This is the first book I have read by Lynda la Plante and it won't be the last, I will definitely be on the lookout for her books. Although this book was number three it didn't matter and I could imagine Helen Mirren as a young officer in my mind as I read it. In the 1970s IRA bombings were the terrorism of the day, at the time I worked in the defence industry so can relate as it was common to be evacuated because of bomb scares. Everyone is aware of the Prime Suspect series that was on TV a while ago and this book is about Jane Tennison as she started her career. She wanted to join the Flying Squad, but joined the Dip Squad instead, they are a group of undercover officers who patrol London on the lookout for pickpockets. As the story progresses there's a massive bomb blast at Covent Garden underground station and Jane's nerve's and policing skills are put to the test as she has to work out who to trust and who is a true friend and colleague.