Book review: You Are Dead by Peter James. Meet the most scary fictional serial killer ever.

In Brighton, a thirty year old woman's skeleton is found under a path during building work and a young man hears the abduction of his fiance from the underground car park of their flats.  Superintendent Roy Grace soon begins to suspect the two cases are linked, when similarities in the descriptions of the young women and a further abduction are discovered.  

You Are Dead , Peter James' 11 Roy Grace book set in Brighton is a chilling serial killer novel

with all the pace and excitement we've come to expect from Peter James.  His research is impeccable and his characterisation compelling.  James has created a serial killer that is chilling, thrilling and worse, utterly believable. James'  in depth research gives Roy Grace's investigation a truly authentic feel as he juggles expert opinion with basic policing, the press and the panic stricken 

Brighton beach

public.  The strategies used by Grace to prod the killer are well established FBI strategies and the procedural elements realistic.  This I think rises above the usual serial killer story because although realistic it doesn't sensationalise it.  Somehow, James manages to imbue the investigation with urgency, yet at the same time holds it together.
Undoubtedly, a well researched, compelling read for fans of Police Procedurals that are smooth in delivery and rich in

fact... and for fans of grace the man, there are many delightful, some poignant and loads of funny moments where his humanity comes through.  Look out for communication from abroad that may have repercussions for the Grace family.

Link to Peter James' Amazon page
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Peter-James/e/B000APS7L4/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1431768530&sr=8-2-ent

Watch this space for Peter James's serial killer research notes!  Coming soon!