Lynda La Plante is generally regarded as someone unique in British publishing and television. She is acclaimed as the creator of DI Jane Tennison, the tough, under-siege copper of Prime Suspect. But the writers reach extends considerably beyond that character, as her new book, Silent Scream, reminds us in no uncertain terms. Her almost equally celebrated alternative protagonist Anna Travis is someone we met as a young detective, assigned to her first murder case in the compelling Above Suspicion and it couldn’t have been a more shocking — or more horrific — set of killings that Anna had to cope with. Verisimilitude was the order of the day there and its remained one of Lynda La Plantes strong suits very much the case in the latest outing for Anna Travis, Silent Scream.
Film actress Amanda Delany one of Britains bright particular stars — is not about to deny herself the pleasure of a series of steamy sexual affair with a slew of attractive actors but her erotic odyssey is cut short by her murder in her Belgravia Mews. D. I. Anna Travis is handed the case, but as she peels back layers of deception, she uncovers a variety of stygian secrets just below the surface of the glittering and indulgent lifestyle. The actresss parent, for instance, seem surprisingly unaffected by the death of their daughter, and her various lovers are quick to disavow their relationships with her. Anna comes to believe that the shiny facade concealed a solitary, vulnerable woman. But as Anna hunts for Amandas murderer, she has some very pressing professional problems of her own to solve including an unexpected nemesis.
As ever, La Plante’s grasp of the edgy office politics of the police force is as acute as her mastery of the suspense narrative, and there is never a sense of slackening of pace when she moves from one area to another (the besetting sin of so many police procedurals). And there’s no denying that Anna Travis remains one of the strongest protagonists in current genre fiction. –Barry Forshaw
Dive into the gripping world of "Silent Scream" by acclaimed crime writer Lynda La Plante, a master of suspense and creator of the iconic DI Jane Tennison from "Prime Suspect." This thrilling installment features Detective Inspector Anna Travis, a character first introduced in "Above Suspicion," as she navigates a complex and treacherous murder investigation that will test her skills and resilience. In "Silent Scream," Anna Travis finds herself embroiled in the high-profile case of Amanda Delany, a celebrated film actress whose glamorous life is brutally cut short in her Belgravia Mews home. What appears to be a straightforward case of a lover's quarrel gone wrong quickly unravels, revealing a web of secrets, lies, and hidden agendas beneath the glittering surface of London's elite. La Plante masterfully crafts a narrative filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Anna meticulously peels back the layers of deception surrounding Amanda Delany's life. The actress's seemingly indifferent parents, the parade of elusive lovers, and the cutthroat world of film stardom all contribute to a perplexing puzzle that Anna must solve to bring the killer to justice. Beyond the immediate mystery of Amanda Delany's murder, "Silent Scream" delves into the darker aspects of fame and fortune, exposing the vulnerabilities and loneliness that can lurk beneath a seemingly perfect facade. As Anna delves deeper into the investigation, she discovers a solitary and fragile woman hidden behind the public persona of a glamorous actress. This discovery forces Anna to confront her own perceptions of success and the price people pay to achieve it. Adding to the intensity of the investigation, Anna Travis faces professional challenges that threaten to derail her progress. An unexpected adversary within the police force creates obstacles and sows seeds of doubt, forcing Anna to fight for her reputation and maintain her focus on the case. Navigating the treacherous office politics and battling personal demons, Anna must prove her competence and determination to succeed in a male-dominated environment. Lynda La Plante's signature blend of realism and suspense is on full display in "Silent Scream." Her expert knowledge of police procedures and keen eye for detail bring the world of law enforcement to life, creating an authentic and immersive reading experience. The intricate plot, compelling characters, and unexpected twists will captivate fans of crime fiction and leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Anna Travis series. "Silent Scream" is more than just a murder mystery; it's a gripping exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the dark side of fame, all told through the eyes of a determined and unforgettable detective. This Export edition contains 656 pages of thrilling reading.