James dead on target

Author will have you second-guessing all the way to the end

I COULDN’T help but smile when I saw the comment on the cover of this book from American crime writer Karin Slaughter.

Ms Slaughter said and I quote: “US readers deserve to know what the rest of the world has known for years – Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business.”

It just seemed a bit patronising given that James has written 35 novels, including the international best-selling crime thriller series featuring Brighton-based Detective Superintendent Roy Grace

These Roy Grace novels, which includes this book, have sold 18 million copies (and counting) worldwide and have given him 11 consecutive UK Sunday Times number ones, as well as number ones in Germany, France, Russia and Canada, and he is also a New York Times best-seller.

The author’s books have been translated into 37 languages, so I think that US readers may just be aware of him.

I digress. His latest offering is another great whodunnit. Greg, if that is indeed his real name, is a married man who has been having an affair with Lorna Belling for three years. Lorna is also married.

After a fight at their secret apartment Greg storms out. He returns to find Lorna dead.

He is unsure if he killed her, if it’s an accident, if it’s suicide or if someone else murdered her while he was away. He is confused, panicked and looking at ways to cover his tracks.

Grace is called when the body of the woman is found in a bath.

While at first it looks like an open and shut case with a clear prime suspect, he soon discovers that there is more than one person who had a reason to kill her.

This cleverly woven novel will have you second-guessing all the way through until you discover the shocking and sinister truth.

A well thought out plot, with many twists and turns. James is a master of his craft who not only draws you in with the motive and the plot but also builds on the human side of his characters.

This includes Grace finding out, upon the death of his ex-wife, that he has a son in Germany that he knew nothing about. Now, in the middle of this murder investigation he must travel to Munich to meet his son and bring him home.

It you like a well-written crime thriller, this one is for you.