Dead Simple

It was about 10 pages in as I was just beginning to question how a moderately-long book could sustain the seemed premise when the first twist occurred. From then on they came often enough without being contrived so as to keep me on my toes and guessing from then on throughout the remainder of the read. Unlike another reviewer, I found the characters to be sufficiently developed. I also was not put off by the name of the central character --- Roy Grace. Knowing two individuals with that last name in real life, I see it as likely that a police detective could have that name as any other (e.g., Peter Diamond, Bill Slider, etc.) Further, while it didn't play an overly-prominent role in the plotting, the Brighton setting (where the author was born and now lives) made for a refreshing change from the often-used environs of London and Northern UK. All and all a fun read that moved along at a fast pace. Definitely recommended.

There are so many unexpected twists and turns you need a seatbelt!!! My jaw doesnt often drop when reading a book, but this one has done it. Ive read about three book from this author and always have my radar out for more, so when i saw this one i grabbed it!! Dont miss this book.....You will defintly be looking for more books by this author also. this is one of the books where you want the character to hear you yelling Do It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have read almost everything by Peter James and can honestly say Dead Simple is a work of sheer genius - gripping from start to finish and very difficult to put down. Have passed this book onto three of my relatives who have never read anything by Peter James, they are now also hooked and reading everything by him. Long may he reign - just hurry up and get some more books out!!!

This is a book one should start with plenty of time to finish it in one sitting. Gripping is the word which comes to mind. James' background as a screenwriter and producer are evident in his ability to create strong characters and relationships, his ear for dialogue, and the pacing of the story. James' previous books look to be more in the horror or psychological suspense category, where this is a solid police procedural. My one slight criticism is the authors years in Los Angeles show as I kept having to remind myself the book is set in England; the style is more American than British. But the good news is this is the first in a series. The second book, "Looking Good Dead," is due out soon and is on my "must buy" list.

This was my first Peter James book but it certainly will not be my last. This page turning thriller that starts off as a stag night stunt gone horribly wrong turns out to be far from what the reader expects. Roy Grace is one fine new lead character...flawed but determined, intelligent but superstisous..he will be one to be reckoned with. Michael Harrison is a soon-to-be groom who is buried alive by his joker friends as a gag. A terrible road accident leads the reader to an assumption of where this thriller is headed. The reader will soon find out that he it completely wrong. James creates distinctive players in this game of who is good and who has hidden motives. This is a pure definition of page turner. The reader will imagine watching this on the screen with appropriate scary music and moments of great shock and surprise. My only quibble with James is the insertion of a phsycic late in the story that detracts from a nearly perfect conclusion. Despite that I would recommend this book to nearly anyone who enjoys a great page turner and doesn't mind a "late night can't put it down" piece of suspense. I finished this book in a single day and you will too!