Has anyone read any Peter James??

[Naomi]

I keep coming across this author and his Ray Grace series. I keep wanting to wander in, but think this could go the way of several authors I thought I would love, but when I got in...not so much.

[Pat]

Yes, I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Dead Simple. It has an interesting back story, too, which I was looking forward to following. But by the mid-way point in book #2, Looking Good Dead, I got totally creeped out by the crime so I decided to put it aside until I could gather up enough grit to finish reading it. I know that there are lots of readers who really enjoy that and I've been intrigued to see how popular his books have become. So it is still on my To Be Read List for when I'm feeling a bit 'stronger'.

[Naomi]

Hmmmm..I like it when someone says they got totally creeped out by the crime, so I will wade in!

[Pat]

I felt similarly about Val McDermid's The Mermaids Singing. The serial killer's MO was so gruesome that it was a real struggle for me to keep reading. However, her writing is so good that I couldn't put the book down. Where I had to, I just skipped a paragraph - a bit like hiding my eyes in the movies when the really gory bits get shown. Generally speaking, I don't enjoy serial killer series if it just means the sadism and gore gets worse from book to book. I like a good psychological novel, though, and Val McDermid really delivers that which is why I kept reading the Hill and Jordan series.

I haven't read the books yet, but the TV series of "Dexter" based on the books by Jeff Lindsay is so compelling - he just turned the whole serial killer sub-genre on its ear! So refreshing - and funny - and very suspenseful!

[Naomi]

Amen, Pat...I love my girl, Val! I have read all of two of her series and working on the 3rd series.

[Joy]

I really enjoyed the Peter James books. I found that it took a little time to really enjoy the characters, but now that I've begun the series, I can't wait for the next book to come out. I won't spoil it for you, but there are certainly parts where it carries over between the books.

[Sharon, Moderator]

All of his Roy Grace so far. Really enjoy them. Have his latest waiting on kindle, Perfect People...a stand alone. He was introduced to me personally by a colleague at my old office. Two signed books later and I was happily hooked. My old colleague is one if his sources from the police division. Great stories. Enjoy Peter James comments on FB too and twitter. He says he is busy working on the new RG book...good.
ROY GRACE BOOKS:
Dead Simple
Looking Good Dead
Not Dead Enough
Dead Man’s Footsteps
Dead Tomorrow
The Perfect Murder
Dead Like You
Dead Man’s Grip  2011
Not Dead Yet. May 1012

Standalone:
Perfect People 2011

[Naomi]

Sharon wrote: "All of his Roy Grace so far. Really enjoy them. Have his latest waiting on kindle, Perfect People...a stand alone. He was introduced to me personally by a colleague at my old office. Two signe..."

How funny!! I was thinking of asking you!! I thought you might have, but wasn't sure!! Thanks, Sharon.

[Sharon, Moderator]

Naomi wrote: "I keep coming across this author and his Ray Grace series. I keep wanting to wander in, but think this could go the way of several authors I thought I would love, but when I got in...not so much."

[Sharon, Moderator]

Just finished reading PERFECT PEOPLE today....what a chilling read!
Totally unlike his good Roy Grace series. With all the discussion about genetics now and then, it really might be possible to make designer babies....quite a thought provoking read.

[Deirdre]

Loved all the Roy Grace books. All really riveting plot lines but like the personal parts about Grace himself as well. Really brings the books to life.

[Sharon, Moderator]

Deirdre wrote: "Loved all the Roy Grace books. All really riveting plot lines but like the personal parts about Grace himself as well. Really brings the books to life."

Me too Deirdre. The author actually really spends a lot of time with the police force in the area and uses real info and techniques which makes the books even better. He often posts on FB one research project after another. Love the books. Did you also try Perfect People? Quite a read.....but look forward to the new Roy Grace....soon.