Sandra ‘Sandy’ Christina Grace, wife of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, went missing on 26 July 2007. In June 2017, a notice appears in various publications informing the public that a court declaration is to be sought that she is legally dead. Over the years, fans of Peter James’ novels have urged the author to let them know what happened to the detective’s wife. This is the book they’ve all been waiting for.
They Thought I Was Dead is narrated by Sandy. The author throws in a chapter now and again that gives us some essential background information.
Unbeknown to Roy, Sandy got into serious trouble with Albazi Debt Recovery International, was fed up playing second fiddle to her husband’s job, and drifted into an occasional fling with a charming detective on secondment to the Sussex Police from the ‘Met’. She and Roy had now reached the third stage in their relationship. The first: falling into lust; the second: falling in love; and the third; contentment. She does not want companionable silences; she wants excitement. She packs her bags and leaves.
She travels; she meets rogues and rotters; there’s blood, murder, drugs, booze; and she falls in love. Then falls out of love. She’s involved in smuggling, drives fast cars; and encounters over-sexed heterosexuals and lesbians who try to seduce her. She eats sparingly, has trouble sleeping, wears fabulous clothes, never puts on any extra weight and is ‘noticed’ when she enters a room. Psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists do their best to quieten her demons. She’s having a ball, but, eventually …
They Thought I Was Dead is thrilling, exciting and over the top. I loved it; couldn’t put it down.
Reviewed by Clive Hodges
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. In 2024, it was announced that he is the creator of Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s favourite fictional detective.
To date, Peter has written an impressive total of 20 Sunday Times No. 1s, sold over 23 million copies worldwide and been translated into 38 languages. Her Majesty Queen Camilla has announced that Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is her favourite fictional detective. His books are also often adapted for the stage, with his six stage shows grossing over £17 million at the box office.
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