Above Suspicion: The Red Dahlia | Danielle Savre And Stefania Spampinato

Introduction

Above Suspicion: The Red Dahlia is a novel by Lynda La Plante, published in 2017. The book is a prequel to the popular Anna Travis series and follows the early career of Detective Sergeant Anna Travis in the Metropolitan Police. The story is set in the 1990s and revolves around the investigation of the murder of a young actress named Amanda Delany, whose body is found in a park in London.

Plot summary

The novel begins with Anna Travis joining the police force and being assigned to the all-male team investigating the murder of Amanda Delany. Anna is determined to prove herself and earn the respect of her colleagues, and she throws herself into the investigation. As the team delves deeper into the case, they uncover a web of lies and deceit that leads them to the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry.

As the investigation progresses, Anna becomes increasingly obsessed with the case, and her personal life begins to suffer. She becomes involved with the chief suspect, up-and-coming actor Alan Daniels, and her relationship with her boyfriend, fellow police officer James Langton, becomes strained.

Characters

The main character in the book is Anna Travis, a young and ambitious detective determined to succeed in a male-dominated profession. Other key characters include:

James Langton ??? Anna's boyfriend and fellow police officer
Alan Daniels ??? a rising star in the entertainment industry and the chief suspect in Amanda Delany's murder
DCI Langton ??? James's boss and Anna's mentor
DCI Mike Lewis ??? the head of the investigation team
Amanda Delany ??? the victim, a young actress with a troubled past

Themes

Above Suspicion: The Red Dahlia explores a number of themes, including:

Sexism and discrimination in the workplace
The dark side of the entertainment industry
The price of ambition and obsession
The impact of crime and violence on individuals and society
The nature of justice and the legal system

Reception

Above Suspicion: The Red Dahlia received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised La Plante's writing and characterisation, others felt that the novel was too predictable and formulaic. Despite this, the book was a commercial success, reaching the top of the bestseller charts in the UK.

Adaptations

Above Suspicion: The Red Dahlia was adapted for television in 2019, with Kelly Reilly playing the role of Anna Travis. The series received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the performances but criticising the pacing and plot.

Conclusion

Above Suspicion: The Red Dahlia is an engaging and suspenseful crime novel that offers a compelling insight into the early career of Anna Travis. While it may not be to everyone's taste, it is a must-read for fans of Lynda La Plante and the crime genre in general.