Unholy Murder, The Dirty Dozen, Blunt Force 5-Book Collection Set by Lynda La Plante - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Unholy Murder
The Dirty Dozen
Blunt Force
Murder Mile
Good Friday

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback

Overview:
Step into London’s shadowed streets with the Lynda La Plante Collection, a five-book journey following Detective Jane Tennison across a changing city and a changing career. Unholy Murder opens with a chilling discovery that suggests a darkness hidden beneath London’s venerable facades, as Tennison’s instincts push her toward a case that tests courage and cunning. The Dirty Dozen throws her into the infamous Flying Squad, where a male-dominated culture threatens to derail her progress and force her to prove that skill and nerve transcend gender. Blunt Force finds Tennison reassessing life on the front lines after a hard reassignment, sharpening her resolve in a quieter precinct but keeping the danger close. Murder Mile places her in a tough Peckham CID during a season of economic unrest, while Good Friday culminates in a seismic event that underlines what she’s fought to become: a fully independent detective. Together, these five novels deliver high-stakes crime, precise plotting, and a relentless pursuit of justice that only La Plante can orchestrate.

What Makes This Collection Special:
This collection captures a complete arc of Jane Tennison’s early career in some of London’s most vivid precincts, showing how grit, intellect, and moral clarity shape a woman who refuses to be sidelined. La Plante’s razor-sharp dialogue and tightly wound plotting make every novel feel urgent, while the overarching character progression rewards steady readers with a deeper, more personal connection to Tennison’s trials and triumphs. The set’s value goes beyond five gripping standalone thrillers: it offers a cohesive reading journey, a clear sense of evolution, and a showcase of a distinctive British crime-writing voice that remains compelling, authentic, and highly bingeable for fans of procedural drama and character-driven mystery.

Books Included in This Collection:
Unholy Murder
In a city steeped in history, a discovery in London unsettles the calm of a long-standing mystery. When scratch marks appear on the inside of a coffin lid, Detective Jane Tennison senses a darkness deeper than anything she’s faced before. The novel blends atmospheric urban realism with methodical investigation, inviting readers to follow Tennison as she uncovers connections that threaten both her career and her safety, and proves that true deduction can illuminate the most haunted corners of the capital.

The Dirty Dozen
Jane Tennison has fought to join the Flying Squad, the elite unit known for adrenaline-fueled cases and a fierce reputation. Yet the squad’s notorious “boys’ club” culture makes it clear that many doubt a woman’s place in the action. Tennison must navigate suspicion, risk, and retaliation while she demonstrates the skills and nerve to handle the dangerous assignments that define the Sweeney’s world, showing why persistence and professionalism matter in high-pressure policing.

Blunt Force
Things take a sharp turn when Tennison is removed from the Flying Squad and reassigned to Gerald Road, a quiet Knightsbridge station that hides its own tensions. Far from the frontline chaos, she must still chase truth, outwit colleagues who underestimate her, and prove that a sharp mind travels with speed and courage, turning a seemingly ordinary post into a proving ground for her capabilities.

Murder Mile
February 1979 brings a season of strikes and economic strain as Tennison, now a Detective Sergeant, is stationed at Peckham CID, one of London’s most challenging neighbourhoods. The district’s complexity tests her administrative skill and street-smart instincts as she pieces together a case amid social upheaval, revealing how resilience and clear thinking can illuminate even the toughest crime scenes.

Good Friday
Having become a fully-fledged detective, Tennison faces one of the city’s most shattering events as she moves through Covent Garden Underground during a bomb attack. The aftermath exposes the human cost of crime and the moral weight borne by those who seek justice. This finale blends procedural mastery with character-driven intensity, delivering a memorable crescendo to Tennison’s early career.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Fans of classic British crime fiction and sharp procedural realism will treasure this complete Tennison arc. Ideal for adult readers who enjoy character-led mysteries, urban thrillers, and strong female leads, this collection also suits book clubs seeking rich discussion on sexism, career ambition, and justice. Gift buyers will find a compelling, durable edition set for collectors or new readers alike, while loyal La Plante fans will relish the opportunity to follow Tennison’s growth across five interconnected stories.

Key Benefits:

• Five immersive crime novels that build a coherent, character-driven journey
• Vivid London settings that anchor tense investigations and social context
• Strong, resilient lead with a progressive arc through a traditionally male-dominated era
• Compact paperback editions—great for gifting, carrying, and sharing
• Distinct cases spanning mystery, procedural detail, and high-stakes action
• Highly readable standalone stories with a satisfying overall narrative progression

About the Author:
Lynda La Plante is the British crime writer behind the Jane Tennison novels featured in this collection. These works showcase her gift for crafting intricate plots, tension-filled investigations, and a perceptive portrayal of a pioneering female detective navigating the pressures of policing in a changing city. La Plante’s storytelling emphasizes determined character work, procedural authenticity, and a commitment to delivering suspense that resonates beyond the page. Readers will appreciate the authorial voice that makes Tennison feel real, grounded in sharp, clever storytelling that remains accessible and deeply engaging.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
Owning the complete Lynda La Plante Collection offers a premium, panoramic view of Tennison’s early career—ideal for repeated reading and long-form immersion. The five-book set simplifies purchase while ensuring consistency in tone, pacing, and character development. It’s the perfect gift for mystery enthusiasts, dedicated La Plante fans, and anyone seeking a potent, page-turning exploration of crime, justice, and resilience in a vividly drawn London. A complete, compelling reading experience that feels both classic and urgently contemporary.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.