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DC Jack Warr #2
Judas Horse
SOME KILLERS CAN'T BE TAMED . . .
The brand new Detective Jack Warr thriller from the Queen of Crime Drama, Lynda La Plante - now available in hardback, eBook and audiobook.
__________________
'Do you know what a Judas Horse is? When the wild mustangs are running free, you corral one and train it. When he's ready, you release him and he'll bring his team back into the corral - like Judas betraying them...'
Violent burglars have been terrorising residents across the English countryside. But when a mutilated body is discovered in a Cotswolds house, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary group of opportunist thieves.
As Detective Jack Warr investigates, he discovers locals with dark secrets, unearths hidden crimes - and hits countless dead ends. With few leads and the violent attacks escalating, he will have to act as audaciously as the criminals if he hopes to stop them.
When Warr meets Charlotte Miles, a terrified woman with links to the group, he must use her to lure the unsuspecting killers into one last job, and into his trap. But with the law already stretched to breaking point, any failure will be on Warr's head - and any more blood spilled, on his hands...
The brand new Detective Jack Warr thriller from the Queen of Crime Drama, Lynda La Plante - now available in hardback, eBook and audiobook.
__________________
'Do you know what a Judas Horse is? When the wild mustangs are running free, you corral one and train it. When he's ready, you release him and he'll bring his team back into the corral - like Judas betraying them...'
Violent burglars have been terrorising residents across the English countryside. But when a mutilated body is discovered in a Cotswolds house, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary group of opportunist thieves.
As Detective Jack Warr investigates, he discovers locals with dark secrets, unearths hidden crimes - and hits countless dead ends. With few leads and the violent attacks escalating, he will have to act as audaciously as the criminals if he hopes to stop them.
When Warr meets Charlotte Miles, a terrified woman with links to the group, he must use her to lure the unsuspecting killers into one last job, and into his trap. But with the law already stretched to breaking point, any failure will be on Warr's head - and any more blood spilled, on his hands...
Hardcover
First published March 9, 2021
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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 362 reviews
March 25, 2021
Conspirator
Lynda La Plante returns with her second novel in the Jack Warr series, and I have to say this one is highly accomplished with a compelling storyline. I had an issue with the first book, but La Plante has delivered a police procedural thriller that is amongst the best she has written, or anyone has written.
The Judas Horse deals with a gang of burglars robbing the wealthy residents of the Cotswolds in England. Knowledge of the area, insider information, local resistance to reporting thefts, and clever planning are contributing to the gang's success. However, as they start to encounter unforeseen problems they become more violent and daring. Jack Warr is brought into the investigation team to lead up the hunt for the criminals and catch them before their last big job and they disappear for good.
I love La Plante’s main protagonist, Jack Warr, who is superbly drawn as an experienced detective with a talent for reading people and developing important insights. She executes the perfect balance of Jack being driven by a sense of justice while prepared to operate illegally. A detective who understands the delicate nature of working with and promoting others, while prepared to dispense uncompromising force if necessary. Jack's wife, Maggie, reminds him that he's the product of both sides of the track “Think like Harry, act like Charlie, and you’ll be invincible. You are the very best of two strong and memorable men. You are a force to be reckoned with, Jack Warr.”
What really impresses, is that he’s not a superhuman or a deeply damaged but brilliant detective, he feels real with flaws and talents, the dialogue is flawless, and the team around him all provide depth and challenges.
The plot is very well developed, and its delivery maintains suspense and mystery throughout. This was a great concept and it was intriguing how the story unfolded. The human fears of retribution and guilt make the Judas Horse plan uncertain, and the question must be asked, what if it is turned and used to manipulate Jack and his team.
I would highly recommend this book and I'd like to thank Bonnier Zaffre and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest review.
Lynda La Plante returns with her second novel in the Jack Warr series, and I have to say this one is highly accomplished with a compelling storyline. I had an issue with the first book, but La Plante has delivered a police procedural thriller that is amongst the best she has written, or anyone has written.
The Judas Horse deals with a gang of burglars robbing the wealthy residents of the Cotswolds in England. Knowledge of the area, insider information, local resistance to reporting thefts, and clever planning are contributing to the gang's success. However, as they start to encounter unforeseen problems they become more violent and daring. Jack Warr is brought into the investigation team to lead up the hunt for the criminals and catch them before their last big job and they disappear for good.
“ ‘Do you know what a Judas Horse is?’ Charlotte asked as she buckled the bridle into place. ‘When the wild mustangs are running free, you corral one and train it. It can take weeks, even months, but when he’s ready, you can release him and he’ll bring his team back into the corral like Judas betraying them.’ ”
I love La Plante’s main protagonist, Jack Warr, who is superbly drawn as an experienced detective with a talent for reading people and developing important insights. She executes the perfect balance of Jack being driven by a sense of justice while prepared to operate illegally. A detective who understands the delicate nature of working with and promoting others, while prepared to dispense uncompromising force if necessary. Jack's wife, Maggie, reminds him that he's the product of both sides of the track “Think like Harry, act like Charlie, and you’ll be invincible. You are the very best of two strong and memorable men. You are a force to be reckoned with, Jack Warr.”
What really impresses, is that he’s not a superhuman or a deeply damaged but brilliant detective, he feels real with flaws and talents, the dialogue is flawless, and the team around him all provide depth and challenges.
The plot is very well developed, and its delivery maintains suspense and mystery throughout. This was a great concept and it was intriguing how the story unfolded. The human fears of retribution and guilt make the Judas Horse plan uncertain, and the question must be asked, what if it is turned and used to manipulate Jack and his team.
I would highly recommend this book and I'd like to thank Bonnier Zaffre and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest review.
January 5, 2021
In this second of the DS Jack Warr series he is seconded to the Cotswolds to help investigate a series of violent burglaries following his success in a similar investigation in Wimbledon.
The book starts well with a grim discovery, then takes a while to set the scene. Once this is established the pace of the novel is brisk. The biggest success of the series is the creation of some very interesting characters especially Jack Warr. Jack is an intriguing blend of his ‘gangster’ birth father and the lovely man who raises him. I really like the contrast between the gut instinct cop that is Jack versus the steadier hand of his boss DCI Simon Ridley. In this one we see the softer side of both after the birth of Jack’s daughter Hannah and I like this as it adds even greater authenticity to well crafted characters. The setting in the gorgeous Cotswolds is good, there are some well portrayed characters both in the Chipping Norton police (especially DC’s Oaks and Bevan) and amongst the public. I really like the Judas Horse concept and how Warr uses this to achieve a break into the vicious gang and this keeps the plot momentum going. The testosterone fuelled face off between Warr and two DI’s brought in from Oxford to ‘solve the case’ adds an intriguing element to the well layered storyline. The conclusion is exciting and action packed and yet again Warr demonstrates his maverick ‘Robin Hood’ tendencies.
Overall, another enjoyable read from Lynda La Plante and I hope it’s not too long to wait before there’s a Jack Warr 3!
With thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books Zaffre for the arc for an honest review.
The book starts well with a grim discovery, then takes a while to set the scene. Once this is established the pace of the novel is brisk. The biggest success of the series is the creation of some very interesting characters especially Jack Warr. Jack is an intriguing blend of his ‘gangster’ birth father and the lovely man who raises him. I really like the contrast between the gut instinct cop that is Jack versus the steadier hand of his boss DCI Simon Ridley. In this one we see the softer side of both after the birth of Jack’s daughter Hannah and I like this as it adds even greater authenticity to well crafted characters. The setting in the gorgeous Cotswolds is good, there are some well portrayed characters both in the Chipping Norton police (especially DC’s Oaks and Bevan) and amongst the public. I really like the Judas Horse concept and how Warr uses this to achieve a break into the vicious gang and this keeps the plot momentum going. The testosterone fuelled face off between Warr and two DI’s brought in from Oxford to ‘solve the case’ adds an intriguing element to the well layered storyline. The conclusion is exciting and action packed and yet again Warr demonstrates his maverick ‘Robin Hood’ tendencies.
Overall, another enjoyable read from Lynda La Plante and I hope it’s not too long to wait before there’s a Jack Warr 3!
With thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books Zaffre for the arc for an honest review.
July 30, 2022
Detective Jack Warr had just wound up a case they'd been battling for awhile, when his boss, DCI Ridley, told him he'd been requested in a small village outside London, where unsolved burglaries had been occurring for the past three years. With the criminals escalating and now harming any residents who were home, Jack was needed to get control of the case, and the police force who had stalled in the investigation. Jack's partner Maggie had just had their first baby, little Hannah, and Jack was besotted. But he knew this job was important, and he'd be able to go home often.
The force he was joining weren't happy to have Jack on board, especially DCI Gilmore. But Jack was good with words and as he put some order into the investigation, most were impressed. Not all though. As Jack tied all the recent burglaries together, there was one common person. Jack would do his best to gain her trust and use her to trap the criminals. But would it work? The unsuspecting home owners against the crooks, with the police trying to protect everyone...
Judas Horse is the 2nd in the DC Jack Warr series by Lynda La Plante and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced with plenty of action, police politics, greed, jealousy and murder. Another well executed novel by this author. Highly recommended.
The force he was joining weren't happy to have Jack on board, especially DCI Gilmore. But Jack was good with words and as he put some order into the investigation, most were impressed. Not all though. As Jack tied all the recent burglaries together, there was one common person. Jack would do his best to gain her trust and use her to trap the criminals. But would it work? The unsuspecting home owners against the crooks, with the police trying to protect everyone...
Judas Horse is the 2nd in the DC Jack Warr series by Lynda La Plante and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced with plenty of action, police politics, greed, jealousy and murder. Another well executed novel by this author. Highly recommended.
December 13, 2020
This is the second book in the DC Jack Warr series by author Lynda La Plante that works just as well as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book ‘Buried’ so was eager to read this one as well. It proved to be as good as the first one and I enjoyed it from start to end, great characters, interesting plot and lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
A gang of violent burglars have been terrorising residents across the English countryside for some time. But when a mutilated body is discovered in a Cotswolds house, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary group of opportunist thieves. Detective Jack Warr is on the case and it is not long before he is discovering dark secrets, hidden crimes and lots of false leads.
Charlotte Miles is a terrified woman with links to the group and Jack Warr feels he must use her to lure the unsuspecting killers into one last job, and into his trap. The pressure is on for Jack to bring these burglaries to an end and without any more dead bodies.
I really enjoy the Tennison series by this author but this character is so different to her and makes an entertaining read. Intriguing plots and lots of action make this a great read as well as the likeable Jack Warr. Feel sure there will be more books in this series.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bonnier Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A gang of violent burglars have been terrorising residents across the English countryside for some time. But when a mutilated body is discovered in a Cotswolds house, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary group of opportunist thieves. Detective Jack Warr is on the case and it is not long before he is discovering dark secrets, hidden crimes and lots of false leads.
Charlotte Miles is a terrified woman with links to the group and Jack Warr feels he must use her to lure the unsuspecting killers into one last job, and into his trap. The pressure is on for Jack to bring these burglaries to an end and without any more dead bodies.
I really enjoy the Tennison series by this author but this character is so different to her and makes an entertaining read. Intriguing plots and lots of action make this a great read as well as the likeable Jack Warr. Feel sure there will be more books in this series.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bonnier Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2022
Loved this second book in the series!
Jack Warr takes on a gang of burglars robbing the rich in the Cotswolds. The three year reign of the thieves is annoying and often unreported, in what appears to be victimless crimes. Until there are victims.
The characterisation is rich, authentic and detailed. La Plante nails the police-procedural brilliantly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime read!
Jack Warr takes on a gang of burglars robbing the rich in the Cotswolds. The three year reign of the thieves is annoying and often unreported, in what appears to be victimless crimes. Until there are victims.
The characterisation is rich, authentic and detailed. La Plante nails the police-procedural brilliantly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this crime read!
February 14, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. Listen to full reviews at: https://bookclubbed.buzzsprout.com/
This is my first Lynda La Plante book and I was unaware, when receiving this ARC, that this was the second book in the DC Jack Warr line. It works just fine as a standalone, but if you enjoyed the first DC Jack Warr, don’t let me ruin the fun now!
Judas Horse has a strange beginning, so much so that I went back and read the description to make sure I wasn’t being pranked. We have a framing scene of two young boys that find a body in a lake, a clearly a teaser that we will circle back to when the context is unveiled by Jack Warr. However, after that, we get thirty pages of the most paint-by-numbers family & fatherhood tropes I’ve ever seen, which almost made me give up the ghost.
Things pick up as we investigate the burglary gang but I never found the story compelling. Much of this comes down to your interpretation of the protagonist himself. He is a perfectly competent bloke, a smart and ethical detective whose particular detective “superpower” is reading body language and manipulating people to wring them of the truth.
However, La Plante writes about him as if he is the new Sherlock Holmes, which is just not the case. Once, he snorts at a young woman’s joke and she instantly trusts him. If winning people over was that easy, I would run the world simply by laughing at people’s bad jokes and complimenting them on their new haircuts. Later, La Plante actually explains the concept of good cop/bad cop to us, a breathtaking waste of words that assumes the reader has never read a book, seen a show, or watched a movie with a single member of law enforcement in it.
Jack Warr mainly comes across well in his job because he is surrounded by incompetent assholes. Their constant failings at even the most basic duties make him look like a god in comparison. I would look like an NBA player if I played against 3rd graders, but no one would celebrate me for it.
Sorry, Jack. Find a better team to run with.
This is my first Lynda La Plante book and I was unaware, when receiving this ARC, that this was the second book in the DC Jack Warr line. It works just fine as a standalone, but if you enjoyed the first DC Jack Warr, don’t let me ruin the fun now!
Judas Horse has a strange beginning, so much so that I went back and read the description to make sure I wasn’t being pranked. We have a framing scene of two young boys that find a body in a lake, a clearly a teaser that we will circle back to when the context is unveiled by Jack Warr. However, after that, we get thirty pages of the most paint-by-numbers family & fatherhood tropes I’ve ever seen, which almost made me give up the ghost.
Things pick up as we investigate the burglary gang but I never found the story compelling. Much of this comes down to your interpretation of the protagonist himself. He is a perfectly competent bloke, a smart and ethical detective whose particular detective “superpower” is reading body language and manipulating people to wring them of the truth.
However, La Plante writes about him as if he is the new Sherlock Holmes, which is just not the case. Once, he snorts at a young woman’s joke and she instantly trusts him. If winning people over was that easy, I would run the world simply by laughing at people’s bad jokes and complimenting them on their new haircuts. Later, La Plante actually explains the concept of good cop/bad cop to us, a breathtaking waste of words that assumes the reader has never read a book, seen a show, or watched a movie with a single member of law enforcement in it.
Jack Warr mainly comes across well in his job because he is surrounded by incompetent assholes. Their constant failings at even the most basic duties make him look like a god in comparison. I would look like an NBA player if I played against 3rd graders, but no one would celebrate me for it.
Sorry, Jack. Find a better team to run with.
February 18, 2021
Hello thriller fans, there's a new (to me) detective in town! Thank you so much to Zaffre Books & Bookish First for my early copy of Judas Horse, in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own!
This is my introduction to Jack Warr, and I like him! I think in every new thriller/detective series we should look at the main character first! Jack is a no nonsense, f*ck-all attitude kind of detective, and also a good guy. He just has a big personality at times. He has such a soft spot for his fiancee and daughter, some scenes were so cute! I like Jack as a cop and as a family man, and he has a good potential character arc going forwards in the series so I will be excited to keep reading forward!
There is a group of robbers targeting rich houses in the Cotswalds, and they are GOOD. They are violent, smart, and have an informant pointing out targetable houses. The local police reach out to London, and recruit Jack Warr to help with the case. Jack is great with people as long as they aren't trying to give him instructions, and quickly gets everyone on the same page to catch these guys. The banter, lingo, and practical jokers in the bunch really add to the book too. The group of officers reminded me of the average Sandford novel! I think one reason I liked the book so much is because Warr and Davenport are kind of similar.
This was really quite good, I finished it in about three sittings and usually found myself bummed when I had to put it down. La Plante kept the story moving forward with a mix of action, home life, and character/group building. The action and atmosphere made this a real thriller for me, especially towards the end! I felt the danger, was worried for the characters, and cheered that civilian pilot during the helicopter chase.
As an American too I really found the European English slang hilarious at times!
I also want a whole series about Oaks including many, many practical jokes and humor.
I was never bored, loved the characters, and found the buildup to the big bust exciting and well executed. No anti climax here! I am 100% definitely interested in more La Plante books, including Jack Warr #1.
What noise does an octopus make? Check out the book to find out 😁
This is my introduction to Jack Warr, and I like him! I think in every new thriller/detective series we should look at the main character first! Jack is a no nonsense, f*ck-all attitude kind of detective, and also a good guy. He just has a big personality at times. He has such a soft spot for his fiancee and daughter, some scenes were so cute! I like Jack as a cop and as a family man, and he has a good potential character arc going forwards in the series so I will be excited to keep reading forward!
There is a group of robbers targeting rich houses in the Cotswalds, and they are GOOD. They are violent, smart, and have an informant pointing out targetable houses. The local police reach out to London, and recruit Jack Warr to help with the case. Jack is great with people as long as they aren't trying to give him instructions, and quickly gets everyone on the same page to catch these guys. The banter, lingo, and practical jokers in the bunch really add to the book too. The group of officers reminded me of the average Sandford novel! I think one reason I liked the book so much is because Warr and Davenport are kind of similar.
This was really quite good, I finished it in about three sittings and usually found myself bummed when I had to put it down. La Plante kept the story moving forward with a mix of action, home life, and character/group building. The action and atmosphere made this a real thriller for me, especially towards the end! I felt the danger, was worried for the characters, and cheered that civilian pilot during the helicopter chase.
As an American too I really found the European English slang hilarious at times!
I also want a whole series about Oaks including many, many practical jokes and humor.
I was never bored, loved the characters, and found the buildup to the big bust exciting and well executed. No anti climax here! I am 100% definitely interested in more La Plante books, including Jack Warr #1.
What noise does an octopus make? Check out the book to find out 😁
March 15, 2021
Jack Warr is No James Bond!
I was very excited to read Judas Horse by Lynda La Plante! I had heard really good things about Plante’s writing, and the synopsis seemed like it was going to be very good. Sadly, I was not impressed with this novel. In fact it took me an excruciatingly long time to get through a fairly short novel.
Judas Horse is Plante’s sequel to her first Jack Warr novel Buried. The story begins great with two boys finding a dead body in a horse box (horse trailer) in a river. Then the story goes into an extremely slow burn dive. There was just a lot of pedantic insight into Jack’s life, and Maggie and his new baby. It had a lot of the stereotypical police tropes in that Warr is a good cop, but not always the best team player. Some love him, and others butt heads with him during the investigation.
Instead of a Murder mystery with a slew of murders that needed to be solved, or even focusing on the first murder. The story is about a group of thieves pulling heists on wealthy homes. There are a few deaths, but it really was lackluster and not very interesting. The murders were simply glazed over almost. There is one decent fight, and decent at best. Jack Warr is no where near the caliber of James Bond. Nor is Lynda La Plante even close to the caliber of the writing of the late great Ian Fleming.
Overall, I give Judas Horse by Lynda La Plante two and a quarter stars out of five stars. I barely finished this novel, and really would not recommend it. Unless you really love slow paced mysteries with lackluster leading characters, and sub par villains. However, it did have an air of reality to it. I say this since real life investigations aren’t necessarily that exciting at times, and there is a lot of waiting. Plante also writes very well, and this was also taken into consideration. Nevertheless, I want to be entertained, and for me it just didn’t do the trick. However, that is my own humble opinion. I suppose I was just a bit let down. Until next time, my friends.
I was very excited to read Judas Horse by Lynda La Plante! I had heard really good things about Plante’s writing, and the synopsis seemed like it was going to be very good. Sadly, I was not impressed with this novel. In fact it took me an excruciatingly long time to get through a fairly short novel.
Judas Horse is Plante’s sequel to her first Jack Warr novel Buried. The story begins great with two boys finding a dead body in a horse box (horse trailer) in a river. Then the story goes into an extremely slow burn dive. There was just a lot of pedantic insight into Jack’s life, and Maggie and his new baby. It had a lot of the stereotypical police tropes in that Warr is a good cop, but not always the best team player. Some love him, and others butt heads with him during the investigation.
Instead of a Murder mystery with a slew of murders that needed to be solved, or even focusing on the first murder. The story is about a group of thieves pulling heists on wealthy homes. There are a few deaths, but it really was lackluster and not very interesting. The murders were simply glazed over almost. There is one decent fight, and decent at best. Jack Warr is no where near the caliber of James Bond. Nor is Lynda La Plante even close to the caliber of the writing of the late great Ian Fleming.
Overall, I give Judas Horse by Lynda La Plante two and a quarter stars out of five stars. I barely finished this novel, and really would not recommend it. Unless you really love slow paced mysteries with lackluster leading characters, and sub par villains. However, it did have an air of reality to it. I say this since real life investigations aren’t necessarily that exciting at times, and there is a lot of waiting. Plante also writes very well, and this was also taken into consideration. Nevertheless, I want to be entertained, and for me it just didn’t do the trick. However, that is my own humble opinion. I suppose I was just a bit let down. Until next time, my friends.
February 26, 2024
Linda La Plante is an icon in the world of thriller/killer books. Judas Horse is the second book in the DC Jack Warr series. I did not read the first book in the series, but I do not think you have to read the first book in order to understand/enjoy this book.
Jack Warr has just found an amazing informant. The informant tells Jack about a huge heist (robbery) that is going to take place. This heist is being held by some notoriously bad men who aren’t afraid to kill people to get their bounty. The police have been trying to catch this group of bandits for a long time, so when they get the perfect informant, a plan of action is put in place. Thrills and surprises abound in this book as Jack and his team attempt to capture the “bad guys”.
Linda La Plante has a very engaging writing style and realistic plot. This book is and real page turner and It makes for an excellent read.
Jack Warr has just found an amazing informant. The informant tells Jack about a huge heist (robbery) that is going to take place. This heist is being held by some notoriously bad men who aren’t afraid to kill people to get their bounty. The police have been trying to catch this group of bandits for a long time, so when they get the perfect informant, a plan of action is put in place. Thrills and surprises abound in this book as Jack and his team attempt to capture the “bad guys”.
Linda La Plante has a very engaging writing style and realistic plot. This book is and real page turner and It makes for an excellent read.
August 2, 2022
This was the second in this series and I loved it as much as the first one. I’ve already read the third one in this series which I got from Netgalley and loved that one too. This one follows on from the first one but, has a different set of crimes in it but the characters are all in there. I’m a late reader of Lynda La Plante books but, I intend to read more if these are anything to go by. This book kept me guessing right until the end. A very satisfying read.
March 9, 2021
Detective Jack Warr is a wanted man ... wanted by police departments all around. He has a knack for tracking down robbery gangs. Most of these have successfully pulled off robberies without being caught ... but they've left multiple victims behind .. some of them dead.
Warr's latest outing is proving to be harder than most. He hasn't been able to determine any kind of pattern and the robbers seem to know who to hit and when to hit. Somehow they get in and out without ever being seen.
BOOK BLURB -- Wild mustangs are difficult to rope, their lead stallion wary and protective of his herd. To capture that special stallion takes time. He is separated, roped, and lead back to the ranch. Once tamed, he is sent back into the wild. And before long, he will lead the entire herd back to the ranch. He is given the name 'Judas Horse'.
And when Warr finds an informer, that informer becomes his own "Judas Horse."
Dark secrets and lots of false leads ... twists and turns ... this is chock full of action from the very first page and doesn't stop until the final explosive conclusion. Characters are deftly drawn with Jack Warr leading the way. Going into a crime scene and taking over doesn't set well with previous investigators who have failed to solve the crimes. He handles the stress, the mistrust, the suspicion as best he can. All he really wants is to put the bad guys away before anyone else gets hurt.
Many thanks to the author / Bonnier Zaffre USA / Zaffre Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 11, 2021
This is the second book about Jack Warr and while there were things that I didn’t love in general I enjoyed it. It could be a standalone but the references to Jack’s history might be a bit confusing if you haven’t read the first one. Jack is not your typical cop protagonist. Jack has embraced his more criminal heritage as long as the rules he bends are for what he considers the greater good. I feel like this is leaving a. Lot of potential for things to go wrong, but personally I’m a sucker for a good anti-hero. Jack becomes a father in this book and while I was a little confused about the timelines with her growth at times I did think it added some good depth to the family and Jack’s character in general. The story and writing at times felt a little over the top but the mystery was interesting and kept my focus well. Overall I hope this is not Jack’s last adventure that Ig eat to read.
June 1, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. I read the first book in the series Buried which outlined the character of Jack Warr.
In Judas Horse we meet him again, when he volunteers to help solve a series of unsolved robberies in the small town of Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds. (Chippy to the locals).
Jack is a double character of nature and nurture .By nature he is like his biological father Harry Rawlings and by nurture he is like Charlie Warr his adoptive father. He’s a intuitive hard hitting copper , loyal to friends and colleagues, a family man.
In Judas Horse we meet him again, when he volunteers to help solve a series of unsolved robberies in the small town of Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds. (Chippy to the locals).
Jack is a double character of nature and nurture .By nature he is like his biological father Harry Rawlings and by nurture he is like Charlie Warr his adoptive father. He’s a intuitive hard hitting copper , loyal to friends and colleagues, a family man.
October 2, 2021
Absolutely brilliant audio narrator, Alex Hassell. The story is very good and it is a real page-turner, but I love the character of DC Jack Warr. The Lynda La Plante detectives are all complex, some in a way that makes them very unlikeable, but Jack is very likeable.
April 16, 2021
I really found this novel disappointing. I have read nearly every novel Lynda la Plante has written and she is such a great writer ...with the ability to write really gripping thrillers and you just can't help flipping page after page to see what happens next.
This novel was short ...just 305 pages ...much shorter than la Plantes normal 400 to 500 page novels. And with the shorter length there was just sooooo much filler material chapter after chapter of the main character and his wife about to have a baby and then more filler on some friend of there's also having a baby. BORING!!
And the crime story was not that interesting and not up to la Plantes usual standard.
La Plante used to publish one book a year and has recently upped her output to two books a year ...I would much prefer quality over quantity .. slow down Lynda and invest the time in crafting the brilliant thrillers you are known for ...not push out this drivel!
I gave this two stars but I think that is being generous ...probably worth just one and a half stars.
This novel was short ...just 305 pages ...much shorter than la Plantes normal 400 to 500 page novels. And with the shorter length there was just sooooo much filler material chapter after chapter of the main character and his wife about to have a baby and then more filler on some friend of there's also having a baby. BORING!!
And the crime story was not that interesting and not up to la Plantes usual standard.
La Plante used to publish one book a year and has recently upped her output to two books a year ...I would much prefer quality over quantity .. slow down Lynda and invest the time in crafting the brilliant thrillers you are known for ...not push out this drivel!
I gave this two stars but I think that is being generous ...probably worth just one and a half stars.
February 9, 2025
Second Book in this addictive series and we find Detective Jack Warr as a new Dad to Hannah and although wouldn’t say he is struggling with his new life he soon relishes the request to help in an investigation that is baffling Oxfordshire Police
In the beautiful Cotswolds burglaries at mansions and estates are happening and they have started to become violent, the team realise it will soon be murders they are having to solve but how do you help a fairly impenetrable group of wealthy people who want to be helped, yet don’t seem to want to help….Jack has an idea who is facilitating the gang, he just needs to cajole and do his thing
I continued to really like Jack, his unorthodox yet workable ways and his human insight into situations and how now as a parent he managed both of his lives and had it changed him…..
The Cotswolds were described beautifully and was easy to imagine being there and part of the ‘Country Set’
Again a fast paced, exciting read that pulled me in and kept me there
Roll on Book 3
In the beautiful Cotswolds burglaries at mansions and estates are happening and they have started to become violent, the team realise it will soon be murders they are having to solve but how do you help a fairly impenetrable group of wealthy people who want to be helped, yet don’t seem to want to help….Jack has an idea who is facilitating the gang, he just needs to cajole and do his thing
I continued to really like Jack, his unorthodox yet workable ways and his human insight into situations and how now as a parent he managed both of his lives and had it changed him…..
The Cotswolds were described beautifully and was easy to imagine being there and part of the ‘Country Set’
Again a fast paced, exciting read that pulled me in and kept me there
Roll on Book 3
March 18, 2021
I adored the first one in this new series and while the second one did slip a bit for me in enjoyment it wasn't by that much. It works well as a stand alone; the sub plot of life with a new baby doesn't detract from the story and there's enough tidbits of his past life to not need to have read the first book.
This time Jack is on the hunt for a team of criminals robbing houses in the Cotswolds and avoiding his fatherly duties by running off there for a few weeks to solve the crime. Not sure I was impressed with that bit but not all heroes can be perfect.
It's a great plot, moves at a great pace and having read the first book I can see some great development of the character. I enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one
This time Jack is on the hunt for a team of criminals robbing houses in the Cotswolds and avoiding his fatherly duties by running off there for a few weeks to solve the crime. Not sure I was impressed with that bit but not all heroes can be perfect.
It's a great plot, moves at a great pace and having read the first book I can see some great development of the character. I enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one
December 11, 2023
I'm really enjoying Lynda La Plante's latest series featuring DC Jack Warr and love the connection to the Dolly Rawlins series. Judas Horse can be read as a standalone, but I think it's best to read the series in order and read the Dolly Rawlins trilogy first to give the background on Jack's real father.
April 5, 2021
Judas Horse – A La Plante Classic
Whoever thinks women cannot write crime, clearly has never read the women who write crime in Britain. Lynda La Plante, whose books get better with every new book published, comes up with new story lines, the bad ‘guys’ are always proper wrong uns. She manages not to use cliches, and all her stories are gripping.
La Plante is not afraid to show you who the baddies are, but the thrill is always whether they can get away with their crimes or will the good guys be able to catch them. With this the second of the Jack Warr series, yes you are told who the criminals are, catching them is something quite different. Along with the La Plante twist, that you did not see coming, even when it becomes blindingly obvious there is more going on.
Warr volunteers to go back west this time to the Cotswolds where there have been a number of house burglaries where there seems to be a pattern, but the local force cannot see it. Warr, does not want to be seen as the bossy London detective, taking over the case, but a colleague, whilst controlling the narrative of the investigation. Things become slightly harder when colleagues from Oxford also join forces with the investigation.
While we learn more about Warr, his relationships, and his new- born daughter. Warr becomes a detective that will grow on the reader. In a way there is the part that is the defective detective, in that he doesn’t play well with superior officers, but is able to bring out the best of colleagues. While he is not afraid to grab some by the throat if it is required. Warr is not a complex character but does offer more than many literary crime fighters.
Judas Horse may seem like a strange name for a book, but all is revealed, but it is always best to read it to find out yourself.
An excellent thriller, which I read, enjoyed, and cast the tv mini-series – but that’s me.
Whoever thinks women cannot write crime, clearly has never read the women who write crime in Britain. Lynda La Plante, whose books get better with every new book published, comes up with new story lines, the bad ‘guys’ are always proper wrong uns. She manages not to use cliches, and all her stories are gripping.
La Plante is not afraid to show you who the baddies are, but the thrill is always whether they can get away with their crimes or will the good guys be able to catch them. With this the second of the Jack Warr series, yes you are told who the criminals are, catching them is something quite different. Along with the La Plante twist, that you did not see coming, even when it becomes blindingly obvious there is more going on.
Warr volunteers to go back west this time to the Cotswolds where there have been a number of house burglaries where there seems to be a pattern, but the local force cannot see it. Warr, does not want to be seen as the bossy London detective, taking over the case, but a colleague, whilst controlling the narrative of the investigation. Things become slightly harder when colleagues from Oxford also join forces with the investigation.
While we learn more about Warr, his relationships, and his new- born daughter. Warr becomes a detective that will grow on the reader. In a way there is the part that is the defective detective, in that he doesn’t play well with superior officers, but is able to bring out the best of colleagues. While he is not afraid to grab some by the throat if it is required. Warr is not a complex character but does offer more than many literary crime fighters.
Judas Horse may seem like a strange name for a book, but all is revealed, but it is always best to read it to find out yourself.
An excellent thriller, which I read, enjoyed, and cast the tv mini-series – but that’s me.
March 30, 2021
This is the second book in the Jack Warr series but can be read as a stand-alone book.
Jack becomes a father at the beginning of this book and whilst he loves his daughter, he’s keen to get back to work.
When he returns, Jack is asked to help out a team in the Cotswolds who are dealing with a spate of high profile robberies.
The properties being targeted belong to the wealthy and the robbers have a knack of avoiding CCTV in the area.
Investigations are a bit slow at first but then they realise someone knows what and who are involved in the gang so Jack focusses on getting this person on side.
The second part of the book is more fast paced and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Jack becomes a father at the beginning of this book and whilst he loves his daughter, he’s keen to get back to work.
When he returns, Jack is asked to help out a team in the Cotswolds who are dealing with a spate of high profile robberies.
The properties being targeted belong to the wealthy and the robbers have a knack of avoiding CCTV in the area.
Investigations are a bit slow at first but then they realise someone knows what and who are involved in the gang so Jack focusses on getting this person on side.
The second part of the book is more fast paced and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
July 24, 2021
The first book in the Jack Warr series, Buried, was not available at my library, so Judas Horse is my introduction to this character and series. I can honestly say I didn't feel I'd been left out of much history, so think this book works as a standalone.
La Plante is a good writer, sticking to the plot, characters, and suspense and doing away with overly descriptive prose. The story flows easily. Character-driven.
Jack Warr is a gifted detective. He is able to ferret out burglary/robbery series after working with a retired former detective who showed Warr the ropes. Warr likes to run an investigation in his own way, something that isn't always palatable to the others with whom he works, especially those who outrank him.
La Plante is a good writer, sticking to the plot, characters, and suspense and doing away with overly descriptive prose. The story flows easily. Character-driven.
Jack Warr is a gifted detective. He is able to ferret out burglary/robbery series after working with a retired former detective who showed Warr the ropes. Warr likes to run an investigation in his own way, something that isn't always palatable to the others with whom he works, especially those who outrank him.
August 27, 2021
This is the first Lynda la Plante book Ive read and it didn't disappoint.
July 6, 2022
great book
I have really enjoyed this book had a great tempo and made me keep reading. It has laugh and cry moments and times when you feel fearful for the characters a must read I am going to start book 3 now 😁
I have really enjoyed this book had a great tempo and made me keep reading. It has laugh and cry moments and times when you feel fearful for the characters a must read I am going to start book 3 now 😁
April 7, 2021
I haven’t read a Lynda La Plante book for years. I’m not sure why that is, but now I’m kicking myself for all that time lost because now I really need to go and catch up! I’d forgotten how good she is at what she does!
Judas Horse is actually the second book featuring DC Jack Warr. I probably only realised that when I was about halfway in and started thinking that there might possibly be some backstory here, but the truth is that sufficient background info is given to allow this to be read as a standalone. I would definitely go back and read that first book (by the name of Buried) though, purely for the heck of it!
La Plante has created a character who’s that perfect blend of astute cop and rugged family man with enough of a past to make him interesting, but not too messed up! Jack Warr knows exactly how to read people. He understands how they work, and knows how to use this to his advantage. This has helped him become a sought after team leader when there’s a tricky case to crack. And this is what happens when he’s recruited to go and head up an investigation in the Cotswolds that the department there have been struggling with for some time. There have been a spate of robberies happening that they just can’t seem to get to the bottom of and although initially they seemed to be few and far between, they’re definitely escalating in number and now happening every couple of weeks.
The area is an affluent one, with many celebrities and wealthy A-listers living there, both full- and part-time. The main thing that’s been hindering the investigation is that many of these people don’t want the interference that comes with a police investigation, so they’re not willing to allow much to be done about the robberies. The police in the area are also sure that more robberies have occurred that haven’t even been reported. They’re concerned that this is all leading somewhere, but they’re not sure where … or why. It’s Jack’s job to find that out.
He’s immediately aware that he’s the interloper who’s arriving in, what to him, is foreign territory. But with his usual sensitivity and charm, he quickly wins over the locals and has no problem being able to lead from the front. Just as he’s been able to learn from others, he has a way about him that ensures that others will learn from him. And as he starts to get the lay of the land the team working with him all eagerly open their eyes and start to see things in a completely different light. Sometimes all that’s needed are a fresh pair of eyes.
As the burglaries continue, they start to increase in frequency it seems that the perpetrators are more willing to take risks, and when the autistic son of one of the homeowners is brutally assaulted, there is concern that whoever is committing these crimes will have no problem with violence if and when it’s required. Time seems to be running out, especially when one of the locals starts throwing his weight around, threatening to report Jack and his entire team if the situation is not brought under control … immediately!
But Jack is not worried about intimidation. He has his ways and means of getting to the bottom of things, and he understands how communities work when they seem to have closed ranks. He knows that what looks like arrogance is usually just disguised fear … or something else, hidden just under the surface. And he’ll get to the bottom of it.
This is Lynda La Plante at her best. She’s created a cast of characters that work so well together that it looks just about seamless. Jack’s not a saint: he’s willing to bend the rules if it means he’ll get results, but he does what he needs to do out of necessity. Most of the time he shares with his team: information, the highs and the lows … but sometimes he makes a mistake or two and when he does, he acknowledges it and tries to make it right if he can. But he’s not going to dwell on things that can’t be fixed. He’ll move on and expect others to do the same. He doesn’t have time for people who sulk. There’s a job to do!
The combination of police procedural with interludes of Jack as a homebody are a refreshing and different approach that allows readers to see him in both environments. We also get to see what contributes to the man he is in the field. There is often reference to family and to children and Jack’s perception of situations now that he is a father to a newborn baby girl. I found this to be such a unique change from all the cops we so often read about in numerous (oh so numerous!) books who are broken and damaged and who are estranged from their families with no hope of reconciling with their children!
This is a 5-star read! Edgy in parts, and a bit slower in others. But the pace is balanced perfectly.
Judas Horse is actually the second book featuring DC Jack Warr. I probably only realised that when I was about halfway in and started thinking that there might possibly be some backstory here, but the truth is that sufficient background info is given to allow this to be read as a standalone. I would definitely go back and read that first book (by the name of Buried) though, purely for the heck of it!
La Plante has created a character who’s that perfect blend of astute cop and rugged family man with enough of a past to make him interesting, but not too messed up! Jack Warr knows exactly how to read people. He understands how they work, and knows how to use this to his advantage. This has helped him become a sought after team leader when there’s a tricky case to crack. And this is what happens when he’s recruited to go and head up an investigation in the Cotswolds that the department there have been struggling with for some time. There have been a spate of robberies happening that they just can’t seem to get to the bottom of and although initially they seemed to be few and far between, they’re definitely escalating in number and now happening every couple of weeks.
The area is an affluent one, with many celebrities and wealthy A-listers living there, both full- and part-time. The main thing that’s been hindering the investigation is that many of these people don’t want the interference that comes with a police investigation, so they’re not willing to allow much to be done about the robberies. The police in the area are also sure that more robberies have occurred that haven’t even been reported. They’re concerned that this is all leading somewhere, but they’re not sure where … or why. It’s Jack’s job to find that out.
He’s immediately aware that he’s the interloper who’s arriving in, what to him, is foreign territory. But with his usual sensitivity and charm, he quickly wins over the locals and has no problem being able to lead from the front. Just as he’s been able to learn from others, he has a way about him that ensures that others will learn from him. And as he starts to get the lay of the land the team working with him all eagerly open their eyes and start to see things in a completely different light. Sometimes all that’s needed are a fresh pair of eyes.
As the burglaries continue, they start to increase in frequency it seems that the perpetrators are more willing to take risks, and when the autistic son of one of the homeowners is brutally assaulted, there is concern that whoever is committing these crimes will have no problem with violence if and when it’s required. Time seems to be running out, especially when one of the locals starts throwing his weight around, threatening to report Jack and his entire team if the situation is not brought under control … immediately!
But Jack is not worried about intimidation. He has his ways and means of getting to the bottom of things, and he understands how communities work when they seem to have closed ranks. He knows that what looks like arrogance is usually just disguised fear … or something else, hidden just under the surface. And he’ll get to the bottom of it.
This is Lynda La Plante at her best. She’s created a cast of characters that work so well together that it looks just about seamless. Jack’s not a saint: he’s willing to bend the rules if it means he’ll get results, but he does what he needs to do out of necessity. Most of the time he shares with his team: information, the highs and the lows … but sometimes he makes a mistake or two and when he does, he acknowledges it and tries to make it right if he can. But he’s not going to dwell on things that can’t be fixed. He’ll move on and expect others to do the same. He doesn’t have time for people who sulk. There’s a job to do!
The combination of police procedural with interludes of Jack as a homebody are a refreshing and different approach that allows readers to see him in both environments. We also get to see what contributes to the man he is in the field. There is often reference to family and to children and Jack’s perception of situations now that he is a father to a newborn baby girl. I found this to be such a unique change from all the cops we so often read about in numerous (oh so numerous!) books who are broken and damaged and who are estranged from their families with no hope of reconciling with their children!
This is a 5-star read! Edgy in parts, and a bit slower in others. But the pace is balanced perfectly.
April 23, 2021
I really loved this book. It's book 2 of a new series by Lynda LaPlante. DC Jack Warr was back solving another case. I really enjoyed finding out what he was up to now as well as his wife Maggie.
In book 1 Buried, a 5 ⭐ read for me too, Jack had to solve an arson and murder. Here in book 2 he has to solve a string of house robberies. Just like book 1 the story kept me guessing and was fast paced. It was great meeting other characters returning from book 1 and meeting new characters too. The bad guy was well written too. He is definitely someone I would not want to meet IRL. Now I'm highly anticipating book 3. Hope there's one on the way.
Thank you BookishFirst and Bonnier Zaffre usa
for a copy of this book.
In book 1 Buried, a 5 ⭐ read for me too, Jack had to solve an arson and murder. Here in book 2 he has to solve a string of house robberies. Just like book 1 the story kept me guessing and was fast paced. It was great meeting other characters returning from book 1 and meeting new characters too. The bad guy was well written too. He is definitely someone I would not want to meet IRL. Now I'm highly anticipating book 3. Hope there's one on the way.
Thank you BookishFirst and Bonnier Zaffre usa
for a copy of this book.
May 27, 2021
Violent burglars rampaging around an area of highly desirable properties is one thing for Detective Jack Warr to deal with, but coping with more senior officers is another thing altogether in La Plante’s latest crime thriller. When diplomacy is not enough, he must consider other methods to prevent those he struggles with from getting in the way of stopping a sophisticated gang perpetrate more attacks on homes that will soon only end one way. When a frightened woman explains that a “Judas Horse” is trained to betray the other wild beasts, Jack realizes that protecting victims is a fine art. Those people who have read the first book in this excellent series will pick up some of the reasons why Jack acts as he does, but there is certainly enough detail in this book for those who have not previously encountered Jack Warr to work out why he is a divided man. His love for his partner Maggie who is heavily pregnant is never in doubt, and in many ways he operates in the kind and thoughtful way taught him by his adoptive father, Charlie. His birth father is another matter, however, and he is a great police officer with an extra edge. This well written police procedural has much to offer as the detectives are seen as real people, with their own skills and talents to offer. La Plante handles this complex story and her large cast of characters with great skill and experience, drawing in the reader to a totally compelling climax. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this well written book.
The novel opens with the traumatic discovery of a body by two boys. Not that this situation is picked up again until later in the book, but it sits in the reader’s mind as evidence of how brutal criminals can be on occasion. The case of the Wimbledon Prowler was not Jack Warr’s case to begin with, but while assisting the officer in charge who has lost all confidence in his ability to solve the series of burglaries, he encounters Mike, a retired officer who has good ideas about how to trap done a serial offender. A happy event leaves Jack thoughtful as well as totally content, and even his rather taciturn boss, Ridley is touched by Maggie and Jack’s thoughtfulness. When an assignment outside London comes up, Ridley is surprised when Jack volunteers, but is perhaps underestimating Jack’s enthusiasm to put some of his recently learnt skills into practice. Soon Jack is trying to balance the detection of a series of crimes which has shown him the real effects on those who already have daily challenges, the skills necessary to maintain at least a working relationship with those senior to him, and the pull of his family at home.
This is the sort of book that ‘just one more chapter’ becomes difficult as I found the plot absorbing, as well as finding out what would happen to the dedicated but human Jack and those he is fighting to protect. The writing is well paced, and La Plante is well able to handle the interactions between characters that include professional jealousy as well as ambition. As some more senior officers struggle to accept Jack, he maintains his clear plan and wins the trust of those who he needs to encourage. This is an extremely well written crime thriller where the main character does have self doubts, but is not plagued with a serious problem with other people. I am a rather selective reader of contemporary crime novels, but have found this book so enjoyable I will definitely be looking out for more La Plante novels, especially those featuring DS Jack Warr.
The novel opens with the traumatic discovery of a body by two boys. Not that this situation is picked up again until later in the book, but it sits in the reader’s mind as evidence of how brutal criminals can be on occasion. The case of the Wimbledon Prowler was not Jack Warr’s case to begin with, but while assisting the officer in charge who has lost all confidence in his ability to solve the series of burglaries, he encounters Mike, a retired officer who has good ideas about how to trap done a serial offender. A happy event leaves Jack thoughtful as well as totally content, and even his rather taciturn boss, Ridley is touched by Maggie and Jack’s thoughtfulness. When an assignment outside London comes up, Ridley is surprised when Jack volunteers, but is perhaps underestimating Jack’s enthusiasm to put some of his recently learnt skills into practice. Soon Jack is trying to balance the detection of a series of crimes which has shown him the real effects on those who already have daily challenges, the skills necessary to maintain at least a working relationship with those senior to him, and the pull of his family at home.
This is the sort of book that ‘just one more chapter’ becomes difficult as I found the plot absorbing, as well as finding out what would happen to the dedicated but human Jack and those he is fighting to protect. The writing is well paced, and La Plante is well able to handle the interactions between characters that include professional jealousy as well as ambition. As some more senior officers struggle to accept Jack, he maintains his clear plan and wins the trust of those who he needs to encourage. This is an extremely well written crime thriller where the main character does have self doubts, but is not plagued with a serious problem with other people. I am a rather selective reader of contemporary crime novels, but have found this book so enjoyable I will definitely be looking out for more La Plante novels, especially those featuring DS Jack Warr.
February 15, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-book and to the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Two young boys see a group of crows surrounding a box in the middle of a lake. Of course, they go to see what it is not realizing that they would stumble across a body. It takes a little for the plot to finally get around to how this ties in to the rest of the story, but I like that because in the back of your mind you know something that the character don’t at first, because of course it is going to come around to being involved in the case they are working. The story starts off with the ending investigation in one set of burglaries and we get to quickly see that crime solved. But because Jack understands how criminal minds work, he is asked to help in another town with burglaries they can’t seam so solve.
This right away reminded me of those crime shows like NCIS and Bones. It starts off with people living their lives, normally it’s a scene of criminals or people doing something illegal or at least questionable but then they run across a body. That’s exactly what happened in this book and I’m glad that’s how the author started it off. It truly draws the reader in by starting the book off with something that will grab our attention. It also makes it more entertaining as we read about the characters knowing that it’s going to lead to people dying.
And just for those who are wondering, I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I was still able to follow along with everything in the story. Of course, I could tell there were things that had happened that I’m not sure about but everything relating to reading and understanding this stories plot was explained so I had no trouble following along.
This book had something for everyone. Murder, Burglaries, Informants, Blackmail, Undercover Work. I wish it was more of a mystery as you know who is doing the crimes and there really isn’t much shock in any of the book. It is just simply following how they try to catch the guy and his gang. But I do like that is escalated to more than just burglaries, which just put even more stake on the table.
The story also had some personal elements of Jack’s life. We get to see as him and Maggie’s relationship grow as they welcome a baby into their life. There is also some side story line with the pregnancy of a friend. But I liked seeing their relationship which is what truly drives Jack. There wasn’t only well depict romantic relationships, but also some interaction of coworkers and of them biting heads a little about people who have more authority than Jack, who are brought into the case.
The book was okay, but there wasn’t really anything special. It wasn’t slow or fast paced. Nothing really jumped out but there also isn’t anything wrong with the book either. It is in the middle of the road. If you like a simple small crime novel then this is for you, but I prefer something with a little more sustenance.
Two young boys see a group of crows surrounding a box in the middle of a lake. Of course, they go to see what it is not realizing that they would stumble across a body. It takes a little for the plot to finally get around to how this ties in to the rest of the story, but I like that because in the back of your mind you know something that the character don’t at first, because of course it is going to come around to being involved in the case they are working. The story starts off with the ending investigation in one set of burglaries and we get to quickly see that crime solved. But because Jack understands how criminal minds work, he is asked to help in another town with burglaries they can’t seam so solve.
This right away reminded me of those crime shows like NCIS and Bones. It starts off with people living their lives, normally it’s a scene of criminals or people doing something illegal or at least questionable but then they run across a body. That’s exactly what happened in this book and I’m glad that’s how the author started it off. It truly draws the reader in by starting the book off with something that will grab our attention. It also makes it more entertaining as we read about the characters knowing that it’s going to lead to people dying.
And just for those who are wondering, I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I was still able to follow along with everything in the story. Of course, I could tell there were things that had happened that I’m not sure about but everything relating to reading and understanding this stories plot was explained so I had no trouble following along.
This book had something for everyone. Murder, Burglaries, Informants, Blackmail, Undercover Work. I wish it was more of a mystery as you know who is doing the crimes and there really isn’t much shock in any of the book. It is just simply following how they try to catch the guy and his gang. But I do like that is escalated to more than just burglaries, which just put even more stake on the table.
The story also had some personal elements of Jack’s life. We get to see as him and Maggie’s relationship grow as they welcome a baby into their life. There is also some side story line with the pregnancy of a friend. But I liked seeing their relationship which is what truly drives Jack. There wasn’t only well depict romantic relationships, but also some interaction of coworkers and of them biting heads a little about people who have more authority than Jack, who are brought into the case.
The book was okay, but there wasn’t really anything special. It wasn’t slow or fast paced. Nothing really jumped out but there also isn’t anything wrong with the book either. It is in the middle of the road. If you like a simple small crime novel then this is for you, but I prefer something with a little more sustenance.
January 17, 2021
This is the second book in a series about Detective Jack Warr. I liked author Lynda La Plante’s characterization of Jack. He’s a good family man, understands the criminal mind, knows how to put clues together, and is skillful at solving crimes. There are perhaps times when he should communicate better with superiors and others on his team and wait for back up before confronting criminals on his own, but he is good at what he does.
The plot of the story was confusing at first. An incident was related about two young boys finding a body in a submerged horse trailer. Then the story switched to information about Jack and his being called to help with an ongoing case of a Wimbledon Prowler in London. In the midst of this, a case involving the alley burglar, which was similar was related. I found all this confusing.
I would have found it less confusing to have had the story begin with Jack awaiting the birth of his daughter, family information being revealed, and then Jack’s call to help with the Cotswolds Burglaries, which is what the plot of the book was about for the next 250 plus pages.
As far as the investigation, Jack worked with men and women with different ideas of how it should be handled. His work with these detectives from other agencies to solve a succession of burglaries that were turning violent was intriguing and nail biting at times. The book became very fast paced the closer Jack came to figuring out the identities of the burglars.
I enjoyed this book after I got into the main plot. Detective Jack and his family are people I liked. I’m sure author Lynda LaPlante has many more interesting cases for Jack to solve.
I thank Zaffre an imprint of Bonnier Books in the UK, BookishFirst, and author Lynda LaPlante for my advanced reader copy of Judas Horse.
The plot of the story was confusing at first. An incident was related about two young boys finding a body in a submerged horse trailer. Then the story switched to information about Jack and his being called to help with an ongoing case of a Wimbledon Prowler in London. In the midst of this, a case involving the alley burglar, which was similar was related. I found all this confusing.
I would have found it less confusing to have had the story begin with Jack awaiting the birth of his daughter, family information being revealed, and then Jack’s call to help with the Cotswolds Burglaries, which is what the plot of the book was about for the next 250 plus pages.
As far as the investigation, Jack worked with men and women with different ideas of how it should be handled. His work with these detectives from other agencies to solve a succession of burglaries that were turning violent was intriguing and nail biting at times. The book became very fast paced the closer Jack came to figuring out the identities of the burglars.
I enjoyed this book after I got into the main plot. Detective Jack and his family are people I liked. I’m sure author Lynda LaPlante has many more interesting cases for Jack to solve.
I thank Zaffre an imprint of Bonnier Books in the UK, BookishFirst, and author Lynda LaPlante for my advanced reader copy of Judas Horse.
April 11, 2021
This book was meant to last me the whole weekend, but it was so good, I've finished it already. I love the character of Jack Warr, you never know exactly what he's gonna do next. I hope there'll be book three.
February 11, 2023
This is the first Lynda La Plante novel that I read and I certainly understand why she's such a successful author. Judas Horse is the second novel in a series about DC Jack Warr but I only came upon this information afterwards. It surprised me to learn this so it didn't hinder my reading experience and the novel can definitely be read as a standalone.
I had a good feel of Jack's character, he's not without flaws but he's a natural born leader, a bit of a lone wolf I might add and he struggles a bit with that, but he's damn good at his job. I also enjoyed the glimpse into his personal life where his new status as a father will be the biggest change of late. But Maggie and Jack also have friends who are expecting, then there's also his mother who lives with them and he often refers to his late father and his biological father. Overall the character development was great and made me care for them.
At the beginning of the novel there are two children who find an abandoned horse carriage and then the story takes quite a jump towards Jack, where I saw him in action and immediately knew he was good at his job. The horse carriage was not spoken of any more and I had almost forgotten all about it when it suddenly became quite relevant. It was exciting to finally understand the meaning of the horse carriage and I enjoyed how it came into play again later on. The story itself is mainly about some burglars who quite drastically rob people of their belongings and it becomes terrifying when they don't even care if people are home or not. Jack tries to find out who they are and where they're going to strike next and I was fully invested in the investigation myself which isn't simple to solve and takes a route I hadn't anticipated.
I enjoyed the dynamics between the different police officers, and there was a good build up, only the ending was a little too action packed for me. It would definitely work for me on screen with all the high tension chasing but book-wise I prefer the investigation itself. Judas Horse (the title is explained in the novel, I had never heard of this before but it is a perfect title relating to both the plot and the setting) pulled me in right from the start and was a wonderful introduction to this author so it probably won't be my last one either.
I had a good feel of Jack's character, he's not without flaws but he's a natural born leader, a bit of a lone wolf I might add and he struggles a bit with that, but he's damn good at his job. I also enjoyed the glimpse into his personal life where his new status as a father will be the biggest change of late. But Maggie and Jack also have friends who are expecting, then there's also his mother who lives with them and he often refers to his late father and his biological father. Overall the character development was great and made me care for them.
At the beginning of the novel there are two children who find an abandoned horse carriage and then the story takes quite a jump towards Jack, where I saw him in action and immediately knew he was good at his job. The horse carriage was not spoken of any more and I had almost forgotten all about it when it suddenly became quite relevant. It was exciting to finally understand the meaning of the horse carriage and I enjoyed how it came into play again later on. The story itself is mainly about some burglars who quite drastically rob people of their belongings and it becomes terrifying when they don't even care if people are home or not. Jack tries to find out who they are and where they're going to strike next and I was fully invested in the investigation myself which isn't simple to solve and takes a route I hadn't anticipated.
I enjoyed the dynamics between the different police officers, and there was a good build up, only the ending was a little too action packed for me. It would definitely work for me on screen with all the high tension chasing but book-wise I prefer the investigation itself. Judas Horse (the title is explained in the novel, I had never heard of this before but it is a perfect title relating to both the plot and the setting) pulled me in right from the start and was a wonderful introduction to this author so it probably won't be my last one either.
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