Next up on my Lynda La Plante ‘blogathon’ is Judas Horse, book two of the Detective Jack Warr series.

This time Jack has been sent to investigate a series of burglaries that have become more violent over time. When a body is discovered it soon becomes clear that this gang will stop at nothing to get what they want. Jack starts to investigate and discovers that the village locals are not as quiet as they seem. As the attacks escalate he realises his only hope is to persuade a terrified local with links to the group to help trap the killers.

If it’s possible I actually think that Lynda La Plante’s books are just getting better and better. Reading the blurb of this I don’t think it’s necessarily one I would have picked up as I prefer a bit more serial killer than serial burglar in my fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story and absolutely sped through it.

I am starting to really like the character of Jack. He’s an interesting take on the detective who you absolutely trust to do the right thing, but he also has a dangerous side that he can tap in to if he believes it will help crack the case. I think he’s really likeable but there is that simmering undertone to him that you can almost feel crackling off the page.

One thing I love about Linda’s books is the way that she builds suspense. Starting in a picturesque sleepy village the story soon starts to ramp up as the crimes get more violent and secrets and lies get exposed. The story itself was interesting and I loved the way the setting was a change from the usual big city locations. There was a great mix of characters who all blended into one big village.

This was a brilliant twisty thriller and I can’t wait to read the next one!