Zaffre to publish memoir from 'queen of crime drama' La Plante

Bonnier Books UK imprint Zaffre has won the rights to a memoir from Lynda La Plante. The as-yet-untitled memoir will publish in hardback, audio and e-book in spring 2024. Publisher Margaret Stead acquired world rights from Nigel Stoneman at La Plante Global.

The announcement was made during La Plante’s 80th birthday celebration in London on Thursday 9th March.

According to the publisher, the upcoming title will cover La Plante’s entire life, from her youth growing up in Merseyside to studying at RADA alongside Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt. The synopsis goes on to say that it will explore “the exasperation [La Plante] felt at the limited roles available for female actors” – something that led to her writing "Widows" and "Prime Suspect" for television.

Stead said of the upcoming book: “We are thrilled to be publishing the memoir of our beloved Lynda La Plante. Lynda is without equal – a born storyteller, brimming with joie de vivre. Her sense of humour, integrity and style are unmatched, and we have all been inspired by her. For years, we at Bonnier Books UK have been privileged to hear Lynda’s incredible stories of a life lived to the full, so it is an absolute pleasure to be publishing her memoir and to share with her loyal readership the life and stories of such an incredible legend of film, television and publishing. Not only will readers be thrilled and amazed by her experiences and achievements, but future generations will learn so much. This memoir, like Lynda herself, is pure gold dust.”

La Plante added: “I’ve reached 80, but actually I feel 50 and I am having the time of my life. I’m still writing and producing and have no intention of stopping. I’ve lived a very full life, I’ve been an actress, producer, screenwriter and author. I hope that the memoir my publisher Bonnier Books UK has asked me to write will not only entertain, but also impart some of the wisdom I’ve gained along the way. I look forward to sharing my story.”