One Of Us Is Dead by Peter James (2024)

Authors: G-J, Crime, Thrillers and Mystery, J, O

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.

Peter James is a UK No.1 bestselling author, best known for his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, now a hit ITV drama starring John Simm as the troubled Brighton copper.

Much loved by crime and thriller fans for his fast-paced page-turners full of unexpected plot twists, sinister characters, and accurate portrayal of modern day policing, he has won over 40 awards for his work including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award and Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger. In 2024, it was announced that he is the creator of Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s favourite fictional detective.

To date, Peter has written an impressive total of 20Sunday TimesNo. 1s, sold over 21 million copies worldwide and been translated into 38 languages. His books are also often adapted for the stage, with his six stage shows grossing over £17 million at the box office – the most recent beingWish You Were Dead.