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The Truth
20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION FROM THE AUTHOR
A thrilling tale of suspense from the bestselling author of the Roy Grace series.
'Britain's answer to Stephen King and Michael Crichton.' Sunday Telegraph
Susan and John Carter are crazy about each other and life is perfect but for one thing - they are on the brink of financial disaster. Surely being a surrogate mother to another man's child won't harm such a strong relationship? Especially when the mysterious Mr Sarotzini is offering to save their home and business - everything they've worked for.
What seems to be a perfect solution begins to feel like an impossible situation. Susan's pregnancy is disturbingly painful but no-one will tell her why. It becomes apparent that Sarotzini wields immense power and Susan begins to doubt everything she knows. As she realises the terrifying origin of the dark forces Saratzini controls she is in fear for herself and John but most of all for her unborn baby ...
A thrilling tale of suspense from the bestselling author of the Roy Grace series.
'Britain's answer to Stephen King and Michael Crichton.' Sunday Telegraph
Susan and John Carter are crazy about each other and life is perfect but for one thing - they are on the brink of financial disaster. Surely being a surrogate mother to another man's child won't harm such a strong relationship? Especially when the mysterious Mr Sarotzini is offering to save their home and business - everything they've worked for.
What seems to be a perfect solution begins to feel like an impossible situation. Susan's pregnancy is disturbingly painful but no-one will tell her why. It becomes apparent that Sarotzini wields immense power and Susan begins to doubt everything she knows. As she realises the terrifying origin of the dark forces Saratzini controls she is in fear for herself and John but most of all for her unborn baby ...
528 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
196 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Peter James
243 books3,644 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 117 reviews
April 3, 2022
You can't handle The Truth! Team Peter James were very kind in sending me a 20th anniversary edition of The Truth.. thank you :). But as a a result... sorry Team Roy Grace, but this is now my fave James' read. Susan & John Carter are offered £1.5m by a Swiss business man to save their home and business, but at a cost... being implanted with his child and carrying it to term, and then handing it over! Once you start this book, you won't be able to put it down, a genuine page-turner, I kid you not!
This is Peter James suspense thriller masterclass and I couldn't recommend it more, especially to fans of suspense, thrillers... and horror! For this specific book, the Daily Telegraph's critic nails it with: 'Britain's answer to Stephen King'! 8.5 out of 12
2018 read
This is Peter James suspense thriller masterclass and I couldn't recommend it more, especially to fans of suspense, thrillers... and horror! For this specific book, the Daily Telegraph's critic nails it with: 'Britain's answer to Stephen King'! 8.5 out of 12
2018 read
August 19, 2021
As always with Peter James this book was just on the right side of creepy, disturbing and thrilling which meant that even if the more ‘taboo’ sections I kept saying to myself just one more chapter and then you just get on or go to bed but I just found it so hard to put down.
This story was very unusual and not something I have come across previously, I really enjoyed it though and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending felt really in line with the whole tone of the story which I loved!
As a massive fan of his Roy Grace series I was pleasantly surprised to see Glenn Branson in this book and I am really hoping he will be in a couple of the other remaining standalone books that I have left to read!
I would definitely recommend, and I am looking forward to reading more of his standalone books in the coming months 📚📚📚
This story was very unusual and not something I have come across previously, I really enjoyed it though and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending felt really in line with the whole tone of the story which I loved!
As a massive fan of his Roy Grace series I was pleasantly surprised to see Glenn Branson in this book and I am really hoping he will be in a couple of the other remaining standalone books that I have left to read!
I would definitely recommend, and I am looking forward to reading more of his standalone books in the coming months 📚📚📚
November 17, 2009
The Truth is one of James' early supernatural chillers before he changed to writing contemporary crime fiction. Unfortunately this book is not up to his later work. I enjoy well written horror but unfortunately The Truth relies on lazy, awful dialogue and two obnoxious protagonists - a young London couple who refer to one another as "Darling" throughout. They are as real as cardboard. Found myself hoping something terminal would happen to both of them and that was by page 10. Even the evil characters are cliched in their creepy wickedness like charactatures from a Hammer Horror movie. Though I was rooting for them to do something violent to the aforementioned couple by page 87. The plot is predictable and silly and offers nothing of value. I have better books to read and this one was too annoying. Think I'll stick to James' detective novels in future though which are in a completely different class.
August 16, 2023
Įtraukianti, vietomis baisi, jaudinanti, bet ir tuo pačiu tam tikrose vietose su protu nesuvokiamais dalykais prasilenkianti knyga, kurioje bus apstu įvykių, mirčių, tamsos ir spėliojimų, kuo viskas pasibaigs. Man asmeniškai kai kurie skyriai buvo kaip iš fantastinės serijos,nes negalėjau suvokti ir priimti , bet šiurpuliukai kūnu lakstė verčiant puslapius, o ir pabaiga nenuvylė.
Tikrai rekomenduoju perskaityti, turėtų patikt.
Tikrai rekomenduoju perskaityti, turėtų patikt.
August 4, 2020
3 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me overall - not quite as good as his Cold Hill books but still worth a read! 😁 this is a supernatural novel about a couple who unknowingly bargain with the devil and agree to carry his child in exchange for him pulling them from the brink of financial disaster. I felt this novel alluded to things but left a few questions unanswered - who were Mr Sarotzini and Kundz really? What were their long term plans for Verity? That being said, it was still an enjoyable read and kept you wanting to read more to find out what happens in the end. Looking forward to reading more of Peter James’ supernatural novels in the future 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2022
Predictable story and poor writing. Ending was a dud. If this was meant to be a tribute to the classic 'Rosemary's Baby' as the author informs in the preface, it turned out to be a pitiful homage.
The evil characters, especially Stefan Kundtz was a caricature. The dialogues between Satrozini and Kundtz was artificial, instead of evoking menance, they seemed ridiculous.
The author might have done some research about surrogacy, but it does not show in the book. There were medical inaccuracies. The Heroine Susan was as editor of science books, but was completely ignorant about the surrogacy procedure and IVF. Here is the extract from the book where the Doctor explains the IVF process ".. they had made an incision, removed the eggs from her ovary, selected the healthiest looking one, mixed it with the sperm, and then returned to her womb" And Susan, who is well educated meekly accepts this explanation!
I have liked all Peter James's short stories and a few books in the Roy Grace series. But the last few of his books have been disappointing.
The evil characters, especially Stefan Kundtz was a caricature. The dialogues between Satrozini and Kundtz was artificial, instead of evoking menance, they seemed ridiculous.
The author might have done some research about surrogacy, but it does not show in the book. There were medical inaccuracies. The Heroine Susan was as editor of science books, but was completely ignorant about the surrogacy procedure and IVF. Here is the extract from the book where the Doctor explains the IVF process ".. they had made an incision, removed the eggs from her ovary, selected the healthiest looking one, mixed it with the sperm, and then returned to her womb" And Susan, who is well educated meekly accepts this explanation!
I have liked all Peter James's short stories and a few books in the Roy Grace series. But the last few of his books have been disappointing.
April 22, 2012
It was my first book by that writer...and only picked the book because the back cover said it was a cross bewteen Stephen King and Michael Crichton. To be honest I read only 100 pages, I didn't like it. Cardboard characters seen 100 times before, simplistic storyline with no surprises...like a poor uninspired copy of Rosemary's baby. Disappointed.
March 2, 2019
One of Peter James older supernatural books which he wrote before the more well known Roy Grace crime series. Along the lines of Rosemary,s Baby, this is a sinister story with a young woman selected to give birth to a child of the devil. Far fetched of course but as good as the other similar books by him.
March 10, 2025
Olipa hämmentävä kokemus. Paperinukkemaisia hahmoja, ziljoona sivua, kevyehköä arkikuvausta ja sitten yhtäkkiä brutaalia väkivaltaa. Olin ihan messissä suunnilleen viimeiselle sivulle, kunnes selvisi, että tämä vaan... Loppui?? Ja tälle ei siis ole jatkoa? Mitä ihmettä? Olin jo valmis antamaan heikkouksia anteeksi ihan sillä, että tämä olisi sarjan eka osa, mutta mietin oikeasti tähtien tiputtamista kahteen. Tasainen suorittaminen ansaitsee kuitenkin mielestäni kolme.
October 7, 2018
Not his best
I found the book long and drawn out. I wanted to give up half way through the book however no matter how boring I have always finish the books.
I did not warm to Susan or any of the other characters. The so called religion needs to be explored more and the effects on verity' s life. Did Susan's parents continue to believe Susan killed her sister? Did I miss this when skimming the pages? Has Peter James left the door open for a follow up on Verity childhood and as an adult.
I am left with many questions which are not answered in the book.
Unanswered questions however the ending is left open so Peter can write a follow-up book.
I found the book long and drawn out. I wanted to give up half way through the book however no matter how boring I have always finish the books.
I did not warm to Susan or any of the other characters. The so called religion needs to be explored more and the effects on verity' s life. Did Susan's parents continue to believe Susan killed her sister? Did I miss this when skimming the pages? Has Peter James left the door open for a follow up on Verity childhood and as an adult.
I am left with many questions which are not answered in the book.
Unanswered questions however the ending is left open so Peter can write a follow-up book.
June 28, 2017
Do not read this book when you find yourself alone at night. This book scared the socks off of me.
My heart went out to the young couple who found themselves in dire straits after making a deal with the devil, so to speak.
The plot keeps you interested and anxious while taking your imagination on a joy ride of unimaginable possibilities.
Peter James has a way of putting the reader in the shoes of his characters; making it easy to relate to them and almost feel the emotions they go through.
This book was a real page turner.
My heart went out to the young couple who found themselves in dire straits after making a deal with the devil, so to speak.
The plot keeps you interested and anxious while taking your imagination on a joy ride of unimaginable possibilities.
Peter James has a way of putting the reader in the shoes of his characters; making it easy to relate to them and almost feel the emotions they go through.
This book was a real page turner.
July 19, 2018
I thought the early chapters of the book were interesting getting to know Susan and her husband John being made a financial offer they cannot refuse. It then got really confusing and more and more unbelievable with different strains of the story going nowhere I am so shocked that the great Peter James would offer such a poor book to his readers I would in no way recommend it and am not pleased to have wasted my time on it.
April 19, 2020
Life is just about perfect for the Carters. John is busy running his own business and Susan’s position within the publishing world is a successful one. They have recently bought their ideal home and couldn’t be happier. But then the bank – which for years has supported John’s business – suddenly decides to call in it’s loans. John’s business could go under and the Carter’s could lose their home. On top of this, Susan’s sister is in a coma in an incredibly expensive, exclusive, hospital and the insurance cover is close to running out.
On the brink of financial ruin, about to lose everything, the Carter’s are thrown a life-line. Their financial problems will all go away if they agree to one very simple thing. If Susan will became a surrogate mother to the child of wealthy, influential banker, Mr Sarotzini.
The Carter’s have already decided they don’t want children of their own, so this could be an answer to all their prayers. A big decision to make? Absolutely! But ultimately this just means turning over 9 months of their lives. With no other alternatives, the Carter’s agree.
Ok, so this is a Peter James book, so we know this isn’t going to plain sailing! Of course, carrying another man’s child is going to be difficult for Susan and put a strain on her relationship with John, but they eventually decided this is something they can get through together.
Mr Sarotzini is always referred to as ‘Mr Sarotzini’, with only occasional mentions of his first name. This alone gives the impression of power and influence. How he exercises his power and influence may be highly immoral and illegal but it does mean he has a trusty core of people he can rely upon to carry out his instructions and see that his desires are met with limited resistance.
Susan and John, on the other hand, seem to be losing those they can rely on. One by one, those people they could trust and confide in, are gradually being lost. Susan is suffering from increasing bouts of pain in her abdomen, with no satisfactory explanation. More and more she is questioning what is going on around her and her decision to become a surrogate. She becomes increasingly paranoid, even starting to doubt her own husband.
Peter James is the master of setting the scene. Before the crux of the story gets going the reader already has a great insight into the lives and characters of Susan and John. We already like them and get a great sense that their successes and happiness are deserved. When it looks as though their world is about to fall apart around them, we want them to find a way out. When they are offered this possible solution we want them to find another way. We don’t want them to be beholden to Mr Sarotzini. But we ultimately know that this will be the road they will choose – given they have been unable to find any alternative – and that this is going to be far from smooth.
Mr Sarotzini – saviour or villain? Could he be both? He is an interesting character, and this interest comes from the power he wields. His operation is secretive and very limited information can be found on his bank. What we don’t know is just as intriguing as what we do.
As the story and Susan’s pregnancy progress, so does the tension. The background music getting more dramatic and Susan’s fear and paranoia increasing. What is the end game?
It’s interesting that, although this book was written over 20 years ago, nothing about it feels dated. Certainly there will have been greater technological advances over the last 20 years, but I never felt myself thinking ‘ well that wouldn’t happen now’. Every character I could picture clearly and all had their place within the story. Nobody was redundant, each character and their relationships to each other made absolute sense.
Just how far would you go if you desperate? If you were going to lose everything?
On the brink of financial ruin, about to lose everything, the Carter’s are thrown a life-line. Their financial problems will all go away if they agree to one very simple thing. If Susan will became a surrogate mother to the child of wealthy, influential banker, Mr Sarotzini.
The Carter’s have already decided they don’t want children of their own, so this could be an answer to all their prayers. A big decision to make? Absolutely! But ultimately this just means turning over 9 months of their lives. With no other alternatives, the Carter’s agree.
Ok, so this is a Peter James book, so we know this isn’t going to plain sailing! Of course, carrying another man’s child is going to be difficult for Susan and put a strain on her relationship with John, but they eventually decided this is something they can get through together.
Mr Sarotzini is always referred to as ‘Mr Sarotzini’, with only occasional mentions of his first name. This alone gives the impression of power and influence. How he exercises his power and influence may be highly immoral and illegal but it does mean he has a trusty core of people he can rely upon to carry out his instructions and see that his desires are met with limited resistance.
Susan and John, on the other hand, seem to be losing those they can rely on. One by one, those people they could trust and confide in, are gradually being lost. Susan is suffering from increasing bouts of pain in her abdomen, with no satisfactory explanation. More and more she is questioning what is going on around her and her decision to become a surrogate. She becomes increasingly paranoid, even starting to doubt her own husband.
Peter James is the master of setting the scene. Before the crux of the story gets going the reader already has a great insight into the lives and characters of Susan and John. We already like them and get a great sense that their successes and happiness are deserved. When it looks as though their world is about to fall apart around them, we want them to find a way out. When they are offered this possible solution we want them to find another way. We don’t want them to be beholden to Mr Sarotzini. But we ultimately know that this will be the road they will choose – given they have been unable to find any alternative – and that this is going to be far from smooth.
Mr Sarotzini – saviour or villain? Could he be both? He is an interesting character, and this interest comes from the power he wields. His operation is secretive and very limited information can be found on his bank. What we don’t know is just as intriguing as what we do.
As the story and Susan’s pregnancy progress, so does the tension. The background music getting more dramatic and Susan’s fear and paranoia increasing. What is the end game?
It’s interesting that, although this book was written over 20 years ago, nothing about it feels dated. Certainly there will have been greater technological advances over the last 20 years, but I never felt myself thinking ‘ well that wouldn’t happen now’. Every character I could picture clearly and all had their place within the story. Nobody was redundant, each character and their relationships to each other made absolute sense.
Just how far would you go if you desperate? If you were going to lose everything?
September 3, 2017
Review: The Truth by Peter James Published by: Orion (2nd August 2007 -reprint)
ISBN: 978-1407220505
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4.5*
Synopsis:
Susan and John Carter are crazy about each other and life is perfect but for one thing - they are on the brink of financial disaster. Surely being a surrogate mother to another man's child won't harm such a strong relationship? Especially when the mysterious Mr Sarotzini is offering to save their home and business - everything they've worked for.
What seems to be a perfect solution begins to feel like an impossible situation. Susan's pregnancy is disturbingly painful but no-one will tell her why. It becomes apparent that Sarotzini wields immense power and Susan begins to doubt everything she knows. As she realises the terrifying origin of the dark forces Sarotzini controls she is in fear for herself and John but most of all for her unborn baby ...
Review:
What seems like the perfect solution to the Carter's financial problems is the central theme of this horrific tale. Cleverly written, with dark characters and terrifying, grotesque attention to detail, the couple's involvement with the mysterious Satotzini and Susan's ensuing pregnancy are described in meticulous detail. Susan's dreams, in particular, a hard image to shake from the mind.
Although this book is gruesome in parts, I was utterly compelled to keep reading. I had to find out what happened to Susan and her baby. I picked this book up in the hospital as I had nothing with me to read and a long wait ahead. I thought I might be mildly entertained, perhaps pass the few hours, I certainly wasn't expecting it to be so gripping! I've read a couple of books by the author in the past, although not for some time. Why I've not read more, I'm not sure, but I'll definitely be reading more of his work in the future!
ISBN: 978-1407220505
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4.5*
Synopsis:
Susan and John Carter are crazy about each other and life is perfect but for one thing - they are on the brink of financial disaster. Surely being a surrogate mother to another man's child won't harm such a strong relationship? Especially when the mysterious Mr Sarotzini is offering to save their home and business - everything they've worked for.
What seems to be a perfect solution begins to feel like an impossible situation. Susan's pregnancy is disturbingly painful but no-one will tell her why. It becomes apparent that Sarotzini wields immense power and Susan begins to doubt everything she knows. As she realises the terrifying origin of the dark forces Sarotzini controls she is in fear for herself and John but most of all for her unborn baby ...
Review:
What seems like the perfect solution to the Carter's financial problems is the central theme of this horrific tale. Cleverly written, with dark characters and terrifying, grotesque attention to detail, the couple's involvement with the mysterious Satotzini and Susan's ensuing pregnancy are described in meticulous detail. Susan's dreams, in particular, a hard image to shake from the mind.
Although this book is gruesome in parts, I was utterly compelled to keep reading. I had to find out what happened to Susan and her baby. I picked this book up in the hospital as I had nothing with me to read and a long wait ahead. I thought I might be mildly entertained, perhaps pass the few hours, I certainly wasn't expecting it to be so gripping! I've read a couple of books by the author in the past, although not for some time. Why I've not read more, I'm not sure, but I'll definitely be reading more of his work in the future!
July 16, 2021
This is vintage Peter James, one of the novels that he wrote and released before he ever started on his Roy Grace detective novels. That makes it an interesting little insight into his writing, and you can see how he’s grown as a writer while also just going along for a pretty good ride.
It’s basically a sort of thriller novel that follows a husband and wife who run into money troubles after buying a new property in London. The husband is an entrepreneur enjoying the tech boom of the late 90s, but his business is in a little bit of trouble and facing a major lawsuit. The wife works for a publishing house that’s about to be taken over, with widespreads layoffs expected.
And so suddenly, out of nowhere, they’re in a hole and need a bunch of money to dig their way out of it. Enter a rich banker with mysterious connections to Aleister Crowley, who offers them a chunk of money if the wife agrees to be a surrogate mother to him. Weird stuff begins to ensue from there, and I can’t really go into any further detail without ruining the story line.
As for how it is, I’d have to say that it’s just a pretty decent read, although it doesn’t really stand out from the competition when you compare it to others on the market. It’s pretty bog standard for a thriller, though it does have elements of James Herbert to it which I quite liked. James is also a pretty good writer, and so even though it relies heavily on the plot and the characters, that’s not a problem because he does a good job with it.
Sure, there were a few parts where it felt kind of dated, but only because one of the protagonists worked in the tech industry and tech has moved on a lot since the days in which it was written. But it’s pretty easy to get past that, even if you’re as into technology and its effects on society as I am.
And so when it comes down to the question of whether or not I’d recommend it, it’s a tough one. I don’t think I’d recommend it for a general reader, but if you’re either into thrillers or you’re a Peter James fan then it’s worth picking up. You might also want to avoid reading it if you’re a parent though. So yeah!
It’s basically a sort of thriller novel that follows a husband and wife who run into money troubles after buying a new property in London. The husband is an entrepreneur enjoying the tech boom of the late 90s, but his business is in a little bit of trouble and facing a major lawsuit. The wife works for a publishing house that’s about to be taken over, with widespreads layoffs expected.
And so suddenly, out of nowhere, they’re in a hole and need a bunch of money to dig their way out of it. Enter a rich banker with mysterious connections to Aleister Crowley, who offers them a chunk of money if the wife agrees to be a surrogate mother to him. Weird stuff begins to ensue from there, and I can’t really go into any further detail without ruining the story line.
As for how it is, I’d have to say that it’s just a pretty decent read, although it doesn’t really stand out from the competition when you compare it to others on the market. It’s pretty bog standard for a thriller, though it does have elements of James Herbert to it which I quite liked. James is also a pretty good writer, and so even though it relies heavily on the plot and the characters, that’s not a problem because he does a good job with it.
Sure, there were a few parts where it felt kind of dated, but only because one of the protagonists worked in the tech industry and tech has moved on a lot since the days in which it was written. But it’s pretty easy to get past that, even if you’re as into technology and its effects on society as I am.
And so when it comes down to the question of whether or not I’d recommend it, it’s a tough one. I don’t think I’d recommend it for a general reader, but if you’re either into thrillers or you’re a Peter James fan then it’s worth picking up. You might also want to avoid reading it if you’re a parent though. So yeah!
August 19, 2023
J'ai bien aimé l'ensemble de livre mais je trouve qu'il y a certaines zones d ombres que l'auteur aurait dû éclaircir. C'est dommage
April 21, 2018
Enjoyable read bit supernatural but I didn't mind that plenty of action to keep you involved and a few omg moments
September 12, 2022
Having only previously read Roy Grace material from the Peter James stable, I was determined to see what else he can do. Just as well, as this one took a lot of effort from me to reach the conclusion. Three or four times I contemplated chucking it in the bin, but each time I showed resolve to see it through.....
....and I'm glad I did. There's a lot of stuff throughout which I wasn't sure about, and having just finished it I'm still not! I don't like posting spoilers as I know some people read reviews first but IMHO it's a decent read. No more.....no less. On completing this book, I expected a lot of ratings to be either 5 or 2 because while the storyline is so different from the Roy Grace series...... it's actually weirdly okay. I have given it ✴️✴️✴️ because it was hard going early on, but not surprised it's full rating is below ✴️✴️✴️✴️ which is the benchmark. Give it a go all the same.
....and I'm glad I did. There's a lot of stuff throughout which I wasn't sure about, and having just finished it I'm still not! I don't like posting spoilers as I know some people read reviews first but IMHO it's a decent read. No more.....no less. On completing this book, I expected a lot of ratings to be either 5 or 2 because while the storyline is so different from the Roy Grace series...... it's actually weirdly okay. I have given it ✴️✴️✴️ because it was hard going early on, but not surprised it's full rating is below ✴️✴️✴️✴️ which is the benchmark. Give it a go all the same.
October 16, 2017
In this gripping tale Susan Carter agrees to become a surrogate mother for the wealthy but mysterious Mr Sarotzini. In return Mr Sarotzini will save the Carters from financial ruin. On the face of it both parties would seem to be getting what they want from the agreement but of course nothing is that simple....& it is a Peter James novel after all!
As a quote in the front of the book says "Peter James has found his own literary niche, somewhere between Stephen King & Michael Crichton" & while this is certainly a good mix of horror & thriller I didn't like it as much as some of his other books.
As a quote in the front of the book says "Peter James has found his own literary niche, somewhere between Stephen King & Michael Crichton" & while this is certainly a good mix of horror & thriller I didn't like it as much as some of his other books.
October 1, 2020
If this was the first PJ book I’d read then I’m not sure I’d love him as much as I do. It starts quite normal and easy to read like most PJ books but then started to delve into the occult and felt far fetched
Typically PJ with a rich successful couple, Susan and John, who have all the rich trappings of a life lived in London with lots of friends, posh car, holidays abroad and everything material to illustrate their wealth. His business begins to struggle but then a mystery man offers to solve all their problems with a cash injection in exchange for her being a surrogate mother for her
This ends with so many questions unanswered
Typically PJ with a rich successful couple, Susan and John, who have all the rich trappings of a life lived in London with lots of friends, posh car, holidays abroad and everything material to illustrate their wealth. His business begins to struggle but then a mystery man offers to solve all their problems with a cash injection in exchange for her being a surrogate mother for her
This ends with so many questions unanswered
November 25, 2018
A page Turner, kept me entranced right through
I loved reading this book. It kept me on the edge and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend it.
I loved reading this book. It kept me on the edge and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend it.
February 13, 2021
Brilliant book
John has his own software business while his wife Susan works for a publishing company. When the bank calls in its loan the couple face losing everything. But then John meets a mysterious banker called Sarotzini who offers to help. But what does he want in return? And are the couple willing to.pay the price?
This is an absolutely brilliant book which I couldn't put down. Don't be put off by people saying it's too.like Rosemary's Baby. In my opinion this is a completely different novel.
Great characters and a fantastic story.
Highly recommended.
John has his own software business while his wife Susan works for a publishing company. When the bank calls in its loan the couple face losing everything. But then John meets a mysterious banker called Sarotzini who offers to help. But what does he want in return? And are the couple willing to.pay the price?
This is an absolutely brilliant book which I couldn't put down. Don't be put off by people saying it's too.like Rosemary's Baby. In my opinion this is a completely different novel.
Great characters and a fantastic story.
Highly recommended.
May 19, 2019
I enjoyed this book, but it certainly wasn't one of James' best stand-alones.
I felt the book on the whole, especially the beginning, was longer than necessary, and could have easily been done in 300-50 pages as opposed to 500+.
However, I enjoyed the plot, and felt it was chilling at times, albeit predictable by around halfway through.
Nonetheless, it was a good read, and had a very tense plot with some good characters carrying the story.
I felt the book on the whole, especially the beginning, was longer than necessary, and could have easily been done in 300-50 pages as opposed to 500+.
However, I enjoyed the plot, and felt it was chilling at times, albeit predictable by around halfway through.
Nonetheless, it was a good read, and had a very tense plot with some good characters carrying the story.
August 14, 2020
Tried reading a few of this author detective stories. Found them really tedious with trivia and laden with pointless fillers to increase the page count. Thought non detective stories might be better. Unfortunately, a writer who churns out badly written books in one genre is no better with another. Avoid wasting your time.
January 6, 2018
As always Peter James novels rollick along with suspense and just really good writing. There was a bit of Rosemarys Baby in here and I could challenge the originality of the story but for all that it was a very good read.
April 27, 2020
Probably worst of the peter james books. The plot is nothing to catch. The dialogues are absurd and written at fast pace. There is no worth in this book. I thought of giving 3 stars, but the strange fact about czars of purely fake statements got this star.
January 13, 2018
Strange happenings
Touch of Rosemary's baby and the omen in this story . Leaves you wanting to know what happened later in the following yeara
Touch of Rosemary's baby and the omen in this story . Leaves you wanting to know what happened later in the following yeara
January 29, 2018
Early Peter James
A well written supernatural thriller from Peter James. A good read, fast paced with excellently crafted characters. Thoroughly recommend for any Peter James fan.
A well written supernatural thriller from Peter James. A good read, fast paced with excellently crafted characters. Thoroughly recommend for any Peter James fan.
March 21, 2020
This book started well and I was quite intrigued. It drifted on and on and became quite far fetched and more than a little boring. Awful ending.
January 1, 2021
I give up, this is the third Peter James novel I have tried and I won't bother again. This was dull and taking far too long for anything to happen. I got to chapter 7-ish before deciding to quit
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