(Before I begin, let me mention that the Frugal Five are featuring Diane on the always popular topic of bargain shopping for this week’s edition of Thrifty Living 2012. Please go visit her at Lavender Dreams.)
Hello, everyone. Today I am reviewing two books, Prime Suspect and Prime Suspect 2: A Face in the Crowd by Lynda La Plante for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the books in exchange for my honest review.
I don’t know about you, but I watched every episode of the Prime Suspect series starring Helen Mirren that aired on PBS several years ago. It was absolutely riveting. This year, a new edition of Prime Suspect starring Maria Bello is airing on American television and the wonderful series of Prime Suspect mysteries written by Lynda La Plante, the creator of the television series, have been reissued. Lucky us!
For those of you unfamiliar with the series, these London-based mysteries feature Jane Tennison, a Detective Chief Inspector with Scotland Yard. They were originally written in 1993 when a woman on the police force was a relatively new thing. Jane is resented, marginalized and kept off of cases she should be directing by the good old boys on the force. She’s smart, savvy and incredibly good at what she does; nevertheless she has to fight to head up a case, dealing with harassment and prejudice at every turn.
In the first book, after having been assigned menial duties for several months, Jane is finally given a case involving a murdered prostitute (but only after the male officer heading it up suddenly dies.) She must solve a series of murders, all the while dealing with her fellow officers who refuse to take her seriously and try to thwart her along the way. In the second book, Jane must solve the murder of a young black woman in a neighborhood already full of racial tensions.
Far be it from me to give the plot away from either mystery! I respect a wonderfully plotted mystery too much. La Plante is a wonderful writer who manages to create such a vivid picture of London and the police department that I felt I was there. I could picture it all. Her characters are richly drawn, incredibly detailed, and the stories are so well written that you simply cannot put them down. When I am completely immersed in a story and feel as if I am living in the world created by the author, I know I am reading a gem. These two mysteries are gems, indeed.
When I accepted this assignment, I wondered if my memories of the PBS series would be a hindrance to losing myself in the stories. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. Enough time has lapsed that each story was fresh and new.
I will be reviewing the third mystery in the series in a few weeks. If you love mysteries, you will love these books. La Plante is a gifted writer. I highly recommend them.
About the author:
Lynda La Plante’s fourteen novels, including the Prime Suspect Series, have all been international bestsellers. She is an honorary fellow of the British Film Institute and a member of the UK Crime Writers Awards Hall of Fame. She runs her own television production company and lives in London and Easthampton, NY.
Edited to add: Just found out I can give away a set of these wonderful mysteries to a lucky someone who leaves a comment. Go ahead, enter! I’ll draw the winner’s name on Saturday evening.
This sounds like a series I would enjoy! I’m reading a mystery right now that was aired on PBS! And thanks for the ‘shout out’! Hugs! ♥
Aww, I missed the PBS series, and I love Helen Mirren! I’ll be on the lookout in case they are ever aired again. Darn, wish I still had Netflix!
In the meantime, I will do a bit of frugal living and hop on down to the library and check the book out.
Have a good day!
The books sound so interesting! I don’t remember the series on t.v., but I have always worked evenings and didn’t see a lot of programs. My husband tapes a lot now, so I don’t have that excuse anymore.
I’ve never read anything by LaPlante but your review has piqued my appetite — she’s now on my “look for” list.
I do not like to make generalizations but the British write the mystery novel better than any other nationality. I saw all the PBS series but would love to win these if not I could check them out. Thanks for the review.
Sounds like a good series. I’ve read all Michael Connely books and I’m now hooked on William Tappley. He died in 1989 but he wrote good detective books. Thank you for the lead on another good author. Pat Mc cmcdonald-44@hotmail.com
Jane Tennison sounds like an interesting character! I have never heard of this series but then there are so many books out there and so many series. One eventually needs to make choices!
It’s me again, Claudia! I forgot to say that I hope you’re feeling a little bit less sad after the loss of your tree. I want you to know that I am keeping you in my prayers, dear lady. I know you have had a lot on your plate lately what with your parents and opening your shop. You must be so terribly busy. Don’t forget to take some little breaks now and then. Wishing you the very best!
No one loves a good mystery better than me. Can’t wait to check these out.
i love mysterys read them all the time would love to win these
like you i watched the series on tv.. we have reruns here too… the books would be dog eared in no time… love your blog :)
I haven’t read any books written by this author, winning this set would get me off to a great start.
CABWNANA@aol.com
Claudia, I forgot to add that I don’t want to be considered for your giveaway since I have already won one of your books. Did you get my little review that I sent you a few days ago?
I love to read. I read every night before bed. I even have a friend (female) who is a chief inspector in England.
Sounds like a good read and fantastic giveaway! I would love to join in and be considered for your giveaway :-)
susand1408 at googlemail dot com
Avid reader. Loves a good mystery. Drinks tea. (:
I loved both series on TV. Helen Mirren was so fabulous that I doubted anyone could come close to her performance. Boy was I wrong – Maria Bello did a bang up job. I guess her series didn’t make the cut though. I read a lot during the evening reality shows so I’d love to win. Thanks for the chance to win them.
My very favorites are crime mysteries.
Books, television, mini series and even the real crime tv shows.
I am not sure what it is about them but I am drawn to them.
My children think I am obsessed.
Maybe I am.
Thanks for the opportunity to win these.
I’m ready for a good reading series. Thanks for offering.
I loved the British PBS series and have been a little leery of watching the American one, fearful that it wouldn’t measure up to what I remembered. (Who can top Helen Mirren??) Despite being a mystery lover — especially books by P.D. James and Agatha Christie — I admit I haven’t read any of LaPlante’s books, but your review makes me want to!
It’s good to know that your memories of the TV show didn’t ruin your experience with these books but rather allowed you to imagine things more clearly!
Thanks for being on the tour.
I am going to have to look this series up at the library. Sounds like the type of books I like to read.
pam
I watched every Prime Suspect that was one. I keep looking at the set of DVDs, but they are still too expensive. I would love to be entered into this drawing. Thank you for the opportunity.
Would love to have these. Had to give us BBC on cable, so miss so many of the, what I call, great mystery television shows. I always enjoyed Prime Suspect.