A Twist of the Knife

Roy Grace #0.5, 9.5, 9.8

by Peter James

With each twist of the knife, a chilling new journey begins . . .


From a woman intent on bizarre revenge, to a restaurant critic with a morbid fear of the number thirteen; and from a man arranging a life-changing assignation, to a couple heading for a disaster-filled vacation . . .

In multi-million-copy bestselling author Peter James' collection of short stories we first come to meet Brighton's finest detective, Roy Grace, and read the tale that went on to inspire James' hugely successful novel, Dead Simple. James exposes the Achilles heel of each of his characters, and makes us question how well we can trust ourselves, and one another. Each tale carries a twist that will haunt readers for days after they turn the final page . . .

Combining every twisted tale from the ebook bestsellers Short Shockers One and Short Shockers Two, with a never-seen-before collection of new material, A Twist of the Knife shows Peter James as the undisputed grand master of storytellers with this sometimes funny, often haunting, but always shocking collection.

Genres: Short Stories, Crime, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Audiobook

583 pages, ebook

First published November 6, 2014

About the author

Peter 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.

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter James' team very kindly sent me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
This is my first ever short story collection read by Peter James, and right from the get-go I was happy and entertained, with the old-school, but much appreciated take that short stories should end with a twist at the end. The majority of these stories are about couples and/or couplings and are supernatural/ghost, horror or crime fiction themed. If you were entertained by the TV Show 'Tales of the Unexpected' you will hands down love this collection.

If the great short stories weren't enough the final two novellas are co-written with Ian Rankin for a Roy Grace and Rebus team-up!) and Val McDermid for a Roy Grace team-up with Hill and Jordan. This is some peak UK detective series' reading. A deserved 8 out of 12, Four Stars for such a well put together collection.

2024 read

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short story collection each with a delicious twist. The author is new to me. I got interested in his writing after seeing the series featuring character Roy Grace.

[Tracey Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quickly realised this wouldn't be bedtime reading, then rationed myself to a few stories a day so I could savour the experience.
"With each twist of the knife, a chilling new journey begins...From a woman intent on bizarre revenge, to a restaurant critic with a morbid fear of the number thirteen; and from a man arranging a life-changing assignation, to a couple heading for a disaster-filled vacation . . ."
A new Peter James book is one of the highlights of my year but I confess my heart fell when I realised it was a short story collection. I've never been a fan of short stories - I don't like the feeling of just getting to know the characters then it's all over too quickly. A Twist of the Knife has completely changed my opinion. Each story was a new delight and even the very short ones (less than a page) had an impact.
Whilst reading A Twist of the Knife I heard a radio interview with the author who gave some background to some of the stories. This added an extra dimension to my enjoyment of the book.
The stories I most enjoyed were those based on true incidents as they challenged my scepticism of all things paranormal. I vow to be more open-minded in future.
Thank you to the publisher, via Midas PR, for the proof copy for review.

[Amanda McGill · Rating 4 out of 5]

For full review - The Limit of Books Does Not Exist

Typically I’m not a fan of novels filled with short stories. I find that one or two of the stories are really good and the rest tend to be below average. Thankfully A Twist of the Knife was filled with exciting short stories that each ended with a surprising (sometimes deadly) twist.

If you are a fan of the Roy Grace series, you will be in for a treat because there are 2 Grace stories. The first is one of Roy Grace’s early cases as a detective and I really enjoyed that story and the twist that Grace figured out. The second was a Christmas story that I didn’t enjoy as much, but it was still interesting to read about.

My favourite novel by James is Dead Simple, which had an alternative ending in A Twist of the Knife. The ending of Dead Simple can’t be beat (a reason why it is one of my favourites), but it was interesting seeing a different, much shorter ending!

This would be a perfect read if you aren’t looking for a full novel and want to read a quick story before bed.

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a stunning collection of stories from the brilliant mind of Peter James. There was so much in here to enjoy and absorb and I loved every single story.

Ranging from crime filled stories to those that were just darn terrifying and creepy I relished this book! It was like having entree, main and dessert then having the cheese plate just when you think you can't fit more in.

There is no doubt about it, Peter James is masterful novelist and storyteller and his books including this one are just cracking good reading.

I dipped into this book thinking I would read a story here and there at first bit that plan went out the window when I could not stop reading on to the next story...and the next...and the next.

Without a doubt 4 solid paw prints from Booklover Catlady for this stunning collection. Whether you are already a fan or not, who cares, great reading! Grab this gem if you can.

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I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley, many thanks.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains the stories from Short Shockers Volumes I and II as well as seven new tales.

12 Bolingbroke Avenue - 4 Stars
Number Thirteen - 3.5 Stars
Just Two Clicks - 3 Stars
Dead on the Hour - 4 Stars (a nice spooky ghost story)
Virtually Alive - 2.5 Stars
Meet Me at the Crematorium - 3 Stars
Venice Aphrodisiac - 3 Stars (well written but left me with an ew feeling)
Time Rich - 3.5 Stars
Christmas is for Kids - 4 Stars
When Your Number's Up - 4.5 Stars
Like You - 3 Stars
Smoking Kills - 3.5 Stars
The Stamp of a Criminal - 3.5 Stars (Roy Grace's first case)
A Very Sexy Revenge - 4 Stars
The Knock - 2 Stars
Dream Holiday - 4 Stars
A Christmas Tradition - 3.5 Stars
Companionship - 2 Stars
My First Ghost - 5 Stars
Two Minutes - 4 Stars
Gifts in the Night - 5 Stars
Ghost Painting - 4 Stars
Timing is Everything - 4 Stars
Art Class - 5 Stars
Dream Wife - 4 Stars
A Dead Simple Plan - 5 Stars (short story which inspired Roy Grace's Book #1 Dead Simple
Sun Over the Yardarm - 5 Stars
You'll Never Forget My Face - 4.5 Stars
Santa Drops In - 4 Stars (a Roy Grace Christmas short story)
Crossed Lines - 4.5 Stars

[Deity World · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting set of short stories some about crime and some not, some fictional and some based on real life the highlight though are the Roy Grace stories especially the very first story

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within this book there are thirty stories which is quite a collection including two Roy Grace stories, including one from his early days as a Detective Constable and a more recent Christmas outing when he helps out policing big entrance on Brighton Pier by parachuting in to deliver presents to children from a local hospice. There is also a short story which was the basis of the very first Roy Grace book Dead Simple.

There is also a collection which showcases the supernatural themes that grace other Peter James novels including a couple of true stories told to him by a local clergyman. I didn’t know that the Anglican Church officially employed a Minister of Deliverance who visits haunted houses, these stories even had this sceptic nearly convinced. Other themes include plenty of comeuppance for those entering into extra marital affairs, a fairly bleak look at the loss of shine in long-term marriages and a few that I’m convinced were moral boosters when the author turned forty (highlighted by the similar sentiments in two adjacent stories.) There are very short stories, less than a page and longer more in depth ones, and only one which I didn’t take to at all.

This is a great book to dip in and out of as a quick read and some of the twists quite unexpected, the last story in particular was quite gruesome but in most any harm done is off-stage so not too upsetting for gentler souls to read before going to sleep.

Many of these stories appeared in Short Shockers One and Short Shockers Two although I’m reliably informed that there are some new stories included. I’d like to thank the publishers Pan Macmillan ahead of publication date of 6 November 2014.

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m certainly, like many others, a fan of Peter James and his infamous Roy Grace Series. I’m not however a fan of short stories. Thankfully this was a great collection and I was actually impressed by how much I enjoyed them. I just re-read that and don’t mean it to sound condescending, it’s just in terms of how much I dislike short stories…that’s what I meant!

This series of stories totals thirty and there are 2 featuring Roy Grace. IN addition to the fictional short stories there are some which are factual accounts just told by Peter James. I wouldn’t want to go into the details of all the stories, there seems little point. What I would say is that this is a nice way to read many stories by the man himself and get a feel for his style of writing.

Although I still am not a fan of short stories and collections, this was pretty good. It was an added bonus that a couple featured Roy Grace, but even those without show the skill and talent that have kept Peter James up there as a Bestselling British Author.

[Dannii Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual rating 2.5/5 stars.

This is an anthology of Peter James' short stories, the majority of which are in the mystery or thriller category.

Whilst, as is the nature of any anthology, I enjoyed some stories more than others, I had an issue with the contents overall. It took months to read this as, to give the contents a fair chance of enjoying them, I had to leave gaps between most of the stories. The reason for this is that most seemed to feature unfaithful husbands with plots to off their wives. The stories were clever and inventive but many seemed to feature this same twist or device and if I read more than one or two at any one time I found myself annoyed and my attention dwindling. Nine months after starting the book I finally finished it and whilst some of the stories really appealed this anthology, as a whole, did not.

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection contains a very large number of stories— some very short (even four lines), some short, some longish. They all are dark, with a vicious twist in the tail. Along-with crime stories and that of detection, we have science fiction (sort of) and ghost stories. All these stories feature the British wit, nuanced expressions, and a faint irony— as if the author is surprised since we are reading his works.
Nevertheless, it was a really good read overall. I especially enjoyed the two cases of Roy Grace.
Recommended.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Peter James but I don't really like short stories but due to the former decided to give this book a chance. I was pleasantly surprised, an entertaining mix of stories that I dipped in and out of as I read other books. It worked well for me reading this book in short spells and I honestly enjoyed it.

[Kirstie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointed with this collection of short stories. I’m a huge PJ fan but these were relative and felt a bit sleazy like a dirty old man had written them

Shame really but any readers who don’t know his Roy Grace series wouldn’t want to read any more of his based on these weak efforts

[Rosy Ay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think to write a good short story as a mammoth task. To get so much information in but keeping the story short is a real skill and I think short stories are sometimes underestimated when actually they should be looked at more closely and I appreciate the work that has gone into writing them.

I won’t use the forest Gump analogy of a box of chocolates, I will pay tribute to the master, S King, and call it a magic box of buttons. Some of the buttons you don’t know how or where you picked them up or what on earth they are doing in the box and then just put them aside, some of the buttons are very nice, very pleasant, definitely to be held onto, and some of the buttons are treasures, jewels, magical little pieces of enchantment to be treasured and looked at over and over again. And that, Simply, is this book.

By pure coincidence, although I know that Peter James is uncertain about coincidences, I am reading a lot of of Peter James at the moment. In braille I am reading, prophecy, my next audiobook is, Twilight, and in between I read this book of short stories, as a pallet cleanser, LOL! Enjoying them all! Even the strange little buttons that don’t seem to be buttons at all but here they are, still going around my head so they have their own secrets too! XX happy birthday, Mr James, and thank you!🥂🎂

[Labijose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Como lector empedernido de Peter James, aproveché para leer esta compilación de breves relatos, que incluyen la primera investigación de su detective Roy Grace.
Algunos relatos son muy interesantes. Destacaría 3 ó 4: “Meet me at the crematorium”, “My first Ghost”, “Art Class” y “The Sun's Over The Yard Arm”. Sólo por estos ya merece la pena su lectura. Sin embargo, el primer Roy Grace me decepcionó en su resolución, ya que la forma en que el detective resuelve el caso no es digna de tan buen escritor. El resto de relatos son aceptables, aunque algunos no son más que simples párrafos de cuatro líneas.
Lectura para intercalar entre libros, si te gustan este tipo de relatos.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rarely read short stories but I'm familiar with Peter James so thought that I would enjoy this collection. However, even though I did enjoy the ones that features Roy Grace and the ghost stories I felt disappointed by the rest of them. My immediate thoughts were that he was trying to recreate Tales of the Unexpected by Roald Dahl but for me they were not as good. I persevered because of the ones that I did like but in future I will stick with the Roy Grace novels.

[Shirley Spain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over five hundred pages of short shockers by one of the best thriller authors in the business. Loved it. Shout out to my UK "Twinnie" for sending me this book which I would have otherwise never picked up.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of short stories compiled together in one volume, this book really showcases James love of Crime and Supernatural tales.

[Ellyreynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good series of short stories - a great way to get to know the writings of Peter James

[Steve Cann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all Peter James' books, and it was so fascinating to pick up this anthology of his short stories from over the years.

As the title suggests, each story has a bit of a twist in the tail, and Peter is creative in coming up with some very good ones.
Many of the stories are not unlike the old 'Twilight Zone' TV series - and some were reminiscent to me of the 'moral horror twist' Robert Bloch stories, many of which were made into horror film portmanteau compendiums by Amicus in the early 70s.

As with these films, there's quite a mixed bag here - but plenty to enjoy, including the original short story format of the first Roy Grace novel 'Dead Simple'.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read, and fans of Peter's other books will certainly not be disappointed!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always leery of short stories...especially by authors whose full length novels I really, really like...as in Peter James. So I approached this one with caution. These are a collection of 30 stories all with a thriller/horror theme. Peter James also offers us two stories featuring his Detective Roy Grace who has become a trademark series for James. As with any "collection", each story has a "twist" ending... some predictable and others not so much. I was glad I stuck with this book as I found I really liked more of them than I didn't like.

[Miranda Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a real fan of Peter James, in particular of The Detective Roy Grace series of which myself and my Husband are avid readers. Although this book is a series of different short stories, it had me gripped. From ghostly tales, to revenge and intrigue, fate and adventure it didn't fail to impress. Another blinder from Peter James.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure if this will put people off or not, I hope not as it’s meant as a complement, but very reminiscent of Jeffrey Archer

[Pat Osment · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant selection of short stories ,lots with many twists,all very different and very enjoyable

[Helen Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read books that are all short stories but I really enjoyed this one

[Dawn Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of short stories. Very good if you like short stories think I will stick to longer books in future though

[Plum-crazy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of short stories but I do enjoy Peter James' horror novels & I love the Roy Grace series so was hopeful that I'd like these....& on the whole I did. All the stories feature a twist (surprise, surprise!) but by the time I was probably a third of the way through, it was too easy to see the where things were going, "Virtually Alive" being the only one that caught me by surprise & to be honest if it had been further along in the book I don't think it would have! For my taste the book was too long, IMHO a book of short stories should be a short book & this could easily be split into two volumes - if not three!

There's 30 stories in all so I'm only going to share my thoughts on two or three of them...

"Sun Over the Yard Arm" at 34 pages is the longest of the tales & quite frankly one of the most boring stories I've ever read...

...but contrasts nicely with "The Knock" which at 4 lines (yes lines, not pages!) has to be one of the shortest short stories ever. A great touch that surely can't fail to raise a wry grin :o)

Despite being a huge Roy Grace fan I wasn't enamoured with any of the shorts. I remember reading the first part of "Santa Drops In" in a Sunday paper a few years back & never bothered to read the end....& what a cheesy one it turned out to be, disappointing.

All the other stories were entertaining enough. I preferred the first half of the book to the second but I think I was wearying of the "sameiness" of them all towards the end. Had I read the odd one at a time instead of continuously maybe they would have seemed a bit fresher & less predictable. A book best for dipping in & out of.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read most of these stories before in the other collection "Short Shockers". I liked all the stories. Most of these are supernatural out of which he claims some to be true stories, but I don’t believe him.
Some stories are extremely short (5-6 sentences)

My favourites from this collection - Sun over the yardarm, crossed lines, Art class

[Lance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter James' "A Twist of the Knife" is a collection of short stories with a twist in the ending. This is a fun concept for an anthology as it gives the reader strong motivation to predict the ending of the stories, and the title of the book itself is gripping.
I enjoyed the stories, the author showed thorough research throughout in addition to fluent dialogue and a cutting gallows humour throughout. The collection worked well together, especially the sub-themes, such as marital affairs and revenge, which added a petty disdain to these often comically frivolous and dirty minded characters. I would certainly like to read more by this author.
Particular stand-outs included: "Vitrually Alive" in which there were some witty and thought-proking questions raised about reality through the eyes of a cyborg/simulation; "Meet Me At The Crematorium" in which the twist reveals that the woman escaping her bullying husband has killed him and fetishised his dead body! "When Your Number's Up" described a man under the impression he had won the lottery dumping his long-suffering wife only to be told, yeah, he hadn't won a penny. "My First Ghost" which detailed the secret life of a modern-day Church of England exorcist in brushes with dense psychology under the guise of the supernatural were very interesting and written with the rational scientific rigour that appeals to sceptics. Two other favourites were the true story "Art Class" in which an aristocrat smuggling French Impressionist paintings out of Italy is stopped only to be told by a British customs officer that he's not impressed with what he assumes to be her drawings from art class, and "The Sun's Over The Yard Arm" in which a devious banker-come-yacheter gets his come-up-ence on a cross-Pacific trip to Sri Lanka on which he plans to drown his loving wife. Scandalous!
Regretfully, docked 1 star for being able to guess too many of the twists. I do always feel quite pleased with myself for managing this, but I prefer to get about half of the stories in an anthology, rather than over two thirds. Harsh but hair!

[Cazi3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twist of the knife

A series of short stories, what’s not to like. The impact kicks in sooner just as your interest peaks!, Once over it’s onto the next.
I enjoyed most of these stories some were seconds long but still packed a punch. My favourites in no particular order : Number Thirteen, Dream wife, 2 Minutes , Dead on the hour, Smoking kills, When yours number up, Companionship. Ghost painting, Sun over the yard arm and off course, A dead simple plan. Dead simple is on my reading list , after sampling it here.

This book hi lights the brilliance of PJs imagination and his believe in all he brings to life on paper , I’m also getting into the Grace series linked with some of the stories here.

I recommend this book for anyone with a short attention span. You will not be disappointed! So pleased I found this particular book out of the loads by this writer. There are so many available I could easily have missed this one . A real treat and worthy of 5 🌟