Above Suspicion

Title: Above Suspicion

Author: Lynda La Plante

Published in: 2004

Date read: Not yet read

Score: /5

Genre: Crime, Detective

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Above Suspicion" by Lynda La Plante, published in 2004, is the first novel in the highly acclaimed and gripping Anna Travis series. It introduces the ambitious and determined Detective Constable Anna Travis, as she navigates the cutthroat world of serious crime investigation and tackles a horrifying serial killer case that challenges her deeply.

The story plunges Travis into her first major murder investigation, one that is particularly gruesome and high-profile. A series of young prostitutes are being brutally murdered, their bodies meticulously posed. The killer is meticulous, cunning, and leaves very few clues, baffling even the most seasoned detectives.

Travis, though new to the Serious Crime Squad, is sharp, observant, and determined to prove herself in a male-dominated environment. She is eager to learn and keen to impress her commanding officer, DCS James Langton. Langton is a complex character: a highly experienced and respected detective, but also autocratic and with a reputation for being difficult. Their relationship forms a central dynamic of the novel, as Travis tries to earn his respect while often clashing with his methods.

As the body count rises, the pressure on the police intensifies. The media frenzy around the "Red Light Killer" (or a similar moniker, given the victims' profession) becomes immense. Travis finds herself delving into the dark and dangerous world of prostitution, confronting the realities of addiction, exploitation, and desperation that many of the victims faced.

The title "Above Suspicion" refers not only to the seemingly unimpeachable status of some of the suspects but also to the nature of the killer, who manages to evade detection despite the mounting evidence. The killer appears to be someone highly intelligent, manipulative, and perhaps even operating from within a position of trust or authority, making them incredibly difficult to catch.

Travis, despite her junior rank, begins to notice details that others miss, using her intuition and fresh perspective to piece together fragments of evidence. She faces scepticism and sexism from some of her male colleagues, forcing her to work harder to make her voice heard and her insights acknowledged.

The novel is a gritty, realistic police procedural, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of police work, its psychological depth, and its unflinching look at violent crime. The climax sees Travis playing a crucial role in cornering the elusive killer, leading to a tense and dangerous confrontation that tests her courage and intelligence, solidifying her place as a formidable detective in the making.

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