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Roy Grace #20
They Thought I Was Dead: Sandy's Story
Peter James, the number one, multi-million copy bestselling author of the Grace series returns with a standalone novel with a difference.
Some will know how it begins . . .
Her name is Sandy. You might know her as the loving wife of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace.
But there's more to her than meets the eye. A woman with a dubious past, a complicated present and
an uncertain future. Then she was gone.
Some will think they know how it ends . . .
Her disappearance caused a nationwide search. Even the best detective on the force couldn't find her.
They thought she was dead.
But nobody knows this . . .
Where did she go? Why did she run? What would cause a woman to leave her whole life behind and
simply vanish?
For the first time, the number one, multi-million copy bestselling author Peter James reveals the
truth behind Sandy Grace's dramatic disappearance. They thought I Was Dead will thrill fans
and new readers alike with its gripping story of a woman on the run. This is Sandy's story.
Some will know how it begins . . .
Her name is Sandy. You might know her as the loving wife of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace.
But there's more to her than meets the eye. A woman with a dubious past, a complicated present and
an uncertain future. Then she was gone.
Some will think they know how it ends . . .
Her disappearance caused a nationwide search. Even the best detective on the force couldn't find her.
They thought she was dead.
But nobody knows this . . .
Where did she go? Why did she run? What would cause a woman to leave her whole life behind and
simply vanish?
For the first time, the number one, multi-million copy bestselling author Peter James reveals the
truth behind Sandy Grace's dramatic disappearance. They thought I Was Dead will thrill fans
and new readers alike with its gripping story of a woman on the run. This is Sandy's story.
480 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2024
1083 people are currently reading
1199 people want to read
About the author
Peter James
247 books3,673 followersPeter James is a global bestselling author, best known for writing crime and thriller novels, and the creator of the much-loved Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. With a total of 21 Sunday Times No. 1s under his belt, he has achieved global book sales of over 23 million copies to date and has been translated into 38 languages.
Synonymous with plot-twisting page-turners, Peter has garnered an army of loyal fans throughout his storytelling career – which also included stints writing for TV and producing films. He has won over 40 awards for his work, including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award, Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger and a BAFTA nomination for The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons for which he was an Executive Producer. Many of Peter’s novels have been adapted for film, TV and stage.
Synonymous with plot-twisting page-turners, Peter has garnered an army of loyal fans throughout his storytelling career – which also included stints writing for TV and producing films. He has won over 40 awards for his work, including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award, Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger and a BAFTA nomination for The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons for which he was an Executive Producer. Many of Peter’s novels have been adapted for film, TV and stage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
March 15, 2024
4+
“I cant get no satisfaction
‘Cause I try and I try and I try …. etc’
“I certainly do try, but perhaps equally the proverb the grass is always greener applies to me. I’m Sandy Grace, my husband is Detective Roy Grace of the Sussex police force. This is my story, the story of why I disappear from his life, and I’m sure he’ll find the truth of what happens to me hard to equate to the woman he thinks he knows. I find that my life has got somewhat difficult, getting entangled with people I most definitely shouldn’t.” It’s true, Sandy learns she has supped with devils, no wonder she runs and there’s the other odd sordid detail or two that it’s best Roy doesn’t know about. However, escaping the tricky present, for what??? Is she escaping the bad for the infinitely worse?
As a big fan of the Roy Grace series, the story of Sandy has been a recurring theme, and I think this is a book that we hadn’t necessarily realised we needed. However, we so do, with lines drawn and all that and what’s more, it’s a cracking read and engaging from start to finish.
It’s fair to say that Sandy is lively company, she has a dark sense of humour, there’s never a dull moment, but it’s not an easy story although much of it she does bring upon herself. The wheels of her life come off on more than one occasion, but she’s resourceful if nothing else. The true Sandy sure wears a mask when she’s married to Roy. She’s full of envy, dissatisfaction, is a seeker of excitement, well, she gets more than she bargains for. Is she likeable? No, she has many issues which leads her down a very dark path, she’s reckless, and gets herself into mess after mess but she also has a share of luck when she lands on her feet. However, it seems in this reflective novel that she is being honest and comes to many a realisation.
The novel is fast paced, it’s full of twists, it’s very intriguing and colourful to say the least.
It’s gritty and dark principally because there are numerous villains to contend with and some violence. It definitely enters weird territory on occasions. It’s never dull that’s for sure. As well as filling in gaps in Sandy’s subsequent life when she leaves Roy, along with the story of Bruno, her son, takes many an interesting direction.
I thoroughly enjoy this and I love the way it’s written. You don’t have to have read the Roy Grace books as it can easily be read as a standalone.
There are 19 Roy Grace books, there’s a 20th due to be published later this year.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
“I cant get no satisfaction
‘Cause I try and I try and I try …. etc’
“I certainly do try, but perhaps equally the proverb the grass is always greener applies to me. I’m Sandy Grace, my husband is Detective Roy Grace of the Sussex police force. This is my story, the story of why I disappear from his life, and I’m sure he’ll find the truth of what happens to me hard to equate to the woman he thinks he knows. I find that my life has got somewhat difficult, getting entangled with people I most definitely shouldn’t.” It’s true, Sandy learns she has supped with devils, no wonder she runs and there’s the other odd sordid detail or two that it’s best Roy doesn’t know about. However, escaping the tricky present, for what??? Is she escaping the bad for the infinitely worse?
As a big fan of the Roy Grace series, the story of Sandy has been a recurring theme, and I think this is a book that we hadn’t necessarily realised we needed. However, we so do, with lines drawn and all that and what’s more, it’s a cracking read and engaging from start to finish.
It’s fair to say that Sandy is lively company, she has a dark sense of humour, there’s never a dull moment, but it’s not an easy story although much of it she does bring upon herself. The wheels of her life come off on more than one occasion, but she’s resourceful if nothing else. The true Sandy sure wears a mask when she’s married to Roy. She’s full of envy, dissatisfaction, is a seeker of excitement, well, she gets more than she bargains for. Is she likeable? No, she has many issues which leads her down a very dark path, she’s reckless, and gets herself into mess after mess but she also has a share of luck when she lands on her feet. However, it seems in this reflective novel that she is being honest and comes to many a realisation.
The novel is fast paced, it’s full of twists, it’s very intriguing and colourful to say the least.
It’s gritty and dark principally because there are numerous villains to contend with and some violence. It definitely enters weird territory on occasions. It’s never dull that’s for sure. As well as filling in gaps in Sandy’s subsequent life when she leaves Roy, along with the story of Bruno, her son, takes many an interesting direction.
I thoroughly enjoy this and I love the way it’s written. You don’t have to have read the Roy Grace books as it can easily be read as a standalone.
There are 19 Roy Grace books, there’s a 20th due to be published later this year.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 12, 2024
There is just one thing I didn't like about the book: after finishing it, I felt I had to re-read the whole Roy Grace series again. Immediately. Frustratingly I have so many books on my TBR shelf I will have not time for this in the foreseeable future. And some of the earlier books I only read in Dutch so I would have to buy the original ones first.
This is how I felt after reading this very, very interesting story about Sandy. It's not just about Sanday of course. It's also about Roy but it is also about people making bad decisions without being able to pinpoint why they made them. Gambling, drugs? It's easy to say 'this will never happen to me' but are you sure? Sandy was safe in a loving marriage and it happened to her too. Sometimes I wanted to shake some sense in her, sometimes I wanted to hold her and comfort her.
I'm happy Peter James decided to write this book. Although it can be read as a stand-alone it is a part of Roy's story too, a part that explains a lot about him.
Some of the characters are rather creepy and unfortunately the nice characters don't play a big role in Sandy's life but I admired her in the places where she tried to stick to her resolves - even at the terrible costs.
Thanks to PanMacMilland and Netgalley for this review copy.
This is how I felt after reading this very, very interesting story about Sandy. It's not just about Sanday of course. It's also about Roy but it is also about people making bad decisions without being able to pinpoint why they made them. Gambling, drugs? It's easy to say 'this will never happen to me' but are you sure? Sandy was safe in a loving marriage and it happened to her too. Sometimes I wanted to shake some sense in her, sometimes I wanted to hold her and comfort her.
I'm happy Peter James decided to write this book. Although it can be read as a stand-alone it is a part of Roy's story too, a part that explains a lot about him.
Some of the characters are rather creepy and unfortunately the nice characters don't play a big role in Sandy's life but I admired her in the places where she tried to stick to her resolves - even at the terrible costs.
Thanks to PanMacMilland and Netgalley for this review copy.
June 15, 2024
Just call me "THE GRATEFUL DEAD".
🎶🎵🎶
I am always GRATEFUL when a new "DEAD" book by Peter James is released.
This new "DEAD" release focuses on the intricate details behind the mysterious disappearance of Roy Grace's beloved wife Sandy.
Unfortunately, this was not my favorite "Dead" book.
WHY?
1) Although I adore deeply flawed characters, Sandy was too deeply flawed for me.
(Addiction to drugs and gambling, knowingly taking drugs when pregnant, having an affair with her husband's hated rival....etc, etc)
2) No Norman Potting.
One of my favorite "Dead" protagonists did not appear in this book.
---------------------------
I especially enjoyed the author's introduction and the author's strong characterizations.
I listened to the audiobook read by Gemma Whelan, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
Even though this "Dead" book was not for me, I will be eagerly awaiting future releases from this talented author.
May 19, 2024
So happy to finally know what happened Sandy and why! after all these years, the author has out fans out of their misery and told this story.
I was shocked! so much went wrong for her in such a short space of time. She is no longer just a name in the Roy Grace novels, fans will love getting to know Roy’s first wife.
The audio was excellent, narrated by Gemma Whelan. Highly recommend to fans of the series. It will give you the chance to know the truth.
I was shocked! so much went wrong for her in such a short space of time. She is no longer just a name in the Roy Grace novels, fans will love getting to know Roy’s first wife.
The audio was excellent, narrated by Gemma Whelan. Highly recommend to fans of the series. It will give you the chance to know the truth.
March 12, 2024
I've followed the Roy Grace series right back from the beginning so I knew the story (from Roy's side) of his wife Sandy. I didn't think I would like hearing Sandy's story from her side though, and thought I would miss having Roy and an investigation in the book. How wrong was I?! I really enjoyed this book. Having known of Sandy for so long, it was really interesting to hear her side of the story and see what really happened between her and Roy and why she left. I have to say though, you probably do need to have read the other books in the series to fully understand Sandy's story.
I never liked Sandy - I mean, she left Roy!! But, this book made me look at her in a different light. Her storyline confirms some things which we probably knew, made sense of other things that we didn't know and told us what she was doing for those missing 10 years. The thrills of the casino, the fear of the debt and the sadness of a questionable relationship kept me hooked to her story throughout and I couldn't put the book down until I'd finished it.
It was different to the other books in the series, but definitely still one which should be read if you are a Roy Grace fan. Would recommend.
I never liked Sandy - I mean, she left Roy!! But, this book made me look at her in a different light. Her storyline confirms some things which we probably knew, made sense of other things that we didn't know and told us what she was doing for those missing 10 years. The thrills of the casino, the fear of the debt and the sadness of a questionable relationship kept me hooked to her story throughout and I couldn't put the book down until I'd finished it.
It was different to the other books in the series, but definitely still one which should be read if you are a Roy Grace fan. Would recommend.
March 2, 2024
I really love Peter James and I am a huge fan of the Grace series since the very beginning. I was so happy when Mr James finally decided to write a novel about Sandy's story, but I am afraid to say I am very disappointed in this book. All in all, it could have been much shorter. I skipped several pages which to me, seemed very bland. You could just resume this book by saying that Sandy just wasn't a happy camper with low self-esteem and made all the poorest decisions there can be, she is clearly despicable in my opinion. I am not sure that this book is an added value to the collection. I will stick to the Grace series... but I just wish I hadn't read this one.
July 31, 2024
After reading all the Roy Grace series I thought it would be interesting to learn more about his first wife Sandy. who disappeared only to resurface in Germany years later. Having read this book, I found it hard to believe the Roy would ever have married this self absorbed, materialistic woman in the first place ! It's difficult to think of one redeeming character feature. Although she professes to love her son Bruno, her lifestyle choices place the child in considerable jeopardy, and it's hardly surprising he already shows signs of serious psychological problems, which of course we've already witnessed in the Roy Grace books.
Overall, not an enjoyable read !
Overall, not an enjoyable read !
November 6, 2024
This book has me in a pickle. Anyone that knows me knows I am a diehard Peter James fan……. How diehard I hear you ask…… well I met him at a crime writing festival a few months ago and promptly burst into tears 😂😂😂 which is what makes this review so hard because for those of us that are Roy Grace obsessed, I feel like you automatically dislike Sandy (no spoilers here don’t worry) but that dislike spread to hatred in this book, due to her actions throughout but also the fact that she is a solidly dislikable character 😂
HOWEVER! The story was gripping, full of the expected Peter James twists and turns, the narration was great, as was the ending and I was hooked to finish the read as quickly as my work schedule and life would allow! But I can’t bring myself to give this book the full 5*s and although I believe it was the book we all needed to answer questions, solidify feelings and get answers….. a whole book of Sandy isn’t what I wanted and I’m glad to be speeding onto the next book straight away to wash this bad taste out of my mouth 😂
HOWEVER! The story was gripping, full of the expected Peter James twists and turns, the narration was great, as was the ending and I was hooked to finish the read as quickly as my work schedule and life would allow! But I can’t bring myself to give this book the full 5*s and although I believe it was the book we all needed to answer questions, solidify feelings and get answers….. a whole book of Sandy isn’t what I wanted and I’m glad to be speeding onto the next book straight away to wash this bad taste out of my mouth 😂
June 22, 2024
I honestly just couldn't stand the main character. Totally unlikeable. No sympathy for her whatsoever. DNF.
November 23, 2025
This is the first book I've read by Peter James, which was quite entertaining, when I discovered other fans of his books had been waiting years for this particular mystery to be revealed. Lucky me, got to go straight in, and get the answers. I really enjoyed this. Can be read as a standalone novel.
March 18, 2024
3.5 ⭐
Possible spoilers
Do you know how long I've been waiting for this story?
No, me neither, but it's been YEARS.
The frustration of just not knowing what happened to Sandy, and now we do.
To some extent I wish I didn't. What a thoroughly dislike able character. Selfish, impulsive, seems to think she has a connection with any bloke who looks her in the eye.
Honestly I've nothing positive to say about her, and this story has made me doubt Grace a little.
How could he be such a bad judge of character???
BUT, and it's a big but, never underestimate the satisfaction in having questions answered after so long, about Sandy and Bruno.
A nice addition to the series.
Possible spoilers
Do you know how long I've been waiting for this story?
No, me neither, but it's been YEARS.
The frustration of just not knowing what happened to Sandy, and now we do.
To some extent I wish I didn't. What a thoroughly dislike able character. Selfish, impulsive, seems to think she has a connection with any bloke who looks her in the eye.
Honestly I've nothing positive to say about her, and this story has made me doubt Grace a little.
How could he be such a bad judge of character???
BUT, and it's a big but, never underestimate the satisfaction in having questions answered after so long, about Sandy and Bruno.
A nice addition to the series.
September 11, 2024
This came along at the right time, and although opinion seems to be split with Sandy, I personally have always felt she is an integral part of the Roy Grace world, but will admit I never expected it to be a 5 star read.
Peter James has done a wonderful job, as I felt so connected with Grace while reading this and the memories I have of the earlier novels.
Loved it 😀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Peter James has done a wonderful job, as I felt so connected with Grace while reading this and the memories I have of the earlier novels.
Loved it 😀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 6, 2024
I love the Roy Grace series and when I saw this book, I just had to read it.
Sandy disappeared from Roy’s life suddenly and with no explanation. For years throughout the crime series she has been in the back of his mind and it’s great to finally find out what happened.
I won’t say too much here as you need to discover for yourselves what happened and the issues she faced, but it’s definitely an eye opener.
This is a great insight into Sandy’s life.
Thanks to Pan MacMillan and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Sandy disappeared from Roy’s life suddenly and with no explanation. For years throughout the crime series she has been in the back of his mind and it’s great to finally find out what happened.
I won’t say too much here as you need to discover for yourselves what happened and the issues she faced, but it’s definitely an eye opener.
This is a great insight into Sandy’s life.
Thanks to Pan MacMillan and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
April 6, 2025
So glad to finally read Sandy's story, and well worth waiting for. Very clever of the author to keep us hanging on since book one, at last we know what Sandy was doing all that time. Well done Peter James. Keep writing the Grace books.
August 4, 2024
DNF I own all of tge Roy Grace books, they got 93 year old dad through covid iso but I tried with this but really ended up not giving a toss about narcissistic Sandy.
February 13, 2025
It was great to finally read Sandy's story andcwhy she left Roy. I ended up really disliking her character after what she put Roy through. No wonder her son was as unstable as he was.
June 10, 2024
Tense, menacing, and gritty!
They Thought I Was Dead is a clever, captivating mystery that takes us back to the beginning and into the life of Sandy Grace, the elusive first wife of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, whose reckless behaviour leaves his world irrevocably turned upside down and hers on a fast road to ruin.
The writing is brisk and tight. The characters are multilayered, vulnerable, and impulsive. And the plot is a sinister tale full of twists, turns, deception, mayhem, lies, secrets, suspicious personalities, revelations, addiction, and murder.
I have to say that die-hard fans of the Roy Grace series will be absolutely thrilled with this latest outing by James. They Thought I Was Dead is an ominous, sophisticated, entertaining tale that finally gives readers the insight and answers they’ve been waiting for.
Thank you to PGC Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
They Thought I Was Dead is a clever, captivating mystery that takes us back to the beginning and into the life of Sandy Grace, the elusive first wife of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, whose reckless behaviour leaves his world irrevocably turned upside down and hers on a fast road to ruin.
The writing is brisk and tight. The characters are multilayered, vulnerable, and impulsive. And the plot is a sinister tale full of twists, turns, deception, mayhem, lies, secrets, suspicious personalities, revelations, addiction, and murder.
I have to say that die-hard fans of the Roy Grace series will be absolutely thrilled with this latest outing by James. They Thought I Was Dead is an ominous, sophisticated, entertaining tale that finally gives readers the insight and answers they’ve been waiting for.
Thank you to PGC Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 29, 2024
You don't have to have read all 18 Roy Grace novels by this author before you read this as this story could be read as a standalone or as a companion novel to the series.
In the first book in the series, the main character is tormented by his wife who has been missing for 7 years and wound through each subsequent book are bits and pieces of Sandy's story as Roy gradually learns what happens to her. This new book is written totally from Sandy's perspective and is a mystery on its own.
For those of you who have read the series it adds a new dimension to what has been happening to Roy, but while it does explain her disappearance I don't believe it will spoil the series for a reader who hasn't read it as it would be just like reading two different people's point of view.
In the first book in the series, the main character is tormented by his wife who has been missing for 7 years and wound through each subsequent book are bits and pieces of Sandy's story as Roy gradually learns what happens to her. This new book is written totally from Sandy's perspective and is a mystery on its own.
For those of you who have read the series it adds a new dimension to what has been happening to Roy, but while it does explain her disappearance I don't believe it will spoil the series for a reader who hasn't read it as it would be just like reading two different people's point of view.
May 13, 2025
I've read a handful of Roy Grace books and enjoyed them. I did not enjoy this. The fundamental issue here is that Sandy Grace is really, really, unlikeable. I gave up after 37 pages as there was simply no way I could be in her company for another 400 plus!
As an aside, I think it's somewhat improbable that Roy Grace would be married to Sandy. I can't imagine she could hide this side of herself from him sufficiently!
As an aside, I think it's somewhat improbable that Roy Grace would be married to Sandy. I can't imagine she could hide this side of herself from him sufficiently!
July 10, 2024
I didn’t like this book at all. In fact I’d go so far as to say I wish I’d never read it, would rather have not known what happened to Sandy
October 26, 2024
This book was very disappointing. I found it very hard to read. I felt the storyline was long and drawn out. I was disappointed as I usually enjoy books by Peter James.
November 18, 2025
Sandy is a trainwreck and it's hard to root for her when she keeps on repeating the sames mistakes, but somehow you still want to know where it will lead her, and keep on turning the pages. It does explain a few things from previous books in the series, including why Bruno is so troubled.
July 28, 2024
If you are a long time Roy Grace fan, then, in all probability, They Thought I Was Dead, Sandy's story, is a long overdue addition to the series for you. It answers all the questions, some of which you may not have known you had, about what happened way back before the start of the series, when Roy's wife disappeared without trace on his birthday. Now Roy may have faced suspicion and accusation over the years, but devotees nand fans of Brighton's favourite Detective, know that there is just no way he would have had any hand in the mystery. What they might not be prepared for is just how dark, and twisted, Sandy's story really is.
The book does serve as a kind of origin story for how Sandy came to meet, and marry, Roy in the first place. I came to the series late, and much of my knowledge about the earlier days of Roy's literary life comes from the TV series rather than the books, but even just a few short chapters into this book I really had to wonder just how they came to be a pair, even as it was spelled out to me. What is clear is that Sandy is absolutely not the person that Roy thought she was, and there are many things about her which go against everything that he stands for. And it is that contrast between the straight and morally driven Roy and the slightly less virtuous Sandy that really jarred and grabbed my attention.
Sandy is a very complex character. I had some sympathy for her in those earlier days, as the life as the wife of a serving police officer has to be fraught with not only concern that your spouse may end up in a situation they cannot return from, but also the knowledge that your marriage will take second place to a case every single time. Case in point is Roy's own disappearance on the night of their anniversary, starting a chain of events that put Sandy in a very dubious and vulnerable position. There are many decisions that she makes that had my eyebrows lifting, knowing without question, that escalation was inevitable. There are many familiar characters in this book - not just Roy, Cleo and Sandy - which helps to keep it tied to the series. But this is, first and foremost, a tale of a very broken woman whose lack of good judgment sets her on a path of self destruction.
There is something within Sandy, although seemingly well hidden, that did elicit some sympathy. Some of her decisions are driven not only by a sense of self preservation, but also by the need not to drag Roy into a mess of her making. There are many very relevant and contemporary themes explored in the book, from addiction to abuse and coercive control, but as Sandy moves from one poor decision to the next, it is hard to always maintain that sympathy. Pete James has kept the balance just right, keeping me entirely invested in her story, even though there are times her actions proved beyond frustrating. Even so, the final scenes were hard to read, the ending more emotional than I may have been expecting fora. character we had only just really met. Her absence cast a long shadow over Roy's life. It's odd to think how a single different decision in those early days might have changed everything for them all.
A round of applause for Gemma Whelan who narrated the audiobook. She truly captured Sandy's spirit, playing the nuances of her character with pitch perfect style. I felt for her as much as I felt frustrated by her, and, somehow, she convinced me that Sandy really did care about Roy and about her son, more so perhaps than she ever cared about herself. Definitely recommended for fans of the series who just want to know the truth a luxury that will never properly be afforded to our fictional hero, Roy.
The book does serve as a kind of origin story for how Sandy came to meet, and marry, Roy in the first place. I came to the series late, and much of my knowledge about the earlier days of Roy's literary life comes from the TV series rather than the books, but even just a few short chapters into this book I really had to wonder just how they came to be a pair, even as it was spelled out to me. What is clear is that Sandy is absolutely not the person that Roy thought she was, and there are many things about her which go against everything that he stands for. And it is that contrast between the straight and morally driven Roy and the slightly less virtuous Sandy that really jarred and grabbed my attention.
Sandy is a very complex character. I had some sympathy for her in those earlier days, as the life as the wife of a serving police officer has to be fraught with not only concern that your spouse may end up in a situation they cannot return from, but also the knowledge that your marriage will take second place to a case every single time. Case in point is Roy's own disappearance on the night of their anniversary, starting a chain of events that put Sandy in a very dubious and vulnerable position. There are many decisions that she makes that had my eyebrows lifting, knowing without question, that escalation was inevitable. There are many familiar characters in this book - not just Roy, Cleo and Sandy - which helps to keep it tied to the series. But this is, first and foremost, a tale of a very broken woman whose lack of good judgment sets her on a path of self destruction.
There is something within Sandy, although seemingly well hidden, that did elicit some sympathy. Some of her decisions are driven not only by a sense of self preservation, but also by the need not to drag Roy into a mess of her making. There are many very relevant and contemporary themes explored in the book, from addiction to abuse and coercive control, but as Sandy moves from one poor decision to the next, it is hard to always maintain that sympathy. Pete James has kept the balance just right, keeping me entirely invested in her story, even though there are times her actions proved beyond frustrating. Even so, the final scenes were hard to read, the ending more emotional than I may have been expecting fora. character we had only just really met. Her absence cast a long shadow over Roy's life. It's odd to think how a single different decision in those early days might have changed everything for them all.
A round of applause for Gemma Whelan who narrated the audiobook. She truly captured Sandy's spirit, playing the nuances of her character with pitch perfect style. I felt for her as much as I felt frustrated by her, and, somehow, she convinced me that Sandy really did care about Roy and about her son, more so perhaps than she ever cared about herself. Definitely recommended for fans of the series who just want to know the truth a luxury that will never properly be afforded to our fictional hero, Roy.
May 18, 2024
4.5⭐️
June 27, 2024
I've read the Roy Grace books for many years and as much as each novel's plot was interesting and intriguing the main hook was the mystery of his wife's sudden disappearance. Now in the main series this has been resolved but we never found out the reason why. Until now.
They Thought I Was Dead is told entirely from Sandy's point of View. We see what her life has become and how she views her marriage. The events that drove her to leave are explained in great detail which is to expected. I'll admit I did wonder how much Peter James had already planned and how much he made up after deciding to write this book. There's certainly one aspect of Sandy's character that felt like it came out of left field and didn't feel believable.
The plot once Sandy has left was a bit of a mixed bag. Not only is she not the most pleasant of people but she's not always the smartest either. She makes decisions that don't make a lot of sense and lead to nothing but trouble. It can be infuriating but combine it with very short chapters and it made for a fast paced book.
I'm glad I read this because it provided answers. I found it an entertaining and fast paced read and the times that scenes coincided with events previously seen in earlier books were nice to see. It's just a shame that there was a few things that didn't gel with me.
Sandy not being in the least bit likeable. And the way she'd try blaming others for her own problems, especially those in the life she'd abandoned.
Sandy getting into trouble and then by sheer coincidence something happening to pull her out of said trouble. It got repetitive and was always too much of a coincidence.
A couple of (to me at least) key moments not being referenced and shown from Sandy's perspective.
The ending was alright but felt too clean and rushed.
Decent and recommended to anyone who's been a fan of the books but not the greatest book written. For the most part I did have a good time but the above mentioned flaws jumped out the further into the book I got that I can't ignore.
3.5 / 5
They Thought I Was Dead is told entirely from Sandy's point of View. We see what her life has become and how she views her marriage. The events that drove her to leave are explained in great detail which is to expected. I'll admit I did wonder how much Peter James had already planned and how much he made up after deciding to write this book. There's certainly one aspect of Sandy's character that felt like it came out of left field and didn't feel believable.
The plot once Sandy has left was a bit of a mixed bag. Not only is she not the most pleasant of people but she's not always the smartest either. She makes decisions that don't make a lot of sense and lead to nothing but trouble. It can be infuriating but combine it with very short chapters and it made for a fast paced book.
I'm glad I read this because it provided answers. I found it an entertaining and fast paced read and the times that scenes coincided with events previously seen in earlier books were nice to see. It's just a shame that there was a few things that didn't gel with me.
Sandy not being in the least bit likeable. And the way she'd try blaming others for her own problems, especially those in the life she'd abandoned.
Sandy getting into trouble and then by sheer coincidence something happening to pull her out of said trouble. It got repetitive and was always too much of a coincidence.
A couple of (to me at least) key moments not being referenced and shown from Sandy's perspective.
The ending was alright but felt too clean and rushed.
Decent and recommended to anyone who's been a fan of the books but not the greatest book written. For the most part I did have a good time but the above mentioned flaws jumped out the further into the book I got that I can't ignore.
3.5 / 5
April 6, 2024
Throughout the Roy Grace series by Peter James, for me the burning question has been where is Sandy? I wondered if she had left of her own free will, and if so, why? If not, what happened to her? Did Roy kill her and get away with it? As each new book came out, I eagerly read it in the hopes of having those questions answered.
There was closure of sorts, eventually, but no back story. No insight into why Sandy did what she did. Until now.
They Thought I Was Dead is very much Sandy's story, and it's not a pretty one. It's a story of bad choices followed by more bad choices. It's the story of someone who believes the grass is greener on their neighbours side of the fence, only to discover when it's too late that this is not the case.
I devoured this book. Although Sandy is not a very likeable person, her story was still interesting and engaging. There were plenty of twists and turns and one or two "oh my god!" moments.
You don't have to have read the Roy Grace series before reading They Thought I Was Dead, but it adds context.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There was closure of sorts, eventually, but no back story. No insight into why Sandy did what she did. Until now.
They Thought I Was Dead is very much Sandy's story, and it's not a pretty one. It's a story of bad choices followed by more bad choices. It's the story of someone who believes the grass is greener on their neighbours side of the fence, only to discover when it's too late that this is not the case.
I devoured this book. Although Sandy is not a very likeable person, her story was still interesting and engaging. There were plenty of twists and turns and one or two "oh my god!" moments.
You don't have to have read the Roy Grace series before reading They Thought I Was Dead, but it adds context.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2024
Fans of the Roy Grace series will know that his wife Sandy left him on his 30th birthday and made up part of the arc if the earlier books in the series.
This novel jumps back to tell her story of what happened.
Opening in 2007, the reader gets a quick refresh of how her family life was with the detective working long hours and their fish named Marlon.
(How has it been over 15 years since I've read these books?!?)
This nicely feels in the gaps of what drove Sandy to disappear and end up in Germany.
Ideally readers should be familiar with the Roy Grace series as it follows events from over a ten year period as we see from Sandy's perspective on how Roy's career and life moves on - especially as during that period a missing person can be presumed dead (as the title suggests).
It's great to read from her inner thoughts and the novel is very fast paced.
This novel jumps back to tell her story of what happened.
Opening in 2007, the reader gets a quick refresh of how her family life was with the detective working long hours and their fish named Marlon.
(How has it been over 15 years since I've read these books?!?)
This nicely feels in the gaps of what drove Sandy to disappear and end up in Germany.
Ideally readers should be familiar with the Roy Grace series as it follows events from over a ten year period as we see from Sandy's perspective on how Roy's career and life moves on - especially as during that period a missing person can be presumed dead (as the title suggests).
It's great to read from her inner thoughts and the novel is very fast paced.
July 12, 2024
Sorry Peter but I have DNFed this one. Don't know why, this is a first for one of your books.
December 7, 2024
I love the Roy Grace series and I was so intrigued to find out more about Sandy.
Turns out I don’t like her!
Turns out I don’t like her!
August 11, 2024
Excellent, compulsive reading
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