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As the title suggests, this is the fifth in Lynda La Plante's long-running 'Trial & Retribution' series and has again been accompanied by a TV version. This time, DCI Walker is engaged in investigating a case with remarkable similarities to the real-life 25 Cromwell Street case, in which the bodies of numerous women were found in the house and garden. However, he has problems in his own life too, due to a worsening relationship with DI Pat North. There comes a time when there is really no need to keep churning out book after book. Admittedly, Lynda La Plante did not write the book itself, but developed the screenplay and the original idea, with Blake adapting it for the novel form. However, La Plante is clearly squandering her talents. We have seen that she can write some excellent stuff, so being stuck in the 'Trial & Retribution' rut is not a good idea. This is, of course, not to say that this is a bad book. In fact, it is quite an easy read that isn't overly complicated. Due to this, you will find the pages flying by. However, when La Plante could be out there developing new characters and original storylines, she is still producing police procedurals that do not add anything new to the genre. North and Walker were interesting in the first couple of books and there, La Plante produced some very enjoyable TV and literature. Here, we have an average work and a sense of bordom. It may well be that this book works better in TV form than it does in novel form. Overall, there is nothing special here. Someone wanting to try to La Plante for the first time would be better off reading one of her better works, such as 'Widows' or 'The Governor', both of which also made compelling TV viewing. I look forward to her next "proper" novel in the hope that it is better. Editor's Note. This book is not available in the US. Email CrimeBks@aol.com or your favorite UK bookseller to purchase.
Reviewed by Luke Croll, June 2002
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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