Pure Evil

DC Jack Warr #4

by Lynda La Plante

It was supposed to be a simple case: a young man arrested for armed assault.

But it was just the beginning.

As Rodney Middleton awaits trial, Detective Jack Warr is warned by his mentor DCI Ridley that they have only scratched the surface of the man's crimes.

Then DCI Ridley is suddenly removed from his post. No one is to contact him - and no one will say why.

As Warr digs into Rodney's past, Ridley calls pleading for help, now accused of a murder he insists he didn't commit.

One of these men is a true monster, an evil soul. But which?
And what awaits Warr if he discovers the truth?

Genres: Crime, Audiobook, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Detective, Procedural

400 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2023

About the author

Lynda La Plante, CBE (born Lynda Titchmarsh) is a British author, screenwriter, and erstwhile actress (her performances in Rentaghost and other programmes were under her stage name of Lynda Marchal), best known for writing the Prime Suspect television crime series.

Her first TV series as a scriptwriter was the six part robbery series Widows, in 1983, in which the widows of four armed robbers carry out a heist planned by their deceased husbands.

In 1991 ITV released Prime Suspect which has now run to seven series and stars Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison. (In the United States Prime Suspect airs on PBS as part of the anthology program Mystery!) In 1993 La Plante won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for her work on the series. In 1992 she wrote at TV movie called Seekers, starring Brenda Fricker and Josette Simon, produced by Sarah Lawson.

She formed her own television production company, La Plante Productions, in 1994 and as La Plante Productions she wrote and produced the sequel to Widows, the equally gutsy She's Out (ITV, 1995). The name "La Plante" comes from her marriage to writer Richard La Plante, author of the book Mantis and Hog Fever. La Plante divorced Lynda in the early 1990s.

Her output continued with The Governor (ITV 1995-96), a series focusing on the female governor of a high security prison, and was followed by a string of ratings pulling miniseries: the psycho killer nightmare events of Trial & Retribution (ITV 1997-), the widows' revenge of the murders of their husbands & children Bella Mafia (1997) (starring Vanessa Redgrave), the undercover police unit operations of Supply and Demand (ITV 1998), videogame/internet murder mystery Killer Net (Channel 4 1998) and the female criminal profiler cases of Mind Games (ITV 2001).

Two additions to the Trial and Retribution miniseries were broadcast during 2006.

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

DS Jack Warr #4

A few years ago, a watcher at Euston Station intently examines the crowd for just the right person to intercept, his choice is Amanda, young, probably naive and definitely a stranger to London. The watcher is Rodney Middleton and a few years on from this encounter he is currently awaiting trial for violent crimes. Jack Warr is on the case researching as much as he can about this vicious young man. Also occupying Jack’s mind is the whereabouts of his boss and friend DCI Simon Ridley. He’s mysteriously and suddenly been replaced by DCI Clarke, a very different personality to Simon. There’s no news about Ridley forthcoming and in addition he is incommunicado. What is going on? When the truth emerges in both cases it’s beyond Warr’s wildest expectations.

As you would expect from bestselling author of Lynda La Plante this is a well written novel, the plot is meaty and solidly constructed, there’s clarity between the two cases and there’s never confusion. However, from time to time it does get a bit pedantic which halts the pace. For instance, I do get a bit fed up of the multiple references to wearing face masks, yes, got it, we’re still in the pandemic!!

Despite the above and I’m sure they’re just my personal gripes rather than other readers, both cases are really interesting and immersive. I especially like the Ridley storyline which has a topical flavour to it and I enjoy trying to figure out what’s going on. The Middleton case becomes more and more compelling and takes a disturbingly dark turn and discerning the truth from the multitude of lies is a perplexing puzzle. The portrayal of Middleton and Amanda are very good and trying to figure them out, especially the latter is a fascinating element. There are plenty of good twists in both storylines to keep you reading on. There’s an intensity in the Middleton plot strand especially towards the end when you really feel the tension.

I really like the character of Jack Warr and the author makes him feel real. At times he’s VERY taciturn and grumpy which only serves to make him more authentic but he’s a dogged, driven policeman who does not give up. There’s just the right balance between his home life and the case and it’s at his home with his wife, daughter and mother you see how likeable he is and it contrasts so well with Jack at work.

Overall, this is another good addition to the series. There’s a lot of ground covered in both cases and they are resolved well.

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

[Lesley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first Lynda La Plante book in decades and sadly, I have to say I won’t be rushing to read any others.
I realise that my experience of this author’s books are in direct conflict to most of the brilliant reviews that it has already received but I was given an advanced e-reader copy of this book and I always give an honest review.

This is the fourth book in the DS Jack Warr series but I have read it as a standalone.

I enjoyed the storyline, a young man watches for runaways arriving at a station in London. They are visible by their youth, their look of apprehension, indecision and slight fear of being in an unknown city with nowhere to go………….when he spots Amanda …………a young teenager running from Liverpool…..he moves in, all smiles and friendliness and offers her a coffee and then a place to stay. This same young man has been arrested more than once is awaiting trial for an armed robbery in his local shop. It’s not his first offence but he has always been given leniency because of his troubled childhood. Jack’s not convinced and wants to investigate further.

At the same time, all of a sudden DCI Ridley, Jack’s boss, disappears from work and is replaced with no explanation. Jack then decides to find out what has happened to his friend and boss.

I did not enjoy the author’s style of writing at all. It felt extremely stilted to me. The parts of the book in direct speech, flip from one speaker to the another with no indication of who is saying what and the actual dialogue felt like it had been written by someone with a lot less talent and experience than Ms La Plante!

Jack lives with his wife (a doctor), his mother and his pre-school child. It’s written during the aftermath of the pandemic where everyone is still supposed to be wearing masks but in truth some are, some aren’t and I tired of the dialogue surrounding this. I didn’t take to Jack Warr at all. He’s impatient, rude at times, arrogant and definitely not a team player. He thinks nothing of drinking and driving. He and his wife (an esteemed hospital doctor) think nothing of taking sleeping tablets before going on an early shift the next day!! His moral compass when it comes to work is decidedly questionable, as are his interview techniques, which ultimately solve the case.

Just not for me, I’ve read far more exciting murder/police procedural books by much less acclaimed writers (to date), such as Neil Lancaster & Charlie Gallagher that leave this book looking like a ‘Midsomer Murder’.

My thanks, however, still go to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for the advance e-reader copy of this book.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been quite a few years since I have read a Lynda La Plante book, this was really good and kept my attention throughout.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book to feature DS Jack Warr and what a belter. Still trying to juggle family life and his demanding job. His boss and mentor Ridley is under house arrest and he has asked for Jack's help. In the meantime a young man has come to his attention. He gave himself up safer two brutal attacks. Is he just another lost soul who has fallen through the cracks or is he something else???? I found this book impossible to put down and finally turned the last page in the wee hours. Yes this book is that good. Constantly holding my breath and tapping my kindle like a demented wood pecker. A top crime thriller and so much more. Another fantastic five star read from one of my favourite authors.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Russell White · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF and I strongly recommend you do the same.

Read like a fourteen year old’s first attempt at creative writing.
Unrealistic, disengaging dialogue which is remarkable given the author’s previous accolades in screenwriting.

Passages read like a boring monologue and unnecessary description which served i can only assume to boost word count.

Has been left on a coffee shop’s shelf.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

there’s like only 2 chapters with the murderer.. the rest is just talking about him and felt it was all wrapped up a bit too easily in the end but overall a really good police crime book

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack is back and he and his family and colleagues are now firm ‘book friends’ for me and it was good to continue straight away from Book 3

A chilling start to the book where a predator is watching and waiting for the ‘right’ victim to cross his path….and its not the first time he has done this…

As the story progresses Jack leaps into investigating mode but as his boss is ‘indisposed’ ( another story within the story ) he meets a frustrating response from the man taking over, but Jack is Jack and wont give in

Enjoyed the lighter side of the book with his Mum’s new lease of life and was intrigued by the character of Joyce…

Book 4 and as good as Book 1 I have loved all 4 and look forward to Jack and everyone returning in Book 5 in April to see what, where, when and how the stories continue

[Eliah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kinda enjoyed the stories and ideas, but at the same time it kinda bored me.
Pretty unlikable mc that works 24/7 while ignoring his family and no plot twists or similar... The story is pretty straight forward, tho it's more like 2 separate stories happening at the same time, but it's true for both. How can he not make a single mistake, every idea turns out to be right, he's never going down a wrong track with his investigations and all of that makes the story very predictable

[Gill Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite invested in this series now

[Jasmine · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very poor rating because this book was an absolute chore to persevere through. This is the first book that I have read from this author as it was handed down to me and will be the last that I read from this author.
I don’t have the patience to see if her writing style stays the same, I’m going to presume it does.

It read like the work of an amateur. There was no flow. It felt like an annoying coworker giving you a play by play of their indecisive internal monologue.

It’s woke, so woke! I’m rolling my eyes for majority of the book.

Constantly mentioning about how the man puts his mask on and then takes it off once his clients advise that they’ve all had their “shots” so no need for a mask…. Blah blah blah.

It’s concerning how they barely mention the fact that it’s riddled with rape or perhaps statutory rape of minors. It only focuses on missing girls and murders.

The book also appears to normalise excessive use of sleeping pills. One of the characters works at a hospital so if she does it then it must be fine.
Then a character decides to celebrate their pregnancy by pouring glasses of wine for the happy expecting couple???
I think the book even talks about a war in Ukraine.

This book was lame.
Eeeekk, first time I’ve done a review like this!

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a serial killer Thriller, which I really loved and enjoyed thoroughly. It is Book 4 in a series.

The story is about Detective Jack Warr, who is investigating a man called Rodney Middleton, who has committed some crimes. DCI Ridley who mentors Jack has been taken off his work post, but why? Can Jack help him?

I really liked Jack, and his wife Maggie. They are both interesting characters who I enjoyed reading about.

I loved this fast-paced book, which has very good writing that kept me captivated throughout.

Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Tyson Staples · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit this was a slog to get through and I ended up skim reading the last 100 pages. Despite the really positive reviews I found the book to be lacking engagement with a slower paced writing style than I prefer.

Certainly no rush to be reading another instalment anytime soon.

[Lance Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books 📚 from this author and I’m really liking this series unlike some authors who can spend what seems to much time just in the briefing room and hardly any time investigating this series has an even balance of both and also liked the story having multiple investigations

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I do love a Jack Warr story and this is an absolute belter. Not only is Jack faced with trying to prove the seemingly impossible, that a man who was arrested for a knife attack is actually guilty of far darker cimes, but his friend and mentor, DCI Simon Ridley, is faced with career and life ruining accusations and trusts only Jack to help him. Stepping in to help Ridley could also have implications for Jack's career, but having seen Jack in action over the course of the series, there's no one I would rather go to for help either.

This book has really quite dark undertones. I like the way that Lynda La Plante has framed this whole story, that Rodney Middleton, a man arrested for quite a serious offence, is actually a far more twisted individual than the simple arrest might suggest. It is clear that Jack has doubts about Middleton from the off, fuelled by Ridley, but driven by the knowledge that he has a history of violence and that there is something about his persona and the calm way in which he allowed himself to be arrested that just smells off. Now as readers, we are given the briefest hint of what his real crime might be right from the beginning, but, even then, it takes time for the full horrific truth to come to the fore. The slow reveal allows the author to keep the violence off the page, there is no doubting by the end of the novel just what has occured. The real question is, is Middleton the perpetrator and, if so, how far does the depravity extend?

I love Jack Warr as a character. He is a little morally ambiguous when it comes to towing the line and sticking to the letter of the law, but he actions always come from a place of good intent. He is hell bent on justice being served, and as a result of that will often push the limits of his role as a Police Officer to achieve it. Anyone who has read the rest of the series knows that he is a flawed character, but in a good way, and the times when he takes liberties with procedure, it comes from a place of striving for good. Some of his actions in this book do end in dire consequences, but not necessarily as a direct result of his actions, more the gradual pursuit of proving Ridley's innocence.

One of the great things about Jack Warr though, and what makes this a kind of stand out series for me, is his relationship with his family. Admittedly he does go a bit 'ostrich' when it comes to talking to his wife, Maggie, about his mother, Penny, who seems to be acting out of character. Whether this ongoing forgetfulness is medical or otherwise, we are all to discover as we read the book, but the scenes between Jack, Maggie, their daughter, Hannah, and Penny, do bring a smile to my face. They are so perfectly normal, real everyday scenes that could happen in any household, that they make a nice diversion from the darker sides of the book.

The pacing of the book is just right, the growing sense of desperation on Jack's part as he struggles to find evidence against Middleton, and to exonerate Ridley, almost palpable. Faced with a new boss that he just can't quite get the measure of, and a team who aren't aware of Jack's sideline investigation, there is that added conflict and sense of urgency which really keeps the story moving. the writing is finely tuned, the harsher moments peppered with humour which keeps a difficult and sometimes emotional story, perfectly pitched. Touching on themes of grooming and murder, Lynda La Plante has created a story which really hits home, full of drama, tension, and uncertainty, which kept me glued right to the end. Loved it.

[Gretchen Bernet-Ward · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a surprisingly domestic crime novel. A fair amount of home-life takes as much priority over DS Jack Warr’s life as his police work. It does give a balanced view of what real people cope with, particularly as his wife Maggie has a job and his live-in mother Penny babysits their young daughter Hannah. But after chapters of this homely stuff on showering, eating dinner, drinking wine, bathing baby, lovelife, and reading copious notes on suspected murderer/paedophile Rodney Middleton late into the night I was getting restless for some progress but no such luck. Roughly speaking it’s over-setting the scene with paperwork, talking heads and unsubstantiated suspicions. I was halfway through the book before anything noteworthy appeared.

Characters come in all shapes and sizes. The supplementary stories of Jack’s mentor DCI Ridley and his abrupt removal from the public eye, and mother Penny’s secret rendezvous, are slow-burners. One is definitely more obvious than the other. Quote regarding Jack and his illegal use of Holmes police database “Jack knew that many officers did the same. As with so many things, Jack mused, you just had to be careful not to get caught.” Hhmm, an upholder of British law? The story gradually, painfully comes together and this crime novel would suit someone who wants to read a chapter each night and not lose the plot. I don’t need this type of soporific before bedtime preferring faster-moving events.

[Richard Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been a great fan of Lynda Ls Plante for decades. I feel really let down by this book. At best it reads like a TV script rather than a novel. Who cares which tie or jacket he wears? There are two stories in this book. Neither is believable and the characters are relatively shallow. I do not understand why you needed two stories. It was just confusing. How many hours can this guy spend in his office and still function? How much patience does his wife have? Does he even know he has a daughter? The plots were both very predictable and the tiny twist at the end was expected. It looks like something created by AI. I missed Lynda's panache.

[Vince · Rating 1 out of 5]

Finally, finished this book! Typical of today's authors, more written about the social life of the main character than developing a mystery. Over 200 pages and I knew more about the family problems than any confused mystery. After 350 pages finally there was development. In the last 10 pages the criminal confessed. There was no suspense during the entire book. Another tangent of police officer under investigation had no connection to the supposed mystery. Just filling the book to increase words/pages. Previous books were well developed (such as Widows). This was not.

[Ricardo Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just from reading the opening chapter I was completely hooked on this book. Just when you think you know these characters, you're left wanting to discover more.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

The undercurrents of evil stain the pages as the mistress of crime delivers another edge of your seat tale.
Layers of depravation unravel as the truth is released.
A serial killer, a determined detective and a myriad of mind games and manipulation will keep the pages turning.
An unassuming act of crime shines a spotlight on a suspect that seems to have a dark past and is preying on vulnerable girls.
An underground dank flat, a mysterious young girl living there rough and a series of disappearances from the nearby train station all form the pieces to an unsolved puzzle.
Detective Jack Warr has a tenacity, dedication and most importantly a great mentor to help him get answers and ultimately the truth.
Experience, confidence and skill shine as the reader takes this journey.
Cookie trails, character embellishment and an ability to capture a tension that is felt by the reader are all trademarks of this author.
Although read about 20 years ago I still fondly remember her book The Talisman with such high regard.

[Neil Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynda La Plante you are a genius,what a brilliant book to read from start to finish.The main thing I would recommend though is that you read the first three books in this series to get the main characters in the books,so you know how they tick.Every book I’ve read of Lynda’s have hooked me from the start,can’t wait for the next one in this series,I’m sure there will be another.10/10.

[Racheal Pedder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am unsure if it has been my slowness in reading or if the first half of the book was really slow going, I could not give up but could not get going with it either. The characters as they have gone through the book in the end are fantastic the overall outcome and ending was brilliant, just wish I had got as hooked as I did with the last quarter of the book much earlier.

[Karen Starkiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all Lynda La Plante books and this was no exception. Another in the Jack Warr series. Two different investigations going on at one time one involving a sadistic killers. Twists and turns in solving the crimes and exacting a confession.

[Keith Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series turn out of 10 again

[Sally Debrowski]

Was a good book, bit boring and think it needed more editing as it contains a lot of mundane unnecessary words.

[Paul Coley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an excellent read.

[Christine Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5, so close to five stars but the last few pages weren’t it for me. Loved the ride though.

[Emily Burt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good old classic middle aged white man page turner

[Inger Brecknell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series! Lynda La Plante is a true mistress of the crime novel. Score: 5/5.

[Lee Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An electrifying police thriller, unearthing horrors which may lurk closer than we imagine.

DS Jack Warr is assigned to finalise the case against Rodney Middleton, who has been arrested and charged with a serious assault. It should be a straightforward task, but something just doesn't fit. Not only was the crime senseless, but the suspect practically volunteered both himself and the weapon to police.

As Jack keeps digging, against the wishes of his senior officer, he receives some alarming and disturbing news from his friend and mentor DCI Ridley, who has been mysteriously absent from work. Ridley has been implicated in a crime, and implores Jack to help him prove his innocence.

As both investigations uncover ever more insidious crimes, Jack follows the remaining trails, uncovering chilling evidence of the most depraved of minds and darkest of souls.

'Pure Evil' is the fourth in Lynda La Plante's Jack Warr series, centring on the dedicated and skilled detective who struggles to be a team player and isn't averse to bending the rules when it comes to the pursuit of justice. Jack finds himself faced with the challenge of juggling two separate investigations, that without his habit of pursuing his own intuitions and enquiries may never be resolved; one official and escalating rapidly, the other under the radar in aid of his old boss and friend - both cases surrounding horrific crimes that by their nature appear intrinsically evil.

Entwining police procedure, forensic science and offender psychology, the plot unfolds at a lightning pace while adeptly juggling intricate detail and emotional depth. The nature of the crimes uncovered through the unfolding investigations is endlessly fascinating - some things are so horrifying that you cannot look away, and La Plante has effortlessly woven this into the story. Nevertheless, the victims and their loved ones are always treated with respect, while the effect of such horrific crimes on the investigators is also explored. With allusions to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, it’s very much set in our current time – simultaneously feeling both modern and in the vein of a classic, often reminiscent of the best of two of Lynda's previous police procedural series (on both page and screen), 'Trial & Retribution' and the Anna Travis series.

One of the elements I've always loved about La Plante's police procedurals, which goes back to her very first with 'Prime Suspect', is how she delves into the personal lives of her characters; we get to know them as human beings, with all their trials and tribulations. Jack Warr's family life is as gripping as the police investigations - testament to Lynda's ability to create characters we both care about and cannot help but be drawn to and riveted by. Whilst being superlative police procedurals, these stories are also driven by the core characters, resulting in always very human stories. As well as this, and in juxtaposition to the horror of the crimes, there are also flashes of humour - I found myself laughing out loud at some interactions. As always, Lynda La Plante delivers an absorbing and exhilarating novel, leaving you in eager anticipation of the next.

Sinister and chilling, 'Pure Evil' is a relentlessly compulsive police procedural, packed with suspense, intrigue and mystery.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The usual brilliant crime thriller from lynda laplante.

The concienious Jack Warr juggles 2 very different cases - a potential serial killer and a mysterious serious situation that Jack's boss DCI Ridley appears to have got himself into.

Both require all of Jack's intuition, attention to detail and patience , all of this whilst trying to be a good husband, father and son at home.

As the story unfolds the murderer becomes clear but his tracks are well covered and Jack uses all his experience to try and get a confession from him and his young, deceitful girlfriend before he is set free to kill again.

As for DCI Ridley, that's a whole different ball game.......!

A great read.