The Dirty Dozen opening line: It was a rainy and overcast April morning as the brown 1976 Mark 4 Ford Cortina saloon parked up on the offside of Aylmer Road, a few metres down from the junction with Leytonstone High Road.
My blurb:
Jane Tennison is going to prove to everyone that she has what it takes. Because being a woman, and the first woman at that, on the Flying Squad is hard work. But her attention to detail will show that she has what it takes.
The Dirty Dozen
April 1980 and Jane is the first female detective to be posted to the Met’s renowned Flying Squad, commonly known as the ‘Sweeney’. Based at Rigg Approach in East London, they investigate armed robberies on banks, cash in transit and other business premises.
Jane thinks her transfer is on merit and is surprised to discover she is actually part of a short term internal experiment, intended to have a calming influence on a team that likes to dub themselves as the ‘Dirty Dozen’.
The men on the squad don’t think a woman is up to the dangers they face when dealing with some of London’s most ruthless armed criminals, who think the only ‘good cop’ is a dead cop. Determined to prove she’s as good as the men, Jane discovers from a reliable witness that a gang is going to carry out a massive robbery involving millions of pounds.
But she doesn’t know who they are, or where and when they will strike…
My verdict:
The blurb on the back of my book is not the same as the one on the website and it took me quite some time to work out the era of the novel. Once I had done so a lot of what was being written about made sense. A good read from Lynda La Plante.
Publishing information:
ISBN 9781785768514
Disclosure: I was sent the book to review by Jonathan Ball Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. This post is in line with my blogging policy.
Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime February 16:
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- 2018 – Ricotta Flat Breads
- 2015 – Sourdough Waffles
- 2014 – Command Authority
- 2013 – Reader Appreciation Award
- 2012 – Home Made Bagels
- 2011 – Chilli Carrots
My mother loves Lynda La Plante, Tandy. I’ll tell her about this book.
She might have read it, let me know!
Hi Tandy, It’s amazing how ‘place’ perks our attention. When I read the first sentence of Lynda la Plante’s new book, my interest grew as I know the area: Leytonstone High Road fairly well as I used to shop and work nearby for a while many years ago. Her books are usually quite ‘gritty,’ I am sure this one is no exception! Good luck with your many dishes! My husband cooks these days, although I am always happy to eat what he dishes up as he’s a good cook. I did the honours for 47 years and had four male mouths to feed, which was sometimes a challenge I enjoyed. Keep well, and thank you. xx
I love reading books when I know the place – and I am sure you will enjoy this gritty book!
Just read one of her books.. 😉
Did you enjoy it?
I loved this book but most of Lynda la Plante’s books are so very readable. I am definitely a fan. Great review Tandy.
Thanks Merryn, and thanks for reading the review even though you had already read the book 🙂