Cover Image: Left You Dead

Left You Dead

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

My favourite series of books... I have a crush on Roy Grace! I was disappointed with the previous book, but this one was back to the old format! An interesting book, that had its usual twists and turns and left you thinking, who was it? Roys personal story running parallel to the main storyline was really sad ( no spoilers) all in all a great read!

Was this review helpful?

This is book #17 in the Roy Grace series. Whilst part of a series, it can be read as a standalone book. There are, however, references to previous books in the series, so you may wish to read these in series order to prevent any spoilers! There are so many things happening for Roy Grace in this latest book, but I daren’t mention too much about them as I really wouldn’t want to spoil it for you! I can however say that Roy and his team are investigating the disappearance of Eden Paternoster who, having popped into Tesco for some cat litter, fails to return to husband, Niall who is waiting outside in the car. This was a real hum-dinger of a mystery and it’s fair to say the storyline had me hooked, trying to work out what happened to Eden, from the moment she got out of the car! The characters within the case are great and provide plenty of secrets and lies to work through in trying to find out what happened. I did sort of guess where this storyline was going, but that didn’t detract from the enjoyment of it at all.

Running alongside this storyline, Roy has a lot going on in his work and personal life. Unusually for these books, I went through a range of emotions as the story focussed on these other stories and found myself moved to tears at times. I loved Roy and Cleo’s moments together, and Roy’s friendship with Branson is exactly how best friends should be! All the familiar characters which we’ve come to either love or hate return as well! Cassian Pewe continues to rub Grace up the wrong way, and I shall be interested to see where the storyline goes for my favourite character, Norman Potting.

The book was, as usual, a fast-paced thrilling read, filled with everything we’ve come to expect from this author. There are plenty of twists and turns which will keep you on your toes as the story moves on, and you may also find yourselves reaching for the tissues at times. It’s filled with so many well researched facts, figures and procedures, teaching me things as I read which I didn’t previously know! Leaving the book open for the next instalment in Grace and his team’s stories, I honestly don’t know how I’m going to wait!! Would definitely recommend!

Was this review helpful?

Mixed feelings on this one.
Absolutely loved being back in the Grace bubble and having banter with Branson.

There were times though,it felt the book was just trying to ram facts at me.

Most of the crime was fairly easy to guess I thought,but still some nice twists.
Side plots were a huge curve ball that I didnt see coming,and quite the surprise,and as ever a reminder I need to read that one book in the series where Sandy shows up and we get her back story.
The only book I've not read in this fab series.

Grace is as always the star of the show,but his supporting characters make the book I think. Norman's terrible jokes can be a highlight of the chapter.

So despite saying mixed feelings,this review highlighted all the better things I enjoyed,and I'm rounding up to 4 solid stars.

Was this review helpful?

I can’t believe this is the 17th book in the Roy Grace series by author Peter James. His books never fail to entertain me and this is another excellent addition to the series. All the regular characters are there with all the backstories that had additional interest to the series. Well written, beautifully paced and a good addictive plot to keep those pages turning quickly.

Husband and wife Niall and Eden Paternoster spend Sunday taking a long drive to visit a stately home and a quick stop at the local supermarket to get cat litter for the family pet. Niall is eager to get home quickly to watch the Motor Racing so he drops Eden off outside and waits in the car for her return. Niall waits and waits but still there is no sign of Eden, in desperation he checks in the store but there is no sign of hi wife. He drives home hoping to find her there but all is quiet in the house, he rings family and friends but still no luck. There is no sign of his wife anywhere.

The next day there is still no trace of Eden and Niall decides to call the police. After a police visit and a few investigations Niall is arrested on suspicion of her murder. DS Roy Grace is called in to investigate and with all his experience he soon realises this case is not all it seems.

This is a very good series and although each book can be read as a standalone there are plenty of back stories for the regular reader to add to the enjoyment. I would recommend they are read in order for maximum entertainment.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley and my own wonderful company as always for the chance to read this ahead of publication.

This is the 17th Roy Grace adventure and Peter has done it again with an addictive fast-paced crime mystery that kept me up well into the night. Full of twists and turns and an ending you aren’t quite expecting.

Like all excellent crime series, while I enjoy the individual crimes in each of these books, I have found the best part is the continuing development of each of the main character’s back stories. The major one in these is the evolving story of Grace’s ‘missing’ wife and the dark alleyways of emotions this leads him down. I didn’t see the turn this takes coming at all and would be really interested to know why Peter took it the way he has. Perhaps we will all find out in the next installment!

Meanwhile, I eagerly look forward to whenever we get to see the Grace TV series available here in Australia.

Was this review helpful?

When Eden Paternoster heads into a supermarket to pick up some cat litter, her husband Niall isn't expecting this to be the last time he sees her - she disappears, seemingly into thin air, leaving him to pick up the pieces. He calls the police, expecting their assistance, but instead they turn their suspicion onto him. Has she been taken? Has Niall killed her himself? Roy Grace and his team are stumped. In a case with no body, no concrete evidence and no witnesses, who can be believed?

This is an utterly brilliant book - the pace rattles along quickly and it's a worthy sequel to those that have come before it! I was thoroughly engrossed in the story and really enjoyed the overarching plot items that have carried over from previous books. An easy 5*.

Was this review helpful?

I’m a huge advocate for Peter James, I’m constantly singing his praises. This does however, allow me to second guess where the story line is going and unfortunately I did find this one quite predictable. This could also be because I read pretty much nothing but crime novels!
Don’t let this put you off though, I still love the ongoing storyline with Roy Grace. Him and Branson are definitely one of my favourite crime busting duos. There were also a couple of twists I didn’t call. There was an emotional sideline, to the initial crime plot, which did give me the feels and in classic Peter James style, there were a couple of ‘heart pounding’ moments in the lead up to the end. Roll on book 18!

Was this review helpful?

It is difficult to find something new to say about this superb series, one of the very best in contemporary crime fiction. As always, the writing is sharp, the characters beautifully drawn and the plot engrossing. What is particularly impressive here is the personal story affecting Roy Grace and his family, which is moving and tender. Wonderful!

Was this review helpful?

Another fantastic thriller from Peter James. Not only does Roy Grace have a baffling disappearance to investigate but he is also dealing with traumatic family events. I always enjoy the unfolding drama of Grace's personal and family life and the depth of characters. This case Grace is detecting is complex and full of twists and turns. Who is telling the truth, what really happened and can Grace untangle the truth and the lies and discover what happened. And how can he cope with his personal tragedies too? One of the best Grace novels yet.

Was this review helpful?

I have read all the Roy Grace series and found some are better than others. This is not the best but still makes an impression. The plot is the disappearance of a woman who the police suspect has been murdered by her husband. Unfortunately there is no body to be found and so begins a series of hypotheses.
There are one or two surprises along the way, not least in Grace’s personal life and his handling of it.
All the minutiae of the police procedural are here which can be very informative but also make it feel like you’re reading a text book.
A couple of twists and turns keep you turning the page but the ending is fairly predictable.

Was this review helpful?

I've read most of the Peter James Roy Grace series and loved them all, this, the most recent in the series was no exception. There is a good balance of an investigation into the disappearance of Eden Paternoster and Grace's personal life with his son Bruno now living with him after the death of his ex wife Sandy. I love this series for the strength of the police procedural element and it was great to be back with Grace's team. The characterisation is excellent, I loved the plot twists and it all moves along at a good place. If you haven't read this series before I would recommend starting at the beginning but it works equally well as a standalone and an introduction to this gripping series. Recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.

Was this review helpful?

It must be so hard to keep a series fresh and exciting and yet Peter James has succeeded in doing so in this, the 17th annual Roy Grace novel.

The normal ingredients are all there, the arguments with his arrogant boss, his happy marriage to Cleo and all the customary characters too but the plot is original and exciting with so many twists and turns that leave you guessing right until the end.

The formula works so well, so why change things but the book is still fresh and exciting and is highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! Absolutely brilliant, I could not stop reading. When Eden Pasternoster disappears whilst on a short shopping trip with her husband she is reported as a missing person but things just don’t add up. Roy Grace is sure that someone is playing a deadly game but who made the rules? Many twists and turns and some jaw dropping moments. Peter James at his best. Highly recommended

Was this review helpful?

Only downloaded and read it already can't believe this series just gets better and better each time. Let's hope each book becomes a tv show

Was this review helpful?