This is the second in the series
It has great characters, an interesting plot and many twists and turns.
As I would expect from this author, it is written so well.
This is a very enjoyable book

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Lynda La Plante never fails to entertain and Judas Horse is every bit as good as I expected it to be. With a fast paced plot that kept me guessing throughout I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. Lynda La Plante is one of the best crime writers out there and her books are a reflection of her talent. I loved it!

I have always loved Lynda's books, and once again she doesn't disappoint me! The book was gripping from the very beginning and I can't wait for the next one! Highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am a big fan of Lynda La Plante, she is one of my favourite authors. I enjoyed this book although I didn't think it was her best work. Still an enjoyable read nonetheless.

Best-selling author Lynda La Plante is on superb form with her captivating new novel featuring Detective Jack Warr: Judas Horse.

The English countryside has become the battlefield for a gang of violent burglars going to unprecedented lengths to terrorise residents in their beautiful homes. Initially it seems that this is a group of opportunistic thieves with their eyes on the main chance, however, when a mutilated body is discovered in a Cotswolds house, the police quickly realise that they are not dealing with an ordinary group of burglars. There is an even darker and more sinister undercurrent driving these thieves – leaving Detective Jack Warr determined to find these ruthless criminals and make them pay for their transgressions before any more lives are lost. However, little does Jack realise that the locals themselves have their own dangerous secrets that might just lead him straight to the killer…

Jack immediately realises that time is of the essence. As he encounters one dead end after another, Jack wonders if he will ever get to the bottom of this case and as violent attacks reach an alarming crescendo, he quickly comes to the conclusion that he must consider every action he takes carefully because one false move is all it will it take to seriously jeopardise this investigation – not to mention his life..

When he meet Charlotte Miles, a terrified woman with links to the group, Jack sees her as his only chance to get to the unsuspecting killers and put them behind bars where they belong. With everything to lose, the stakes have never been higher for Jack, but can he catch his prey in time and ensure that justice is served? Or will this dangerous mission – which has already put Jack far too close to the edge – result in further bloodshed?

When it comes to crime fiction writers, Lynda La Plante is truly the crème de la crème and in Judas Horse, she has penned a first-rate thriller that is absolutely impossible to put down. Full of tension, menace and danger, Judas Horse is a deftly plotted and cleverly constructed thriller that grips from the start and will keep readers completely and utterly glued to its pages from the first word until the final full stop.

Jack Warr is an absolutely fascinating character. A maverick detective who marches to the beat of his own drum, Jack is somebody readers will thoroughly enjoy reading about and spending time with.

A top-notch thriller from a master storyteller, with Judas Horse, Lynda La Plante continues to assert her position as the Queen of Crime Drama.

A series of burglaries among rich countryside occupants leads the local force to request external help. Detective Jack Warr is dispatched to the Cotswolds to aid the investigation. However, his methods lead to conflict within the team. Can Jack unite the police to capture the burglar before they escalate to violence and even murder...?
Judas Horse is the second book by Lynda La Plante to feature Jack Warr, a detective whose moral sense of justice sometimes sees him flouting the law. It isn't necessary to have read the first book as there are no spoilers but Buried was great so I would recommend reading it!
Jack Warr's character is hugely likeable and entertaining. Personally, he has a newborn baby and is adapting to life without his biological and adopted fathers. Professionally, he is trustworthy but an irritant to his fellow officers, playing witnesses, manipulating and disregarding protocol. He was instrumental in solving a complicated crime within his own locality so he is transferred to the countryside when they struggle to deal with a spate of burglaries which are escalating.
The case itself becomes more intricate than it initially appears. The burglaries are getting more violent and Warr urgently needs to find out how the burglars are accessing information. He needs a Judas Horse (see book blurb for a definition!) Jack soon has suspects in mind but needs to go undercover to find the truth and cach the ringleaders.
The relationships between Jack and the other characters underpin the whole book and make it very enjoyable. He is a master at reading people, recognising their strengths and weaknesses. He then uses this for his own ends and I think the police should be grateful he is on their side!
Judas Horse is an engaging and action filled police thriller from a confident author.

Thank you to @NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review

I absolutely loved this book!! I was worried that it wouldn’t live up to the first Jack Warr novel and how it would continue following his life after the ending of the first. But Judas Horse was a fantastic read I was hooked from the first chapter.

I love how not only do you follow the investigation but also the main characters home life’s.

The way in which Harry Rawlins continues to be referred to is brilliant too as I loved those novels by La Plante too!

Would definitely recommend this book

5 ⭐️!!

The combination of the rakish charm of Harry Rawlins (his biological father and gangster) and the loving nature of Charlie Warr (his adoptive father) makes for an excellent character in Jack Warr. I love his girlfriend Maggie. She understands the trials and tribulations that go with Jack’s job. She doesn’t ask questions when maybe she should. I can see it getting worse for them as the series goes on. Right now it’s great with them just having had the baby but I get the feeling that Jack may get in too deep. We shall see!

I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series and seeing how Jack Warr develops as a character.

No doubt Ms La Plante has already been approached for the Jack Warr books to become a TV series which I can certainly see happening.

‘Do you know what a Judas Horse is? ... ‘When the wild mustangs are running free, you corral one and train it. It can take weeks, even months, but when he’s ready, you can release him and he’ll bring his team back into the corral like Judas betraying them.’ - from ‘Judas Horse’.

My thanks to Bonnier Books U.K. Zaffre Books for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Judas Horse’ by Lynda La Plante in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second in La Plante’s series of police procedurals featuring Detective Sergeant Jack Warr. It follows on from the events of ‘Buried’, so I won’t say too much about the plot of either book in order to avoid spoilers.

Due to his previous successes Jack is seconded by the Met the Cotswolds to assist in the investigation of a series of high end burglaries in the area targeting rich residents. The violence associated with these crimes has recently escalated.

Again, this was the kind of solid police procedural that I have come to expect from Lynda La Plante. Jack Warr is a complex character who while something of a maverick is determined in his pursuit of the baddies. Of course, there are plenty of clashes with fellow officers as well as alliances. Overall, a highly satisfying read.

I certainly will be looking forward to further books in this series.

It is a long time since I read a book of Lynda’s. I hadn’t realised that this is a new series and so missed the first book about DC Jack Warr, although I will catch up soon! This book is as good as I remember her books. Jack Warr is a maverick detective with a good heart and a brilliant detective, as becomes obvious when he is seconded to other forces to help on difficult burglary cases which seem unsolvable. As a police procedural it work’s brilliantly, interspersed with details of his family life and new baby which I enjoyed. Jack comes over as arrogant and doesn’t play nicely with his superiors but is excellent at managing his colleagues. There is so much scope for the series, which I look forward to reading. Well recommended.
Thanks to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.

‘Judas Horse’ is the second book in the series featuring Detective Sergeant Jack Warr. The first book in the series is called ‘Buried’ and it was released in September 2020. Now I have a little confession to make- yes yet another one. Although I have ‘Buried’ on my ever increasing ‘to be read’ mountain, I haven’t actually read it yet. What a mistake to make. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Judas Horse’ but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Detective Sergeant Jack Warr? I have to say that I like him and I warmed to him from the start. Jack is a police officer with the Metropolitan Police and he has been for a few years. Jack is one of those police officers that is like a dog with a bone when it comes to solving crime. By that I mean that if something doesn’t seem right to him then he will not hesitate to investigate the matter further. Jack is sent on secondment to help another force investigate a series of burglaries. Jack doesn’t seem to have much respect for his superiors in his temporary placement. Jack can be a rebel, he can be a pain in the backside but he is one hell of a detective.
I was drawn to this story by the synopsis alone and when I started reading the book properly, I was blown away by the story. I had only intended to read a couple of chapters when I first picked the book up only I ended up becoming so wrapped up in the story that I read more like a dozen chapters in one go. I liked the characters and the storylines and I simply had to read on to see if Jack and his team managed to solve the crime. It’s fair to say that I binge read the book over the course of a single day. I found ‘Judas Horse’ to be the true definition of an unputdownable page turner of a read and then some.
‘Judas Horse’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from the supremely talented and legend that is Lynda La Plante. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be a compelling read. The story in ‘Judas Horse’ hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Judas Horse’ felt like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with many twists and turns along the way. I found ‘Judas Horse’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and it also kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
In short, I absolutely loved ‘Judas Horse’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lynda’s work in the future- starting with ‘Buried’ just as soon as I have finished typing this review. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

There is a reason why Lynda La Plante remains the doyenne of modern police procedurals,it is due to the consummate skill in which she arranges her characters within the purview of her plot , and then lets them run free.

It allows for a sense of pace and control which, whilst not quite leaving the reader breathless, will make them feel as though they are a part of the aptly named Jack Warr's team as he investigates the complex web of organised robberies throughout the wealthier residences of the Cotswolds.

Through the use of an informer, Jack hopes to create a Judas Horse situation wherein he can draw out the prinicipal names behind the robberies, and when he realises just how high this crime group goes, he realises not only will he have to bend the rules to keep his informant safe, he has to make increasingly difficult decisions which leaves lives on the line. And in between juggling his responsibility to the populace in upholding the law, he also has to manage his family life as well as how how far he can shake the leaves of his morality tree, without disturbing the roots.

The story flows off the page to grab the reader in its grip and thrust them into the investigation, so many times you read police procedurals and they come across as dry and hesitant, as though the focus on accuracy sacrifices characterisation and accessibility.

But Judas Horse balances plot, characterisation and the kind of speech which you can relate to and dive deeply into. From the brilliantly creepy opener, where 2 boys doing what boys always do when bored, get more than they bargain for in a submerged horse trailer, to the stunning climax, this is a series which is just beginning to get going. I cannot wait to see how Jack Warr and his team fares in future instalments!

Police are investigating a spate of violent burglaries but when a mutilated body is found inside a Cotswolds house, they realise that this is more than just opportunistic crime. Detective Jack Warr finds himself encountering numerous dead ends as he unearths the secrets in the local community, hoping to get to the core of this organised gang. When he meets Charlotte Miles, a woman with links to the group, Warr wants to use her to lure them into committing one last job with the aim of catching them in the act. With violent acts escalating, Jack knows that he must get this right to avoid more blood being spilled.

It is always a pleasure to read a Lynda La Plante book, someone I have admired since watching the original Prime Suspect on television. After reading the first in the Jack Warr series, Buried, last year, I couldn't wait to see where Lynda took this character next, especially after finding out his origins. Although this could definitely be read as a standalone, I found that Buried served as a great introduction to the character, helping us to understand what made him tick, whereas this book has given us the opportunity to see more of Jack as a detective. I found myself liking the character more as the book progressed, admiring his determination and policing skills, even if his tactics may not be strictly legal sometimes!

The plot moves on at a good pace and is well developed. From the horrific discovery at the start of the book, the plot progresses well until we discover how this fits in with the rest of the story, taking us on a journey through the privileged Cotswolds where nobody's home seems safe. I had never heard of a Judas Horse before reading this book and I loved the idea of using the weak link as an insider to lead the police to the gang. We meet a myriad of characters throughout the book, each one, police, victim and criminal, bringing a different element to the story.

The Jack Warr series is promising to be another huge hit for Lynda La Plante and I look forward to seeing where she takes him next.

I haven’t read a Lynda La Plante book for years. I’m not sure why that is, but now I’m kicking myself for all that time lost because now I really need to go and catch up! I’d forgotten how good she is at what she does!

Judas Horse is actually the second book featuring DC Jack Warr. I probably only realised that when I was about halfway in and started thinking that there might possibly be some backstory here, but the truth is that sufficient background info is given to allow this to be read as a standalone. I would definitely go back and read that first book (by the name of Buried) though, purely for the heck of it!

La Plante has created a character who’s that perfect blend of astute cop and rugged family man with enough of a past to make him interesting, but not too messed up! Jack Warr knows exactly how to read people. He understands how they work, and knows how to use this to his advantage. This has helped him become a sought after team leader when there’s a tricky case to crack. And this is what happens when he’s recruited to go and head up an investigation in the Cotswolds that the department there have been struggling with for some time. There have been a spate of robberies happening that they just can’t seem to get to the bottom of and although initially they seemed to be few and far between, they’re definitely escalating in number and now happening every couple of weeks.

The area is an affluent one, with many celebrities and wealthy A-listers living there, both full- and part-time. The main thing that’s been hindering the investigation is that many of these people don’t want the interference that comes with a police investigation, so they’re not willing to allow much to be done about the robberies. The police in the area are also sure that more robberies have occurred that haven’t even been reported. They’re concerned that this is all leading somewhere, but they’re not sure where … or why. It’s Jack’s job to find that out.

He’s immediately aware that he’s the interloper who’s arriving in, what to him, is foreign territory. But with his usual sensitivity and charm, he quickly wins over the locals and has no problem being able to lead from the front. Just as he’s been able to learn from others, he has a way about him that ensures that others will learn from him. And as he starts to get the lay of the land the team working with him all eagerly open their eyes and start to see things in a completely different light. Sometimes all that’s needed are a fresh pair of eyes.

As the burglaries continue, they start to increase in frequency it seems that the perpetrators are more willing to take risks, and when the autistic son of one of the homeowners is brutally assaulted, there is concern that whoever is committing these crimes will have no problem with violence if and when it’s required. Time seems to be running out, especially when one of the locals starts throwing his weight around, threatening to report Jack and his entire team if the situation is not brought under control … immediately!

But Jack is not worried about intimidation. He has his ways and means of getting to the bottom of things, and he understands how communities work when they seem to have closed ranks. He knows that what looks like arrogance is usually just disguised fear … or something else, hidden just under the surface. And he’ll get to the bottom of it.

This is Lynda La Plante at her best. She’s created a cast of characters that work so well together that it looks just about seamless. Jack’s not a saint: he’s willing to bend the rules if it means he’ll get results, but he does what he needs to do out of necessity. Most of the time he shares with his team: information, the highs and the lows … but sometimes he makes a mistake or two and when he does, he acknowledges it and tries to make it right if he can. But he’s not going to dwell on things that can’t be fixed. He’ll move on and expect others to do the same. He doesn’t have time for people who sulk. There’s a job to do!

The combination of police procedural with interludes of Jack as a homebody are a refreshing and different approach that allows readers to see him in both environments. We also get to see what contributes to the man he is in the field. There is often reference to family and to children and Jack’s perception of situations now that he is a father to a newborn baby girl. I found this to be such a unique change from all the cops we so often read about in numerous (oh so numerous!) books who are broken and damaged and who are estranged from their families with no hope of reconciling with their children!

This is a 5-star read! Edgy in parts, and a bit slower in others. But the pace is balanced perfectly.

This is the second book in the DC Jack Warr series, and having not read the first one I worried that I was going to struggle with references to Jack’s life and career from the earlier book. This was not the case at all, and I don’t feel like I missed out by starting the series with book 2...although now I’m definitely going back to read the first book as soon as possible!

I really liked the interweaving stories covering events and the criminal underbelly of Oxford, Chipping Norton and London. The book is partly detective thriller (which is very gripping and clever) and partly focussed on the lives of the police officers around Jack, and the reader is given great insight into their characters and some of the politics that come with life as a police officer.

A great book that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good crime thriller with lots of twists and turns. Shamefully this is my first Lynda La Plante read but it will definitely not be my last!

With thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Judas Horse – A La Plante Classic

Whoever thinks women cannot write crime, clearly has never read the women who write crime in Britain. Lynda La Plante, whose books get better with every new book published, comes up with new story lines, the bad ‘guys’ are always proper wrong uns. She manages not to use cliches, and all her stories are gripping.

La Plante is not afraid to show you who the baddies are, but the thrill is always whether they can get away with their crimes or will the good guys be able to catch them. With this the second of the Jack Warr series, yes you are told who the criminals are, catching them is something quite different. Along with the La Plante twist, that you did not see coming, even when it becomes blindingly obvious there is more going on.

Warr volunteers to go back west this time to the Cotswolds where there have been a number of house burglaries where there seems to be a pattern, but the local force cannot see it. Warr, does not want to be seen as the bossy London detective, taking over the case, but a colleague, whilst controlling the narrative of the investigation. Things become slightly harder when colleagues from Oxford also join forces with the investigation.

While we learn more about Warr, his relationships, and his new- born daughter. Warr becomes a detective that will grow on the reader. In a way there is the part that is the defective detective, in that he doesn’t play well with superior officers, but is able to bring out the best of colleagues. While he is not afraid to grab some by the throat if it is required. Warr is not a complex character but does offer more than many literary crime fighters.

Judas Horse may seem like a strange name for a book, but all is revealed, but it is always best to read it to find out yourself.

An excellent thriller, which I read, enjoyed, and cast the tv mini-series – but that’s me.

Judas Horse is the second book featuring D.S. Jack Warr. You do not need to have read the first but I thoroughly enjoyed it so it is worth a read too! Jack is conflicted between his real father and his adopted father and wonders what traits he has genetically inherited. He has had success in solving burglaries recently whilst in the Met, so is drafted to help out in the Cotswolds, where a series of burglaries are becoming more violent.

He is not afraid to bend rules to get what he wants - could this be part of his inherited genes? The burglaries are linked to an organised gang with connections to London and Jack moves back and forth between London and the Cotswolds with his own brand of detective work!

It is a fast paced thriller with good characters, a good story and lots of suspense!

This is the second book in the Jack Warr series but can be read as a stand-alone book.
Jack becomes a father at the beginning of this book and whilst he loves his daughter, he’s keen to get back to work.
When he returns, Jack is asked to help out a team in the Cotswolds who are dealing with a spate of high profile robberies.
The properties being targeted belong to the wealthy and the robbers have a knack of avoiding CCTV in the area.
Investigations are a bit slow at first but then they realise someone knows what and who are involved in the gang so Jack focusses on getting this person on side.
The second part of the book is more fast paced and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Judas Horse is the second book in the DC Jack Warr series. Now I have a confession to make, I haven't read the first book in this series. Saying that I didn't feel lost at sea and it was easy to get to know the characters.

Another confession for you, yep I'm throwing them all out there today 🙈 this is my first Lynda La Plante book that I've read. Yes I know, where the heck have I been? Have no fear Judas Horse has shown me what I've been missing out on and I'll certainly be reading more La Plante books.

There's a gang of burglars in The Cotswolds and they are targeting the wealthy. They are devious, sneaky but they have turned deadly. Jack Warr is called in to head up the investigation into finding out who is behind all this.

Judas Horse is a well thought out police procedural. Personally for me it was a bit tame, but that's because I like things a bit over the top. Jack Warr is a great central character, he knows how the criminal mind works and uses his experience and knowledge to get to the bottom of things.

🌟 Many thanks to Zaffre and Netgalley for my gifted digital copy of the book in exchange of an honest review 🌟