The second book in Lynda La Plante's Anna Travis series is another well-written book. Prior to reading this, I had already watched the BBC episodes. As with "Above Suspicion," the BBC version was faithful to the book. There were extra bits that added to the experience of reading the book, but I was pleased at the way the author's intent was preserved when bringing the story to television.

The books do focus more attention on the relationship, or whatever it might be, that exists between Travis and her superior, Langton. Both are driven by their police work, so it is doubtful that any sort of fulfilling relationship can ever develop. According to the time frame, Travis has been involved in several murder cases since she last worked with Langton.

The murder of Louise Pennel is identical to the murder of Elizabeth Short, known as The Black Dahlia. Travis, Langton, and the rest of the murder squad spend about 31 days trying to discover the identity of the murderer and then find evidence on which to convict him.

I plan to finish the current books in this series, although I believe only three of them have been made into television programs at this point in time.

Lynda La Plante can be quite uneven. Her [b:Sleeping Cruelty|1541958|Sleeping Cruelty|Lynda La Plante|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1184948586s/1541958.jpg|1534173] strained credulity; [b:Bella Mafia|1188998|Bella Mafia|Lynda La Plante|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1181757090s/1188998.jpg|1176997] was unfinishable. Her forte, I believe is her police procedural series Trial and Retribution and the Anne Travis series, of which Red Dahlia is one, are much better. Her view of the British upper crust is not pleasant. They are cruel, insensitive, brutal, and perverted. It would be interesting to know if this attitude stems from personal experience. Note there is a connection to Ellroy's [b:The Black Dahlia|21704|The Black Dahlia|James Ellroy|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167323078s/21704.jpg|434] - an excellent book, btw. The killer is emulating the unsolved Black Dahlia murder although I don't think La Plante ties them together particularly well.

A killer in London is imitating the famous Blue Dahlia case of Los Angeles in the 1940s. DI Anna Travis is assigned to the case. The lead investigator is replaced by her lover from the previous (and first) book of the series: James Langton. The plot hangs together nicely, the romantic element is not necessary, but is a nice touch. It's not Prime Suspect, Anna is not nearly as compelling as Jane Tennison, but it'll do.

1.5 stars

The only reason I didn't put this down as a "will not finish" is because I wanted to know who the murderer was. So the plot was ok. The writing, however, was painful. Slow paced and wooden. Don't bother.