It's been many years since I've read anything by Lynda La Plante. I remember now why it's been so long... I enjoy her story telling but I really don't like her characters. She fleshes them out just fine, I just don't like them as people. It's hard to stay interest in characters I don't care about. Even so, La Plante has written others that I haven't read yet and I'll likely give those a shot. ( )

A gritty police procedural by the author of the Prime Suspect series with Jane Tennison. This series features young detective Anna Travis who is investigating the murder of an up-and-coming actress. It was longer than necessary because there was so much interpersonal detail about Travis and her ex-lover who is also her superior officer. It was OK, but La Plante's writing has become formulaic. I'll read more of the series sometime and hope she changes the tune. ( )

Anna Travis is investigating the murder of up and coming young actress, Amanda Delaney. There is little evidence to go on and the squad seems to stumble along with no real progress. Of course, it is Anna who provides the leads that help solve the case.
SILENT SCREAM is Lynda La Plante’s Book 5 of her Anna Travis Mysteries series.
SILENT SCREAM is a crime thriller, a suspenseful mystery and a ‘police procedural’.
Travis is a very flawed character - a brilliant detective, extremely hard-working - but obsessed with her job. With no family, friends or even close co-workers, her stress levels are off the charts. She can be quite stubborn and impetuous and is haunted by and hounded by ex-lover (and Boss) James Langton.
The book is quite detailed, well-organized and suspenseful. I like this series. I just wish I liked the main characters a bit more. ( )

I read this a while back - certainly enjoyed it enough to want to read more by Lynda LaPlante. ( )

“Silent Scream” by Lynda La Plante:

The title is very fitting as it’s exactly what I did at the end. I was so sure that I had figured out who the murderer was that when I got to the end and saw how wrong I was, I let loose my own soundless shriek.

DI Anna Travis investigates the heartbreaking murder of Amanda Delany, an up-and-coming star. Addicted to drugs and sexually licentious, Delany is found to be anything but the moral innocent some would like to think she is.

Witnesses, potential suspects and even Delany’s parents are hauled in for questioning. In search of a motive for Delany’s brutal slaughter, evidence is unearthed divulging deception, fraud and cover-ups.

Amidst the investigation, Travis is recommended for promotion. But during her day long interview for the position, her ex-lover and boss reveals a shocking allegation that could keep her from attaining her dream.

This procedural story is its own evidence that one silent scream can ultimately be a whisper of death. British writer La Plante shows Travis’ impressive investigative skills and with the help of her team, unravels the mystery of a dreadfully, heartrending murder. ( )