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janeydoodle's review against another edition
2.0
Have never read a Roy Grace book. This seemed to race from start to finish. I was a bit put off by the relentlessly short chapters at the beginning - so many different characters to learn about. Some felt a bit stereotypical, though I liked that James tried to strike a satirical note with the singer/actress's huge product range.The ending was frantic and I could not put it down - I'm just not sure if I enjoyed it.
tronnai's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I've avoided picking up one of these for a while as I felt like they were getting a bit samey. But I did really enjoy this one and now want to give the next one a go very soon! The sandy storyline finally progressed a bit, I'm hoping that gets resolved soon though as it is getting a little old.
kath61's review against another edition
5.0
Reading my way through the series, some are a bit hit and miss but I really enjoyed the twists in this one and the ex wife scenario was also moved on a bit.
xherdanjackiri's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
wendoxford's review against another edition
2.0
This is the first of the series that I have not enjoyed. Whilst I like the team of "regular" characters, there was something a bit off in this one. The plot was over the top and I think the local crimes, local victims, local suspects and local knowledge is the key to the success of this Detective.
In other volumes I have been able to suspend belief because the plot/writing carried it, here I wasn't.
In other volumes I have been able to suspend belief because the plot/writing carried it, here I wasn't.
kingfan30's review against another edition
3.0
I was very excited to hear plans that Roy Grace was being filmed for TV although I guess that’s on hold now
syren1532's review against another edition
4.0
A torso is found at a chicken farm just outside Brighton along with some distinctive material. Detective Superintendent Roy Grace and his team are investigating. Grace has also been put in charge of security for an actress, Gaia, who is starring in a film to be shot at Brighton Pavilion. One of her assistants was killed in LA but police believe she was the true target. Peter James always gives the reader several threads to follow in his books and then expertly weaves them together. Absolutely love this series.
urbansapphire's review against another edition
3.0
Not as good as the previous books in the series, unfortunately Roy Grace is now so nice he's unrealistic and a bit sad. His character is undeveloping as the series grows. If you imagine Book 1 Roy Grace, he'd be played on TV by Robson Green. Book 8 Roy Grace would be played by a cardboard cutout of John Barrowman...he's *that* interesting.
Problem is, all the characters have been 'developed' so that the good ones are all virtually perfect and saintly and while that's all very admirable behaviour, it's really very, very boring to read about.
The bad characters are effectively panto villains, you can almost hear the 'boo, hiss' as you turn the page.
The romantic dialogue is stilted and cringey, and the constant reminders of minor character's traits is very annoying. I'm not watching x-factor Mr James, I know what happened last chapter!
It's a real shame for me because I've loved PJ's older books (Twilight, Host, etc) for many years and I was enjoying the Grace series too. However Book 7 wasn't quite up to par but had a tense climax and a good plot. Book 8 has a fairly obvious plotline with a few small but irritating distractions.
I'll be honest. It got a 3 out of sentimentality. Reading the last 1/3 was like trying to wade through custard. Sorry PJ, step it up for number 9, or send Roy off to pasture.
Problem is, all the characters have been 'developed' so that the good ones are all virtually perfect and saintly and while that's all very admirable behaviour, it's really very, very boring to read about.
The bad characters are effectively panto villains, you can almost hear the 'boo, hiss' as you turn the page.
The romantic dialogue is stilted and cringey, and the constant reminders of minor character's traits is very annoying. I'm not watching x-factor Mr James, I know what happened last chapter!
It's a real shame for me because I've loved PJ's older books (Twilight, Host, etc) for many years and I was enjoying the Grace series too. However Book 7 wasn't quite up to par but had a tense climax and a good plot. Book 8 has a fairly obvious plotline with a few small but irritating distractions.
I'll be honest. It got a 3 out of sentimentality. Reading the last 1/3 was like trying to wade through custard. Sorry PJ, step it up for number 9, or send Roy off to pasture.