It’s that time again – an update on #TeamTennison and the mission to read all of the Tennison series before the publication of the latest book in summer 2024!
Thanks to Compulsive Readers for my spot on the team and to Zaffre Books for my review copies of the novels. As always, opinions are entirely my own.
So, we’ve got to Book 8, ‘Dark Rooms’, and it’s another gem. It does feel like every book in the series is different and unique – we are a long way from formulaic here!
This book is about the gruesome discovery of the body of a young woman in an old air-raid shelter in the garden of a large family house that was then converted into flats. Along with the young woman, a baby’s body is found – but the dates of the deaths do not seem to match. Jane Tennison, in her new role as Detective Inspector, is determined to get justice for both the victims – although her superiors are keen to close the case without resolution for the baby. Investigations take Jane back in time to the wealthy family who lived in the house – and the horrific secrets they have carried with them.
Again, we see personal development within the character of Jane Tennison. As always, she’s prepared to stand up for what she believes and bend the rules if needed, but she also now seems harder and tougher. There were a few times in the novel when I really thought she lacked a sense of humour, but then I had to remind myself that she’s a successful and increasingly respected police inspector – I don’t have to think she’s be fun to spend time with! Considering all the sexism and discrimination she’s endured in the books up to this point, I’d say good on her for persevering and that of course it would take its toll.
The mystery is – as always with La Plante’s books – well-plotted and presented with convincing knowledge of police procedures. I was a little sceptical of Jane’s jaunt to Australia, but the pay-off was worth it all as revelation followed revelation and I couldn’t put the book down. I liked the realism of the business trip too – insane time-scales to get things done, terrible hotel…
Once again, La Plante has delivered a brilliant mystery in a brilliant series. This one does have some darker themes around abuse – so be warned – but it’s all part a clever and shocking denouement that makes perfect sense within the narrative. Another recommended read from me!
