Buried – A Web of Crime and Buried Secrets: Audiobook Review of Lynda La Plante’s Gripping Thriller

1. About the Author – Lynda La Plante

Lynda La Plante is one of the UK’s most celebrated crime and thriller authors, best known for the Prime Suspect series, which was successfully adapted into a hit TV show. A recipient of multiple literary awards and a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, she is renowned for her mastery in crafting psychological depth, intricate plotlines, and compelling characters. Her signature style combines gritty realism, procedural accuracy, and emotional tension. With Buried, La Plante introduces a new crime series centered on Detective Jack Warr—a complex, young detective caught between duty, identity, and secrets buried in the past.

2. About the Narrators – Alex Hassell and Annie Aldington

The Buried audiobook is brought to life by Alex Hassell and Annie Aldington, both accomplished British narrators. Hassell, known for his Shakespearean background and screen roles, delivers a smooth, grounded, and focused voice—perfect for Jack Warr’s inner thoughts and investigative journey. Annie Aldington, a fan-favorite in the UK audiobook scene, brings emotional intensity and crisp dialogue delivery, especially in scenes involving female characters and high tension. Together, they offer a seamless and dynamic listening experience that feels like a well-produced audio drama.

3. About the Book – Buried

Buried: The thrilling new crime series introducing Detective Jack Warr is the first installment in Lynda La Plante’s new detective series. The story opens with a seemingly routine house fire, only to uncover a scorched body and a stash of burnt cash. What appears to be arson quickly spirals into a layered investigation involving an old gang of criminals long thought to be gone.

Falling within the crime thriller / police procedural genre, Buried distinguishes itself with its multi-layered structure, shifting between present-day investigations and secrets from decades past. On Goodreads, the book boasts a solid 3.87/5 rating with over 6,000 reviews, indicating a strong reception among crime fiction fans. It’s also one of La Plante’s top-selling titles from 2020–2021, and it marks the beginning of a bold new direction in her storytelling.

4. Book Review – Buried

Buried takes readers on a deep dive into truth, trauma, and identity—not just in a criminal context, but within the protagonist himself. The plot is tightly woven, methodical, and unmistakably British—with dark atmospheres and emotional undertones. Jack Warr, the central figure, is not your usual flawless hero. He is conflicted, uncertain, and haunted by questions of origin and morality. This flawed humanity is exactly what makes him relatable and the story compelling.

Strengths: Rich plot, layered twists, realistic pacing, morally complex characters.

Weaknesses: Slow build-up in early chapters; some supporting characters lack full development.

“Buried is the police procedural you didn’t know you needed – and now you do.” – FanFiAddict

“This book introduces a raw, broken, and deeply human Jack Warr. He’s no superhero—just a man trying to make sense of it all.” – Debbish.com

Personal thoughts: If you enjoy crime novels with a psychological edge, Buried is a must-read. What I appreciated most was how Lynda portrayed Jack not as a crime-solving genius, but as a man with doubts and flaws. That realness pulled me in. By the second half, I was deeply invested—not just in the crime but in Jack’s personal journey. It’s the kind of story that lingers in your mind even after the final page.

5. Audiobook Review – Buried

The Buried audiobook is a well-produced, immersive experience, thanks to the skilled narration by Alex Hassell and Annie Aldington. Hassell’s voice offers a steady, introspective tone that’s perfect for procedural storytelling. Aldington adds emotion and urgency, enhancing the narrative’s drama without overpowering it. Their alternating narration helps differentiate timelines and characters, which is particularly useful in a story with multiple layers and shifts between past and present.

On Audible, this audiobook receives an average rating of 4.3/5 stars, with praise for both narration and content. Listeners highlight how the audiobook enhances the atmosphere, providing a cinematic sense of place and emotion.

“Excellent narration – balanced and immersive.” – Audible Listener

Personal thoughts: As someone who listens to many audiobooks, I found this one exceptional. The dual narration format not only kept the pacing dynamic but also elevated the emotional stakes of the story. It’s a fantastic alternative to reading, especially if you’re commuting or multitasking. The audiobook helps the story breathe and lets you live in it fully.

6. Who Should Read This Book?

Buried is a perfect match for:

• Crime fiction and detective story lovers, especially fans of British police procedurals.

• Readers who enjoy complex, morally gray protagonists rather than stereotypical heroes.

• Newcomers to Lynda La Plante’s work—since this is the first in a new series, no prior reading required.

• Audiobook enthusiasts looking for high-quality narration and immersive storytelling.

Whether you’re seeking intense plot twists or emotional resonance, this book has something for both.

7. Conclusion

Buried is more than just a crime story—it’s a psychological excavation of what makes us who we are. With a carefully crafted narrative, emotionally nuanced characters, and Lynda La Plante’s signature style, the book delivers a powerful start to what promises to be a compelling series. The audiobook adaptation further enhances the experience, offering a richly told, vividly performed version of the story. Whether in print or in audio, Buried deserves a place on your reading—or listening—list.

Recommendation: Don’t miss the audiobook version. It’s a thrilling experience that transforms a great story into something truly memorable.

8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook

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You can listen on the following platforms:

• Audiobooks.com – Stream or download, with a free first book for new members.

• Audible – Free trial available with offline listening support.

We recommend signing up for a membership to enjoy seamless access to this and many other high-quality audiobooks anytime, anywhere.