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Roy Grace #17
Kuolemaan jätetty
Onko Roy Grace viimein kohdannut tapauksen, jota ei pysty ratkaisemaan?
Niall ja Eden Paternoster ovat palaamassa kotiin tavanomaiselta sunnuntaiajelultaan, kun Eden vaatii pysähtymään matkalla kaupassa. Vastentahtoisesti Niall kaartaa supermarketin parkkipaikalle ja jää odottelemaan kauppaan juoksevaa vaimoaan. Hän odottaa. Ja odottaa. Eden ei kuitenkaan tule takaisin. Hän on kadonnut.
Muutamaa päivää myöhemmin kiivaasti syyttömyyttään vakuutteleva Niall pidätetään epäiltynä vaimonsa murhasta.
Kun Roy Grace alkaa tutkia Edenin katoamista, käy ilmeiseksi, ettei mikään tapauksesta tiedetty pidä paikkaansa. Ensi kertaa urallaan Roy Grace on täydellisessä umpikujassa.
Kuolemaan jätetty on rikosylikomisario Roy Gracesta kertovan suositun kirjasarjan seitsemästoista osa.
Niall ja Eden Paternoster ovat palaamassa kotiin tavanomaiselta sunnuntaiajelultaan, kun Eden vaatii pysähtymään matkalla kaupassa. Vastentahtoisesti Niall kaartaa supermarketin parkkipaikalle ja jää odottelemaan kauppaan juoksevaa vaimoaan. Hän odottaa. Ja odottaa. Eden ei kuitenkaan tule takaisin. Hän on kadonnut.
Muutamaa päivää myöhemmin kiivaasti syyttömyyttään vakuutteleva Niall pidätetään epäiltynä vaimonsa murhasta.
Kun Roy Grace alkaa tutkia Edenin katoamista, käy ilmeiseksi, ettei mikään tapauksesta tiedetty pidä paikkaansa. Ensi kertaa urallaan Roy Grace on täydellisessä umpikujassa.
Kuolemaan jätetty on rikosylikomisario Roy Gracesta kertovan suositun kirjasarjan seitsemästoista osa.
398 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2021
1056 people are currently reading
2374 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 626 reviews
April 26, 2021
Roy Grace #17.
Niall Paternoster drops his wife Eden at Tesco in Brighton while he parks and waits in the car and that’s the last he sees of her. He duly reports her missing the following day. Meanwhile Detective Superintendent Roy Grace visits Ford Prison and obtains some interesting information about his arch nemesis Assistant Chief Constable Cassian Pewe. .
It feels good to be returning to the lovely Brighton area to the well established team led by Grace who now feel very familiar. I’m pleased to report that Norman Potting is still delivering his cringe worthy one liners and DI Glenn Branson is as sartorially elegant as ever. I like the balance between Grace’s home situation and leading an inquiry as when you get this far into a series you want to know how things are progressing and his wife Cleo is a really good character who supportively keeps his feet on the ground. In this one their story is an emotional and moving one which is handled extremely well and also makes you feel something. I like the ongoing war of attrition between Pewe and Grace with Cassian continuing to NOT endear himself and leaving Roy to ponder why he bothered to save his life I’m sure!! The case of the Paternoster’s is an interesting one, it builds well , with plenty of contradictory evidence with several twists in the plotting, one or two I do foresee but it doesn’t spoil the enjoyment. The finale is extremely exciting and in a great setting and I can see that making terrific TV viewing when the filming eventually catches up to this instalment. Peter James always gives you the feeling that the police procedures are very well researched so they feel authentic as the team work through the enquiry. At times there is some repetition and on occasions it’s a bit over burdened with facts and some unnecessary detail. However, overall I did enjoy the latest addition to this long running series. Although it is at 17 it can easily be read as a stand-alone as the author gives sufficient background information so new readers can makes sense of ongoing stories.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan McMillan for granting my wish for it arc in return for an honest review.
Niall Paternoster drops his wife Eden at Tesco in Brighton while he parks and waits in the car and that’s the last he sees of her. He duly reports her missing the following day. Meanwhile Detective Superintendent Roy Grace visits Ford Prison and obtains some interesting information about his arch nemesis Assistant Chief Constable Cassian Pewe. .
It feels good to be returning to the lovely Brighton area to the well established team led by Grace who now feel very familiar. I’m pleased to report that Norman Potting is still delivering his cringe worthy one liners and DI Glenn Branson is as sartorially elegant as ever. I like the balance between Grace’s home situation and leading an inquiry as when you get this far into a series you want to know how things are progressing and his wife Cleo is a really good character who supportively keeps his feet on the ground. In this one their story is an emotional and moving one which is handled extremely well and also makes you feel something. I like the ongoing war of attrition between Pewe and Grace with Cassian continuing to NOT endear himself and leaving Roy to ponder why he bothered to save his life I’m sure!! The case of the Paternoster’s is an interesting one, it builds well , with plenty of contradictory evidence with several twists in the plotting, one or two I do foresee but it doesn’t spoil the enjoyment. The finale is extremely exciting and in a great setting and I can see that making terrific TV viewing when the filming eventually catches up to this instalment. Peter James always gives you the feeling that the police procedures are very well researched so they feel authentic as the team work through the enquiry. At times there is some repetition and on occasions it’s a bit over burdened with facts and some unnecessary detail. However, overall I did enjoy the latest addition to this long running series. Although it is at 17 it can easily be read as a stand-alone as the author gives sufficient background information so new readers can makes sense of ongoing stories.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan McMillan for granting my wish for it arc in return for an honest review.
May 2, 2021
So now I’m up to date with this series.
This book presented us with a very clever and engaging mystery that shape shifted every time we looked at it. Niall Paternoster reports his wife missing the morning after she disappeared. They were on their way home from a day out visiting a stately manor when Eden, the wife, wanted to stop on the way for some kitty litter. An argument ensued but they finally stopped at a Tesco superstore and Eden dashed in while Niall looked for a parking space. When she had not returned after 45 minutes he first searched the store then went home thinking she may got a lift with someone else. She wasn’t home either so Niall finally went to bed thinking she’d gone off in a huff as she had done once before. In the morning he went to the police.
Normally the police would not look into an adult missing person who was not vulnerable until after 24 hours but the attending officers thought there was something a little off with Niall so they start to look for Eden. Niall is questioned again and again and is eventually arrested for suspicion of murder but later released. There was, after all, still no body! This was a very thorough investigation but Niall’s story didn’t add up. Unfortunately a lot of other things didn’t add up either and the landscape kept shifting. Answers to some questions only threw up more questions.
It was actually very interesting to read how modern policing can learn so much about a person’s movements and activities, Mr James does his research well. It’s probably not a good idea to plan to murder someone these days! Yet our cast of characters are not as they seem and many dark secrets are still to come to light.
This was a very twisty and complex story, which I love. The ending was spectacular with a desperate cliff top situation where several lives are at extreme risk. The police characters are, as usual, wonderful and professional although, in this story, something terrible happens and someone will suffer a terrible loss. The characters related to the case are mostly pretty unpleasant people although it is hard to pick a “winner” here. The information that Detective Superintendent Roy Grace got at the end of the last book that would get rid of his nemesis comes into play - but nothing is happening with it. Until it does.
All in all another excellent addition to the series. My one small gripe, which prevents it from being a 5 star read is that it could have been a bit shorter. There was quite a bit of repetition as the team went over the case details again and again. Nevertheless I highly recommend the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book presented us with a very clever and engaging mystery that shape shifted every time we looked at it. Niall Paternoster reports his wife missing the morning after she disappeared. They were on their way home from a day out visiting a stately manor when Eden, the wife, wanted to stop on the way for some kitty litter. An argument ensued but they finally stopped at a Tesco superstore and Eden dashed in while Niall looked for a parking space. When she had not returned after 45 minutes he first searched the store then went home thinking she may got a lift with someone else. She wasn’t home either so Niall finally went to bed thinking she’d gone off in a huff as she had done once before. In the morning he went to the police.
Normally the police would not look into an adult missing person who was not vulnerable until after 24 hours but the attending officers thought there was something a little off with Niall so they start to look for Eden. Niall is questioned again and again and is eventually arrested for suspicion of murder but later released. There was, after all, still no body! This was a very thorough investigation but Niall’s story didn’t add up. Unfortunately a lot of other things didn’t add up either and the landscape kept shifting. Answers to some questions only threw up more questions.
It was actually very interesting to read how modern policing can learn so much about a person’s movements and activities, Mr James does his research well. It’s probably not a good idea to plan to murder someone these days! Yet our cast of characters are not as they seem and many dark secrets are still to come to light.
This was a very twisty and complex story, which I love. The ending was spectacular with a desperate cliff top situation where several lives are at extreme risk. The police characters are, as usual, wonderful and professional although, in this story, something terrible happens and someone will suffer a terrible loss. The characters related to the case are mostly pretty unpleasant people although it is hard to pick a “winner” here. The information that Detective Superintendent Roy Grace got at the end of the last book that would get rid of his nemesis comes into play - but nothing is happening with it. Until it does.
All in all another excellent addition to the series. My one small gripe, which prevents it from being a 5 star read is that it could have been a bit shorter. There was quite a bit of repetition as the team went over the case details again and again. Nevertheless I highly recommend the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 15, 2021
It’s not in my nature to start with #17 in a series but I couldn’t resist, and I think it works well as a standalone. Now, I have the pleasure of going back and starting at book #1.
Niall and his wife Eden stop at a convenience store and Eden goes in to purchase kitty litter. She never returns, disappearing without a trace. When the police are eventually brought in, Niall is arrested. The evidence is damning but yet there is no body. Niall seems genuinely upset and devastated at his wife’s disappearance but is he reliable? There are plenty of red herrings and twists and turns to keep things interesting.
What made this book special and entertaining is not just the mystery, but the relationship dynamics between the characters. I loved the witty banter between the investigators. There’s also a tragedy in the life of one of the investigators that brings an added heartbreaking dimension. I like my detectives complicated and enjoy hearing some of their stories apart from the investigation. Although a bit long, the short chapters and a riveting plot kept the story moving along at a brisk pace.
I look forward to reading more in the Roy Grace series!
May 15, 2021
Roy Grace Book 17 is another winner! At nearly 500 pages, Left You Dead is long but does not feel it at all. I looked forward to picking it up every time, needing to know what was going to happen. If you haven't read this series before you can pick this one up as a stand alone easily. Peter James is very good at giving you the background that you need to keep up.
Left you Dead is much more than a police procedural. Grace's personal life plays a huge part in this one and it is an extremely emotional read. No spoilers, but it will break your heart. Grace is a character that I love to read about, his wit and sarcasm gives me a giggle. His commitment to his job is amazing, even at the hardest times of his life. How can you not love him. I am excited to see John Simms play him when it comes to Australian TV.
This is a case that will frustrate and baffle Grace and his team. There is no body but there is absolutely a crime. Niall Paternoster files a missing persons report on his wife Eden. He claims that he last saw her when he dropped her at Tesco's on Sunday afternoon. Since then there has been no trace of her, no calls, no transactions on her cards, nothing. Is it murder? Or has she done a runner? You will have to read it to find out.
Thanks to MacMillian Australia for my copy of this book to read. Left For Dead is out now.
Left you Dead is much more than a police procedural. Grace's personal life plays a huge part in this one and it is an extremely emotional read. No spoilers, but it will break your heart. Grace is a character that I love to read about, his wit and sarcasm gives me a giggle. His commitment to his job is amazing, even at the hardest times of his life. How can you not love him. I am excited to see John Simms play him when it comes to Australian TV.
This is a case that will frustrate and baffle Grace and his team. There is no body but there is absolutely a crime. Niall Paternoster files a missing persons report on his wife Eden. He claims that he last saw her when he dropped her at Tesco's on Sunday afternoon. Since then there has been no trace of her, no calls, no transactions on her cards, nothing. Is it murder? Or has she done a runner? You will have to read it to find out.
Thanks to MacMillian Australia for my copy of this book to read. Left For Dead is out now.
May 3, 2021
Roy Grace #17
Niall and Eden Paternoster start their Sunday the same way they always do - with along drive , a visit to a country house and a quick stop at the local supermarket on the way home. But this Sunday ends differently - because while Niall waits in the car park for Eden to pick up supplies, Eden never returns. She's not at home, and none of her friends or family have heard from her. When Roy Grace is called in to investigate, it doesn't take him long to realise that nothing is quite as it seems.
I can't quite believe that this is the seventeenth book in the Roy Grace series. There's quite a lot going on in the book and Roy and Cleo are going through some tuff personal stuff. This part is quite hard to read and you might need some tissues. The case of missing Eden Paternoster is intriguing and it has a different angle to it. With no body and little to go on, Roy Grace soon suspects that Niall's story is a cover up. Even Cassian Pewe has his own problems. The pace is fast and the twists kept coming. This is now my favourite Roy Grace book, knocking Dead Simple to second place.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #PanMacmillan and the author #PeterJames for my ARC of #LeftYouDead in exchange for an honest review
Niall and Eden Paternoster start their Sunday the same way they always do - with along drive , a visit to a country house and a quick stop at the local supermarket on the way home. But this Sunday ends differently - because while Niall waits in the car park for Eden to pick up supplies, Eden never returns. She's not at home, and none of her friends or family have heard from her. When Roy Grace is called in to investigate, it doesn't take him long to realise that nothing is quite as it seems.
I can't quite believe that this is the seventeenth book in the Roy Grace series. There's quite a lot going on in the book and Roy and Cleo are going through some tuff personal stuff. This part is quite hard to read and you might need some tissues. The case of missing Eden Paternoster is intriguing and it has a different angle to it. With no body and little to go on, Roy Grace soon suspects that Niall's story is a cover up. Even Cassian Pewe has his own problems. The pace is fast and the twists kept coming. This is now my favourite Roy Grace book, knocking Dead Simple to second place.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #PanMacmillan and the author #PeterJames for my ARC of #LeftYouDead in exchange for an honest review
April 10, 2021
I can’t believe this is the 17th book in the Roy Grace series by author Peter James. His books never fail to entertain me and this is another excellent addition to the series. All the regular characters are there with all the backstories that had additional interest to the series. Well written, beautifully paced and a good addictive plot to keep those pages turning quickly.
Husband and wife Niall and Eden Paternoster spend Sunday taking a long drive to visit a stately home and a quick stop at the local supermarket to get cat litter for the family pet. Niall is eager to get home quickly to watch the Motor Racing so he drops Eden off outside and waits in the car for her return. Niall waits and waits but still there is no sign of Eden, in desperation he checks in the store but there is no sign of hi wife. He drives home hoping to find her there but all is quiet in the house, he rings family and friends but still no luck. There is no sign of his wife anywhere.
The next day there is still no trace of Eden and Niall decides to call the police. After a police visit and a few investigations Niall is arrested on suspicion of her murder. DS Roy Grace is called in to investigate and with all his experience he soon realises this case is not all it seems.
This is a very good series and although each book can be read as a standalone there are plenty of back stories for the regular reader to add to the enjoyment. I would recommend they are read in order for maximum entertainment.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Husband and wife Niall and Eden Paternoster spend Sunday taking a long drive to visit a stately home and a quick stop at the local supermarket to get cat litter for the family pet. Niall is eager to get home quickly to watch the Motor Racing so he drops Eden off outside and waits in the car for her return. Niall waits and waits but still there is no sign of Eden, in desperation he checks in the store but there is no sign of hi wife. He drives home hoping to find her there but all is quiet in the house, he rings family and friends but still no luck. There is no sign of his wife anywhere.
The next day there is still no trace of Eden and Niall decides to call the police. After a police visit and a few investigations Niall is arrested on suspicion of her murder. DS Roy Grace is called in to investigate and with all his experience he soon realises this case is not all it seems.
This is a very good series and although each book can be read as a standalone there are plenty of back stories for the regular reader to add to the enjoyment. I would recommend they are read in order for maximum entertainment.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2021
I'm always eagerly awaiting my yearly dose of Roy Grace ever since I first started reading them during the series infancy - I was always going to be hooked on a crime drama set in my hometown of Brighton.
Having really grown attached to the characters over the years, the emotional impact that Roy and Cleo face in this outing will have repercussions in future books - these sections were so difficult to get though.
The case itself made a welcome distraction as Niall Paternoster becomes the prime suspect in the potential murder of his wife Eden who has gone without a trace.
I really like from the outset that we see the married couple bickering about the most mundane issue of cat litter.
Having dropped her in Tesco's car park, Niall gets increasingly frustrated that she hasn't returned half hour later as he wants to catch the end of the Grand Prix.
From the outset the reader knows that Niall couldn't have possibly have done it but the amount of evidence against him soon piles up - not helped that there was already cat litter in the family home along with a plethora of true crime DVDs and books.
Both the reader and the police are baffled as all the evidence points to him having done it...
All the signature elements that makes this series great is included - I always enjoy Norman Potting's ill timed quips whilst Grace and ACC Cassian Pewe's frosty relationship is also explored.
Whilst the Sussex backdrop continues to play an important role - though a minor quibble that the layout in Brighton's Royal Sussex County Hospital didn't quite tally with my own experiences (there's a separate Children's department - Royal Alexander) it didn't detract from another memorable and gripping story.
Roll on Book 18!
Having really grown attached to the characters over the years, the emotional impact that Roy and Cleo face in this outing will have repercussions in future books - these sections were so difficult to get though.
The case itself made a welcome distraction as Niall Paternoster becomes the prime suspect in the potential murder of his wife Eden who has gone without a trace.
I really like from the outset that we see the married couple bickering about the most mundane issue of cat litter.
Having dropped her in Tesco's car park, Niall gets increasingly frustrated that she hasn't returned half hour later as he wants to catch the end of the Grand Prix.
From the outset the reader knows that Niall couldn't have possibly have done it but the amount of evidence against him soon piles up - not helped that there was already cat litter in the family home along with a plethora of true crime DVDs and books.
Both the reader and the police are baffled as all the evidence points to him having done it...
All the signature elements that makes this series great is included - I always enjoy Norman Potting's ill timed quips whilst Grace and ACC Cassian Pewe's frosty relationship is also explored.
Whilst the Sussex backdrop continues to play an important role - though a minor quibble that the layout in Brighton's Royal Sussex County Hospital didn't quite tally with my own experiences (there's a separate Children's department - Royal Alexander) it didn't detract from another memorable and gripping story.
Roll on Book 18!
May 3, 2021
Quite an obvious storyline.. hands up everyone who knew early on Who done it..
I may just have worn out this series. Cliffhangers and repetitious conversations.
I may just have worn out this series. Cliffhangers and repetitious conversations.
May 7, 2025
3.5⭐️
Keistas atvejas su šita knyga. Tai mano pirma skaitoma Peter James serijos knyga, ji yra 17 dalis, bet nesijaučiau nieko praleidus. Autorius puikiai viską papasakojo, davė špargalkes kur ką esu praleidus, neužknisančiai supažindino su vėikėjais ir jų priešistore. Ką aš galiu pasakyt? Man labai labai gaila, kad neskaičiau pirmų 16 dalių, nes pastaroji paliko LABAI gerą įspūdį.
Ir nepaisant to, kad atspėjau visus iki vieno plot twistus (jų čia daug), knyga man patiko. Ir gal net ne pačia byla (toks buitinis, domestic trileris čia pagrindas), bet labiausiai tyrėjų gyvenimais. Jų kova su vidiniais demonais, bandymas balansuoti tarp darbo ir šeimos, juodokas jumoras ir ta brutali realybė, kai nesvarbu, kad nuosavas pasaulis griūva, bet eini ir atlieki pareigą, nes toks yra pašaukimas.
Čia buvo labai retas dalykas - kai skaitydama trilerį braukiau ašarą. Eina šikt, kaip sujudino visus mamiškus jausmus. Aš esu iš tų skaitytojų, kuri įsijaučia į knygą, į veikėjus maksimaliai ir išjaučia tai, ką ir jie. Tai niekam, net knygos veikėjams nelinkiu tokių patirčių. Labai stipri pažintis su Peter James ir, ponuli, mes dar susitiksim. Noriu atsigriebt su tom 16 kažkaip pražiopsotų knygų.
Keistas atvejas su šita knyga. Tai mano pirma skaitoma Peter James serijos knyga, ji yra 17 dalis, bet nesijaučiau nieko praleidus. Autorius puikiai viską papasakojo, davė špargalkes kur ką esu praleidus, neužknisančiai supažindino su vėikėjais ir jų priešistore. Ką aš galiu pasakyt? Man labai labai gaila, kad neskaičiau pirmų 16 dalių, nes pastaroji paliko LABAI gerą įspūdį.
Ir nepaisant to, kad atspėjau visus iki vieno plot twistus (jų čia daug), knyga man patiko. Ir gal net ne pačia byla (toks buitinis, domestic trileris čia pagrindas), bet labiausiai tyrėjų gyvenimais. Jų kova su vidiniais demonais, bandymas balansuoti tarp darbo ir šeimos, juodokas jumoras ir ta brutali realybė, kai nesvarbu, kad nuosavas pasaulis griūva, bet eini ir atlieki pareigą, nes toks yra pašaukimas.
Čia buvo labai retas dalykas - kai skaitydama trilerį braukiau ašarą. Eina šikt, kaip sujudino visus mamiškus jausmus. Aš esu iš tų skaitytojų, kuri įsijaučia į knygą, į veikėjus maksimaliai ir išjaučia tai, ką ir jie. Tai niekam, net knygos veikėjams nelinkiu tokių patirčių. Labai stipri pažintis su Peter James ir, ponuli, mes dar susitiksim. Noriu atsigriebt su tom 16 kažkaip pražiopsotų knygų.
May 12, 2021
It's a routine Sunday afternoon when Sussex couple Eden and Niall Paternoster are returning from visiting Country Houses, which is like a hobby. On the way, they stop at the local Tesco to buy cat litter for their pet Reggie. Eden says she will only be 5 minutes, and gets out of the car as Niall finds a parking. She is never seen again!
Major Crimes in-charge Roy Grace finds something is wrong about the whole scenario and along with his whole team sets about to find the truth. Battling with a personal tragedy and a repugnant boss, Roy Grace is stretched to his absolute limits....
Please read my detailed review from here https://rb.gy/pz845a
Do visit, read 📖, like 👍🏼, comment 💭 and Share 🚩
🙏🏼🙏🏼
#bookreviews #books #peterjames #roygrace #thrillers
Major Crimes in-charge Roy Grace finds something is wrong about the whole scenario and along with his whole team sets about to find the truth. Battling with a personal tragedy and a repugnant boss, Roy Grace is stretched to his absolute limits....
Please read my detailed review from here https://rb.gy/pz845a
Do visit, read 📖, like 👍🏼, comment 💭 and Share 🚩
🙏🏼🙏🏼
#bookreviews #books #peterjames #roygrace #thrillers
June 20, 2021
This, as usual, had me gripped from the start. Eden goes into Tesco's to pick up cat litter and never reappears, no sightings, no trace and no body. Husband is arrested for her murder, but is everything as it seems? I found the Bruno storyline slightly random and bizarre as if Peter James had run out of ideas about what to do with him. Other than that, very good
September 28, 2022
Certainly not one of the best in this series which I feel is gradually drifting down to the ordinary.
The main idea behind the story is a good one. A wife goes missing in Tesco with her husband waiting for her in the car park. Although the reader knows he’s innocent the police arrest him for murder. So far so good. However the real downer for me was the traumatic event to hit Grace during the book. It was something that should take a lifetime to recover from and yet he was back at work the next day, making plans and decisions, albeit breaking down in tears now and again. The two aspects of the story, the mystery and the “tagged on” personal tragedy, just didn’t fit for me.
The ending, though dramatic, was totally implausible. Another predictable hero rides to the rescue scenario.
Unfortunately I don’t think it likely that I’ll be reading the next in a very long series.
The main idea behind the story is a good one. A wife goes missing in Tesco with her husband waiting for her in the car park. Although the reader knows he’s innocent the police arrest him for murder. So far so good. However the real downer for me was the traumatic event to hit Grace during the book. It was something that should take a lifetime to recover from and yet he was back at work the next day, making plans and decisions, albeit breaking down in tears now and again. The two aspects of the story, the mystery and the “tagged on” personal tragedy, just didn’t fit for me.
The ending, though dramatic, was totally implausible. Another predictable hero rides to the rescue scenario.
Unfortunately I don’t think it likely that I’ll be reading the next in a very long series.
May 24, 2021
Thankyou to Macmillan Australia for providing me with a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Eden went into Tesco’s to buy some cat litter and never came out. Her husband, Niall is baffled. Where did she go? Has someone taken her or has she left him for the night, like she did that other time? But they only argued over cat litter, right?
Detective Roy Grace heads up the team when Niall is arrested. Nothing Niall says is checking out and his whole team are sure he’s hiding something. But there’s still no body.
Left You Dead was an entertaining crime drama with plenty of twists, albeit not enough really shocking ones. The mystery did have me hooked and invested in trying to figure out what was going on, until a conversation about halfway through, that, to me, gave it away immediately. There was also at least 3 plot points that took up a huge amount of the book for…no reason. They had absolutely nothing to do with the murder mystery and I’m at a loss as to why they were included to be honest. One of the plot points was a major part of the story, but it was a complete side story that didn’t have any real baring on the main story at all. I was sure at some stage there would be a shocking revelation that would tie it in to the mystery, but nope. Other plot points seemed to be mentioned (several times) alluding to some big twist, but again, they went nowhere. For instance, without giving away too much as spoilers, some of the detectives chickens are killed. Twice. They assume maybe it was his son who did it. Do we ever find out for sure? No. Was there any point to it? I couldn’t see one. If it was just to drive home the point that his son was troubled, it was a very odd way of doing it.
One of the storylines that seemed to be irrelevant might have been because it was a major point in a previous book? I’m not sure. I haven’t read any of the other books and understood this one could be read as a standalone, but maybe some of the side stories tie into the series as a whole?
I really did enjoy the mystery, even if it was a little predictable and, at times, far fetched, I was just left a bit confused at the irrelevant storylines, that meandered off on a tangent for no reason. The book could have been 150 pages shorter without affecting the story at all.
Eden went into Tesco’s to buy some cat litter and never came out. Her husband, Niall is baffled. Where did she go? Has someone taken her or has she left him for the night, like she did that other time? But they only argued over cat litter, right?
Detective Roy Grace heads up the team when Niall is arrested. Nothing Niall says is checking out and his whole team are sure he’s hiding something. But there’s still no body.
Left You Dead was an entertaining crime drama with plenty of twists, albeit not enough really shocking ones. The mystery did have me hooked and invested in trying to figure out what was going on, until a conversation about halfway through, that, to me, gave it away immediately. There was also at least 3 plot points that took up a huge amount of the book for…no reason. They had absolutely nothing to do with the murder mystery and I’m at a loss as to why they were included to be honest. One of the plot points was a major part of the story, but it was a complete side story that didn’t have any real baring on the main story at all. I was sure at some stage there would be a shocking revelation that would tie it in to the mystery, but nope. Other plot points seemed to be mentioned (several times) alluding to some big twist, but again, they went nowhere. For instance, without giving away too much as spoilers, some of the detectives chickens are killed. Twice. They assume maybe it was his son who did it. Do we ever find out for sure? No. Was there any point to it? I couldn’t see one. If it was just to drive home the point that his son was troubled, it was a very odd way of doing it.
One of the storylines that seemed to be irrelevant might have been because it was a major point in a previous book? I’m not sure. I haven’t read any of the other books and understood this one could be read as a standalone, but maybe some of the side stories tie into the series as a whole?
I really did enjoy the mystery, even if it was a little predictable and, at times, far fetched, I was just left a bit confused at the irrelevant storylines, that meandered off on a tangent for no reason. The book could have been 150 pages shorter without affecting the story at all.
July 4, 2021
My least favourite Grace Novel. I had similar feelings reading this as I did "Behind her eyes" by Sarah Pinborough. Great plot, rather unpleasant execution - too "soap opera" for my liking. It felt silly at times and the whole Rebecca thing I guessed quite early on and wondered why Grace hadn't.
That being said, I still enjoy Peter's Roy Grace series and shall return for the next, hopefully better, instalment.
That being said, I still enjoy Peter's Roy Grace series and shall return for the next, hopefully better, instalment.
June 13, 2025
Niall en Eden Paternoster hebben zo hun vaste gewoontes. Dus ook deze zondag maken ze een mooie, lange autorit, en op weg naar huis stoppen ze bij de lokale supermarkt waar Niall wacht in de auto terwijl Eden boodschappen doet.
Maar deze zondag blijkt anders te verlopen dan alle andere hiervoor. Eden komt niet meer uit de supermarkt. En ze wacht ook niet thuis op Niall. Niemand van hun vrienden of familie heeft iets van haar vernomen. Ze is vermist, zonder enig spoor.
Niall wordt gearresteerd als verdachte bij haar verdwijning, of haar mogelijke dood. Inspecteur Roy Grace realiseert zich al snel dat niets is wat het lijkt in deze zaak…
'Doodgewoon' is het zeventiende deel van de serie met Roy Grace, maar het is ook best goed als losstaand deel te lezen.
Eigenlijk zijn er in dit verhaal twee verhaallijnen. Zo lees je over Niall en Eden (waarmee het verhaal ook begint). Eden wil nog even wat kattengrit in de supermarkt kopen en Niall blijft in de auto op haar wachten. Maar... Eden komt nooit meer terug.
Dit was een heel erg interessant begin, want ik vroeg mij meteen af wat er met Eden was gebeurd. Er hangt al snel een mysterieuze sfeer en kort daarna raakt Roy Grace betrokken bij deze vreemde zaak. Niall is ondertussen opgepakt voor deze verdwijning, maar het lichaam van Eden is nog steeds niet opgedoken.
De andere verhaallijn is best wel een verdrietige. Je leest namelijk over iets in de privésfeer van Roy Grace. Ik vertel hier niet teveel over, maar het is behoorlijk heftig en ik vond dit ook een interessante toevoeging. De afwisselingen tussen de verdwijningszaak en deze privésituatie vond ik prettig.
Uiteindelijk kom je dan te weten wat er met Eden is gebeurd en valt alles op zijn plek. De grote vraag is natuurlijk: heeft Niall iets met deze verdwijning te maken gehad of speelde er toch iets anders?
Mijn conclusie is uiteindelijk dat het verhaal vlot geschreven is, misschien dat hier en daar de spanning even wat inzakte, maar ik zou zeker meer van deze auteur willen lezen.
Ik wil @uitgeverijdefontein heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
Maar deze zondag blijkt anders te verlopen dan alle andere hiervoor. Eden komt niet meer uit de supermarkt. En ze wacht ook niet thuis op Niall. Niemand van hun vrienden of familie heeft iets van haar vernomen. Ze is vermist, zonder enig spoor.
Niall wordt gearresteerd als verdachte bij haar verdwijning, of haar mogelijke dood. Inspecteur Roy Grace realiseert zich al snel dat niets is wat het lijkt in deze zaak…
'Doodgewoon' is het zeventiende deel van de serie met Roy Grace, maar het is ook best goed als losstaand deel te lezen.
Eigenlijk zijn er in dit verhaal twee verhaallijnen. Zo lees je over Niall en Eden (waarmee het verhaal ook begint). Eden wil nog even wat kattengrit in de supermarkt kopen en Niall blijft in de auto op haar wachten. Maar... Eden komt nooit meer terug.
Dit was een heel erg interessant begin, want ik vroeg mij meteen af wat er met Eden was gebeurd. Er hangt al snel een mysterieuze sfeer en kort daarna raakt Roy Grace betrokken bij deze vreemde zaak. Niall is ondertussen opgepakt voor deze verdwijning, maar het lichaam van Eden is nog steeds niet opgedoken.
De andere verhaallijn is best wel een verdrietige. Je leest namelijk over iets in de privésfeer van Roy Grace. Ik vertel hier niet teveel over, maar het is behoorlijk heftig en ik vond dit ook een interessante toevoeging. De afwisselingen tussen de verdwijningszaak en deze privésituatie vond ik prettig.
Uiteindelijk kom je dan te weten wat er met Eden is gebeurd en valt alles op zijn plek. De grote vraag is natuurlijk: heeft Niall iets met deze verdwijning te maken gehad of speelde er toch iets anders?
Mijn conclusie is uiteindelijk dat het verhaal vlot geschreven is, misschien dat hier en daar de spanning even wat inzakte, maar ik zou zeker meer van deze auteur willen lezen.
Ik wil @uitgeverijdefontein heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
July 7, 2021
Intricate, twisty, and clever!
Left You Dead is a well written, perfectly paced police procedural that sees Detective Superintendent Roy Grace and his team investigating the sudden disappearance of Eden Paternoster, a young woman who seems to have vanished without a trace after her husband dropped her off at a local Tesco, and even though the husband seems to be the most likely suspect from the very start something just doesn’t seem to fit, and this case may actually be a lot more complicated than anyone could have imagined.
The writing is effortless and smooth. The characters are devious, astute, and committed. And the plot, including all the subplots, unravel and intertwine into a mysterious tale full of twists, turns, manipulation, deception, desperation, red herrings, police politics, familial drama, and personal tragedy.
Overall, Left You Dead is addictive, crafty, slightly emotional, and unbelievably already the seventeenth novel in the Roy Grace series and even though this one is a little meatier at just over 500 pages, I still have yet to read a book by James that didn’t captivate, satisfy, and highly entertain me and I’m happy to say this latest one is also no exception.
Thank you to PGC Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Left You Dead is a well written, perfectly paced police procedural that sees Detective Superintendent Roy Grace and his team investigating the sudden disappearance of Eden Paternoster, a young woman who seems to have vanished without a trace after her husband dropped her off at a local Tesco, and even though the husband seems to be the most likely suspect from the very start something just doesn’t seem to fit, and this case may actually be a lot more complicated than anyone could have imagined.
The writing is effortless and smooth. The characters are devious, astute, and committed. And the plot, including all the subplots, unravel and intertwine into a mysterious tale full of twists, turns, manipulation, deception, desperation, red herrings, police politics, familial drama, and personal tragedy.
Overall, Left You Dead is addictive, crafty, slightly emotional, and unbelievably already the seventeenth novel in the Roy Grace series and even though this one is a little meatier at just over 500 pages, I still have yet to read a book by James that didn’t captivate, satisfy, and highly entertain me and I’m happy to say this latest one is also no exception.
Thank you to PGC Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2021
I skipped book 16 as the reviews were mixed but this one was fabulous (and I didn't feel like I'd missed anything). Book 1 has been made into a TV series Grace, starring Life on Mars actor John Simm.
August 17, 2021
Left You Dead is my second read in the DS Roy Grace series. I came into this series very late with Find You Dead (book 16). As with my previous read Left You Dead reads well as a stand-alone. A new case is opened and wrapped up by the end of the book. Snippets of backstory keep you updated , or reminded, of previous events.
Eden Paternoster goes missing without a trace. When her husband reports her disappearance to the police, Roy Grace is called in to head the investigation. What follows is an, as expected, police procedural as the team question Niall Paternoster and gather information from various sources. However, Peter James has introduced dramatic irony and the reader is savvy to information that the police don't have. This gives quite an interesting twist to the story and makes the mystery even more compelling.
As the main plot is the police procedural Grace's colleagues feature heavily and I enjoyed the natural banter and friendly ribbing between the workmates and getting to know more of their personal life.
There is a second plot that explores the deep and emotional theme of organ donation and how vital it is.
Left You Dead is another edge of your seat crime mystery with James' signature short, sharp chapters it's an easy, quick read. Many of the chapters ending on a cliff-hanger make the book hard to put down.
If you are after a compelling police procedural with a likeable main character you can't go past Left You Dead.
*I received a copy from the publisher
Eden Paternoster goes missing without a trace. When her husband reports her disappearance to the police, Roy Grace is called in to head the investigation. What follows is an, as expected, police procedural as the team question Niall Paternoster and gather information from various sources. However, Peter James has introduced dramatic irony and the reader is savvy to information that the police don't have. This gives quite an interesting twist to the story and makes the mystery even more compelling.
As the main plot is the police procedural Grace's colleagues feature heavily and I enjoyed the natural banter and friendly ribbing between the workmates and getting to know more of their personal life.
There is a second plot that explores the deep and emotional theme of organ donation and how vital it is.
Left You Dead is another edge of your seat crime mystery with James' signature short, sharp chapters it's an easy, quick read. Many of the chapters ending on a cliff-hanger make the book hard to put down.
If you are after a compelling police procedural with a likeable main character you can't go past Left You Dead.
*I received a copy from the publisher
May 25, 2023
Wowwww loved this and really interested in how the tv series will adapt to this book. Classic thriller novel one of Peter James best. Lots of twists and turns from a woman who disappears with no body to tragedy in Roy’s personal life
November 16, 2021
Okay I am still really on the fence with these last couple of Roy Grace books. I love this series but I have to say the decisions made in this book I think were a cop out! I don’t want to use filler to pad out a review to make it seem longer, most people will read the synopsis for more details of the storyline. However, a lot of the pull of this series are the recurring characters.
The main storyline around a missing woman to me fell a little flat and it all felt a little unrealistic and forced. However, pushing that to one side you can always rely on character development and Roy Grace’s home life is always the main start of the show. I will not put too much in my review as I cannot bear spoilers. However, what I will say is that the decisions made for certain characters in this book shocked me, I had an idea they may go in a completely different direction as there was so much scope. Sadly, the authors decision in this latest instalment felt like an easy option and not one that sat well with me. I am now wondering where the series goes from here, and the way I am feeling after the last two books I am not entirely sure whether I will continue reading them.
The main storyline around a missing woman to me fell a little flat and it all felt a little unrealistic and forced. However, pushing that to one side you can always rely on character development and Roy Grace’s home life is always the main start of the show. I will not put too much in my review as I cannot bear spoilers. However, what I will say is that the decisions made for certain characters in this book shocked me, I had an idea they may go in a completely different direction as there was so much scope. Sadly, the authors decision in this latest instalment felt like an easy option and not one that sat well with me. I am now wondering where the series goes from here, and the way I am feeling after the last two books I am not entirely sure whether I will continue reading them.
June 26, 2021
Left me bored!
So after a very dissapointing last book in the series, I was giving this one a go, perhaps out of having loved the series up to then. I have to say I was very dissapointed again and don't think I will bother from now on. For me Peter seems to waffle on and on about names, back history and police and hospital procedures, filling out a book with unecessary mundane writing that I find myself skim reading. A costly £9.99 was hoping for more to be honest. I'd guessed the outcome early on and found everthing drawn out with pointless conversations that left me feeling frustrated. Found the whole Bruno thing could have been handled differently, Cleo has become dull and Humphrey the dog gets mentioned more than poor little Noah who always seems to be with the nanny or in bed poor little chap. Can see Roy being killed off before long as feel Peter James has run out of ideas for him.
So after a very dissapointing last book in the series, I was giving this one a go, perhaps out of having loved the series up to then. I have to say I was very dissapointed again and don't think I will bother from now on. For me Peter seems to waffle on and on about names, back history and police and hospital procedures, filling out a book with unecessary mundane writing that I find myself skim reading. A costly £9.99 was hoping for more to be honest. I'd guessed the outcome early on and found everthing drawn out with pointless conversations that left me feeling frustrated. Found the whole Bruno thing could have been handled differently, Cleo has become dull and Humphrey the dog gets mentioned more than poor little Noah who always seems to be with the nanny or in bed poor little chap. Can see Roy being killed off before long as feel Peter James has run out of ideas for him.
April 16, 2021
A brilliant read as usual, can recommend.
May 2, 2021
This is the 17th book of the Roy Grace Series - this one is Left You Dead.
Roy Grace is toiling away as happy as he can be with a supervisor he can’t stand, in the Sussex Police. If only he could be left alone to run his investigations how he wants. He’d happily do it quietly before heading home to the love of his life Cleo (medical examiner), and his children, having recently gotten to know Bruno, an older son he didn’t know he had, when his ex died.
This book sees Grace investigating the disappearance of Eden Paternoster, who drops in to Tesco for kitty litter while her husband Niall waits outside. When Eden doesn’t come back, Niall goes home and as time passes Eden stays gone. Grace and his team investigate multiple hypotheses - is she dead, and if so who killed her, or is she missing? The first seems more likely initially, but later as more information comes to light, it’s anyone’s guess.
There’s two main plot lines at play in Left You Dead - the police investigation and a secondary plot that strikes the core of Grace’s family. Suffice to say I rarely get teary in books, most certainly not crime fiction, but I’ll admit to some sniffles in this one. And I’ll remember a quote from this book as well “I heard a quote today that I love, .... about how it’s hard to forget pain, but harder to remember happiness - because we don’t have scars for happiness”.
I had been wanting to pick up one of these books for ages, and this one didn’t disappoint. 17th in the series was a corker.
Thanks to MacMillan Australia for giving me a complimentary copy of this book to read and review.
Roy Grace is toiling away as happy as he can be with a supervisor he can’t stand, in the Sussex Police. If only he could be left alone to run his investigations how he wants. He’d happily do it quietly before heading home to the love of his life Cleo (medical examiner), and his children, having recently gotten to know Bruno, an older son he didn’t know he had, when his ex died.
This book sees Grace investigating the disappearance of Eden Paternoster, who drops in to Tesco for kitty litter while her husband Niall waits outside. When Eden doesn’t come back, Niall goes home and as time passes Eden stays gone. Grace and his team investigate multiple hypotheses - is she dead, and if so who killed her, or is she missing? The first seems more likely initially, but later as more information comes to light, it’s anyone’s guess.
There’s two main plot lines at play in Left You Dead - the police investigation and a secondary plot that strikes the core of Grace’s family. Suffice to say I rarely get teary in books, most certainly not crime fiction, but I’ll admit to some sniffles in this one. And I’ll remember a quote from this book as well “I heard a quote today that I love, .... about how it’s hard to forget pain, but harder to remember happiness - because we don’t have scars for happiness”.
I had been wanting to pick up one of these books for ages, and this one didn’t disappoint. 17th in the series was a corker.
Thanks to MacMillan Australia for giving me a complimentary copy of this book to read and review.
October 23, 2021
‘Left You Dead’ is the first book I’ve read in this series, and I really enjoyed it! I read it as a standalone, which worked really well, and I flew through it. The pacing was really well done, and several of the plot twists genuinely made me put the book down as I couldn’t see some of them coming at all! The side plots were really intriguing, introducing new points of view that made for an interesting read.
My only problem with this book is that there were often a lot of characters making appearances at various points, which was hard to keep track of, but I appreciate that they may have appeared in earlier instalments of this series - I would definitely love to read more from Peter James!
Overall, a highly enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down most of the time - perfect for fans of a good thriller book.
My only problem with this book is that there were often a lot of characters making appearances at various points, which was hard to keep track of, but I appreciate that they may have appeared in earlier instalments of this series - I would definitely love to read more from Peter James!
Overall, a highly enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down most of the time - perfect for fans of a good thriller book.
June 30, 2025
Een tijdje geleden werd ik benaderd door Uitgeverij de Fontein of ik Doodgewoon –
geschreven door Peter James én het nieuwste boek in de Roy Grace-serie – wilde lezen en
recenseren, waarvoor nogmaals bedankt.
Doodgewoon is inmiddels het 17 e deel in De Roy Grace-serie en de voorgaande delen heb ik
allemaal niet gelezen. Ik was dus erg benieuwd hoe ik dit deel zou gaan ervaren en of ik
wellicht wat achtergrondinformatie uit voorgaande delen zou missen.
Uiteindelijk is dit me enorm meegevallen. In het beginstuk merkte ik wel dat er al een hele
geschiedenis betreft deze serie ligt. Toch heb ik dit voor de rest van het verhaal niet als
storend of onvolledig ervaren.
Het hoofdpersonage, Roy Grace, werd voor mijn gevoel alsnog redelijk uitgebreid
geïntroduceerd. Er wordt redelijk wat aandacht aan de beeldvorming rondom zijn uiterlijke
kenmerken geschonken, en ook wordt zijn karakter goed weergegeven.
Qua originaliteit van het personage zelf vond ik Roy wel redelijk uniek. Vaak hebben
inspecteurs of rechercheurs in thrillers toch wel een beetje terugkerende of overeenkomende
problematiek, maar dit heb ik bij het personage van Roy niet zo ervaren. Hij had wel iets van
typerende kenmerken wat je vaker terugziet, maar over het algemeen vond ik hem een uniek
personage. Verder voelde het personage van Roy toegankelijk en realistisch aan.
De overige personages voelde op sommige momenten wat oppervlakkiger en afstandelijker
aan. Ik kan niet zeggen dat ik me hier aan gestoord heb, maar soms was het verschil in
vergelijking met het personage van Roy wat aan de ruime kant.
Wat betreft de verhaallijn ben ik eigenlijk ook erg enthousiast. De verdwijning van Eden
Paternoster is de rode draad in het verhaal. Het interessante aan dit boek vond ik dat er wat
semi-verhaallijnen in het verhaal gebracht werden, waardoor het geheel nog wat
diepgaander werd. Wel had alles verbinding met elkaar, waardoor het uiteindelijk toch een
kloppend geheel werd. Op sommige momenten vond ik de semi-verhaallijnen misschien nog
wel iets boeiender dan de verdwijning van Eden.
Door middel van dit boek heb ik voor de eerste keer kennis gemaakt met de schrijfstijl van
Peter James, maar ik kan niets anders zeggen dan dat ik enthousiast ben. Peter heeft een
boeiende en beeldende schrijfstijl, waardoor je vrij makkelijk in het verhaal raakt. Hij wist ook
gaandeweg het verhaal de spanning en het mysterieuze gevoel aanwezig te houden. In dit
verhaal wisselde hij ook diverse POV’s af, waardoor er ook een prettig tempo in het verhaal
zat. Het verhaal is geschreven in de vertellende derde persoon, wat voor mijn gevoel ook wel
een goede keus is geweest voor het geheel.
Qua afronding van het verhaal vond ik het een sterk gekozen einde. Of dat het echt een
plottwist is, daar twijfel ik een beetje over, omdat het wellicht toch niet helemaal onverwacht
was, maar toch had ik het in het geheel ook niet op deze manier verwacht.
Ik kan in ieder geval weer een auteur aan mijn lijstje toevoegen waar ik meer van wil lezen.
Als je houdt van hersen krakende psychologische thrillers dan is dit boek ook zeker een
aanrader.
geschreven door Peter James én het nieuwste boek in de Roy Grace-serie – wilde lezen en
recenseren, waarvoor nogmaals bedankt.
Doodgewoon is inmiddels het 17 e deel in De Roy Grace-serie en de voorgaande delen heb ik
allemaal niet gelezen. Ik was dus erg benieuwd hoe ik dit deel zou gaan ervaren en of ik
wellicht wat achtergrondinformatie uit voorgaande delen zou missen.
Uiteindelijk is dit me enorm meegevallen. In het beginstuk merkte ik wel dat er al een hele
geschiedenis betreft deze serie ligt. Toch heb ik dit voor de rest van het verhaal niet als
storend of onvolledig ervaren.
Het hoofdpersonage, Roy Grace, werd voor mijn gevoel alsnog redelijk uitgebreid
geïntroduceerd. Er wordt redelijk wat aandacht aan de beeldvorming rondom zijn uiterlijke
kenmerken geschonken, en ook wordt zijn karakter goed weergegeven.
Qua originaliteit van het personage zelf vond ik Roy wel redelijk uniek. Vaak hebben
inspecteurs of rechercheurs in thrillers toch wel een beetje terugkerende of overeenkomende
problematiek, maar dit heb ik bij het personage van Roy niet zo ervaren. Hij had wel iets van
typerende kenmerken wat je vaker terugziet, maar over het algemeen vond ik hem een uniek
personage. Verder voelde het personage van Roy toegankelijk en realistisch aan.
De overige personages voelde op sommige momenten wat oppervlakkiger en afstandelijker
aan. Ik kan niet zeggen dat ik me hier aan gestoord heb, maar soms was het verschil in
vergelijking met het personage van Roy wat aan de ruime kant.
Wat betreft de verhaallijn ben ik eigenlijk ook erg enthousiast. De verdwijning van Eden
Paternoster is de rode draad in het verhaal. Het interessante aan dit boek vond ik dat er wat
semi-verhaallijnen in het verhaal gebracht werden, waardoor het geheel nog wat
diepgaander werd. Wel had alles verbinding met elkaar, waardoor het uiteindelijk toch een
kloppend geheel werd. Op sommige momenten vond ik de semi-verhaallijnen misschien nog
wel iets boeiender dan de verdwijning van Eden.
Door middel van dit boek heb ik voor de eerste keer kennis gemaakt met de schrijfstijl van
Peter James, maar ik kan niets anders zeggen dan dat ik enthousiast ben. Peter heeft een
boeiende en beeldende schrijfstijl, waardoor je vrij makkelijk in het verhaal raakt. Hij wist ook
gaandeweg het verhaal de spanning en het mysterieuze gevoel aanwezig te houden. In dit
verhaal wisselde hij ook diverse POV’s af, waardoor er ook een prettig tempo in het verhaal
zat. Het verhaal is geschreven in de vertellende derde persoon, wat voor mijn gevoel ook wel
een goede keus is geweest voor het geheel.
Qua afronding van het verhaal vond ik het een sterk gekozen einde. Of dat het echt een
plottwist is, daar twijfel ik een beetje over, omdat het wellicht toch niet helemaal onverwacht
was, maar toch had ik het in het geheel ook niet op deze manier verwacht.
Ik kan in ieder geval weer een auteur aan mijn lijstje toevoegen waar ik meer van wil lezen.
Als je houdt van hersen krakende psychologische thrillers dan is dit boek ook zeker een
aanrader.
December 22, 2021
I found this to be like all his other DS Roy Grace books that I’ve read enjoyable and a reasonably fast paced read apparently it’s been adapted to a TV series witch I haven’t seen but I’d recommend reading at least reading some of the books first as this is no 17 in the series
May 14, 2021
Left You Dead is the seventeenth instalment in the Roy Grace series and is Detective Superintendent Grace's most challenging case to date as he investigates the file of a missing woman in Brighton. It poses the question: What would you do if your partner nipped into a supermarket and did not return - and you found yourself accused of their murder? A mystery that is leaving him totally confounded for the first time in his career. Most Sundays, Niall and Eden Paternoster like to go for a drive and visit country houses. She likes to look at them, he likes to dream that one day. However, most weeks they also end up bickering about something or other. This particular Sunday he wants to get back to catch the start of the French Grand Prix but she insists they stop somewhere to buy cat litter.
Reluctantly, he pulls into the car park of a large supermarket and waits while she dashes in. He waits. And waits. But Eden doesn't come back out, she’s gone. When he gets home she’s not there either, and none of their friends or family have heard from her. A few days later Niall is arrested on suspicion of her murder despite vigorously protesting his innocence. But as Roy Grace is called in to investigate the disappearance of Eden Paternoster, it soon transpires that nothing is as it seems. Another great addition to this stellar series, it's intelligently plotted, pacy and riveting from first page to last. Twisty-turny surprises populate the book alongside superb characters and although this is very much a domestic-based thriller, James manages to make it original and nail biting.
Reluctantly, he pulls into the car park of a large supermarket and waits while she dashes in. He waits. And waits. But Eden doesn't come back out, she’s gone. When he gets home she’s not there either, and none of their friends or family have heard from her. A few days later Niall is arrested on suspicion of her murder despite vigorously protesting his innocence. But as Roy Grace is called in to investigate the disappearance of Eden Paternoster, it soon transpires that nothing is as it seems. Another great addition to this stellar series, it's intelligently plotted, pacy and riveting from first page to last. Twisty-turny surprises populate the book alongside superb characters and although this is very much a domestic-based thriller, James manages to make it original and nail biting.
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