Peter James is a bestselling author, best known for his gritty, Brighton based Detective series starring a certain DS Roy Grace. However, before Roy became a worldwide sensation, Peter wrote a whole host of books which tackled big, tricky subjects, such as Big Pharma, supernatural phenomena, technology, science and some really, really, badly behaved people. “Host” and “Twilight” were two of my favourites – look them up if you can!

Peter’s newest novel, Absolute Proof is a blockbuster adventure tale, much more similar to Peter’s earlier work than it is to the series that shot him firmly into the Bestsellers list, and as I read this book on the collaborative reading platform ‘The Pigeonhole’, it became apparent from some of the reader comments that this novel was a big diversion to what they were expecting from Peter James.

But unexpected is good in a thriller, right?

We start off Absolute Proof with a couple of different scenarios. We don’t learn too much about these people right away, but they’ll be back later. We’re introduced to investigative journalist Ross Hunter, and learn some of the horrors that he experienced as a war reporter, and also the aftermath and the effect it had on him and his family life.
Back to the present day, Ross receives a phone call from Dr. Harry Cook, hitherto a stranger to Ross, but one who insists that he can prove the existence of God, and that he has been told that Ross is the man he must take this information to. The information being a set of co-ordinates that can lead him to items that prove the earthly existence of Jesus Christ. However I’m not sure how proof that Jesus walked the earth proves the existence of a God in Heaven, but that might be something I am missing. Hmm, crackpot signals start going off in Ross’s head, but when Dr. Cook relays a piece of information he was told to use (by God) as proof of divine information, Ross is utterly shaken and confused – there is no way that this guy could know this fact – but he does. So what does this mean? Is he genuine? Could Ross find the Holy Grail?

With a huge mortgage to pay, a fractious relationship with his pregnant wife, and the fate of humanity potentially in his hot little hands, Ross can’t let go of the thought that there might be something in what this crazy little man is saying. And if not, well, he’ll coin it in from selling the story to the highest bidder. Win-win!

From here we go on a journey (literally), to various places taking in Glastonbury, Brighton, Egypt, USA to name a few. Ross tries to hunt down 3 items from 3 sets of co-ordinates, left by Dr Harry. There are some confusing relationships, and rather a lot of characters to get your head around. There’s a few characters that seem to be doing things just to further the plot, and a couple of red herrings thrown in for good measure.

If you’re thinking it sounds a bit ‘Da Vinci Code’, well yes, it does, and you’ll see that repeated in lots of the reviews of Absolute Proof that you read; as you try and visualise Ross you’ll be hard pressed not to see Tom Hanks throwing himself around the Louvre with baddies in tow. I do think Peter’s work is a lot more realistic though and Ross is a more likeable, rounded character than Brown’s Robert Langdon, even if his actions make me want to howl with frustration at times.

I enjoyed the pacey style of this book – however there are some really annoying incidences of ‘I can’t possibly tell you over the phone’ (subtext – I must give the baddies time to at least try and kill me before you arrive), type conversations, which are purely devices to draw out the plot and increase the tension, but that is common in this style of book. It doesn’t stop you wanting to throw it at the wall though. Neither does Ross telling literally EVERYONE he comes in to contact with about his ‘secret’. For an investigative journalist, he certainly cannot keep his powder dry and every time he wonders how someone found out about the worst kept secret in the world, it’s a challenge to not roll your eyes.

All in all though, it’s good fun and bound to be a bestseller. Although Ross is at times utterly infuriating, I couldn’t help but like him. The story is punchy, fast-paced and thought-provoking, and makes you wonder what would happen if we could perhaps find proof of Christ on earth, and the chaos that would inevitably follow.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Pigeonhole for giving me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

3.5/5

So is it possible to prove the existence of God? That's the crux of the latest offering from Peter James and boy is it a good read. Great plotlines and although slightly longer than I thought was necessary the lead character Ross Hunter, an investigative reporter, carries the lead well.It's clear from the very beginning that Ross isn't going to have an easy ride and so it is proven, accidents, murders and a whole host of other problems help fill out a fascinating read from one of UK's most loved authors - and for good reason!

I hadn't really read any blurb about Absolute Proof before I started to read it and I'm quite glad about that as it meant I had no preconceptions about the story.
Without giving anything away I will say that it made me think hard about what we WOULD do if faced with 100% proof of a greater being and where it would take humanity as a whole. I very much enjoyed it.

This is a great tale, reminiscent of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, but much better written and with deeper characters. Fast paced and action packed, it would make a great movie.

The Da Vinci Code, influence is undeniable yet while the influence is there Peter James has crafted a thriller with plenty of intrigue of its own. It's difficult to warm to any of the protagonists as Ross Hunter will chase down a story at all costs, no matter who gets hurt in the process.

Hunter's wife, Imogen, is also not that easy to like. An affair while Hunter was on assignment embedded with the troops in Afghanistan, almost proved too much for the marriage to endure and in my eyes finished her off. She would have had no further input in my life, but I guess Hunter is more forgiving than me.

Wesley Wenceslas also seemed to be a bit too comedic Southern US religious zealot for my liking, and it's difficult to see anyone in real life behaving the way that he appears to, roaming around the world in a jet airliner with an entourage of make-up artists and the like.

Apart from those issues, this book is an enjoyable enough read if you don't take it too seriously and gloss over the highly dubious DNA results.

The master does it again. Peter James is like a champion fisherman- he casts his line - you bite, he reels you in - you find it hard to put down and then he lands you - with a twist. Or two along the way. A great read

Peter James has written a thriller that reminded me a little of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

I did find it hard to get into, initially, but then I just got hooked and had to know more.

The protagonist, Ross Hunter is a freelance investigative journalist and is married to Imogen who is expecting their first child, they have their problems due to Imo having had an affair.

He gets a call from a retired, ex-RAF, ex-History of Art professor, Dr Harry Cook. Harry tries to convince Ross that he has absolute proof that God exists. Thinking the man Harry is a bit of a crank, he nevertheless agrees to meet him and to read a manuscript. There is only the one copy of this manuscript and Harry is initially reluctant to let it out of his sight.

Ross then heads to Glastonbury using the co-ordinates given him by Harry and he finds evidence of recent digging but eventually finds some items in a well that he feels may be significant.

Even though he finds a dead body, related to the case, he is hooked on the possibility of an incredible story, even though the Church wold like it kept quiet.

Ross travels to Egypt and Los Angeles as the other co-ordinates are revealed and each provide further evidence to support Harry’s story and leads to events and a person whose identity will impact the world.

Ross is offered large amounts of money for the manuscript, which his wife feels he should take due to the amount of danger they find themselves in, but Ross has scruples.

Peter James has written an absorbing and exciting thriller, which covers how many factions in this world would feel threatened if there was the absolute proof of God's existence. It’s an entertaining read that pulls you into the story with such ease, you will definitely want to know just how it ends.

I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

I am a big fan of Peter James Roy Grace series, so was really pleased to get the chance to read this via net galley. It’s a completely different theme to anything I would usually read and I did struggle with it at times.
However, it’s a fascinating subject and incredibly well written.
Ross Hunter is approached by a man who says he has been told by God that the two of them must save the world together.
What happens next is a complex and compelling story involving many character they meet along the way.
A great stand alone novel.

This is an intriguing topic. I love Peter James books and this was engaging, well-written and pleasantly easy to read. However, I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but I found the ending a bit of a cop-out and anticlimax. What does constitute absolute proof? Well, I'm not convinced. I was expecting something far better. But overall, I am really glad to have read this book, but it is one that will go back on the book shelf.

I struggled with this book – both in the reading and the rating. I love Peter James’ work but this felt more Dan Brown ‘Da Vinci Code’ than Peter James. It’s an interesting concept – just what Absolute Proof would you and every single person in the world need to prove that God exists?

I had to force myself to read it as I wanted to know how he was going to finish it but wished I could just skip the skirmishes and chases in the middle. I feed bad at rating it as three stars ‘It Was Okay’ as it seems mean for a well researched and written book. But the fact remains that for me it was only okay.

The main character is journalist, Ross Hunter, who is contacted by an older man, Dr Harry Cook, a retired academic who declares that he has been spoken to directly by God and given absolute proof that God exists. God has also told him that the way to get this proof to the entire world is via Ross Hunter who works for the Sunday Times.

So far so good but the book then goes into some fairly intense journeys to coordinates around the world where Ross finds things which are going to prove the existence of God and Jesus Christ. But of course, there are many who do not want this proven as it might affect their revenue or lifestyles. Or actually they do want it proven but want to have the proof in their hands to improve their revenue or standing in society. Other just want it buried and if Ross is collateral in that happening then so be it. Ross is pursued by a helicopter in a remote part of Egypt, by emissaries sent by the Pope, by drugs company executives keen to get their hands on the material Ross has, etc. He’s almost killed and yet then seems to go back to his everyday life and home for a few days without being bothered about what just happened. Just to make sure no one is following him he does a bit of speeding up and slowing down or changing mode of transport and direction. Does he not think that these many pursuers may have more sophisticated ways of finding his whereabouts than a man following him at random times?

I’d already had to suspend belief on many occasions early on in the book when Harry Cook first meets Ross. Harry has a 1000 page plus manuscript which has been dictated to him by God. He’s only just met Ross yet reluctantly agrees to leave it with Ross despite it being the only copy in existence and the most important document in eternity. To make matters worse Ross takes it with him to read on a train journey. What? Did I just read that? You take a document like this outside your home?! Oh and he then accidentally leaves it in a cafe. This was the point I felt completely exasperated with the book. Although, to be fair, one or two of our politicians have been known to leave memory sticks containing very important and confidential data on trains!

Meanwhile he tells many people about what he’s found despite it being obvious that his life is in danger for knowing this information and having the material in his possession. He finally gets the coordinates of the third and final place of interest and books a flight there. He then leaves his phone on the table with a woman he’s only just met while he goes to the loo. She see a text of his flight details and ‘surprise surprise’ is on the same flight as him in the seat ahead of him. He’s vaguely surprised and slightly suspicious but not enough to stop telling her all that he is up to.

These are just details that left me exasperated but the idea was still good. Peter James has clearly done a lot of research and indeed his list of acknowledgements is admirable including people such as the Archbishop of Canterbury, a Chief Imam, the Abbot and monks of a remote and the oldest monastery in the world, Anglican Bishops, a lot of eminent academics in theological fields, a former Archdeacon, a Rabbi, leading representatives from many other faiths, etc. I almost expected to see The Pope in the list but he wasn’t. Without a doubt Peter James should get 5 stars for his research and contacts made in writing this book.

The pace did pick up in the last third which went quicker than the slog of the James Bond type chases in the middle. I’m sure many will love it and all the questions both of faith and philosophy is raises but it was just not what I expected or enjoyed. A great book for a Book Club if you like a lively and protracted discussion that could go on for many weeks of meetings!

With thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Absolute Proof by Peter James

Ross Hunter is a freelance investigative journalist who is about to get the story of his life, all thanks to a former Art History lecturer Dr Harry Cook. For Harry Cook has, he insists, absolute proof that God exists and Ross is the medium God has chosen to reveal the truth to the world. Ross wants to dismiss Harry as a crank but there is something about the man that makes him want to trust him and, what’s more, he offers proof for what he says – three sets of coordinates will lead Ross to clues to the truth, beginning with a location in Glastonbury before taking Ross further and further afield. What Ross will discover in Glastonbury will change everything. But he is not alone on the hunt. Others will kill for what Ross knows, either to suppress it or to steal it. Because, as a Bishop friend says to Ross when he asks what would happen if a man could prove the existence of God – that man would be killed.

Peter James is an author I’ve enjoyed for quite some time, not just for his Roy Grace detective series but also for his stand alone novels, such as the ghost story The House on Cold Hill. Absolute Proof is a substantial and ambitious stand alone thriller that not only fascinates – there are some huge themes here – but it also grips. It’s extremely compelling, not least because it feels so vast in its scope.

Ross Hunter is the main character of the novel but there are many others we get to know as well, some of whom are as evil as sin. There are representatives of big business, of religion, of crime, each of whom is invested in what Ross may discover. The TV preacher Wesley Wenceslas and his henchman, fetchingly named Pope, particularly stand out. I always looked forward to their sections of the novel.

There are some moments in Absolute Proof that took my breath away. There are others that shocked me. In this book you rarely know what lies around the corner. I liked that! I do think, though, that the novel is a little too long at almost 600 pages. There are episodes and characters that the book could have done without in my opinion, especially radio presenter Sally Hughes. Ross’s dalliance is a distraction that halts the plot too frequently. Having said that I thought the novel a little too long, in other ways I wanted more of it! More of the themes and characters that really intrigued from the beginning, such as the pope’s messenger. Also, the book makes it clear that the absolute proof is for God – the God of all religions – but there is a great deal about the Christian God and not much about the other faiths. The themes of the novel are just so vast, so significant, that it almost seems too huge for just one book.

I thoroughly enjoyed Absolute Proof. As I’ve mentioned, it’s a substantial novel but I was glued to it for two wonderful days, reading it very quickly (for me). It’s a clever book, full of ideas and thought. You can tell how much the author was invested in his story. It’s one of those wonderful thrillers that I almost wish I hadn’t read just so I could have the pleasure of reading it again! I can imagine comparisons will be made with Dan Brown’s thrillers but, to my mind, there is no comparison. Absolute Proof is a well-written and thoughtful thriller that is packed full of adventure and action. Ross Hunter stands alone against the world. He just has to hope that God is on his side.

Other reviews
The House on Cold Hill
You Are Dead (Roy Grace 11)
Love You Dead (Roy Grace 12)

Having read every single book written by the talented Mr James, I was excited when I read the synopsis for this and it promised to be another intelligently written thriller in his inimitable style. Let's just say, it delivered! I am intrigued by religion, although not a religious person so the exploration of philosophical questions really added an original facet to the whole story. I get a little fed up of the same throwaway novels that mostly focus on materialistic characters, inane storylines and other non-important issues, but this is constructed to be a little deeper than most, so not only does it provide the essential elements of a thriller, it actually has a logical and intriguing backbone to the whole tale too.

Investigative reporter Ross Hunter dreams of the day he comes across a story that will make his name and may have just found it. When a mysterious caller telephones with a curious claim, Ross is very much intrigued, as is the reader. But is it all it's cracked up to be?

From the first page, I was invested and couldn't wait to see how it would eventually pan out. This is an entertaining and action-packed read, and I literally couldn't put it down. it's one of the best conspiracy theory tales I've had the pleasure to come across. It'll certainly activate your little grey cells and put them to good use considering the fundamental questions we all have about life. The characters are all believable, realistic and three-dimensional, and as with all the author's work, it is of quality. If you like your crime fiction to have some substance, then grab a copy of this when it's available.

Many thanks to Macmillan for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

The premise of this story is of a journalist finding Jesus’s DNA. and then chasing the story behind his. find. Starts off strong, gets a bit weak in a small section ...but please hang on in there because this is a very good stand alone Peter James book. Totally recommended

Having read previous books by Peter James & thoroughly enjoyed them, sadly this book wasn’t for me.
I was excited when a couple of reviews had mentioned it being in a similar style to Dan Brown’s books.
I found it too long & unfortunately it just didn’t hold my attention.
In saying that I’m looking forward to the next Peter James book.

Intriguing thriller set around the existence of God with ancient artefacts,multi-national drug firm and corrupt evangelical preacher thrown into the mix! Our hero an investigative reporter wrestles with the desire for a story to end all stories and protecting himself and his pregnant wife. With lots of action this is an entertaining ride.

This is a good thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Ross Hunter is a journalist who is contacted by a retired gentleman telling him he has proof that God exists.
He tells Ross that he needs his help and has been put in touch with him for a reason.
Ross is sceptical at first but after a bit of investigation he realises that he can’t ignore what has been presented to him.
Things start to turn very dangerous and Ross’ relationship is soon under threat as he brings danger to their home.
Ross has a set of co-ordinates to work with but lots of people are making it harder and harder for him to carry out his research.
This is a gripping read and one that I enjoyed.
It has the feel of a conspiracy theory thriller but with Peter James as the writer it’s one of the better ones in this genre.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Actually 3.5 stars but rounded down.
OK, so firstly I have to admit that I struggled with this book. In fact, I got so bogged down by it that between starting and finishing this book I also read three others in between and I really don't usually do that with fiction. But there was something that kept me from giving up completely despite all the niggles I was having along the way. I think the time-outs that I took from it did help me when I eventually reconnected with it.
Initially for me it read like a poor man's Dan Brown book. Now, I happen to like Dan Brown books, mainly for the settings but also for the puzzles he includes. My first issue with this book was that the initial puzzle was blatantly obvious to me. When it was subsequently "solved" and the MC so impressed by said solving, I had to just roll my eyes again and put the book down again.
But, as I said, I did carry on and eventually I got over myself and started to invest in the book and read through the plot holes and improbable parts and just practice the acceptance I am trying to get to grips with in other aspects of my life. I guess I really wanted to know how on earth (or heaven) the author would manage to wrap things up. I guess I wanted more from the ending than he was able to give me too.
The ride in between the shaky start and the flaky ending was good though. Once I managed to suspend disbelief that is. Maybe my standards and needs are too high for what the author delivered. There are definitely loads of people who loved this book, maybe it just wasn't the book for me but, as I finished, I have to review, that's my rule. I did enjoy all the people fighting over what Ross claimed to have and the reasons for them wanting to either possess the material, deny its existence or bury the whole thing by basically killing everyone involved. There was definitely enough interest and intrigue to keep me reading, mainly I needed to know who was with and who against, who was playing Ross and who was supporting him.
Also, and this is a bit of a biggie for me I'm afraid. How exactly does proving the existence of one man prove the whole God thing. Pardon me but I am not big on religion personally but surely one does not definitively follow from the other?
All in all, I am glad I read this book but I wasn't sorry when I finished it and it left me with more questions than answers and not of a existential nature. If you can suspend belief and go with the flow then I am sure that you will have a much better experience with this book than I did. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

On the surface I would feel that attempting this type novel would be pretty risky. At the very least unconventional. But Peter James has pulled off an absolutely brilliant read.

I found myself captivated from the very start. A plot that would probably seem like something I wouldn’t enjoy, if read as a brief synopsis prior to starting the book was delivered with aplomb, engaging me and keeping me enthralled throughout.

The characters, and there were a number of keys characters, were all enjoyable, tangible, and convincing. Even the ones we shouldn’t like were still enjoyable in the context of the book.

Would I recommend this book, definitely! Would I want to see the movie, for sure (although maybe a mini-series would be better). Thanks for a great journey!

Thanks you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for a review copy.

I had no idea what the book was about when I requested it from NetGalley, the name Peter James was enough for me to jump up and down with delight when my request was approved. It is nothing like any other book that he has written but in my opinion, it is up there with my best reads of the year. It is a long book but I was never tempted to skim read, it is spine-chilling and enthralling and I loved every single chapter and the epilogue certainly gave me goosebumps. Thank you, Peter James for a brilliant thought provoking read.

My first Peter James novel and will most certainly not be my last.
This is another book to add to the list which debates the existence of God. Thoroughly researched and with many interesting and controversial ideas, this is an enjoyable and illuminating adventurous read with some parallels to the ‘Da Vinci Code’.
Ross Hunter is a free-lance reporter with some credibility which is why Harry Cook asks him for his help in proving that God exists. What follows is a dangerous quest searching for physical evidence of Gods existence. Hampered by different religious factions as well those looking for material gain, Absolute Proof will keep you on the edge of seat.