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A review by beccajbooks
Tennison by Lynda La Plante
3.0
I enjoy Lynda La Plante books and her Anna Travis books are some of my favourites of all time. But this one just felt a bit too long and a bit too flat to me.
It is the backstory for Jane Tennison, La Plante's celebrated female detective from her novel Prime Suspect and the resulting TV show with Helen Mirren. The book examines Tennison's origins on the force, how she becomes a probationary officer and is thrust into the deep end with a murder case within weeks of starting.
I liked getting to know Jane a bit better, and seeing the things she had to deal with as a female police officer in the 70's. I liked how it explored those themes we know were around at the time - racism, sexism, police brutality etc Perhaps it overplayed these a little too much, there was a lot of derogatory talk about black suspects which felt a little over the top, like she was pushing the point that they were racist back then.
The writing was excellent as usual, I get on well with La Plante's style and flow. She has obviously done a lot of research into the police and their procedures. No detail is left out here, which I think makes it feel even longer than it is. I listened to the audio and it was over 17 hours long! It's a long time to fill, and La Plante fills it with not one but two major cases, as well as Tennison's story.
I am glad I read it. I wanted to go back and see where it all began, but I think it could have been shorter, and less detail heavy. I'd recommend for fans of La Plante already, those interested in police procedurals - but if you're looking for a quick read, this is not for you!
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
It is the backstory for Jane Tennison, La Plante's celebrated female detective from her novel Prime Suspect and the resulting TV show with Helen Mirren. The book examines Tennison's origins on the force, how she becomes a probationary officer and is thrust into the deep end with a murder case within weeks of starting.
I liked getting to know Jane a bit better, and seeing the things she had to deal with as a female police officer in the 70's. I liked how it explored those themes we know were around at the time - racism, sexism, police brutality etc Perhaps it overplayed these a little too much, there was a lot of derogatory talk about black suspects which felt a little over the top, like she was pushing the point that they were racist back then.
The writing was excellent as usual, I get on well with La Plante's style and flow. She has obviously done a lot of research into the police and their procedures. No detail is left out here, which I think makes it feel even longer than it is. I listened to the audio and it was over 17 hours long! It's a long time to fill, and La Plante fills it with not one but two major cases, as well as Tennison's story.
I am glad I read it. I wanted to go back and see where it all began, but I think it could have been shorter, and less detail heavy. I'd recommend for fans of La Plante already, those interested in police procedurals - but if you're looking for a quick read, this is not for you!
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com