One of Us Is Dead

Roy Grace #21

by Peter James

'One of the best British crime writers' – Lee Child

Roy Grace is about to find out just how dangerous a dead man can be . . .

Arriving late for a funeral, James Taylor spots a familiar face in the church – his old schoolfriend Rufus Rorke.

Except it couldn’t be him, could it? Because two years ago Taylor attended Rufus’s funeral. He even delivered the eulogy.

On the other side of Brighton, at Police HQ, Detective Superintendent Roy Grace has been alerted to a number of suspicious deaths that he can’t get out of his mind. But how are they linked? And could they possibly be connected to Rufus Rorke?

One Of Us Is Dead is the latest race-against-time instalment of the award-winning Grace series by Peter James, now a major ITV show starring John Simm.

*****

23 million books sold.

Creator of Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s favourite fictional detective.

'Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business' – Karin Slaughter, author of the Will Trent series

'Peter James is one of the best British crime writers and therefore one of the best in the world' – Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series

'One of the world’s most popular detective series' – The Guardian

'An easy 5* book' – Reader review

'Excellent as always!' – Reader review

'A brilliant addition to this excellent series' – Reader review

*They Thought I was Dead was an instant no.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 13/05/2024

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Thriller, Procedural, Detective

454 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2024

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

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always a pleasure to back in Brighton with Grace and the team. This is book 20, and the series shows absolutely no sign of getting old. This is a twisty and complex case that is so very cleverly written. Will keep you guessing until that very last page. Who can be trusted? Is there a connection? Who is involved? So many questions, and as always, Peter James delivers in a big way!

I can’t help but see the characters in the story as the actors from the TV series now.. and I am not mad about that all! I have always been a big John Sims fan, and he is the perfect Roy Grace.

This time, we have a dead man attending the funeral of an old school friend, only to be spotted by another school friend who attended his funeral! We also have killer mushrooms, the dark web, crypto currency, and a spate of suspicious deaths in the area. It keeps the team busy, that is for sure. For a book with 400 plus pages, it was such a fast read for me.

Thank you so much to Macmillan Australia for my advanced copy of this book to read. Out in Australia on September 24th.

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew it would be a good read as it’s always a pleasure to be back in Brighton with Grace and Branson. However, it’s long winded in places - I’m not sure why every book these days has to be 400 pages plus.
Also as per usual Peter James gets gait analysis into the storyline to much amusement from me! Give it a rest man!

[Jannelies (living between hope and fear) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘One of us is dead’ is spoken by one of the main characters that we get to know very early in this story and my oh my, how absolutely right he is. The whole story of James Taylor who believes he saw an old friend at the funeral of another old friend is a remarkable complex and simple a t the same time. We, the readers, get to know said friend too – but was he a real friend? And is he really dead? In between the sad story about three friends who fell out spectacularly we find a new story of friendship and even love.

For Roy Grace and his team the story begins with seemingly unrelated deaths by mushroom poisoning and the death of a very rich man who bought himself a flashy expensive car. Roy wouldn’t be Roy if he didn’t act on the hunch he feels that both cases are indeed connected, and with the help of his team and a lot of patience and clever thinking it all ends well. For the good people, that is. Remember? One of the characters dies a rather unexpected and gruesome death.
It’s been great to read this 20th book in an excellent series, with likable characters and clever plots – not to mention the brilliant writing style of the author.

Looking forward to the next title in this series!

Thanks to Pan MacMillan and Netgalley for this review copy.

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roy Grace and his team are assigned to investigate a case where someone dies from consuming a death cap mushroom. It looks random, but they find evidence that it was deliberate, as are several other deaths which could be perceived as random. We are then introduced to a man who was declared dead two years ago through some chicanery, but is still very much alive doing contract killings via the dark web. Rufus, AKA Paul, tells his new girlfriend that he only kills people who deserve it, but she becomes suspicious that she may be next. There is a thrilling scene at the end in a private plane which ends a well written mystery with intriguing characters. Although part of a series, I read it as a stand-alone, and recommend it to fans of British police procedurals. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roy Grace, I love you.
Another excellent read by Peter James!

[bookswithpaulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

British crime thriller, police procedural at its best!

James Taylor attends the funeral of his childhood friend. He's standing at the back of the church when he notices a few rows ahead a man that looks so familiar its the way he moves, his mannerisms he cant quite see his face... where does he know him from?

Suddenly it clicks its his old school friend also from back in the day the 3 of them were best mates... but how could it be Rufus Rorke? Rufus died 2 years ago and I delivered the eulogy at his funeral. A chill goes up his spine.

Enter Roy Grace - Detective Superintendent based on the other side of Brighton the Police HQ. He's working a number of creepily suspicious deaths. As he investigates, the dots are connecting its the same person who committed the crimes. We follow along with peeling back the layers of how the perp evaded capture, his rouse and carefully connected plan as it all unfolds.

Whew! This was one heck of a ride... I love a good police proceedural. Its been a while since Ive read one that grabbed my attention this quickly.

Thats all Im going to say. Its a solid 4.5 for me, would highly recommend picking this gem up.
Thanks so much to the team at Pan MacMillian Australia for my copy of this gem!

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My enthusiasm never dies for the Roy Grace "Dead" series.

Author Peter James is brilliant and always delivers.

"One Of Us Is Dead" is #21 in the Roy Grace series.

Although this is a standalone read, reading the earlier titles in this series is highly recommended.

Exactly how dangerous can a dead man be?

Read "One of Us Is Dead" for the answer.

I listened to the audiobook read by Daniel Weyman who did a superb job with the narration.

WHY NOT 5 STARS?
Portions of this intricately plotted 13-hour police procedural audiobook were too longwinded.

Favorite Roy Grace book? "Love You Dead"(#12), a thriller about a widow who kills her rich husbands with snake venom.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series never disappoints. The prime suspect in the latest addition to the Roy Grace series is a dead man. Or is he even dead at all? Off the yatch maybe not in the cockpit of his former friend James Taylor possibly because only one of us is dead on the radio. Not my fastest read however certainly enjoyable. One of the best yet.

[Ivana - Diary of Difference · Rating 4 out of 5]

#21 One Of Us Is Dead - ★★★★



“One of us is Dead” is a tremendous book, and was well worth my time. It intrigued me from the very first chapter.

“Mediocrity recognizes nothing higher than itself. It takes talent to appreciate genius.”

It really starts with such a bang. I could imagine myself being in Taylor’s shoes. Going to a friend’s funeral and seeing a person in the crowd that died two years ago. How freaky is that, right? And surely impossible. Same as Taylor, undoubtedly, you would start asking questions. And little do you know, the police are trying to figure out the same thing.

“They’d vowed they would always stay in touch, but of course life had other plans.”

I cannot reveal too much as I don’t want to spoil it for others. “One of us is Dead” is very fast paced and never runs out of action. The slight downside is that it can be a bit predictable at times, although not with the ending. Speaking of the ending, I was slightly disappointed. Firstly, because I am a sucker for justice, and I don’t feel that we got true justice. And secondly, we only get the crumbs about what happens next with certain characters. There were a few people “still awaiting justice” and this was not good enough for me.

Overall, I think Peter James did a good job with this book, and I now definitely have him on my radar and will probably pick up some of his older books. This book is actually book number 21 in the Roy Grace series. But, as you might already know with these kinds of books, they can all be read as standalones. They are all unique stories in themselves, with only the detective Roy Grace featuring in them as a common denominator. What was the last crime / thriller you read?

“When I was a young kid, my mum taught me how to make clouds disappear. She told me I had magic powers and that I could dissolve clouds. If I just stared at a small cloud hard, really hard, and kept staring at it, it would break up and disappear… I do still look at clouds today and make them dissolve.”

Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Ko-fi

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Us is Dead is the 20th in the DS Roy Grace series and is a must read for fans and crime thriller lovers.

Imagine attending a funeral of an old school friend only to see a man whose eulogy you gave just two years previously sitting in a pew a few rows in front of you. Well that is what happened to one of the characters in One of Us is Dead. James Taylor is mystified and second-guesses himself as to whether he should believe that his old pal Rufus Rorke was really in attendance.

Meanwhile Roy Grace is investigating some weird but seemingly unconnected deaths in the Brighton and Hove area but as the investigation progresses a familiar name makes an appearance and let's just say the plot thickens!

As always with this series the story is engaging, the plot ingenious and the characters always well-drawn, all of which makes for compelling reading.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Taylor stands at the back of the church is at his friend’s funeral. When he sees a man six rows in front of him, which he recognises him of his old friend Rufus Roarke’s. But he must be mistaken as two years previously he read out a eulogy at Rufus Roarke’s funeral. Rufus is dead.
Meanwhile DS Roy Grace is investigating a row of suspicious deaths. Which he can’t get out of his mind. Some clues reveal that the death are somehow linked to Rufus Roarke. But how and when he gets further near the truth he also could be in danger.
One of us is dead is another fabulous episode of the Roy Grace series. His books never disappoint. This has another intriguing story line, with several plot twists to keep you guessing throughout. 5 stars

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always a pleasure to read the latest Roy Grace adventure and with this being the 20th instalment, it's been quite some journey.

Whilst I don't think this was the strongest book in the series, the initial premise of private pilot James Taylor arriving late at a funeral only to be so sure that someone a few rows in front is Rufus Rorke.
Which is impossible as James had delivered the eulogy at Rufus own funeral two years previously...

With plenty of murders across Brighton that initially look like accidents help keep Grace and the team busy.
I like how this series evolves with the times as the dark web and 3D printing is part of the plot, whilst some popular old literature is also referenced too.

A real race against time with an intriguing mystery of how a dead man is pulling off all these murders at the center of it.

[Graeme Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. Would like to see more of the Taylor and Martin characters.

[Melanie O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 21 in the series and this is as good as his first. I think a few books previously I thought I might be losing interest because I felt that the focus was more tied up on Grace’s family life but this one gets the 4.5⭐️ from me. Super sharp, fast paced, incredibly exciting (particularly the ending) I loved it. Oh and I won’t pick or eat another wild mushroom again( just in case ) ! 😂. Another great instalment which I would highly recommend.
Read on my free BorrowBox Library App.

[danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here we are again, Peter! Get ready for a long review, because I have a lot of feelings and need to put them somewhere.

Whilst I had been enjoying the premise, my reading experience was ruined from the moment that Grace told Cassian he should have Sandy’s body exhumed, so he could “shag her again”. There is no excuse that makes this kind of comment okay, which also completely changes my perception of him as a character. I mean, what type of person says something like that about their ex-wife? I kept expecting that maybe he’d tell someone else about it and they would call him out, but no. Apparently, we were just supposed to move on and think it’s completely normal behaviour! As if that wasn’t enough, having a physical fight at the graveyard? Come on. I suppose that I expected better, especially since his best friend seemed to just find the whole thing funny.

I wish that had been the only moment to make me uncomfortable! There were also several weird comments about some side characters’ (un)attractiveness. It was all just unnecessary and unkind, particularly since this is a team of police officers and one person turned out to be a murder victim. I am so disappointed that this type of thing was seen as light entertainment.

Aside from all of that, I would like to talk about the way disability was written. When looking at a supposedly blind man walking through town on CCTV, Norman says “if I was blind, I wouldn’t go out shopping in the middle of the day when it’s all crowded. I’d go out in the night, in darkness. Wouldn’t make any difference, would it?”
Although this is followed by someone telling him that’s a cruel thing to say, everyone else just laughs, which is exactly the problem. It’s so easy for these attitudes towards disabled people to feel like harmless little jokes, to those that aren’t disabled. It gets tiring to read about after a while, particularly when Norman as a character never seems to learn or care when he says something problematic. By taking that approach, it also means that readers are never given the opportunity to unpack their own ableist thoughts, either.

This, of course, brings me onto the next example. One of the characters thinks this, when hit with a memory about his brother: “Even more tragically, he hadn’t died, but instead been condemned to a living death. A brain-damaged tetraplegic, Marcus lived for a further twelve years in a specially adapted bedroom at their parents’ house.” Now, Marcus is not mentioned before this point or ever again after it, which brings into question why this type of backstory was even included. I recognise so deeply that an accident of this nature would be sad and difficult, yes, but more tragic than dying as a child? I try really hard not to believe that and cannot understand why the author has tried to push a similar narrative on more than one occasion now. It makes me really sad, if I’m honest.

On a lighter note: I have read four books by him now, if I’m remembering correctly. He has a tendency to introduce the bad characters quite obviously, instead choosing to focus on the investigation into catching them. I think that I would prefer a little more mystery, then I could attempt working everything out for myself. Regardless, I have decided to give the series one more shot with the upcoming release, because the stories themselves are generally interesting and fun. If the same issues come up, that’s where I’ll finish, which I’m telling myself is okay.

[Sandie Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the 'Dead' series, Dead Simple, was the one that got me started with police procedurals and thriller books, the grittier side of fiction after many years of reading either horror stories or "fluff" (aka chick-lit). Regular readers of my blog will know that I only occasionally dip back into the lighter side of fiction as a palette cleanser these days so I'd say Mr James has been substantially influencial when it comes to my reading tastes.
This, the 20th instalment in the 'Dead' series, I am delighted to say is equally as good -if not better - than that first instalment all those years ago. Few series manage to last the test of time but this one just keeps on giving and feels like it still has plenty more to offer.
This book starts with a funeral service. It's for the second of a group of school friends who branded themselves the Three Musketeers back in the day. Barnie sadly passed away after a mix up with some mushrooms he was cooking for his culinary blog. The last of the trio, James Taylor, is in attendance to pay his respects despite not having been close to Barnie for a good while. He is however shocked when he becomes convinced one of the other mourners at the church that day is the other member of their crew, Rufus Rourke. But it can't possibly be, because James read his eulogy after his tragic passing two years previously. It soon transpires that James isn't the only one who believes that Rufus is alive and well, living and "working" in the vicinity of their old stomping ground near Brighton.
Peter James has as skilfully as always interwoven the current storyline among the backstory of the team of detectives investigating the potential re-emergence of Rufus. The politically incorrect, but somehow loveable rogue, Norman Potting makes a predictable reappearance in the team, as well as Roy Grace's reliable sidekick Branson. Roy's slimy adversary Cassian Pewe also gets a chapter but I was pleased that this part of the story didn't take up too many pages whilst not being forgotten about.
Huge kudos to Peter James for keeping the momentum going - at no point have I ever felt it was time to close the series down. The characters have continued to grow and develop without ever getting tired or boring. The cases they investigate are relevant to today's society and the forensics and other investigative tools have moved with the times as the books have been released. The detail in the scenes building to the climax of this story is exemplary, and had my heart racing at one particular point. Just how many bodies would Roy and the team be visiting at the mortuary as part of this investigation??
How does Peter James keep up the quality of this series? Who knows?! 5 stars once again, sir.

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something strangely comforting about picking up a book in this series. It’s not to say they’re predictable but the Peter James writing is just so easy and uncomplicated .

Roy Grace is at his best - dry, witty, and rarely home … which must be frustrating for Cleo who also leads a busy professional life (reality over fiction there). The rest of the team are as you’d expect but Grace just always seems to know how to get the best out of them, regardless if the case.

This one is an ‘isn’t that bloke dead’ trope, with pilot James Taylor thinking he’s seen a man at a funeral, the problem being he faves the bloke’s eulogy a couple of years prior. How Peter James links the cases, just kept me interested throughout.

Thanks MacMillan Australia for sending me this one!

[Mike Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot write reviews on iPhone since Goodreads lost all my history on my MacBook after a password reset. It all still appears on my iPhone for goodness sake!

[Tonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy catching up with the characters in this series but this was also one of the best plots.

[Hpnyknits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything one wants from this kind of genre.
The characters, the relationships, the pace, the mystery (complex!) and the location. Even included the obligatory “member of the public” who takes things into their own hands, and they definitely shouldn’t!!
The only storyline that was not great- who is Bruno’s biological father, was an issue at the beginning of the book, abandoned for the duration, and vaguely brought up at the end.
No, we don’t know yet☹️. Enough already. 😂.
The next book better reveal it!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Roy Grace series of books and this one was no different. The story was good and it's nice to catch up with all the regulars, except for Casian Pewe who is a vile man.

[Deity World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely faultless still my favourite detective series on paper and tv

[Ros Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. I like a procedural police drama, this one was a bit of a bore. Might give another one of his books a go though

[Sue Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all the Roy Grace stories. However only given this 3 stars. Still a good story but just dint grip me the way other books had. I will still continue to read them.

[Anne Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read most of Peter James books and all of the Roy Grace series. The tv series now allows me to picture the characters in a consistent manner. This book isn’t quite as fast paced as the previous book ( Stop them Dead) but a great story nonetheless. Roy is still getting involved even though his DI Glenn is perfectly capable; he can’t help it. Interesting stuff on the ‘dark web’ and cryptocurrency. The last couple of chapters would be a nightmare to film but are really exciting.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book I've read from this author. A very easy to read page turner with some interesting murders but rather one dimensional and surprised it has such a high rating. More focus on real character development and less on name dropping brands unnecessarily all over the place.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilled to get back to business after getting the whole Sandy saga done with (though I doubt it's actually done with) and get the whole team back together.
Along with all the regulars, this had a cracking bad guy, and clever kills.
The last few chapters had high speed car chase vibes (trying not to give spoilers here) and I was on the edge of my seat for some of it.
As always some great banter and one liners from the crew.
A very entertaining read.

[James Wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing! I think I may have read my last Roy Grace “DEAD” book.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh it is so good to be back in the company of Roy Grace and the team. And after the rather dark tale (tail?) they investigated last time around, and the tragedy of reading Sandie's story, this book almost feels like some well very needed light relief. Almost. I mean, we are faced with a case, (or two or three) of murder after all. Probably. At least, that is exactly what Roy Grace, Glenn Branson and rest of Brighton's finest are trying to work out. Whether or not the recent spate of deaths in the area are merely a run of tragic accidents or something a little more calculated and sinister. A coincidence too far sets them on the trail of a killer who very likely cannot exist as they, too, are very much dead, but perhaps a little less buried.

I like how Peter James has set out this novel. In truth, there are few surprises in it for us as readers as we see the whole thing from three very different perspectives. Firstly there is that of Roy and the team, first alerted to a couple of deaths that are a touch to similar to be mere coincidence by Glenn Branson, all too keen to cut his teeth as SIO on a murder case. Then we have James Taylor, a private pilot who sees someone he couldn't possibly have seen at the funeral of a friend. Finally we have the not quite to mysterious 'killer', a person whose identity is revealed to us very early on but which remains hidden from the police and everyone else for quite some time. It makes for an interesting dynamic, seeing who will work out what first, and whether or not the 'killer', who always appears one step ahead, may, through their own hubris, meet what would be sure to be a somewhat unfortunate end.

The 'murders' in this book, by the very nature of being presented to the world as unfortunate accidents, may appear quite pedestrian by the standards of some of Mr James' previous murder sprees, however do not be fooled. When you think about it, there are nicer ways to meet your end than poisoning, and as car accidents go, the author has plotted a real doozy here. A good example of why you should always driver sensibly, especially at night. Whilst we are not privy to anything particularly disturbing by way of the depiction of the deaths, the aftermath certainly stick in the memory. And it is those moments when you realise what the killer has planned that bring a smile to the face. Not because the situation is funny, more the satisfaction of being a few steps ahead of the action. I definitely don't fancy upsetting the author any time soon though. He has a very devious mind and I'm sure would find it all too easy to cover up any crime.

The characters are, as always, brilliantly crafted and I love the humour in the team, particularly the banter between Grace and Branson, and the pearls of wisdom that drip from Norman Potting like butter from a hot knife. In some strange way, I actually kind of liked the killer too. I mean, they are mercenary and heartless, clearly on the psychotic spectrum somewhere, but still. There was something about the very down to earth nature of how they applied their particular talent, and the pride in their craft that made me smile far too often. James Taylor was a brilliant character too. The everyday guy who just wanted to find out the truth about his former friend. He features in what is perhaps one of the books most dramatic and pulse pounding scenes, but as to whether he comes out on top, you can only find that out from reading the book. I certaintly wasn't expecting what came to pass, but it fits the story perfectly. Well done Mr James.

A thoroughly enjoyable return trip to Brighton that I simply ate up with a cast of characters and a series that show no signs of growing old just yet. Definitely recommended.

[Anabela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Peter James. I happened to start with a book that is #21 in the Roy Grace series. That was not an issue as this can definitely be read as a standalone. I didn’t feel like I was missing any background to really be gripped by the story and the characters.

James Taylor is attending the funeral of a school friend, when he thinks he spots another school friend a few rows in front of him. But that would be impossible, because his friend has been dead for two years, and James Taylor delivered
his eulogy. Meanwhile, detective Roy Grace is investigating a series of suspicious deaths that are leading to a suspect that has been presumed dead for two years.

What follows is a well-orchestrated cat and mouse thriller ride with lots of twists and intense scenes that had me
holding my breath. I loved how well the character’s evilness and morally gray ethos was written. I also enjoyed the
tenacity of the detective, Roy, who despite following an impossible dead man lead, relies on his gut and hunch to solve the crimes.

Thank you so much to @macmillanaus for the #gifted copy and for giving me the opportunity to read this author. I look
forward to reading more Peter James books.