A Conversation With Lynda La Plante

Legendary crime writer Lynda La Plante will discuss her career as an actor, screenwriter and novelist. La Plante broke through as a writer in 1983 when she created and wrote the six-part robbery series Widows for Thames Television. Her debut novel, The Legacy, was published in 1987. Prime Suspect, which introduced DCI Jane Tennison, was published 1991. The books formed the basis for the television series, Prime Suspect, which starred Helen Mirren and won multiple BAFTAs, Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Dark Rooms is La Plante’s newest novel and the latest thriller in the Tennison series.

Following the success of Prime Suspect, La Plante formed her own television production company, La Plante Productions in 1993. Through this she wrote and produced high-rating series Thye Governor (ITV), Supply and Demand, Killer Net (Channel 4), Mind Games (ITV) and acclaimed series Trial and Retribution and The Commander (ITV).

La Plante was made a CBE (2008) for services to Literature, Drama and Charity. She is a member of The Crime Thriller Awards Hall of Fame and is the only lay person to be made a fellow of The Forensic Science Society.

Interviewer Susanna Dinnage