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Tennison #3
Good Friday
Librarian note: An alternative cover for this ISBN can be found here.
BEFORE 'PRIME SUSPECT' THERE WAS TENNISON . Every legend has a beginning . . . During 1974 and 1975 the IRA subjected London to a terrifying bombing campaign. In one day alone, they planted seven bombs at locations across central London. Some were defused - some were not. Jane Tennison is now a fully-fledged detective.
On the way to court one morning, Jane passes through Covent Garden Underground station and is caught up in a bomb blast that leaves several people dead, and many horribly injured. Jane is a key witness, but is adamant that she can't identify the bomber. When a photograph appears in the newspapers, showing Jane assisting the injured at the scene, it puts her and her family at risk from IRA retaliation.
'Good Friday' is the eagerly awaited date of the annual formal CID dinner, due to take place at St Ermin's Hotel. Hundreds of detectives and their wives will be there. It's the perfect target. As Jane arrives for the evening, she realises that she recognises the parking attendant as the bomber from Covent Garden. Can she convince her senior officers in time, or will another bomb destroy London's entire detective force?
BEFORE 'PRIME SUSPECT' THERE WAS TENNISON . Every legend has a beginning . . . During 1974 and 1975 the IRA subjected London to a terrifying bombing campaign. In one day alone, they planted seven bombs at locations across central London. Some were defused - some were not. Jane Tennison is now a fully-fledged detective.
On the way to court one morning, Jane passes through Covent Garden Underground station and is caught up in a bomb blast that leaves several people dead, and many horribly injured. Jane is a key witness, but is adamant that she can't identify the bomber. When a photograph appears in the newspapers, showing Jane assisting the injured at the scene, it puts her and her family at risk from IRA retaliation.
'Good Friday' is the eagerly awaited date of the annual formal CID dinner, due to take place at St Ermin's Hotel. Hundreds of detectives and their wives will be there. It's the perfect target. As Jane arrives for the evening, she realises that she recognises the parking attendant as the bomber from Covent Garden. Can she convince her senior officers in time, or will another bomb destroy London's entire detective force?
377 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2017
1246 people are currently reading
2663 people want to read
About the author
Lynda La Plante
123 books1,829 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 343 reviews
February 2, 2019
Good Friday by Lynda la Plante is book 3 in the Tennison series.
It's an easy paced police thriller set in 1976 and is based on the IRA bombings in London.
It starts a little slower than the last 2 books but picks up pretty quickly and contues untill the end.
When reading you have a feeling of nervous energy running through you with a tiny bit of frustration thrown in.
Jane Tennison in this book was made to be a little weaker than normal considering she is trying to find her place in the overly populated man's world of the police force (That's the 70's for you 🙄) Your also left with a few unanswered questions about the other story that runs in and out through the main one.
But I would still highly recommend this series.
It's an easy paced police thriller set in 1976 and is based on the IRA bombings in London.
It starts a little slower than the last 2 books but picks up pretty quickly and contues untill the end.
When reading you have a feeling of nervous energy running through you with a tiny bit of frustration thrown in.
Jane Tennison in this book was made to be a little weaker than normal considering she is trying to find her place in the overly populated man's world of the police force (That's the 70's for you 🙄) Your also left with a few unanswered questions about the other story that runs in and out through the main one.
But I would still highly recommend this series.
September 12, 2018
4.5★s
Making her way up the stairs from the tube station, DC Jane Tennison helped a young mother with a stroller. It was mayhem – peak hour and the lifts were out, so people were going up as well as down the stairs. The security guard at the top was struggling to contain the crowd when Jane heard a voice calling to a person that he’d left his bag behind. Jane ran after him to help the old lady but was aggressively brushed aside; her immediate reaction was fear and she began yelling, just as the bomb went off…
Interviewed on her recollections of what had happened, plus the identification of the bomber, Jane knew she hadn’t seen him properly to be sure of the identity. The only reliable witness was the old lady who was now in hospital in a critical condition. But Jane was determined to help. The IRA had Britain in a stranglehold and the residents weren’t feeling safe. Jane and her colleagues knew the clock was ticking and the race was on…
Good Friday by Lynda LaPlante is the 3rd in the Tennison series and another gritty, tension filled thriller which I loved. I feel sorry for Jane, as she comes across as being used and walked all over by her mostly arrogant colleagues; she’s a little naïve and struggles to do well – then when she does, she doesn’t get the recognition she deserves. It’s a very male dominated time, 1976! Good Friday was a quick read which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
Making her way up the stairs from the tube station, DC Jane Tennison helped a young mother with a stroller. It was mayhem – peak hour and the lifts were out, so people were going up as well as down the stairs. The security guard at the top was struggling to contain the crowd when Jane heard a voice calling to a person that he’d left his bag behind. Jane ran after him to help the old lady but was aggressively brushed aside; her immediate reaction was fear and she began yelling, just as the bomb went off…
Interviewed on her recollections of what had happened, plus the identification of the bomber, Jane knew she hadn’t seen him properly to be sure of the identity. The only reliable witness was the old lady who was now in hospital in a critical condition. But Jane was determined to help. The IRA had Britain in a stranglehold and the residents weren’t feeling safe. Jane and her colleagues knew the clock was ticking and the race was on…
Good Friday by Lynda LaPlante is the 3rd in the Tennison series and another gritty, tension filled thriller which I loved. I feel sorry for Jane, as she comes across as being used and walked all over by her mostly arrogant colleagues; she’s a little naïve and struggles to do well – then when she does, she doesn’t get the recognition she deserves. It’s a very male dominated time, 1976! Good Friday was a quick read which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
December 21, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
I’ve always been curious about bestselling British author Lynda LaPlante’s work. I enjoyed the television series Prime Suspect, based on LaPlante’s books, starring Helen Mirren but until now, I have not delved into her books. A giveaway win of Good Friday, the latest novel by Lynda LaPlante, provided me with the opportunity to experience my first LaPlante novel and now I am quite smitten!
In the year 1976, London is under attack from the IRA. After a relentless bombing campaign in Britain’s capital, a deadly attack at one of London’s underground stations, Convent Garden, sees young detective constable Jane Tennison caught up in the attack. Jane bravely survives the attack and becomes a key witness. Just prior to the explosion, Jane caught a glimpse of the bomber. However, in the aftermath of the attack, Jane struggles to recollect the man. As a result, she becomes a star witness in this high profile case, requiring around the clock police protection. Behind the scenes, the Metropolitan police work relentlessly to try to apprehend the terrorists. In the background, plans for the annual Good Friday police dinner dance continue to take shape, unperturbed by the recent terror attacks. As the dance draws near, security at the location of the dinner dance is stepped up a notch. Jane, an expected attendee of the event, regains her memory of the Covent Garden terrorist attack in the week before the dance. A sense of dread follows this flashback as Jane realises she is now able to recognise the bomber, who is too close for comfort. Jane faces the fight of her life, as she must protect herself from further harm from the IRA unit and convince her superiors that she has a hunch about another imminent attack.
My first Lynda LaPlante experience was a welcome one. It is always a bit risky reading a novel that is part of a long running series, featuring a well established lead. I didn’t need to worry about feeling like I had missed the boat on this one, LaPlante put my apprehension aside through her spellbinding new novel. As this is the third novel that focuses on the early career of Jane Tennison, there is plenty of character building that takes place.
LaPlante does a superb job of bringing to life the specific period detail relating to her novel. It is obvious she has done her homework on this era, as she writes both informatively and passionately about this era. After reading her setting descriptions, I felt like I had stepped straight out onto the streets of London in the 1970’s. There were plenty of race, class and sex based tensions at hand that LaPlante presents well. Even the fashion choices popular at the time were spot on! This is a book injected with plenty of authentic 1970’s detail.
For those not familiar with London’s history in the 1970’s, LaPlante expertly brings this era to life in an accessible way, through her compelling narrative. I confess to possessing very little knowledge of the IRA, only a few titbits of information from my father, who lived in London at this time. LaPlante served to draw my attention to this time, place and events that took place through her novel. It is presented in an entertaining format, giving us an insight into a very modern history of London.
LaPlante’s characterisation is a credit to her. I soon took a liking to the lead of this novel and many of Laplante’s backlist novels, the well known Jane Tennison. LaPlante does a fine of backtracking her famous lead and giving the reader an insight into Tennison’s life in the early stages of her career. We get a good sense of her eagerness, fragility, her natural aptitude for her job, her loyalty to her family and the difficulty Jane experiences in balancing her love life with her career. The secondary and supporting characters round up this novel nicely.
In terms of the plot itself, it travels at a steady but not rip roaring pace. There are plenty of narrative threads at play in Good Friday and the reader is able to play an active role in piecing all the parts together. The police work was a highlight for me in this novel. I enjoyed reading the sections involving Jane’s work with the ‘Dip Squad’, a section of the police force dedicated to apprehending professional pick pockets. I also found the investigations put into the IRA riveting. It certainly is a pulse pounding race to find the dangerous bomber and help prevent any further deadly attacks from taking place.
Good Friday was a more than satisfying ride, aided by LaPlante’s individual writing style that seemed to draw me in. It left me immediately seeking out more titles from LaPlante, featuring the ever enduring detective Jane Tennison.
*I wish to thank the publisher, Allen & Unwin, for providing me with a free copy of this book.
4.5 stars
I’ve always been curious about bestselling British author Lynda LaPlante’s work. I enjoyed the television series Prime Suspect, based on LaPlante’s books, starring Helen Mirren but until now, I have not delved into her books. A giveaway win of Good Friday, the latest novel by Lynda LaPlante, provided me with the opportunity to experience my first LaPlante novel and now I am quite smitten!
In the year 1976, London is under attack from the IRA. After a relentless bombing campaign in Britain’s capital, a deadly attack at one of London’s underground stations, Convent Garden, sees young detective constable Jane Tennison caught up in the attack. Jane bravely survives the attack and becomes a key witness. Just prior to the explosion, Jane caught a glimpse of the bomber. However, in the aftermath of the attack, Jane struggles to recollect the man. As a result, she becomes a star witness in this high profile case, requiring around the clock police protection. Behind the scenes, the Metropolitan police work relentlessly to try to apprehend the terrorists. In the background, plans for the annual Good Friday police dinner dance continue to take shape, unperturbed by the recent terror attacks. As the dance draws near, security at the location of the dinner dance is stepped up a notch. Jane, an expected attendee of the event, regains her memory of the Covent Garden terrorist attack in the week before the dance. A sense of dread follows this flashback as Jane realises she is now able to recognise the bomber, who is too close for comfort. Jane faces the fight of her life, as she must protect herself from further harm from the IRA unit and convince her superiors that she has a hunch about another imminent attack.
My first Lynda LaPlante experience was a welcome one. It is always a bit risky reading a novel that is part of a long running series, featuring a well established lead. I didn’t need to worry about feeling like I had missed the boat on this one, LaPlante put my apprehension aside through her spellbinding new novel. As this is the third novel that focuses on the early career of Jane Tennison, there is plenty of character building that takes place.
LaPlante does a superb job of bringing to life the specific period detail relating to her novel. It is obvious she has done her homework on this era, as she writes both informatively and passionately about this era. After reading her setting descriptions, I felt like I had stepped straight out onto the streets of London in the 1970’s. There were plenty of race, class and sex based tensions at hand that LaPlante presents well. Even the fashion choices popular at the time were spot on! This is a book injected with plenty of authentic 1970’s detail.
For those not familiar with London’s history in the 1970’s, LaPlante expertly brings this era to life in an accessible way, through her compelling narrative. I confess to possessing very little knowledge of the IRA, only a few titbits of information from my father, who lived in London at this time. LaPlante served to draw my attention to this time, place and events that took place through her novel. It is presented in an entertaining format, giving us an insight into a very modern history of London.
LaPlante’s characterisation is a credit to her. I soon took a liking to the lead of this novel and many of Laplante’s backlist novels, the well known Jane Tennison. LaPlante does a fine of backtracking her famous lead and giving the reader an insight into Tennison’s life in the early stages of her career. We get a good sense of her eagerness, fragility, her natural aptitude for her job, her loyalty to her family and the difficulty Jane experiences in balancing her love life with her career. The secondary and supporting characters round up this novel nicely.
In terms of the plot itself, it travels at a steady but not rip roaring pace. There are plenty of narrative threads at play in Good Friday and the reader is able to play an active role in piecing all the parts together. The police work was a highlight for me in this novel. I enjoyed reading the sections involving Jane’s work with the ‘Dip Squad’, a section of the police force dedicated to apprehending professional pick pockets. I also found the investigations put into the IRA riveting. It certainly is a pulse pounding race to find the dangerous bomber and help prevent any further deadly attacks from taking place.
Good Friday was a more than satisfying ride, aided by LaPlante’s individual writing style that seemed to draw me in. It left me immediately seeking out more titles from LaPlante, featuring the ever enduring detective Jane Tennison.
*I wish to thank the publisher, Allen & Unwin, for providing me with a free copy of this book.
August 6, 2017
3.5 stars
I cannot think of this character without picturing the inimitable Dame Helen Mirren from BBC’s excellent “Prime Suspect”. But before she became the complex & world weary DCI of that series, she was DC Jane Tennison, a young woman just finding her feet.
London in 1976 is a dangerous place to be a cop. The IRA & its various factions are a constant threat & their bombing campaign has resulted in fear & fatalities. Jane feels like she’s collecting dust at Bow St. & is desperate to handle “real” cases. Her boss finally gives in & transfers her to the “Dip Squad”, a motley crew charged with taking down organized gangs of pick pockets.
Jane is the only woman on the team & has a lot to learn. But in the course of her first few days, she inadvertently becomes the centre of attention after the bombing of a tube station. She finds herself in the middle of a huge investigation, surrounded by colleagues who won’t hesitate to use her to get a result. Her personal life is also undergoing great change. Jane is eager to leave her sheltered home life behind & buys a small flat. There are potential love interests on the horizon but as the book progresses, it becomes clear one or two have hidden agendas.
This is a quick, easy read with several side plots to flesh out the story. It does a good job of reflecting the social attitudes & reality of the times for women who dared to want something more (ie. other than a nice little clerical job to keep them occupied ’til they snag a husband & start a family).
This is Jane’s story so the large cast of peripheral characters are only lightly sketched out as they cross Jane’s path. She can be smart & headstrong yet retains the insecurities & naiveté of a young woman slightly daunted by the prospect of taking responsibility for her choices. My only quibble is her tendency to eye every male colleague she meets as a potential suitor. It’s ironic considering she spends a lot time bemoaning how female cops are objectified & treated as “skirts” whose job description includes making the station house tea.
The last few chapters are tense & fast paced as bomb investigation comes to a head. For fans of the later books, it’s an interesting look at how it all began for the woman who would become the formidable DCI.
I cannot think of this character without picturing the inimitable Dame Helen Mirren from BBC’s excellent “Prime Suspect”. But before she became the complex & world weary DCI of that series, she was DC Jane Tennison, a young woman just finding her feet.
London in 1976 is a dangerous place to be a cop. The IRA & its various factions are a constant threat & their bombing campaign has resulted in fear & fatalities. Jane feels like she’s collecting dust at Bow St. & is desperate to handle “real” cases. Her boss finally gives in & transfers her to the “Dip Squad”, a motley crew charged with taking down organized gangs of pick pockets.
Jane is the only woman on the team & has a lot to learn. But in the course of her first few days, she inadvertently becomes the centre of attention after the bombing of a tube station. She finds herself in the middle of a huge investigation, surrounded by colleagues who won’t hesitate to use her to get a result. Her personal life is also undergoing great change. Jane is eager to leave her sheltered home life behind & buys a small flat. There are potential love interests on the horizon but as the book progresses, it becomes clear one or two have hidden agendas.
This is a quick, easy read with several side plots to flesh out the story. It does a good job of reflecting the social attitudes & reality of the times for women who dared to want something more (ie. other than a nice little clerical job to keep them occupied ’til they snag a husband & start a family).
This is Jane’s story so the large cast of peripheral characters are only lightly sketched out as they cross Jane’s path. She can be smart & headstrong yet retains the insecurities & naiveté of a young woman slightly daunted by the prospect of taking responsibility for her choices. My only quibble is her tendency to eye every male colleague she meets as a potential suitor. It’s ironic considering she spends a lot time bemoaning how female cops are objectified & treated as “skirts” whose job description includes making the station house tea.
The last few chapters are tense & fast paced as bomb investigation comes to a head. For fans of the later books, it’s an interesting look at how it all began for the woman who would become the formidable DCI.
May 4, 2018
The Prime Suspect TV series featured a strong plot and that fantastic performance by Helen Mirren to bring the character of Jane Tennison to life. These books feature the young Tennison and are the polar opposite to the TV series in that they are poorly written, long winded and with awful dialogue and characterisation. “I’m very sorry, but I am a detective with the Metropolitan Police and I would like you to take my enquiry seriously” is a typical example of how Jane (a 26 year old detective) talks to people, can you imagine anyone talking like that? The book is full of stilted dialogue and a plot that doesn’t flow, has no logic and will have you shouting at the pages telling Jane she is an idiot.
Anyway, late 70s and IRA bombings. Jane gets caught up in one and may have seen the bomber. Despite a degree of PTS, can she help stop them before their next atrocity? To be honest I was starting to hope they would get her and we would all be spared any more.
This whole book feels like it was dialled in by a twelve year old on author work experience. Awful.
Anyway, late 70s and IRA bombings. Jane gets caught up in one and may have seen the bomber. Despite a degree of PTS, can she help stop them before their next atrocity? To be honest I was starting to hope they would get her and we would all be spared any more.
This whole book feels like it was dialled in by a twelve year old on author work experience. Awful.
March 14, 2018
This is actually the first novel in the early Tennison series I have read. Thoroughly enjoyed it, but I do love this character both in visual and literary format! I love seeing her in the early years, would definitely recommend them. I'm going back to read the previous two as soon as I can.
Full review to follow.
Full review to follow.
June 17, 2017
I have been meaning to read a Lynda La Plante novel for some tine having always enjoyed her television adaptions such as 'Prime Suspect'. I found this such an easy novel to read with the characters being so familiar to me due to the television production and it made a very good read.
The book is set during Tenyson's early career when the IRA were subjecting London to a terrifying bombing campaign. Jane Tennison while on her way to court one morning is caught up in a bomb blast that leaves several people dead, and many horribly injured. She is a key witness, but is adamant that she can't identify the bomber. When a photograph appears in the newspapers, showing Jane assisting the injured at the scene, it puts her and her family at risk from IRA retaliation.
'Good Friday' is the eagerly awaited date of the annual formal CID dinner, due to take place at St Ermin's Hotel. Hundreds of detectives and their wives will be there. It's the perfect target.
Jane Tenyson is an excellent character both in the television series played by Helen Mirren and also in the actual books where it is easy to picture Helen Mirren as the lead character. I found this book an excellent read while relaxing on holiday and fully intend to read both more of Lynda La Plante's books as well as revisiting the television series.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bonnier Zaffre for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The book is set during Tenyson's early career when the IRA were subjecting London to a terrifying bombing campaign. Jane Tennison while on her way to court one morning is caught up in a bomb blast that leaves several people dead, and many horribly injured. She is a key witness, but is adamant that she can't identify the bomber. When a photograph appears in the newspapers, showing Jane assisting the injured at the scene, it puts her and her family at risk from IRA retaliation.
'Good Friday' is the eagerly awaited date of the annual formal CID dinner, due to take place at St Ermin's Hotel. Hundreds of detectives and their wives will be there. It's the perfect target.
Jane Tenyson is an excellent character both in the television series played by Helen Mirren and also in the actual books where it is easy to picture Helen Mirren as the lead character. I found this book an excellent read while relaxing on holiday and fully intend to read both more of Lynda La Plante's books as well as revisiting the television series.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bonnier Zaffre for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2025
A fast moving thriller and excellent entry in the series. It was interesting to travel back in time to 1970s London. Overall, it was a cracking read, however, sometimes it was a bit of a stretch to take in all the events that occur to Tennison in quick succession.
Tennison is young in years and in her career and her naivety is still in evidence. I felt like I was ahead of her when it came to character analysis and was able to pick out the bad apple but then, I am older and a tad more cynical. The writing is very true to the time period it is set in, 1970s England.
Tennison is young in years and in her career and her naivety is still in evidence. I felt like I was ahead of her when it came to character analysis and was able to pick out the bad apple but then, I am older and a tad more cynical. The writing is very true to the time period it is set in, 1970s England.
September 8, 2017
Massive Belly Flop
I don't even know where to begin with this car crash.
I've never read a Tennison book before and after this instalment I don't feel like I've missed out. This works as a stand alone book but then I don't think I enjoyed it as a stand alone book either. The good reviews so far seem to be mostly fans of this series already. I haven't read or watched any of the series so far and I can firmly say after reading Good Friday I definitely don't want to again.
Firstly the writing is appalling! I have to admit my use of English is not outstanding and I found a lot of errors in this book. The style is generally unappealing. There's very little attempt to create tension and suspense. Even when the scenario would naturally be very tense e.g. Disposing of bombs....Lynda La Plante seemed to make it dull?! The writing was clunky and matter of fact. This killed it for me. The whole point in reading is to ignite our imagination but this book did the opposite. For example "Jane went into the bathroom. The shower unit was attached to the bath taps, and there was a small, plastic curtained rail around the bath. She turned on the shower and hurried into her bedroom to decide what to wear. The Coronation Street theme tune echoed from the spare bedroom..." that's a really great description....of a shower. That added great value to the story. I've never noticed what a shower looked like before....this unnecessary description happens a lot!!
Moving along from the terrible writing style we approach the terrible story, which again, had a whole load of errors:
[1] Towards the beginning of the story a Spanish individual is arrested. Instead of offering an interpreter (welcome to the real world)....No. the police rely on Jane. Who only achieved (dodgy) A-Level Spanish. Many many years ago. Excuse me but that's not reliable and definitely not good policing.
[2] Confidentiality clearly doesn't apply to this police force. E.g. "....''Are you a relative of one of the patients?'
'No.' The man peered past Jane. 'Is that elderly woman one of the bomb victims?'
Jane moved from the bedside astonished at the man's rudeness. 'Yes, she is, and she's in a coma.'"
[3] To begin with this elderly woman is only known by her first name. But the police are requested to allow only relatives to visit her whilst in the hospital. Makes perfect sense. How would they know who's family or not if they don't even know the surname? How would family know she was there? Great story telling again. Great continuity.
[4] Janes date with Michael. So Michael is an ON-CALL nurse. Whilst ON-CALL he happily chugs half a bottle of wine. Then goes straight to work due to an emergency. I'd be very happy if the nurse I'd just called into work was inebriated. Nobody is that stupid. (I hope!)
[5] Towards the end they are reviewing evidence against a suspect using a phone box. They discuss the retrieval of fingerprints to help identify this female. Although in a previous witness statement this female is described as wearing black leather gloves. Talk about wasting police time. Good luck finding any fingerprints. Yet another contradiction. There are so many I'd basically quote the entire book cover to cover.
[6] The story was predictable. There is no attempt to hide character involvements. We could see from the moment Jane met the individuals that Pearl and Natalie would be involved in criminal activity at some point in the book. This is highlighted multiple times when every police officer says to Jane "Make sure you get your housemate vetted by the police"....just point to the criminal why don't you?
[7] Every police officer is boring. Did anybody finish the book and remember the difference between Church and Stanley? I didn't. Did any of these characters have any personality? Nope!
In other words, I don't recommend this book.
As they say "life is too short to read bad books".
I don't even know where to begin with this car crash.
I've never read a Tennison book before and after this instalment I don't feel like I've missed out. This works as a stand alone book but then I don't think I enjoyed it as a stand alone book either. The good reviews so far seem to be mostly fans of this series already. I haven't read or watched any of the series so far and I can firmly say after reading Good Friday I definitely don't want to again.
Firstly the writing is appalling! I have to admit my use of English is not outstanding and I found a lot of errors in this book. The style is generally unappealing. There's very little attempt to create tension and suspense. Even when the scenario would naturally be very tense e.g. Disposing of bombs....Lynda La Plante seemed to make it dull?! The writing was clunky and matter of fact. This killed it for me. The whole point in reading is to ignite our imagination but this book did the opposite. For example "Jane went into the bathroom. The shower unit was attached to the bath taps, and there was a small, plastic curtained rail around the bath. She turned on the shower and hurried into her bedroom to decide what to wear. The Coronation Street theme tune echoed from the spare bedroom..." that's a really great description....of a shower. That added great value to the story. I've never noticed what a shower looked like before....this unnecessary description happens a lot!!
Moving along from the terrible writing style we approach the terrible story, which again, had a whole load of errors:
[1] Towards the beginning of the story a Spanish individual is arrested. Instead of offering an interpreter (welcome to the real world)....No. the police rely on Jane. Who only achieved (dodgy) A-Level Spanish. Many many years ago. Excuse me but that's not reliable and definitely not good policing.
[2] Confidentiality clearly doesn't apply to this police force. E.g. "....''Are you a relative of one of the patients?'
'No.' The man peered past Jane. 'Is that elderly woman one of the bomb victims?'
Jane moved from the bedside astonished at the man's rudeness. 'Yes, she is, and she's in a coma.'"
[3] To begin with this elderly woman is only known by her first name. But the police are requested to allow only relatives to visit her whilst in the hospital. Makes perfect sense. How would they know who's family or not if they don't even know the surname? How would family know she was there? Great story telling again. Great continuity.
[4] Janes date with Michael. So Michael is an ON-CALL nurse. Whilst ON-CALL he happily chugs half a bottle of wine. Then goes straight to work due to an emergency. I'd be very happy if the nurse I'd just called into work was inebriated. Nobody is that stupid. (I hope!)
[5] Towards the end they are reviewing evidence against a suspect using a phone box. They discuss the retrieval of fingerprints to help identify this female. Although in a previous witness statement this female is described as wearing black leather gloves. Talk about wasting police time. Good luck finding any fingerprints. Yet another contradiction. There are so many I'd basically quote the entire book cover to cover.
[6] The story was predictable. There is no attempt to hide character involvements. We could see from the moment Jane met the individuals that Pearl and Natalie would be involved in criminal activity at some point in the book. This is highlighted multiple times when every police officer says to Jane "Make sure you get your housemate vetted by the police"....just point to the criminal why don't you?
[7] Every police officer is boring. Did anybody finish the book and remember the difference between Church and Stanley? I didn't. Did any of these characters have any personality? Nope!
In other words, I don't recommend this book.
As they say "life is too short to read bad books".
May 4, 2022
Having enjoyed the Prime Suspect series on TV years ago, I decided to try a set of three books about Jane Tennison's early career though hadn't realised when I bought them that they were books 3 - 5 rather than 1 - 3. So Tennison is already working in CID when the story opens. She is soon caught up in an IRA bomb attack at Covent Garden underground station in London and her actions in trying to apprehend the culprit and help the wounded initiate most of the action of the subsequent story.
I found the character of Jane to be very naive compared to her later incarnation, although perhaps that is to be expected. However, certain flags were obvious to me such as 'bumping into' someone she hadn't seen for years just as she is leaving the hospital room of an injured woman who is the only one to get a good look at the bomber. There were a few red herrings along the way to divert the reader's suspicions, but I found it very surprising that Jane's colleagues, in some cases experienced Bomb Squad officers, also took things at face value and didn't advise that it wasn't a good idea to go ahead with her plan to rent out a room in her new flat. Considering the two conversations about sleeper agents, it seems odd that they took a lack of criminal record as a good enough recommendation for a particular character. Jane stumbles from one blunder to another, and is never given credit when she comes up with several key insights that ultimately save lives, so it is surprising that she eventually does rise to the rank seen in the Prime Suspect TV series. She also comes across as a much more fragile person than in the TV series though we do see the start of certain habits such as drinking and smoking.
From a writing point of view, I found some of the text clunky and pedestrian with too much stage direction and unnecessary detail at times. This tended to flatten the narrative and rob it of tension and suspense at points where there should have been real involvement in the story. There was a subplot concerning trafficked underage girls, which didn't go anywhere and eventually fizzled out, being mainly used to land Jane in hot water with her superiors.
There were also various anachronisms which jumped out and jarred the suspension of disbelief, such as the use of "landline" several times to describe a wired-in telephone. As the latter were the only phones around, apart from car phones owned by the wealthy which I think must have been radio controlled, it stood out. Similarly, expressions such as "too much information" didn't sound right for the 1970s and having looked that up since, it didn't appear till the late 80s or enter general use till the 1990s. There were a few others like that, which jolted the flow as they didn't belong in a book set in the 1970s. So given the various niggles, I would rate this at 3 stars.
I found the character of Jane to be very naive compared to her later incarnation, although perhaps that is to be expected. However, certain flags were obvious to me such as 'bumping into' someone she hadn't seen for years just as she is leaving the hospital room of an injured woman who is the only one to get a good look at the bomber. There were a few red herrings along the way to divert the reader's suspicions, but I found it very surprising that Jane's colleagues, in some cases experienced Bomb Squad officers, also took things at face value and didn't advise that it wasn't a good idea to go ahead with her plan to rent out a room in her new flat. Considering the two conversations about sleeper agents, it seems odd that they took a lack of criminal record as a good enough recommendation for a particular character. Jane stumbles from one blunder to another, and is never given credit when she comes up with several key insights that ultimately save lives, so it is surprising that she eventually does rise to the rank seen in the Prime Suspect TV series. She also comes across as a much more fragile person than in the TV series though we do see the start of certain habits such as drinking and smoking.
From a writing point of view, I found some of the text clunky and pedestrian with too much stage direction and unnecessary detail at times. This tended to flatten the narrative and rob it of tension and suspense at points where there should have been real involvement in the story. There was a subplot concerning trafficked underage girls, which didn't go anywhere and eventually fizzled out, being mainly used to land Jane in hot water with her superiors.
There were also various anachronisms which jumped out and jarred the suspension of disbelief, such as the use of "landline" several times to describe a wired-in telephone. As the latter were the only phones around, apart from car phones owned by the wealthy which I think must have been radio controlled, it stood out. Similarly, expressions such as "too much information" didn't sound right for the 1970s and having looked that up since, it didn't appear till the late 80s or enter general use till the 1990s. There were a few others like that, which jolted the flow as they didn't belong in a book set in the 1970s. So given the various niggles, I would rate this at 3 stars.
![Profile Image for Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1712357414i%2F6658001._UY200_CR4%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 18, 2018
Review to follow. 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ My final written review will determine rounding down or up 🤩. However, atm I have some ‘extension of credibility’ issues and concern about possible padding out of the story. EG, why was the flatmate introduced and what purpose did this character serve?
However, enjoyed the read and will move on to #4 in the near future. Narration was very good and the story flowed well towards the easily predictable ending.
However, enjoyed the read and will move on to #4 in the near future. Narration was very good and the story flowed well towards the easily predictable ending.
April 6, 2018
So, now I have to hold up my hands and admit that I've not read a book by Lynda La Plante before. I know, where on earth have I been?
What really attracted me to Good Friday was the era. This is a 'Jane Tennison' thriller; before 'Prime Suspect', and set in the 1970s when Jane is a rookie cop, just starting out in her police career. I figured that if I got to know something about the early years, then it would be easier for me to go on and read the Prime Suspect books.
I read Good Friday whilst we were away on a cheeky overnight break in Durham at the weekend. I settled down by the pool in the spa whilst the bloke went and sweated it out in the sauna. Cocktail at hand, bedded down on a comfy lounger with a blanket, I dived in (to the book, not the pool!). I was engrossed immediately. Lynda La Plante flung me back to the 1970s with her incredibly atmospheric descriptions of both the characters and the setting.
Jane Tennison is a detective; she's just joined the Dip Squad; a team of officers who deal with pick pockets on the busy streets of London. She really wants to join the Flying Squad, and knows that if she proves herself to her colleagues, she may be the first woman to get that chance. She's on her way to a court hearing when she gets caught up in a terrorist bombing at Covent Garden Tube Station. The IRA left a bomb in a rucksack and there are multiple fatalities. Jane is one of the only people who actually saw the bomber.
The plot follows Jane as she and her colleagues try to find the culprit, and the sleeper gang who they are convinced are operating in the area. This is not just an everyday police procedural novel, this is also the story of Jane; her family and her friends.
There's an innocence and vulnerability about Jane that surprised me in places. At times, I knew damn well that what she was saying, or doing was going to cause huge problems for her, and her team. However, Lynda La Plante does make Jane a likeable and utterly believable character, she has a good heart and I'm sure that her experiences are going to shape her future character.
What really impressed me was the whole 1970s vibe. Those of us of a certain age will remember TV shoes such as the Sweeney and the Professionals; testosterone filled car chases; dubious dialogue, sexist remarks and lots of cigarettes and leather jackets. Good Friday is full of them. Those manly, police officers who really didn't think that the force was any place for a woman, yet were protective of Jane throughout. There are scenes that will make the woman of 2018 cringe, yet they are exactly right for the setting.
Good Friday has a fast-paced plot, if a tiny bit predictable in places, but it's great fun and so easy to read, and I will certainly be on the look out for more of Lynda La Plante's books. Perfect for a lazy day at the spa!
What really attracted me to Good Friday was the era. This is a 'Jane Tennison' thriller; before 'Prime Suspect', and set in the 1970s when Jane is a rookie cop, just starting out in her police career. I figured that if I got to know something about the early years, then it would be easier for me to go on and read the Prime Suspect books.
I read Good Friday whilst we were away on a cheeky overnight break in Durham at the weekend. I settled down by the pool in the spa whilst the bloke went and sweated it out in the sauna. Cocktail at hand, bedded down on a comfy lounger with a blanket, I dived in (to the book, not the pool!). I was engrossed immediately. Lynda La Plante flung me back to the 1970s with her incredibly atmospheric descriptions of both the characters and the setting.
Jane Tennison is a detective; she's just joined the Dip Squad; a team of officers who deal with pick pockets on the busy streets of London. She really wants to join the Flying Squad, and knows that if she proves herself to her colleagues, she may be the first woman to get that chance. She's on her way to a court hearing when she gets caught up in a terrorist bombing at Covent Garden Tube Station. The IRA left a bomb in a rucksack and there are multiple fatalities. Jane is one of the only people who actually saw the bomber.
The plot follows Jane as she and her colleagues try to find the culprit, and the sleeper gang who they are convinced are operating in the area. This is not just an everyday police procedural novel, this is also the story of Jane; her family and her friends.
There's an innocence and vulnerability about Jane that surprised me in places. At times, I knew damn well that what she was saying, or doing was going to cause huge problems for her, and her team. However, Lynda La Plante does make Jane a likeable and utterly believable character, she has a good heart and I'm sure that her experiences are going to shape her future character.
What really impressed me was the whole 1970s vibe. Those of us of a certain age will remember TV shoes such as the Sweeney and the Professionals; testosterone filled car chases; dubious dialogue, sexist remarks and lots of cigarettes and leather jackets. Good Friday is full of them. Those manly, police officers who really didn't think that the force was any place for a woman, yet were protective of Jane throughout. There are scenes that will make the woman of 2018 cringe, yet they are exactly right for the setting.
Good Friday has a fast-paced plot, if a tiny bit predictable in places, but it's great fun and so easy to read, and I will certainly be on the look out for more of Lynda La Plante's books. Perfect for a lazy day at the spa!
August 29, 2017
Lynda La Plante’s Tennison was one of my favourite books when released in 2015. It’s basically the backstory of Jane Tennison – the ‘take no prisoners’ senior detective / chief inspector whatzit from her popular Prime Suspect books and the (equally popular) TV series based on those books (starring Helen Mirren).
Set in the early 1970s, Tennison, Hidden Killers, and now Good Friday, focus around the early years of Jane… after she first joins the police force. Obviously the sexist attitudes and prejudice she experiences in the Prime Suspect series (kicking off in the early 1990s) is nothing compared to the attitudes of many two decades earlier… but the resilient and resourceful young Jane doesn’t let that stand in her way.
When we again meet Jane she’s now a detective and though her new boss is kinda supportive she’s basically doing grunt work. She aspires to join the Flying Squad – a boys-only arrogant bunch who investigate armed robberies across London. Her boss offers her a stepping stone however on the ‘Dip Squad’ a similar group, though less prestigious, targetting pickpockets.
Jane’s really only on the job briefly when she literally stumbles across the terrorist attack. It’s not the first time in these books that Jane’s in the right place at the right time (for most of us that would be wrong place, wrong time) and somehow ends up embroiled in a high profile case. It is however Jane’s doggedness which sees them catch a break. Having said that, there’s also still a naivety which has long disappeared before we later meet her as a DCI.
There’s probably less focus on the ‘boys club’ thing in this novel, though more on Jane’s personal life… in terms of buying her own flat (practically unheard of then I gather) and the challenges she has in trusting those around her. And there are a few love interests floating about for good measure.
In the previous books in this series my main concern or criticism has been around the fact that La Plante’s included two plots. (Though it was less of an issue in the second in the series than the first.) It doesn’t really happen this time around, though the case Jane is initially working on remains in the periphery a little. And in reality there are a lot of threads at play in the bombing, so we’re kept busy piecing those together.
I’m loving early / young Jane and think La Plante is doing a good job of building her into the detective and character we later meet. Of course there’s still a fragility and innocence to this Jane and we’re slowly learning why older Jane – though perhaps still retaining some of that sensitivity – has a hardened and bristly shell.
Read the full review on my site: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Set in the early 1970s, Tennison, Hidden Killers, and now Good Friday, focus around the early years of Jane… after she first joins the police force. Obviously the sexist attitudes and prejudice she experiences in the Prime Suspect series (kicking off in the early 1990s) is nothing compared to the attitudes of many two decades earlier… but the resilient and resourceful young Jane doesn’t let that stand in her way.
When we again meet Jane she’s now a detective and though her new boss is kinda supportive she’s basically doing grunt work. She aspires to join the Flying Squad – a boys-only arrogant bunch who investigate armed robberies across London. Her boss offers her a stepping stone however on the ‘Dip Squad’ a similar group, though less prestigious, targetting pickpockets.
Jane’s really only on the job briefly when she literally stumbles across the terrorist attack. It’s not the first time in these books that Jane’s in the right place at the right time (for most of us that would be wrong place, wrong time) and somehow ends up embroiled in a high profile case. It is however Jane’s doggedness which sees them catch a break. Having said that, there’s also still a naivety which has long disappeared before we later meet her as a DCI.
There’s probably less focus on the ‘boys club’ thing in this novel, though more on Jane’s personal life… in terms of buying her own flat (practically unheard of then I gather) and the challenges she has in trusting those around her. And there are a few love interests floating about for good measure.
In the previous books in this series my main concern or criticism has been around the fact that La Plante’s included two plots. (Though it was less of an issue in the second in the series than the first.) It doesn’t really happen this time around, though the case Jane is initially working on remains in the periphery a little. And in reality there are a lot of threads at play in the bombing, so we’re kept busy piecing those together.
I’m loving early / young Jane and think La Plante is doing a good job of building her into the detective and character we later meet. Of course there’s still a fragility and innocence to this Jane and we’re slowly learning why older Jane – though perhaps still retaining some of that sensitivity – has a hardened and bristly shell.
Read the full review on my site: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
December 28, 2017
By the time this, the third in the prequels to the Jane Tennsion series, opens Jane is now a Detective working out of Bow Street in London. She’s feeling a little frustrated at being given the lowly jobs and seeking a way to find a route to a more exciting future. She’s still young, still very much trying to break free from her parent’s expectations but old enough to be tiring of life in the Section house. One morning after she’s climbed up the steps at Covent Garden Station she sees a woman shouting after a man who has left a rucksack. Sadly the rucksack contains a bomb that goes off and Jane immediately is caught up in the aftermath of tending to the injured.
It is interesting to see that despite being set over forty years ago, the media play a key role in the story. Although Jane is clear that she didn’t get a proper view of the suspected bomber, she goes to a press conference where an e-fit picture is given to the press. Unsurprisingly this puts Jane not only in the firing line of the media attention, but also potentially compromises her own safety.
Through all the mayhem, trauma and fear that follows the bomb explosion, Jane’s new boss in CID is adamant that she should attend the annual CID dinner at St Ermin’s Hotel, so she has a posh dress to find. All of this lends a somewhat congruous edge to the hunt for the bomber as I’m used to reading books where no-one gets leave, certainly time to prepare for a dinner wouldn’t be top priority, and yet in some ways it felt realistic, Jane after all, despite being important as a witness is not part of the main investigation.
As well as the investigation into the bombing we see Jane move away from the Section House into a small flat of her own, complete with disastrous room-mate. We see the stringent rules imposed by the Police Service on its officers at that time, and we also get a glimpse of what life was like for a young woman in the capital during the 1970s. Jane hasn’t yet got the steely edge she will acquire later on, but she does show us some of the tenacity and brilliant thinking which will emerge into the light later in her life. Alongside this there is some ingenious plotting so which had me turning the pages faster than the speed of… well as fast as I could read them!
It is interesting to see that despite being set over forty years ago, the media play a key role in the story. Although Jane is clear that she didn’t get a proper view of the suspected bomber, she goes to a press conference where an e-fit picture is given to the press. Unsurprisingly this puts Jane not only in the firing line of the media attention, but also potentially compromises her own safety.
Through all the mayhem, trauma and fear that follows the bomb explosion, Jane’s new boss in CID is adamant that she should attend the annual CID dinner at St Ermin’s Hotel, so she has a posh dress to find. All of this lends a somewhat congruous edge to the hunt for the bomber as I’m used to reading books where no-one gets leave, certainly time to prepare for a dinner wouldn’t be top priority, and yet in some ways it felt realistic, Jane after all, despite being important as a witness is not part of the main investigation.
As well as the investigation into the bombing we see Jane move away from the Section House into a small flat of her own, complete with disastrous room-mate. We see the stringent rules imposed by the Police Service on its officers at that time, and we also get a glimpse of what life was like for a young woman in the capital during the 1970s. Jane hasn’t yet got the steely edge she will acquire later on, but she does show us some of the tenacity and brilliant thinking which will emerge into the light later in her life. Alongside this there is some ingenious plotting so which had me turning the pages faster than the speed of… well as fast as I could read them!
August 13, 2018
The third in the Tennison police series, following the early career of the character made famous in the TV series Prime Suspect in the early 1990s. A gripping read although the ending was a little predictable.
August 11, 2017
I enjoy both the old Prime Suspect and the more recent Prime Suspect:Tennison series on PBS, so I thought I would try this book; I’m glad I did.
Good Friday features the younger Jane Tennison as she is beginning her career as a detective in the 1970s. The plot revolves around the bombings by the IRA in London and is a stark reminder that terrorist attacks are all too familiar for this city.
Recently transferred to a new division and making new acquaintances there as well as settling in to a new home and adjusting to a roommate, Jane is witness to a bombing that takes place in the Covet Garden tube station.
The story moves along at a good pace and is believable. La Plante is a
good writer who pays attention to detail. The supporting characters are well developed and easily distinguished from each other. I was a little uncomfortable with how the males in the department tend to treat her more like a pet than an equal, but that is probably realistically reflective of the times.
I found myself lost in this book and didn’t want to put it down. It is a good choice for those who enjoy police procedurals with good character development.
Good Friday features the younger Jane Tennison as she is beginning her career as a detective in the 1970s. The plot revolves around the bombings by the IRA in London and is a stark reminder that terrorist attacks are all too familiar for this city.
Recently transferred to a new division and making new acquaintances there as well as settling in to a new home and adjusting to a roommate, Jane is witness to a bombing that takes place in the Covet Garden tube station.
The story moves along at a good pace and is believable. La Plante is a
good writer who pays attention to detail. The supporting characters are well developed and easily distinguished from each other. I was a little uncomfortable with how the males in the department tend to treat her more like a pet than an equal, but that is probably realistically reflective of the times.
I found myself lost in this book and didn’t want to put it down. It is a good choice for those who enjoy police procedurals with good character development.
July 20, 2025
Mixed reviews. Main character Jane annoyed me - as a police officer just starting out, the amount of stupid shit she did that should have got her sacked straight away was ridiculous. She was made out to be weak, and the 1976 plain sexism threaded throughout pissed me off but true to the time, shedding light on being a female police officer in the 70s I guess.
September 2, 2017
Another great installment in the Tennison Series. Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC.
September 2, 2017
Rating 3.5*
EVERY LEGEND HAS A BEGINNING…
BEFORE ‘PRIME SUSPECT’ THERE WAS TENNISON’
Good Friday is the third book in Lynda La Plante's Tennison series, taking us back to 1976 when Jane Tennison had just graduated as a detective and the IRA are involved in a deadly bombing campaign in London.
Read on for my thoughts…
Many of us have seen the fabulous actress Helen Mirren star in the ITV drama, Prime Suspect, as she portrayed DCI/DS Jane Tennison. In this series we witness the rise of Tennison in the police-force as she determinedly climbs up and crashes through the glass ceiling of a male dominated workplace.
But who is Jane Tennison? Where did her career begin?
In Good Friday we join Jane Tennison in 1976, as she is about embark on her career as a detective. Young, fresh and somewhat naive, Jane is quickly immersed in a very sexist male working environment.
London is a city on edge following a spate of IRA bombings and the public are on permanent alert, although simultaneously getting on with their daily lives.
Jane arrives to work with hopes of a fast track move through the ranks, with her eye very much fixed on a career with the ‘Flying Squad’.This is an elite group of officers who work at the highest levels of crime and where the pace of work is adrenaline fueled and fast paced. No woman has ever been welcomed into this group.
Jane finds herself with the ‘Dip Squad’ instead. This is a rather eclectic mix of characters, again, all men, that spend their days tracking gangs of organised thieves who are playing havoc on the streets and underground stations in London. At first a little bit hesitant, Jane soon seems to settle in but for Jane it was never going to be straightforward or easy.
She sets out to her very first court case with enthusiasm and vigor, but this is short-lived, as en-route, Jane finds herself witness to a massive bomb attack in Covent Garden Tube station. Her instinct is to stay and help those injured, but it is this willingness to assist that ends up putting Jane’s life and those nearest and dearest to her at risk. Jane is caught on camera, covered in dust and the blood of injured victims. Her’s is the face that is splashed across the newspapers as a potential witness in identifying the bomber.
At the same time, in her personal life, Jane is spreading her wings and is purchasing her first apartment. Her privacy as a detective is non-existent as all details of possible flatmates have to be checked and passed by CID.
Thrown into the spotlight is not where Jane intended to be at such an early stage in her CID career. Her inexperience shines through in many chapters, with the attitude of her colleagues turning quite dismissive and quite cruel in some of their actions toward her.
With the imminent possibility of further threats from the IRA, there is pressure to find the central members of this IRA cell. This is a big, big case and it’s obvious that Jane is well out of her depth, yet she is one plucky lady. With little fear for her own personal safety, Jane stands shoulder to shoulder with her colleagues, not looking for any special treatment. As time ticks slowly by, there is a major chance that this next bomb could result in complete carnage and destruction. Can the IRA be stopped? Is Jane Tennison up to the job?
Good Friday, for me, was more than just a police procedural.
Lynda La Plante highlights the extreme imbalance in the workforce at the time. The descriptions of the male officers were so accurate, I could almost sense the testosterone off the pages. These were MEN. They smoked, they drank, they took risks, they had women, they had confidence in themselves. In their eyes, the police-force was no place for a woman. From the get-go, Jane is up against it, yet she completely immerses herself in the job, ignoring the cold-shoulders and general dismissive attitude toward her work. Now, I will just say that, at times, Jane did make some disastrous decisions and I found myself having an imaginary conversation with her. But…..this was the 1970’s, times were very, very different and Jane Tennison was just at the beginning of what would be a very successful career.
A fast read, an easy read, quite light compared to other crime books on the shelves at the moment, making Good Friday quite a refreshing alternative.
EVERY LEGEND HAS A BEGINNING…
BEFORE ‘PRIME SUSPECT’ THERE WAS TENNISON’
Good Friday is the third book in Lynda La Plante's Tennison series, taking us back to 1976 when Jane Tennison had just graduated as a detective and the IRA are involved in a deadly bombing campaign in London.
Read on for my thoughts…
Many of us have seen the fabulous actress Helen Mirren star in the ITV drama, Prime Suspect, as she portrayed DCI/DS Jane Tennison. In this series we witness the rise of Tennison in the police-force as she determinedly climbs up and crashes through the glass ceiling of a male dominated workplace.
But who is Jane Tennison? Where did her career begin?
In Good Friday we join Jane Tennison in 1976, as she is about embark on her career as a detective. Young, fresh and somewhat naive, Jane is quickly immersed in a very sexist male working environment.
London is a city on edge following a spate of IRA bombings and the public are on permanent alert, although simultaneously getting on with their daily lives.
Jane arrives to work with hopes of a fast track move through the ranks, with her eye very much fixed on a career with the ‘Flying Squad’.This is an elite group of officers who work at the highest levels of crime and where the pace of work is adrenaline fueled and fast paced. No woman has ever been welcomed into this group.
Jane finds herself with the ‘Dip Squad’ instead. This is a rather eclectic mix of characters, again, all men, that spend their days tracking gangs of organised thieves who are playing havoc on the streets and underground stations in London. At first a little bit hesitant, Jane soon seems to settle in but for Jane it was never going to be straightforward or easy.
She sets out to her very first court case with enthusiasm and vigor, but this is short-lived, as en-route, Jane finds herself witness to a massive bomb attack in Covent Garden Tube station. Her instinct is to stay and help those injured, but it is this willingness to assist that ends up putting Jane’s life and those nearest and dearest to her at risk. Jane is caught on camera, covered in dust and the blood of injured victims. Her’s is the face that is splashed across the newspapers as a potential witness in identifying the bomber.
At the same time, in her personal life, Jane is spreading her wings and is purchasing her first apartment. Her privacy as a detective is non-existent as all details of possible flatmates have to be checked and passed by CID.
Thrown into the spotlight is not where Jane intended to be at such an early stage in her CID career. Her inexperience shines through in many chapters, with the attitude of her colleagues turning quite dismissive and quite cruel in some of their actions toward her.
With the imminent possibility of further threats from the IRA, there is pressure to find the central members of this IRA cell. This is a big, big case and it’s obvious that Jane is well out of her depth, yet she is one plucky lady. With little fear for her own personal safety, Jane stands shoulder to shoulder with her colleagues, not looking for any special treatment. As time ticks slowly by, there is a major chance that this next bomb could result in complete carnage and destruction. Can the IRA be stopped? Is Jane Tennison up to the job?
Good Friday, for me, was more than just a police procedural.
Lynda La Plante highlights the extreme imbalance in the workforce at the time. The descriptions of the male officers were so accurate, I could almost sense the testosterone off the pages. These were MEN. They smoked, they drank, they took risks, they had women, they had confidence in themselves. In their eyes, the police-force was no place for a woman. From the get-go, Jane is up against it, yet she completely immerses herself in the job, ignoring the cold-shoulders and general dismissive attitude toward her work. Now, I will just say that, at times, Jane did make some disastrous decisions and I found myself having an imaginary conversation with her. But…..this was the 1970’s, times were very, very different and Jane Tennison was just at the beginning of what would be a very successful career.
A fast read, an easy read, quite light compared to other crime books on the shelves at the moment, making Good Friday quite a refreshing alternative.
November 26, 2017
1970's Jane Tennison is still somewhat innocent and naive. She wants to move up quickly so she joins a squad of unique officers who run the pickpockets unit. She gets caught up in the aftermath of an IRA bomb and things pick up from there. Sleepers, vice squad, prostitution are just some of the troubled topics that find Jane. Will she come out with her career unscathed or with her life for that matter. A perfect cinematic ending to an action packed procedural.
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
September 25, 2019
Another Lynda La Plante novel that will keep you interested throughout the story. Her books are like watching a movie with likeable characters and a good mystery. Jane Tennison is in a tube station when someone shouts" You forgot your Bag". In London during the 70s it is the work of the IRA. THE explosion causes deaths and injuries. Jane catches a glimpse of the man who left the bag..Jane helps with the rescue efforts and soon is caught up in the middle of the investigation. be sure to pick up and read this. I enjoyed it very much.
August 21, 2017
Jane Tennison is now a fully-fledged detective. On the way to court one morning, Jane passes through Covent Garden Underground station and is caught up in a bomb blast that leaves several people dead, and many horribly injured. Jane is a key witness, but is adamant that she can't identify the bomber. When a photograph appears in the newspapers, showing Jane assisting the injured at the scene, it puts her and her family at risk from IRA retaliation.
'Good Friday' is the date of the annual formal CID dinner, due to take place at St Ermin's Hotel. Hundreds of detectives and their wives will be there. It's the perfect target. As Jane arrives for the evening, she realises that she recognises the parking attendant as the bomber from Covent Garden.
Jane shows a lot of initiative in this novel, as the reader would expect. Her father helps her buy a small apartment with two bedrooms and no living room (unusual) and her first roommate turns out to be a bad choice. She also meets a friend from police training school and gets quite chummy with her, learning to cook and to dress for the big night. She also meets several handsome men and in the end picks the right one!
I loved this book and am dying to read the two previous ones in this series. Many thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of this great book.
'Good Friday' is the date of the annual formal CID dinner, due to take place at St Ermin's Hotel. Hundreds of detectives and their wives will be there. It's the perfect target. As Jane arrives for the evening, she realises that she recognises the parking attendant as the bomber from Covent Garden.
Jane shows a lot of initiative in this novel, as the reader would expect. Her father helps her buy a small apartment with two bedrooms and no living room (unusual) and her first roommate turns out to be a bad choice. She also meets a friend from police training school and gets quite chummy with her, learning to cook and to dress for the big night. She also meets several handsome men and in the end picks the right one!
I loved this book and am dying to read the two previous ones in this series. Many thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of this great book.
September 5, 2017
“Good Friday” by Linda La Plante takes place in March 1976, a time when the Irish Republican Army subjected London to a terrifying bombing campaign.
Jane Tennison completed her CID course and was anxious to put her skills to work. Unfortunately, in 1976, roles for women in police-work were very different, and police regulations included obtaining permission to live anywhere except in the section house, having roommates and neighbors checked for criminal records, and even requesting permission to get married. Her prospects for high-level police jobs were severely restricted, so instead of a spot on the elite “Flying Squad,” she was offered a position in the “DIP squad” chasing pickpockets. Even there, she was the first woman member.
Nevertheless, she was determined to accomplish her goals. She took the new job, got her own place with a roommate, and endeavored to learn all there was to know about being a pickpocket and catching a thief. Of course, the Scotland Yard Detective Squad’s annual black-tie dinner dance was approaching on Good Friday, April 16, at St. Ermin’s Hotel, and she was expected to attend with a date and in formal dress.
The book followed Jane through her every day comings and goings as she struggled to cope with ordinary events and an extra ordinary job. She focused on being a good police officer and a good friend. She found a roommate, reconnected with an old friend from Hendon Police College, and even took a few cooking lessons.
However, all was not well in Janes’ world. Her life became increasingly complicated by sexual tension on the job, a prostitution ring case involving an underage girl, and a horrific IRA bombing. Her personal life collapsed in shambles, and she was at a loss to know whom she could trust. Things came to a terrifying climax that had me on the edge of my seat.
I received a copy of “Good Friday” from Bonnier Zaffre Publishing, Linda La Plante, and NetGalley in exchange for my impartial review. I enjoyed the book and its look at complex London police work in 1976. The contrast between Jane’s everyday existence and her unpredictable, even gripping police life made this a compelling book. I highly recommend it.
Jane Tennison completed her CID course and was anxious to put her skills to work. Unfortunately, in 1976, roles for women in police-work were very different, and police regulations included obtaining permission to live anywhere except in the section house, having roommates and neighbors checked for criminal records, and even requesting permission to get married. Her prospects for high-level police jobs were severely restricted, so instead of a spot on the elite “Flying Squad,” she was offered a position in the “DIP squad” chasing pickpockets. Even there, she was the first woman member.
Nevertheless, she was determined to accomplish her goals. She took the new job, got her own place with a roommate, and endeavored to learn all there was to know about being a pickpocket and catching a thief. Of course, the Scotland Yard Detective Squad’s annual black-tie dinner dance was approaching on Good Friday, April 16, at St. Ermin’s Hotel, and she was expected to attend with a date and in formal dress.
The book followed Jane through her every day comings and goings as she struggled to cope with ordinary events and an extra ordinary job. She focused on being a good police officer and a good friend. She found a roommate, reconnected with an old friend from Hendon Police College, and even took a few cooking lessons.
However, all was not well in Janes’ world. Her life became increasingly complicated by sexual tension on the job, a prostitution ring case involving an underage girl, and a horrific IRA bombing. Her personal life collapsed in shambles, and she was at a loss to know whom she could trust. Things came to a terrifying climax that had me on the edge of my seat.
I received a copy of “Good Friday” from Bonnier Zaffre Publishing, Linda La Plante, and NetGalley in exchange for my impartial review. I enjoyed the book and its look at complex London police work in 1976. The contrast between Jane’s everyday existence and her unpredictable, even gripping police life made this a compelling book. I highly recommend it.
March 19, 2018
Someone please explain to me how this author has sold so many books????
This story had all the elements to make it a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. An yet it managed to make me fall asleep (Twice!)
There are bombs going off, an ongoing terrorist threat from the IRA, underage prostitutes, sexist police superiors and yet La Plante manages to make this story really fucking dull. There is even the world's dullest sex scene (I mean this isn't even going to make it onto the Bad Sex Award list it isn't even bad just really boring!)
I have heard the writers should always avoid passive voice and never really understood what that meant until now.
It is also strange that the book is written in third person (which is fine) but Jane's parents are referred to as Mr Tennison and Mrs Tennison which seems strangely formal when we are looking at things from Jane's POV. I also noted that this gets less formal as the book goes on - it just seems really weird.
There are a lot of male characters to keep track of - all of whom seem to surly and patronising to one degree or another - par for the course in the MET in the 1970's I imagine. (I did struggle to keep Crouch and Church straight for most of the book.)
My final issue with this book is Jane herself: Jane has just qualified as Detective Constable and while one might expect her to still be a little wet-behind-the-ears she strikes me as downright soggy. I spent half the book wondering how she manged to get to DC without any apparent training. Maybe my dislike for the book as a whole had me being a little harsh on her character but still I'm pretty certain a homeless drunkard would be more effective as a copper.
So in conclusion: Read this only if you are already a fan (god knows why you would be but it takes all sorts) or if you are an up and coming writer wondering what is Passive Voice and why you should avoid it.
This story had all the elements to make it a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. An yet it managed to make me fall asleep (Twice!)
There are bombs going off, an ongoing terrorist threat from the IRA, underage prostitutes, sexist police superiors and yet La Plante manages to make this story really fucking dull. There is even the world's dullest sex scene (I mean this isn't even going to make it onto the Bad Sex Award list it isn't even bad just really boring!)
I have heard the writers should always avoid passive voice and never really understood what that meant until now.
It is also strange that the book is written in third person (which is fine) but Jane's parents are referred to as Mr Tennison and Mrs Tennison which seems strangely formal when we are looking at things from Jane's POV. I also noted that this gets less formal as the book goes on - it just seems really weird.
There are a lot of male characters to keep track of - all of whom seem to surly and patronising to one degree or another - par for the course in the MET in the 1970's I imagine. (I did struggle to keep Crouch and Church straight for most of the book.)
My final issue with this book is Jane herself: Jane has just qualified as Detective Constable and while one might expect her to still be a little wet-behind-the-ears she strikes me as downright soggy. I spent half the book wondering how she manged to get to DC without any apparent training. Maybe my dislike for the book as a whole had me being a little harsh on her character but still I'm pretty certain a homeless drunkard would be more effective as a copper.
So in conclusion: Read this only if you are already a fan (god knows why you would be but it takes all sorts) or if you are an up and coming writer wondering what is Passive Voice and why you should avoid it.
July 5, 2017
(Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book)
Good Friday by author Lynda La Plante is the third British police novel with very likeable Jane Tennison as the main character. The plot of the book is set in the 1976 and deals with notorious IRA bombings.
Jane is a DC but still under the watchful eye of DCI Shepherd. Jane wants to prove herself in a more challenging role and asks for a position with the Flying Squad. Her request is denied but she is allowed to transfer to the Dip Squad for a six month probationary trial. During this time Jane has decided to buy her own flat and needs to find a renter to help with income toward her mortgage payments.
Now really begins the events which will change her life! I won’t post spoilers, but the book holds the readers interest. Jane is trying so hard to learn and be accepted in the male dominated Dip Squad. She also has to prove herself to her parents whom she respects, that she is capable of working a dangerous job and live independently.
Jane is thrown into the midst of a bombing and also a Vice case which causes her many problems within the department. A very intriguing story and you can’t help but want Jane to be successful!
Good Friday by author Lynda La Plante is the third British police novel with very likeable Jane Tennison as the main character. The plot of the book is set in the 1976 and deals with notorious IRA bombings.
Jane is a DC but still under the watchful eye of DCI Shepherd. Jane wants to prove herself in a more challenging role and asks for a position with the Flying Squad. Her request is denied but she is allowed to transfer to the Dip Squad for a six month probationary trial. During this time Jane has decided to buy her own flat and needs to find a renter to help with income toward her mortgage payments.
Now really begins the events which will change her life! I won’t post spoilers, but the book holds the readers interest. Jane is trying so hard to learn and be accepted in the male dominated Dip Squad. She also has to prove herself to her parents whom she respects, that she is capable of working a dangerous job and live independently.
Jane is thrown into the midst of a bombing and also a Vice case which causes her many problems within the department. A very intriguing story and you can’t help but want Jane to be successful!
September 16, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this third instalment in the Jane Tennison “early years” series of books.
Jane is now a detective in the met, and finding her feet both professionally and personally. Being the unsuspecting witness to an IRA bombing in central London, takes the story on several interesting tangents. We see Jane still dealing with chauvinism within the force, her naiveté in trusting both supposed friends and potential suitors, and her families’ continued lack of support for her chosen career (with the exception of her father).
This book is fascinating in that I could see glimpse of the future character Jane Tennison would evolve into when she become a DCI. The tenacity and belief in gut feelings that are so easily dismissed.
The book moved around at a good pace, and I wanted to keep reading it to find out how it would end. Definitely looking forward to Book 4.
Jane is now a detective in the met, and finding her feet both professionally and personally. Being the unsuspecting witness to an IRA bombing in central London, takes the story on several interesting tangents. We see Jane still dealing with chauvinism within the force, her naiveté in trusting both supposed friends and potential suitors, and her families’ continued lack of support for her chosen career (with the exception of her father).
This book is fascinating in that I could see glimpse of the future character Jane Tennison would evolve into when she become a DCI. The tenacity and belief in gut feelings that are so easily dismissed.
The book moved around at a good pace, and I wanted to keep reading it to find out how it would end. Definitely looking forward to Book 4.
September 30, 2017
Clunky prose, stilted dialogue and loads of annoyingly incorrect detail. Descriptions of kitchens that did not look like that for another 30 years, who ever referred to 'landlines' back in. The 1970's ? taxi fares many times what they would have cost and a copper hiring a dress for £150? I reckon that would have been more than half a months take home pay for a young WDC even in London. I could have put aside these minor irritations if the plot had hung together a bit better. We are led to believe Jane comes up with these astonishing deductions but at the same time makes such enourmous errors of judgment in revealing crucial elements of the investigation to outsiders. Blundering into Vice operations and such like I think she'd have been out of a job never mind back in uniform.
September 11, 2018
4.5 bumped up to 5 stars. It’s so nice meeting Jane Tennison again after all these years!
August 2, 2017
Thank you to Bonnier Zaffre for my Advanced Copy of Good Friday.
Previously, my experience with Lynda La Plante's books have been one of my favourite crime/thriller series The Anna Travis series which I love! So I was excited to try a different series by this author.
Good Friday takes us back to 1975 when the IRA were at large, bombing and attacking London on regular occasions. Jane Tennison who later stars as the main character in the more famous book and tv series' Prime Suspect is the main character in this book and Good Friday is the 3rd book in new series Tennison which focuses on Jane's earlier career before Prime Suspect. Jane is one of the only women in the Police Force and specifically one of the only ones ranked as CID.
This novel is all about the IRA bombings which Jane inadvertently ends up caught up in and becomes a key witness. But in addition Good Friday is also about Jane trying to make it in what is essentially a man's world. This is highlighted almost immediately at the beginning of the novel when Jane is appearing at court on a petty crime, only to see a man from her class at the police academy who has now become a high flyer in the infamous Flying Squad.
Jane is constantly treat like a 'ditzy' woman and blamed for pretty much everything, although in some instances I could see why. She is a very frustrating character at times as she too easily plays into the role that's been cast for her.
However overall I really enjoyed this novel. Lynda La Plante writes in a style which I particularly like, wonderfully descriptive about outfits and food and settings. I've always liked that kind of writing it's perfect when sitting in a comfy chair with something nice to eat or drink. I hope that makes sense!!
The story is interesting and well put together. I didn't know a lot about the IRA and the bombings of the 70s my sole experience of this has been my grandmother narrowly escaping a bombing sometime back then. So it was interesting to learn more about this. I did figure out who the suspect was pretty early on but this made for better reading as I waited for the characters to catch on. There were also a couple of well placed red herrings in there as well which threw me off the scent for a while! Reading Good Friday has definitely encouraged me to read more in this series and the Prime Suspect series as well!
Previously, my experience with Lynda La Plante's books have been one of my favourite crime/thriller series The Anna Travis series which I love! So I was excited to try a different series by this author.
Good Friday takes us back to 1975 when the IRA were at large, bombing and attacking London on regular occasions. Jane Tennison who later stars as the main character in the more famous book and tv series' Prime Suspect is the main character in this book and Good Friday is the 3rd book in new series Tennison which focuses on Jane's earlier career before Prime Suspect. Jane is one of the only women in the Police Force and specifically one of the only ones ranked as CID.
This novel is all about the IRA bombings which Jane inadvertently ends up caught up in and becomes a key witness. But in addition Good Friday is also about Jane trying to make it in what is essentially a man's world. This is highlighted almost immediately at the beginning of the novel when Jane is appearing at court on a petty crime, only to see a man from her class at the police academy who has now become a high flyer in the infamous Flying Squad.
Jane is constantly treat like a 'ditzy' woman and blamed for pretty much everything, although in some instances I could see why. She is a very frustrating character at times as she too easily plays into the role that's been cast for her.
However overall I really enjoyed this novel. Lynda La Plante writes in a style which I particularly like, wonderfully descriptive about outfits and food and settings. I've always liked that kind of writing it's perfect when sitting in a comfy chair with something nice to eat or drink. I hope that makes sense!!
The story is interesting and well put together. I didn't know a lot about the IRA and the bombings of the 70s my sole experience of this has been my grandmother narrowly escaping a bombing sometime back then. So it was interesting to learn more about this. I did figure out who the suspect was pretty early on but this made for better reading as I waited for the characters to catch on. There were also a couple of well placed red herrings in there as well which threw me off the scent for a while! Reading Good Friday has definitely encouraged me to read more in this series and the Prime Suspect series as well!
November 2, 2023
Time taken to read - 3 days
Pages - 400
Publisher - Zaffre
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
BEFORE PRIME SUSPECT THERE WAS TENNISON.
Every legend has a beginning . . .
During 1974 and 1975 the IRA subjected London to a terrifying bombing campaign. In one day alone, they planted seven bombs at locations across central London. Some were defused - some were not.
Jane Tennison is now a fully-fledged detective. On the way to court one morning, Jane passes through Covent Garden Underground station and is caught up in a bomb blast that leaves several people dead, and many horribly injured. Jane is a key witness, but is adamant that she can't identify the bomber. When a photograph appears in the newspapers, showing Jane assisting the injured at the scene, it puts her and her family at risk from IRA retaliation.
'Good Friday' is the eagerly awaited date of the annual formal CID dinner, due to take place at St Ermin's Hotel. Hundreds of detectives and their wives will be there. It's the perfect target. As Jane arrives for the evening, she realises that she recognises the parking attendant as the bomber from Covent Garden. Can she convince her senior officers in time, or will another bomb destroy London's entire detective force?
My Review
Book three of the Tennison series and we see Jane growing a wee bit more - professionally and personally. Getting her own place, moving into the CID and still having to deal with the all the male chauvinistic style attitudes. The timeline in 1974/75 the book is very much terrorist/bombs/IRA and as one of our mains get caught right in the heart of it at the start so it is very graphic, breath taking and heart stopping. La Plante is so good at creating the situations/atmospheres that even me, not a visual reader was absolutely enfolded in the scene/emotions/terror. and that is just the start!
I think what I like about these books is that you have the police side, investigation, crime, murder(s) whatever the book is taking you to. You also get the feel of the times, the vile attitudes/prejudices/stereotypes/racisms et al of that era but also down to tv shows & things that will take you back. The family dynamics, the personal side of Jane whilst striving to be the best she can be at the job despite so much stacked against her and relationships in her life.
Tennison can be so relatable because she isn't perfect but she is a good person, she makes mistakes but never from a bad place, she is good people and for me, characters like that are a breath of fresh air. The pace is bang on, hooked as usually quickly, blend of characters to like, dislike, hate and I can't wait to hit the next one, 4/5.
Pages - 400
Publisher - Zaffre
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
BEFORE PRIME SUSPECT THERE WAS TENNISON.
Every legend has a beginning . . .
During 1974 and 1975 the IRA subjected London to a terrifying bombing campaign. In one day alone, they planted seven bombs at locations across central London. Some were defused - some were not.
Jane Tennison is now a fully-fledged detective. On the way to court one morning, Jane passes through Covent Garden Underground station and is caught up in a bomb blast that leaves several people dead, and many horribly injured. Jane is a key witness, but is adamant that she can't identify the bomber. When a photograph appears in the newspapers, showing Jane assisting the injured at the scene, it puts her and her family at risk from IRA retaliation.
'Good Friday' is the eagerly awaited date of the annual formal CID dinner, due to take place at St Ermin's Hotel. Hundreds of detectives and their wives will be there. It's the perfect target. As Jane arrives for the evening, she realises that she recognises the parking attendant as the bomber from Covent Garden. Can she convince her senior officers in time, or will another bomb destroy London's entire detective force?
My Review
Book three of the Tennison series and we see Jane growing a wee bit more - professionally and personally. Getting her own place, moving into the CID and still having to deal with the all the male chauvinistic style attitudes. The timeline in 1974/75 the book is very much terrorist/bombs/IRA and as one of our mains get caught right in the heart of it at the start so it is very graphic, breath taking and heart stopping. La Plante is so good at creating the situations/atmospheres that even me, not a visual reader was absolutely enfolded in the scene/emotions/terror. and that is just the start!
I think what I like about these books is that you have the police side, investigation, crime, murder(s) whatever the book is taking you to. You also get the feel of the times, the vile attitudes/prejudices/stereotypes/racisms et al of that era but also down to tv shows & things that will take you back. The family dynamics, the personal side of Jane whilst striving to be the best she can be at the job despite so much stacked against her and relationships in her life.
Tennison can be so relatable because she isn't perfect but she is a good person, she makes mistakes but never from a bad place, she is good people and for me, characters like that are a breath of fresh air. The pace is bang on, hooked as usually quickly, blend of characters to like, dislike, hate and I can't wait to hit the next one, 4/5.
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