Silent Scream

DI Anna Travis has just finished a case and is immediately called out to investigate the murder of a young actress.  The same murder team that just finished the last case is reassembled.  Travis wants an experienced DI to work with her, so DI Simon Dunn becomes her new partner.

Travis and Dunn are unable to get anything of value from the workers on the set where the victim was filming nor from the parents of the victim.  As the investigation progresses, they find out a bit more about the victim.  She used drugs and was anorexic.  Her diary is missing as is a toy bunny, which she apparently slept with.  Also found with the victim was a gold crucifix and chain.  Does it belong to the victim or the killer?

Due to lack of progress, DCI James Langton is beginning to put pressure on the investigative team. 

From the way those they are questioning respond, Travis is sure that people are covering up something.  But what and why?

It isn’t long before Langton steps in, reassigns Dunn and turns the investigation over to Detectives Mike Lewis and Tony Barolli, who Travis has worked with before.  Lewis discovers that much of the money the actress earned has disappeared due to unwise investments.  The victim’s accountant was unaware of the situation and is surprised to find vast amounts of money were not passed on to the victim by her agent.  Could fraud be the reason for her death?

As they gather more evidence, Travis continues to work independently much to the consternation of her team and Langton.  Will it be enough to get the culprit?

Author Lynda La Plante’s murder mystery may seem dragged out, but in reality it’s her way of building a case and catching the culprit.  It is an intriguing read and well written.