Left You Dead by Peter James (Book 17 Roy Grace Series)
Published by PanMacMillan
Publication Date: 13th May 2021
Genre: Crime
My thanks to the publisher PanMacMillan for the opportunity to read this title ahead of publication via NetGalley.
Book Description:
EVERY MARRIAGE HAS ITS SECRETS.
NO BODY.
NO TRACE.
NO CRIME?
DETECTIVE SUPERINTENDENT ROY GRACE INVESTIGATES
Niall and Eden Paternoster start their Sunday the same way they always do – with a long drive, a visit to a country house and a quick stop at the local supermarket on the way home.
But this Sunday ends differently – because while Niall waits and waits in the car park for Eden to pick up supplies, Eden never returns. She’s not waiting for him at home, and none of their family or friends have heard from her.
Gone without a trace, Niall is arrested on suspicion of her murder. When DS Roy Grace is called in to investigate, it doesn’t take long to realize that nothing is quite as it seems – and this might be his most mysterious case yet . . .
My Thoughts:
I have been a huge fan of Peter James' writing for many years, his first Roy Grace novel Dead Simple having been my first venture into the realms of crime novels. Boy, did I choose a great book to get started with?? This series has grabbed me by the throat and not let go. There's the perfect balance of personal, professional and criminal elements with just a hint of police corruption thrown in for good measure.
With such an enduring series readers might wonder whether it is losing its spark, and I have found that a few of the "episodes" haven't been quite as engaging as others. This one however I feel is Peter back on form. There are two main threads to the book: the dominant one being the Paternoster couple, where the husband has reported his wife having allegedly disappeared on a flying visit to the supermarket. The other features heavily in Grace's personal life which I won't even discuss as it would be a huge spoiler. I liked that there is also another story thread (or two) simmering away in Grace's professional life with his superior officer once again trying to influence the progress of his career. The guy just doesn't give up!!
It's great to see long term characters still working in the team, maybe a different side coming through for a couple of them this time which gives yet another slant to the ongoing series in order to keep it fresh. There are some unexpected twists as you always expect from this author and a bit of a cliff hanger to say no more!
Peter James just continues with his outstanding crime writing with this latest book. There aren't many who can sustain a series as successfully as him. Another full marks crime thriller in my opinion.
About the Author:
Known for his fast-paced and gripping stories that thrust regular people into extraordinary situations, Peter James has proven himself to be one of the world’s most successful writers, delivering number one bestsellers time and time again. His Superintendent Roy Grace books have been translated into 37 languages with worldwide sales of over 21 million copies and 17 number one Sunday Times Bestsellers. His latest Roy Grace novel, Find Them Dead spent seven weeks at number one in 2020. The first two novels in the Roy Grace series, Dead Simple and Looking Good Dead, have been adapted for television by Endeavour’s Russell Lewis and the first episode aired on 14th March 2021.
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