Not Dead Yet discussion

I have been a long time fan of local hero Peter James, an author given equivalence to Stephen King for his writing about the supernatural. I re-read Sweetheart this year and was thrilled once again with the familiarity of location, indeed the company my wife works for is mentioned in the story. So, like so many readers, I was somewhat taken aback in 2005 with the publication of Dead Simple, the first in the Roy Grace series of police thrillers. A complete switch of genre and one on which Peter James has concentrated for the last eight years with a series of eight books, culminating with Not Dead Yet, published last year.
Being a Brightonian has added a great deal to the pleasure of reading about Grace. I recognise intimately many of the locations, buildings and street names used. I have waited with great anticipation year on year for the next book in the series, released almost metronomically in June. Having said that though I begin to feel rather jaundiced, particularly after the last read of Not Dead Yet. I have become frustrated over the 'Sandy situation' remaining unresolved. Will Grace EVER come to learn that he has a son now approaching teenage years? Will his infatuation with Cleo finally hit the buffers? What WILL happen if he finally becomes aware that Sandy is still alive and moreover has visited his current abode? How much longer will this thread drag on?
For me, Roy Grace has lost his momentum and the series has lost its edge. And that is a great shame. No doubt the ninth in the series will be published in June 2013 and no doubt I will be one of the first in the queue to purchase it. It's compelling like a toothache that won't go away. But will the satisfaction of an extraction be the result?
I certainly hope so...

I know what you mean - I have loved the Roy Grace series (the locality and the mysteries) but the Sandy thing is so annoying! His relationship with Cleo doesn't feel very solid and I do worry that when Sandy comes back in the picture it will ruin things! I realise he has used the Sandy storyline as a cliff hanger for the series but it is not necessary - let's get the whole Sandy thing cleared up and concentrate on good old police work. I don't want Roy to end up sad and lonely like other police characters (Harry Hole, Harry Bosch, Jack Caffery, Lindsay Boxer, Logan McRae etc etc...). Oh well, I guess they all have their ups and downs...I will certainly be reading the next Roy book!!
On a separate note I have read Perfect People and have Twilight on my TBR list - are there others that I should not miss?

Lisa - You should start with 'Possession' James' first book that reveals his intimate knowledge of the supernatural. Published some 23 years ago it is still scary! You might also like to consider 'Prophecy' another terrifying novel of an infamy stretching out over centuries.... 'Sweetheart' is probably my favourite, do add that to your list... and enjoy!

Mike wrote: "Lisa - You should start with 'Possession' James' first book that reveals his intimate knowledge of the supernatural. Published some 23 years ago it is still scary! You might also like to consider '..."

Thanks - sounds good!

Reading a Peter James novel is like watching a film. His writing is a series of short, highly visual scenes and chapters that makes for a fast-paced and attention grabbing book. He adheres to the principle of separating scenes – even chapters – to a single viewpoint that helps the reader stay in focus. We know at all times whose head we are in. I know some people find this style of ‘staccato’ writing too abrupt, not flowing. I think it’s great. But perhaps that has something to do with my own preferred writing style!

‘Not Dead Yet’ is a story about stalking and how obsessions can turn some people bitter and ultimately into evil-doers. As Superintendent Roy Grace leads a protection team for Hollywood star Gaia who is making a film in Brighton in the Pavilion Gardens, he finds his personal world under threat as well as the star’s life.

Reading a Peter James novel offers excellent insights into police procedures and this is no exception. I thought some of the minor characters were a little stereotypical e.g. Pottinger and the climactic ‘chandelier’ scene problematic. Yes, and the Sandy thing does get in the way of this story. However this shouldn’t detract from what is a fast-moving and absorbing book – still well worth a read.
http://tombrysonwriter.wordpress.com
(less)

Perfect People

Try this - I'm a big fan of the Grace series (am also from Brighton) - but this is my favourite James book.

Hello Matt - yes, I read Perfect People in 2011. I understand James worked on this for 10 years or so before publication. I enjoyed it - like you would rate it 4 stars.