The Scene of the Crime by Lynda La Plante

Dive into the first installment of a brand new 2026 crime series from Sunday Times bestselling creator Lynda La Plante, author of Detective Jane Tennison. This legal thriller centers on a major investigation launched after the brutal assault and robbery of a prominent barrister's husband, who is left in a coma.

The case is taken on by the newly formed, experimental Metropolitan Police Serious Crime Analysis Unit (MSCAN). Leading the team is Jessica Russell, an experienced CSI with advanced degrees in psychology and criminology, including a Masters in Investigative Psychology and Behaviour Analysis. Russell must assemble her trusted team of three officers, whose combined expertise spans forensic DNA, blood spatter analysis, and digital forensics, to piece together the complex puzzle of this violent crime.

• The first book in the Jessica Russell series (Book 1 of 2).
• Features experienced CSI Jessica Russell leading an experimental Serious Crime Analysis Unit.
• Explores a complex crime scene involving a high-profile victim and potential robbery motive.
• Written by Lynda La Plante, the celebrated creator of Detective Jane Tennison.
• Paperback format with 496 print pages.

• Author: Lynda La Plante
• Series: Jessica Russell (Book 1)
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Print Length: 496 pages
• Publication Date: February 12, 2026
• ISBN-10: 1785123386
• ISBN-13: 978-1785123382
• Dimensions: 13.1 x 3.1 x 19.9 cm
• Weight: 340 g

This gripping legal procedural will appeal to readers who enjoy authentic portrayals of police work and intricate crime scene analysis.