Picture You Dead by Peter James Book Review

Welcome to my review of Picture You Dead by Peter James. Peter James is one of my favourite authors, and this is especially special because it’s a new Roy Grace book, number 18 in the series. Having said that, you could easily read this as a stand-alone, some of the backstories may seem to be extra and unnecessary if you read it this way but I don’t think it would distract from the story. This is how I first got into the series and then went back and read from the beginning.

Click me to go to my Review

Synopsis

Detective Superintendent Roy Grace finds himself plunged into an unfamiliar and rarefied world of fine art. Outwardly it appears respectable, gentlemanly, above reproach. But beneath the veneer, he rapidly finds that greed, deception and violence walk hand-in-hand.

Harry and Freya, an ordinary couple, dreamed for years of finding something priceless buried amongst the tat in a car boot sale.

It was a dream they knew in their hearts would never come true – until the day it did…
They buy the drab portrait for a few pounds, for its beautiful frame, planning to cut the painting out. Then studying it back at home there seems to be another picture beneath, of a stunning landscape. Could it be a long-lost masterpiece from 1770? If genuine, it could be worth millions.

One collector is certain that the painting is genuine. Someone who will use any method he can to get what he wants and will stop at nothing.

And Harry and Freya are about to discover that their dream is turning into their worst nightmare. . .

About The Author

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.

To date, Peter has written an impressive total of 19 Sunday Times No. 1s, sold over 21 million copies worldwide and been translated into 38 languages. His books are also often adapted for the stage – the most recent being Looking Good Dead.

My Review

Grace is understandably devastated by the sudden loss of his son and throws himself into work to try to cope with it all. He and his team are investigating a twenty-year-old murder case of a local art dealer. Meanwhile, Local builder Harry Kipling and his teacher wife, Freya, find a piece of art from a car boot sale for £20, wanting it for the beautiful frame. After they find they have accidentally placed it in the sun and it begins t melt they realise that there is another painting underneath. After uncovering it they take it to the Antiques Roadshow to have it valued and find themselves, unknowingly, drawn into the art underworld.

Peter James has written another brilliant novel with this latest instalment. I found the beginning a little slower than normal but got into the story instantly. The main characters run through the series and it’s great to catch up with what’s happening with them. There are some new characters who are also well-developed and, as usual, the victims or perpetrators of the crimes are well-explained and drawn beautifully. 

The plot held my attention well throughout and I thought I knew what had happened and why throughout but there are enough red herrings to keep you wondering if you have the right idea or not. 

I love Normal Potting and his comedy quips, which are often also very cringe-worthy. He’s old school and outdated and Grace tries his best to bring him into the new world, but it doesn’t always go down well. He’s one of my favourite characters and is brilliantly portrayed. 

Who knew the art underworld could be so dangerous and engrossing?

This is a great book for anyone who enjoys a police procedural series, Roy Grace is one of the best. ITV also have Grace as a series which closely follows the books and is worth a watch. More seem to be coming out each year and I can’t wait for the next instalment.

Rated