border.
I loved every moment of this book with the tension ramping up and the way the story gives you so much but leaves so much to your imagination. This is an incredibly well written series and I’d recommend you read the whole series. Although all can be read as standalone, I feel that the series gives a more rounded view of Jack Warr and his world.
With thanks to Tracy Fenton, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.

[John Guilford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read as Detective Jack Warr moves into the art world which of course fuelled by bribery, deception, fraud and money money, money!

Jack comes across an old adversary Adam Border which leads to Jack getting involved with a bizarre murder as an unidentifiable person found nailed to a cross.

The case is being managed (badly) by DCI
Morrison but needless to say Jack gets involved and becomes a hero. Despite Jack's efforts Morrison is sure Jack is more involved than he is letting on and even tries to get charged for withholding evidence.

Jack is smart and manages to talk his way out of the predicament he was in and even finds himself heading up a new art fraud investigation team.

Throughout the investigation Jack has a turbulent homelife but Maggie does all she can to support Jack as his husband, as a dad and a detective. This often tests Maggie to her limits.

But Jack is a survivor and is, no doubt, ready to renew his acquaintance with Adam Border in the not too distant future........