Pure Evil

Another well written read from the author. it's cleverly plotted, with excellent characterisation and Jack Warr is becoming a favourite character! We find him investigating the murders of young girls but also the disappearance of his boss, DCI Ridley, who seems to be off work but nobody knows why. The two investigations worked well and I loved the insight into Warr's home life. The ending worked very well with both cases resolved and it's another great read from Lynda La Plante which I highly recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

The fourth book to feature Detective Jack Warr and for me the best in the series so far. Still trying to juggle with family life and his very demanding job. Ridley his boss and mentor has been put under house arrest and he is asking for Jack's help. At the same time he is looking at a young man who has got off lightly with two brutal attacks. Is he just another lost soul who has fallen through the cracks or is he something else that is much more evil???? I devoured this book in one sitting and finally turned the last page in the wee hours. Yes this book is that good!!!!!! This book had me sat on the edge of my seat and constantly holding my breath. This author knows how to tell a story and keeper the reader gripped. Another MUST READ from one of my favourite authors.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

This is tense, gripping and completely addictive. I have felt as though I have been watching the events of this one play out. This is realistic and believable, guaranteed to send shivers down the spine of the reader.

This has been completely unpredictable and been a book I have devoured. I literally thought I had this figured out then BANG, a twist thrown in that completely pulls the floor from under you.

Oh I do love a Jack Warr story and this is an absolute belter. Not only is Jack faced with trying to prove the seemingly impossible, that a man who was arrested for a knife attack is actually guilty of far darker cimes, but his friend and mentor, DCI Simon Ridley, is faced with career and life ruining accusations and trusts only Jack to help him. Stepping in to help Ridley could also have implications for Jack's career, but having seen Jack in action over the course of the series, there's no one I would rather go to for help either.

This book has really quite dark undertones. I like the way that Lynda La Plante has framed this whole story, that Rodney Middleton, a man arrested for quite a serious offence, is actually a far more twisted individual than the simple arrest might suggest. It is clear that Jack has doubts about Middleton from the off, fuelled by Ridley, but driven by the knowledge that he has a history of violence and that there is something about his persona and the calm way in which he allowed himself to be arrested that just smells off. Now as readers, we are given the briefest hint of what his real crime might be right from the beginning, but, even then, it takes time for the full horrific truth to come to the fore. The slow reveal allows the author to keep the violence off the page, there is no doubting by the end of the novel just what has occured. The real question is, is Middleton the perpetrator and, if so, how far does the depravity extend?

I love Jack Warr as a character. He is a little morally ambiguous when it comes to towing the line and sticking to the letter of the law, but he actions always come from a place of good intent. He is hell bent on justice being served, and as a result of that will often push the limits of his role as a Police Officer to achieve it. Anyone who has read the rest of the series knows that he is a flawed character, but in a good way, and the times when he takes liberties with procedure, it comes from a place of striving for good. Some of his actions in this book do end in dire consequences, but not necessarily as a direct result of his actions, more the gradual pursuit of proving Ridley's innocence.

One of the great things about Jack Warr though, and what makes this a kind of stand out series for me, is his relationship with his family. Admittedly he does go a bit 'ostrich' when it comes to talking to his wife, Maggie, about his mother, Penny, who seems to be acting out of character. Whether this ongoing forgetfulness is medical or otherwise, we are all to discover as we read the book, but the scenes between Jack, Maggie, their daughter, Hannah, and Penny, do bring a smile to my face. They are so perfectly normal, real everyday scenes that could happen in any household, that they make a nice diversion from the darker sides of the book.

The pacing of the book is just right, the growing sense of desperation on Jack's part as he struggles to find evidence against Middleton, and to exonerate Ridley, almost palpable. Faced with a new boss that he just can't quite get the measure of, and a team who aren't aware of Jack's sideline investigation, there is that added conflict and sense of urgency which really keeps the story moving. the writing is finely tuned, the harsher moments peppered with humour which keeps a difficult and sometimes emotional story, perfectly pitched. Touching on themes of grooming and murder, Lynda La Plante has created a story which really hits home, full of drama, tension, and uncertainty, which kept me glued to the story right to the end. Loved it.

'Pure Evil' by Lynda La Plante.
I must admit I've only read the Widows book by Lynda La Plante, which I loved, so was looking forward to reading this. It didn't disappoint.
Usually when there is two big storylines in a book I'm not a huge fan as I find them confusing. But the way this was done was phenomenal. Detective Jack Warr struggles with a seemingly simple case to another case (off the books) to help his friend and mentor. Both cases keep you gripped and keep you guessing right till the end. There was a combination of warm and funny scenes to harrowing and shocking scenes. I binge read the last half in 1 sitting.
I will definitely be reading more by Lynda La Plante. I fully recommend this book.
Thankyou to NetGallery, the author Lynda La Plante and the publishers for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.

The Jack Warr series is getting better with each book. This time the simple assault case he is dealing with spirals into darker areas, not helped by his boss and mentor, DCI Ridley being replaced by an inexperienced senior officer trying to micro manage his staff. When Ridley calls and asks for Jacks help, things get almost too much for him but he is so driven he just won’t give up.

This is such a good book, so tense and dark, with multiple storylines woven skilfully together, making it a compulsive read. I love the interaction between Jack and wife Maggie, with both of them trying to juggle intense work situations as well as caring for their daughter, with the help of Penny, Jacks mother, and also keeping their marriage alive. Jack is a complex character, at times almost working outside the law, but determined to get to the truth of whatever case he is dealing with. He also comes across as very human, not always easy work with, often unaware of the offence he causes or how people react to him, but all the more real for it. The police procedures and staff are all obviously well researched, and you feel as though you are part of a real investigation taking place, with no idea of how it’s going to play out. Loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Another brilliant book from Lynda La Plante an author who grips you grips you from start to finish with great characters and a story that have you wanting more.Excellent 5*

Pure Evil is pure thrilling the fourth and probably the best yet. Jack Warr has to juggle his new case and helping Ridley. Non stop thrills in this riveting thriller. The characters grow with each book. Loved it.
I received this book from Bonnier Books UK and Netgalley for a review.