Thursday, June 2, 2011

Blind Fury -Lynda La Plante

Blind Fury
Lynda La Plante
Touchstone, Jul 5 2011, $15.00
ISBN 9781439139301

An unknown female corpse is found at a gas station off the M1. The victim was raped before being murdered. Detective Inspector Anna Travis and her unit lead the investigation that appears to have been committed by the same predator that raped and murdered another unidentified woman and prostitute Margaret Potts.

Vile killer Cameron Welsh, who Anna put away years ago, sends her a note insisting he can help her solve the apparent serial killer case. She doubts he has anything useful to offer and prefers not to visit this odious beast; but Anna decides to see what the imprisoned predator has to offer as the investigation is going nowhere including the inability to identify the dead. Meanwhile her former lover Detective Chief Superintendent James Langton takes charge of the complex inquiry.

The latest Anna Travis British police procedural (see Silent Scream and Deadly Intent) is an excellent investigative tale, but not for readers who prefer story lines faster than the speed of light. Instead Blind Fury provides an incredibly detailed and profound methodical whodunit. Travis holds the investigation together as the prime focus of the plot; fans will recognize she has matured professionally to the point where she leads, but her personal life remains shaky at best as she makes poor choices.

Harriet Klausner

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