Buried, Lynda La Plante's latest book, is either the start of a new series of the continuation of an old one depending on your point of view. The book starts with a prologue set in 1994 and the appearance of some old favourites,Dolly Rawlins and her "Widows" crew on the night of Dolly's release from prison. Jumping to the present day we meet DC Jack Warr ,who has transferred from Totnes in Devon where 2 bicycle thefts count as a crime wave to the somewhat grittier environs of London where his partner Maggie is a trainee surgeon. The team Jack is a part of is drawn into an investigation of a dead body found in a fire ,along with the remains of a small fortune in burnt banknotes which leads to a massive difference of opinion between Jack and his boss as the investigation progresses. While working on the .case Jack, who was adopted, is also trying to track down his natural father., which proves to be very much a case of "be careful what you wish for".
Jack is a complex character, he's quite slack,forgetful and apathetic driving his boss (and sometimes Maggie)to distraction then clinical and decisive when things need to be done and hard decisions made. He's not quite a rogue cop but does occasionally play judge and jury when it suits and his judgement can be deeply flawed,we get a foretaste of this when we learn that he supports Plymouth Argyle..
The Widows play a big part in this story and followers of that series will get more from this initial book in the Jack Warr series than those who have never read the earlier books.
The book can stretch credulity on occasion but it's entertaining and an easy read. As the first in a series Jack Warr's character and back story are a big part of the tale and hopefully "Buried" is a sign of great things to come.
"Buried" is already in the process of being adapted for TV and I' have no doubt will enjoy the success of previous Lynda La Plante series.

Thanks to Lynda La Plante, Bonnier Books UK and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Lynda is back Ms LaPlante at her very best. A great story line continuing the stories of the women from the past. Finally laying ghosts to rest. Looking forward to more novels involving the enigmatic Jack Warr.

A serious fire at Rose Cottage near Aylesbury in which a body is found starts a chain of events that encompasses a 1995 cold case in which £35 million is stolen in an audacious train robbery. The team which investigates the death is led by DCI Simon Ridley who is head of a Divisional Serious Crime Team. The principal character though is DC Jack Warr and the rest of the team are DS Laura Wade who is more than a bit in lust with Jack and DC Anik Joshi. The case takes Jack on a fascinating journey of self discovery during which he becomes irrevocably different to his old self in many ways. The intriguing story is told in different timelines- in the present day and some backtracking to the days before and around the train robbery.

One of the standout aspects of the book are the characters, Jack is especially interesting because he is so conflicted about his job and is luke warm in his efforts. He is adopted and the search for his birth father and the case are intertwined and when he learns the truth it leaves him with a foot in two worlds which he is determined to use to his advantage. Ridley is a great character too and nothing gets past him! Jack’s partner Maggie and his adoptive parents are very likeable too and Jack is a warmer person with them. The female gang are really interesting and it’s hard not to admire their audacious and clever planning. The plot initially seems complicated and you do have to concentrate (no bad thing!) but it all falls into place. The pace is quite fast although I think there’s a dip in the middle but I guess that mirrors the case stalling. There is plenty of twisty intrigue and mystery especially as part of the investigation leads to the old dastardly world of East End gangs and gangsters with all their brutality and this makes the story gritty and grisly on occasion. I like the ending as it’s surprising and it sets the reader up well to see where Jacks story goes next. Sign me up for Book 2!!

Overall, an entertaining read from one of the queens of the British Crime Fiction genre.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books, Zaffre UK.