Judas Horse is the second installment of the Jack Warr series. it tells the story of detective Jack Warr, and his investigation into a string of home robberies. He previously caught another robber, so when these new thieves become violent, Jack is out on loan from London to help solve the case. Jack also has become a new father, which humanizes him a lot, setting him apart from the typical British investigator. This book is typical British crime procedural, and this is one of the best authors for this type of book. Through twists and turns, she takes you on a ride that you would not expect from this type of book.
First, I didn’t read the first in this series before reading this book. I intended to read the first one, but just never had the time to. This is absolutely a stand alone book, but I’m sure the first would give some of the missing background. That background is not essential for enjoying this book, though. Enough of Jack’s history was given to understand his character and the story. I loved the action packed story, and the characters that this book built. I would definitely recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy police procedurals! ( )

Two young boys see a group of crows surrounding a box in the middle of a lake. Of course, they go to see what it is not realizing that they would stumble across a body. It takes a little for the plot to finally get around to how this ties into the rest of the story, but I like that because in the back of your mind you know something that the character doesn’t at first because of course, it is going to come around to being involved in the case they are working. The story starts off with the pending investigation in one set of burglaries and we get to quickly see that crime solved. But because Jack understands how criminal minds work, he is asked to help in another town with burglaries they can’t seem to solve.

This right away reminded me of those crime shows like NCIS and Bones. It starts off with people living their lives, normally it’s a scene of criminals or people doing something illegal or at least questionable but then they run across a body. That’s exactly what happened in this book and I’m glad that’s how the author started it off. It truly draws the reader in by starting the book off with something that will grab our attention. It also makes it more entertaining as we read about the characters knowing that it’s going to lead to people dying.

And just for those who are wondering, I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I was still able to follow along with everything in the story. Of course, I could tell there were things that had happened that I’m not sure about but everything relating to the reading and understanding this story's plot was explained so I had no trouble following along.

This book had something for everyone. Murder, Burglaries, Informants, Blackmail, Undercover Work. I wish it was more of a mystery as you know who is doing the crimes and there really isn’t much shock in any of the books. It is just simply following how they try to catch the guy and his gang. But I do like that it escalated to more than just burglaries, which just put even more stakes on the table.

The story also had some personal elements of Jack’s life. We get to see as his and Maggie’s relationship grow as they welcome a baby into their life. There is also some side storyline with the pregnancy of a friend. But I liked seeing their relationship which is what truly drives Jack. There wasn’t only well depict romantic relationships, but also some interaction of coworkers and of them biting heads a little about people who have more authority than Jack, who are brought into the case.

The book was okay, but there wasn’t really anything special. It wasn’t slow or fast-paced. Nothing really jumped out but there also isn’t anything wrong with the book either. It is in the middle of the road. If you like a simple small crime novel then this is for you, but I prefer something with a little more sustenance. ( )

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. ( )

Detective Jack War makes enemies aplenty in the second novel in this crime series.No wonder, he come across as the Superman of Detectives, the Sherlock Holmes of unearthing clues and suspects and it is a bit too much. Jealous colleagues can’t take him down, physical injury barely slows his forward momentum. This book had all the elements of a good crime story but it was a little clunky. The story progresses awkwardly and at times the switchbacks were more than a little confusing. Solid just not brilliant.

Three stars is just not equal to the writing but four stars is generous. Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre USA for a copy. ( )

Lynda La Plante returns with her second novel in the Jack Warr series, I haven't read the first in this series but found that not to be a problem. Fans of her work and avid readers of this genre in general will find this book appealing and interesting.

The book starts out with a string of robberies in a small touristy town where many wealthy celebrities and businessmen live. The use of the term Judas Horse is very interesting and appropriate in describing the burglars. The book is a police procedural full of twists and turns, a page-turner thriller. It is well written and like her other books quite enjoyable.

The characters are complex, with a variety of lifestyles and personalities, all very well described. Detective Jack certainly is old school and sticks with his gut feeling when he is investigating the case. The plot and storyline will not disappoint you.

Thank you to BookishFirst, Zaffre, and Lynda for the opportunity to read the advanced-copy of this book. ( )