LOVE YOU DEAD (Roy Grace #12) by Peter James
19th May 2016, Pan Macmillan
An ugly duckling as a child, Jodie Bentley had two dreams in life – to be beautiful and rich. She’s achieved the first, with a little help from a plastic surgeon, and now she’s working hard on the second. Her philosophy on money is simple: you can either earn it or marry it. Marrying is easy, it’s getting rid of the husband afterwards that’s harder, that takes real skill. But hey, practice makes perfect . . .
Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is feeling the pressure from his superiors, his previous case is still giving him sleepless nights, there have been major developments with his missing wife Sandy, and an old adversary is back. But worse than all of this, he now believes a Black Widow is operating in his city. One with a venomous mind . . . and venomous skills. Soon Grace comes to the frightening realization that he may have underestimated just how dangerous this lady is.
On to Book Twelve (in the Roy Grace series) and yet again I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh these books feel. This book ties up a lot of loose ends which was good for me, I knew Tooth would make a reappearance although I was a little disappointed with the outcome of the Edward Crisp storyline that we are introduced to in Book Eleven. I felt Peter could have savoured this to use in future books.
Yet again we see part of Roy Grace’s personal life. I am in awe of his relationship with Cleo, Peter likes to ensure that we see them as a strong united couple that support each other throughout all the issues and problems that life throws at them. Finally in book 12 we have an end to the Sandy saga although I think her legacy will carry on in future books as they deal with the shock of Roy having a son. I also feel we may discover more about Sandy’s relationship with Cassian Pewe, Roy’s hateful boss.
Obviously a Roy Grace novel wouldn’t be complete without the side characters. Glenn Branson once again appears in LOVE YOU DEAD but I feel he has taken more of a back burner in the last couple of books. Norman Potting is also included as he deals with the aftermath of losing Bella and features as an undercover in this instalment.
You can always tell that Peter does his research whilst writing the Roy Grace series as the storylines always seem to true to life. This one is about exotic reptiles that are kept by our main killer character. If you get the creeps from spiders and snakes then definitely do not read this book.
I found myself engrossed in Book Twelve just as much as the past eleven books. As always I love how the books are always based just a few months apart, you don’t feel like you missing any huge events in the characters lives. It also makes it seem more real as past crimes are mentioned and we can see how these carry on through the justice system. I feel these books would make a great TV show and I hope the rights are snapped up one day.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the next books hold for Roy Grace, I hope they continue to be as interesting and enjoyable as the twelve I’ve already read.
You can buy LOVE YOU DEAD (Roy Grace #12) from the following booksellers (and obviously many more! Support your local booksellers where you can!)
Amazon (UK) | Amazon (US) | Amazon (AU)
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The P.Turners Book Blog 
I so need to catch up on these. I’ve only read three!
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