Publication Date: Available Now from Bonnier Zaffre
Source: Review Copy
On the way to court one morning, Jane passes through Covent Garden Underground station and is caught up in a bomb blast that leaves several people dead, and many horribly injured. Jane is a key witness, but is adamant that she can’t identify the bomber. When a photograph appears in the newspapers, showing Jane assisting the injured at the scene, it puts her and her family at risk from IRA retaliation.
‘Good Friday’ is the eagerly awaited date of the annual formal CID dinner, due to take place at St Ermin’s Hotel. Hundreds of detectives and their wives will be there. It’s the perfect target. As Jane arrives for the evening, she realises that she recognises the parking attendant as the bomber from Covent Garden. Can she convince her senior officers in time, or will another bomb destroy London’s entire detective force?
This is actually the first novel in the early Tennison series I have read. Thoroughly enjoyed it, but I do love this character both in visual and literary format! I loved seeing her in the early years here, so I’ll definitely be going back and reading the previous books.
Good Friday is set in the London of the 70’s when the IRA were the ones to fear as they waged a terror campaign like no other. I was young but have vague memories of that period of our history, the sense of place and different time evoked here is immersive and authentic. Beautifully done.
Then we have a younger version of a character we know well, both from novels and from TV – early in her career and caught up in a terrifying plot – the casual and raw sexism of the day affecting her ability to be heard. It is all very edge of the seat and brilliantly drawn out to keep you turning those pages.
I loved seeing her starting out – new flat, career – it was the little nuances and touches that brought the whole thing to vivid life, you can see the character she will become in the character that she is and the specific story for this one is hard hitting and genuinely addictive.
Overall a damned fine read.
Recommended.
Happy Reading!
