Vanished

DC Jack Warr #3

by Lynda La Plante

KILLERS DON'T JUST DISAPPEAR . . .

The unmissable brand new thriller from the Queen of Crime Drama, Lynda La Plante - now available in hardback, eBook and audiobook.
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When an eccentric widow claims she is being stalked by her former lodger, Detective Jack Warr is the only person who believes her wild claims.

Days later, she is found brutally murdered in her home.

When the investigation uncovers an international drugs operation on the widow's property, the case grows even more complex. And as the hunt for the widow's lodger hits dead end after dead end, it seems that the prime suspect has vanished without a trace.

To find answers, Jack must decide how far is he willing to go - and what he is willing to risk - in his search for justice. Because if he crosses the line of the law, one wrong move could cost him everything . . .
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PRAISE FOR LYNDA LA

'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, Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Thriller, Detective, Mystery Thriller

423 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2022

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

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

DS Jack Warr #3
4.5 stars

Avril Jenkins, a widow in her 70s has made several reports to the police about her former lodger Adam Border. She claims he breaks in, torments her and has stolen items but the local Kingston police are dubious. DS Jack Warr is asked to visit Avril to get to the bottom of her many reports. Is Adam the monster Avril claims? Jack’s gut tells him there’s more to the story than other officers believe and oh boy, is he ever right.

Well, I think this “Queen of Crime“ has done it again! This is a very good series and in my opinion number three is the best so far and in Jack Warr Lynda La Plante has created yet another intriguing character. He’s a very complex man, he’s close to few, the exceptions being DCI Simon Ridley, his partner Maggie and his mother Penny. In this one through a more personal lens we get more of an insight into his personality which is heartwarming and a welcome relief from the bleakness of parts of the plot. This is a very complex but extremely clever and well thought out plot. It starts off in one place and heads into another totally unexpected direction as the investigation takes ever darker turns. It feels credible and very believable with what is uncovered being breathtaking, horrifying and on occasions it’s audacious and enormous in scale. The enquiry takes many a twist and turn on the journey to the truth as the team try to catch up with what unfolds and catch their breath from the pace.

This journey takes a bit of a European tour and encompasses at least two fascinating themes which is compelling reading and keeping you glued. It’s set up very nicely for number four which I look forward to reading. My only negative is that it’s quite long and although I cannot deny it interesting it could have been refined somewhat.

This well written instalment can easily be read as a standalone but it’s well worth picking up the other two. I’d say this is another winner!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bonnier Books, Zaffre for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Rosie Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of the DS Warr series that I've read, and it definitely won't be the last. While this could be read as a standalone, I'm sure that reading the previous books would have given me a better understanding of the dynamics of the team, and I will go back to them, but I did not feel disadvantaged.

DS Jack Warr is a determined policeman, dogged and someone who doesn't always work within the confines of his brief, much to the chagrin of his superiors. When Jack is asked to look into the multiple reports that an older lady has made about someone stealing items from her home, naming her former gardener/handyman Adam Border as responsible, little does he know where it will lead him.

The author layers on suspense, with the clues and misdirection coming thick and fast and in equal measure. The fact that DCI Ridley's team is forced to worked alongside but subservient to the Drugs Squad rankles no end, but they are determined to get justice for the two murder victims, and will do whatever they have to.

I haven't read anything by Lynda La Plante in a long time but she certainly haven't lost her touch. Eminently readable, fast paced and thrilling ~ what more could you ask for??

I received an advanced review copy for free and am voluntarily leaving this review

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third of the Jack Warr series, Vanished by Lynda La Plante is a classic police detective procedural. It begins with an elderly eccentric old lady making fourteen police reports about a former lodger breaking in and stealing her belongings. Jack is asked to investigate whether it is a case of a lonely frightened woman making nuisance calls to the police. Despite her difficult and combative personality, Jack thinks there may be a good reason for her being frightened. A fire in her greenhouse leads to the discovery of a murder and a convoluted investigation with ever-baffling discoveries and mysteries. An engrossing tale with a four and a half stars crime read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.

[Barbara Gallagher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book overall. Probably deserves 3.5-4 stars. Started out really enjoying it. But could have been 20% shorter and a better book. There was a lot of unnecessary fluff about the main characters daughter and to some extent his family life. There were weird side stories that didn’t seem to fit (like the Julia one and even Tanya). Overall good story but feel the editor should have made it a great book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

I am really enjoying this series and think the author has created a very likeable, strong and believable character in Jack Warr. For me, this series just goes from strength to strength. DS Warr is sent to see an old lady who believes she is being stalked and when she is found murdered just days later the investigation takes a very unexpected turn. I loved all the separate story threads here, they grabbed and held my attention and I wondered many times how everything would all come together. I liked the authors writing style, I found it to be very engaging and thought the book flowed really well all the way through. The author continues to give lovely glimpses into Jack’s home, personal and family life, which for me just adds to the story and gives his character a lot more depth. I honestly can’t fault this read. I loved its pacing and thought it had a great plot line that was very well executed. Lynda La Plante certainly knows how connect with her readers through her writing and maintain that connection throughout. The book raced to a final and fitting conclusion which sets up the next book nicely.

[Maria Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a longstanding fan of Lynda La Plante's books but admit I haven't read one of her books in a good number of years. However I'm glad I picked this one up. I read this one as a standalone, which was easy to do, and I didn't feel like I was missing a backstory. Good steady pace, classic whodunnit - recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 rounded down… enjoyable and interesting with main plot keeping me interested but at times it felt like a slog with competing sub-plots. This is no. 3 in a series and I haven’t read the other 2 which might explain it!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi, review below for Book 3 of the Jack Warr series in the Blogathon series via ‘Compulsive Readers Tours’ and next up Book 4 and the final book in the series and tour…..until the new book is published in April

‘Vanished’ (Jack Warr Book 3) by Lynda La Plante published by Zaffre March 2022

423 Pages

Book 3 and Jack is in fine form, a real mystery awaits him as a case no one wants re an old lady (Avril)who thinks she has an ex lodger intruding her house and stealing duvets and messing with her dishwasher, the local Police have given up, Jack has a ‘feeling’ and then things turn brutal and nasty, very quickly Jack is determined to solve the mystery and case

I liked Jack even more this book as he doggedly refuses to give up on what he knows he is right about, woe betide anyone who thinks they can short change him on his investigations

In the midst of this we have the interesting byline of a not so respectable surgeon and his wayward daughter plus Jack’s marriage, a new second car, oodles of yummy sounding food and a great little reminder of ‘The Widows’ with a nod to Dolly

Third books can waver, this triumphs and have no choice but to go straight to Book 4 to carry on with Jacks next case such is the allure of the writing and these books

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in La Plante's Jack Warr series, Vanished is my favourite of the series to date.

It's has a multi-layered plot with several storylines running concurrently to each other, each with a clever connection to the other.

Fast paced, page turning and twisty, Vanished has it all! The suspense and anticipation had me hooked from the off and I flew through the book in a couple of sittings so I could dive straight into Pure Evil.

It was great to catch up with Jack, Maggie and daughter Hannah, and hear she'd taken her first steps.

Brilliant book, fab characters and an amazing author. Loved it!

[Gemima · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, typical crime fiction book. Took me longer than usual (don’t think I was in the mood/ been busy)

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the DC Jack Warr series by author Lynda La Plante. I am enjoying this series and this is another very good read following on from ‘Judas Horse’

I always know what I am going to get from a Lynda La Plante novel, well written plots that are not rushed answering every question the readers wants answered. Good solid characters and plenty of intrigue made this a very good read.

Detective Jack Warr is the only person prepared to listen to the seemingly wild claims made by an eccentric widow. Her claim is that she is being stalked by her former lodger and the temperature rises days later when she is found brutally murdered in her home.

Now the police will have to pay attention and the stakes are raised when the investigation uncovers an international drugs operation on the widow’s property. The police are searching for the widow’s lodger but it appears he has vanished.

This is a case that will push Jack to his limits and will test him to how far he will actually go in order to get justice.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bonnier Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read none of the previous books in the series, but I enjoyed this book with no problems regarding who the main characters are and what’s their part in the story is.

It probably shows why the author is so loved and how great her writing is.

DS Jack Warr is something that I haven’t expected from a detective. He is outspoken, goes beyond his duties and cross lines but also shows that he won’t give up on his instincts and believes if he wants to find the truth.

Believing that there’s much more to the story than the eye can meet, he starts an investigation that will bring a lot of his past secrets to surface.

I found myself intrigued by the story and some twists were very unexpected. The author has done an amazing job of intertwining elements that maybe in other situations wouldn’t work at all, but here they are perfectly mixed throughout the novel. I mean, drug cartels with an old lady story? Cleverly done.

This installment surely opened my appetite for more in the series so I’m looking forward to read more soon.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley
4.5 stars

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was only the 2nd book by Lynda that I’ve read and although it’s the third in the series it reads as a stand alone. It was interesting and also exciting at times and I loved it. In fact I’ve bought the first two in this series already which shows how much I enjoyed this one. I can understand why Lynda is so successful with her books if this is what her others are like. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Maria Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a longstanding fan of Lynda La Plante's books but admit I haven't read one of her books in a good number of years. However I'm glad I picked this one up. I read this one as a standalone, which was easy to do, and I didn't feel like I was missing a backstory. Good steady pace, classic whodunnit - recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

[Andy – And The Plot Thickens · Rating 4 out of 5]

... The solo police car arrived, driven by a weary young officer who had drawn the short straw. He diligently took Avril's statement and added it to the other thirteen which all claimed exactly the same thing: that Mrs Avril Jenkins' ex-lodger, Adam Border, was on a mission to slowly drive her insane. And when he finally got bored of doing that, Adam would put an end to her torment by murdering her in her own home.

The police are fed up with the elderly Avril Jenkins. She keeps phoning them to complain that random things are slowly going missing from her home – from expensive paintings to bedsheets. Officers no longer believe her. Even DC Jack Warr isn't sure what to believe.

So when her dismembered body is found in her home, as she once predicted it would be, the guilt threatens to trip Jack up. He vows to make sure her killer or killers are brought to book. The more police investigate Avril however, the more it seems she wasn't all she made out to be. Why was her greenhouse a veritable marijuana factory? Why is her past so secret?

Soon Jack finds himself trying to keep up with the police's Drug Squad, which doesn't care much about Avril's murder as long as they can bust whoever is responsibile for the large operation that was run from her home. Jack is certain, however, that if they can find the elusive Adam Border, they'll all get the answers they're looking for.

Of the three Jack Warr books, this has so far been my favourite. I enjoyed the central mystery, there are plenty of twists and reveals to keep you busy and then there is the art theft aspect, which really interested me. I enjoy Jack Warr as a main character immensely and this latest novel in his series doesn't disappoint.

[Saltygalreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vanished is the third book in this series by La Plante about British detective Jack Warr. In this novel, Warr investigates the gruesome murder of an older woman who is complaining to the police about thefts from her home. She is querulous and annoying so police initially dismiss the complaints - until she is discovered after being murdered in a horrific manner. In the course of the investigation, Jack chases after her missing boarder, also finding a hidden drug operation and art forgery scheme. He also manages to marry his longtime love and be a father to his toddler.

Not surprisingly, this is a well-written novel with great character development and an intricate plot. The character of Jack Warr is complex, with a darker side that is unpredictable and perhaps a bit unethical. There is no mind-blowing excitement here and the pace is a little slow at times, but it's a solid effort. For those who are already fans of the series, this is a good addition. I would give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

[Steve Capel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank You to Net Galley and the publishers for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
This is book three in a series but I was able to read it fairly well as a stand-alone story although there were some references to previous events.
I found this book to be a little overlong and involved too much of the lead characters' almost too perfect family life. The main plot held my interest however and involved drug dealing on a massive scale and violent murder. This I think is a series best read in order and will appeal to fans of Lynda La Plante more than it did to me

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the DC Jack Warr series, Vanished, gives Jack a case, which seems simple. A visit to a woman, Avril, who is certain an ex-lodger is coming into her house and stealing small sentimental items or messing with appliances. The local police have passed her file on in frustration, thinking she may be losing the plot. All Jack needs to do is visit and agree with the local police, case closed. 


This is Jack Warr, and he goes against the grain. He has a gut feeling nothing is as it seems, and before he knows it, there is a major case running.  I enjoy returning to Jack with every book. He is a man who doesn't allow anything to deter him if he feels something isn't right. Dogged determination and seeing things in a different light to anyone else makes him very unique. 


Maggie brings a puzzle of her own, too. Her boss, a well-respected surgeon, wants help with his daughter. A rebellious and an 'out for a good time girl' he asks Maggie who relays it to Jack. He finds himself in some sticky situations with this, but again, have no fear, Jack is here! 


The skill of Lynda La Plante and the superb way she weaves a story has me spellbound almost. I am actually addicted to this series by now. I am so happy to say I can start reading Pure Evil, book four, immediately!
Thanks to Tracy Fenton and the publisher for allowing me to tag along for the blogathon. I was gifted the ebook to write my honest review.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see that Vanished is the third in a series about Detective Jack Warr and he obviously has a back story but this reads well as a stand alone. I was fully engaged in this story from the first page and the pace never dropped. The relationship between the different characters was very interesting. Although Jack Warr is a hard-working detective he relies on his boss, Ridley, to drive him on to do better. I am a little conflicted with his character because he is obviously not 100% honest. I will definitely look out for the first two books in this series to find out more about Jack Warr.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Lynda La Plante/Bonnier Books UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Couple of things stop thing being higher rated. Firstly there too many unnecessary and annoying sentences and paragraphs in this book. It’s great that DCI Jack Warr has a lovely home life but I don’t need constant descriptions of him playing with Hannah or the noises she’s making while playing. Nor do I need to know the instructions for cooking the pie that his Mum, Penny, has left for him for his dinner. I know why somebody might push in their wing mirror when locking the car; I don’t need it explained to me. Apart from that (and more) this has a decent enough plot though I felt it fell a bit flat at the end. Very well read by Alex Hassell (dodgy Irish accent aside)

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very long book but read fast.

There is a lot going on in Jack's world, including a wedding. This provides part of the length of the story.

The murder and investigation are complicated with the drugs investigation. We see some of their information but mainly only what Jack and his crew are able to discover.

It is a complex plot that had me guessing.

Graphic violence is described, you might want to avoid this one if that bothers you.

I borrowed a copy from the public library.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

This is such a good book quite hard to read some of the time with some of the murders but nonetheless very hard to put down . I loved this book and I hope there will be another in the series

[Nicola Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Kept me guessing and loved the ending !

[Andriana Thoma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Forced my self to read that cause i paid. I feel like that counts as self harm.

[Keith Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story again really enjoyed hopefully a book 4 on it’s way

[Sharah McConville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another dark and intriguing crime novel by my favorite author. Now on to the next book in the series!

[Emily | bookswith.emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a gripping read. I was hooked from the beginning. It was very detailed and was packed full of twists and turns. The story was entertaining and I was not expecting what was going to happen at all. This book includes a murder and drug storyline which only gets more complex as the story goes on. Although this is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone (I do want to go back and read the others now).

I thought Detective Warr was a great main character, he is determined and a intelligent person. I liked reading about his family life as well. We got to read about a variety of different characters in this book, some were criminals who I wasn’t sure who I wanted Detective Warr to trust.

I thought this was a great book, it was full of excitement and drama. When I first started reading it, I thought it would take me a while to get through it but once the drama started (which didn’t take long), I flew through it. It was so easy to read and I highly recommend this book and author.

[Sunshine Biskaps · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Vanished" by Lynda La Plante
Reviewed on 22 July 2022

If it wasn't for my local evening book club suggesting this book, I'm sure I would have never picked it up to "read" it. I listened to the about midway through the ten or so hours of the audiobook, and found it didn't grip me as I was hoping it would have. I found the stalking story of Avril to be intriguing, although I did not feel compelled to learn who was behind her murder. I didn't care much to learn about Jennifer's murder, either. Nor about Jack, his fiancee, or anyone else in the investigation. Maybe right before the half way point, I had to come to the conclusion that going any further with this book would not make me a better person. I know I won't add much to our book club discussion, excepting blatantly, this is not the type of murder mystery for me. I think it was because I felt as thought it seemed to be all over the place; the story was completely convoluted. It jumped from Jack's best man to his need to have a buck's party to Avril's butchered up body. Simply stated, I did not enjoy this author nor the story. It's a shame because I usually love murder mysteries.

I attempted to read it a second time the weekend right before the book club meeting and I came to the exact same conclusion. Not worth finishing.

[Glyn Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow all the rave reviews i don,t get it i found it slow and boring, read the first in the series(buried) and that was also boring. Sorry lynda no more books by you i won,t be reading the second either. So its don,t bother buying this book there are a lot better crime novels out there to read.

[Anne Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts off well and you feel compelled to find out what happened to the eccentric main character. However, there were lots of players, twists and turns that it became hard to follow what was happening.