The Scene of the Crime
19 February 2026Imprint: Zaffre
Synopsis
THE FIRST BOOK IN A BRAND NEW CRIME SERIES FOR 2026 FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING CREATOR OF DETECTIVE JANE TENNISON, LYNDA LA PLANTE.
The husband of a prominent and infamously ruthless barrister is found in horrific condition after a robbery and brutal assault. Now in a coma, a major investigation is launched using the newly formed, experimental Metropolitan Police Serious Crime Analysis Unit.
Jessica Russell is an experienced CSI with degrees in psychology and criminology with an exceptional Masters in Investigative psychology and behaviour analysis. But Jessica's first job as team leader of MSCAN is entirely new to her: to bring together a team of three trusted officers.
Between them, the team has dealt with every kind of murder and major crime scene - their expertise ranges from forensic DNA to blood spatter analysis, digital forensics and beyond.
Now they must piece together the complex puzzle at the heart of this brutal crime. If it was a robbery gone horrifically wrong, what was so important to have been stolen?
Praise for Lynda La Plante:
'The UK's most celebrated female crime author' - DAILY MAIL
'DC Jack Warr is clearly destined for higher things' - PETER ROBINSON
'Lynda La Plante practically invented the thriller' - KARIN SLAUGHTER
'La Plante excels in her ability to pick out the surprising but plausible details that give her portrayal of everyday life in a police station a rare ring of authenticity' - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
The husband of a prominent and infamously ruthless barrister is found in horrific condition after a robbery and brutal assault. Now in a coma, a major investigation is launched using the newly formed, experimental Metropolitan Police Serious Crime Analysis Unit.
Jessica Russell is an experienced CSI with degrees in psychology and criminology with an exceptional Masters in Investigative psychology and behaviour analysis. But Jessica's first job as team leader of MSCAN is entirely new to her: to bring together a team of three trusted officers.
Between them, the team has dealt with every kind of murder and major crime scene - their expertise ranges from forensic DNA to blood spatter analysis, digital forensics and beyond.
Now they must piece together the complex puzzle at the heart of this brutal crime. If it was a robbery gone horrifically wrong, what was so important to have been stolen?
Praise for Lynda La Plante:
'The UK's most celebrated female crime author' - DAILY MAIL
'DC Jack Warr is clearly destined for higher things' - PETER ROBINSON
'Lynda La Plante practically invented the thriller' - KARIN SLAUGHTER
'La Plante excels in her ability to pick out the surprising but plausible details that give her portrayal of everyday life in a police station a rare ring of authenticity' - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
Details
19 February 2026400 pages
9781785123382Imprint: Zaffre
