Two cases of accidental death by poisonous mushrooms in a short space of time triggers suspicion in the Major Incident Team. As Roy Grace investigates he is surprised that the main suspect, Rufus Rorke, is a man who died two years ago. Grace isn't the only person to begin to wonder if Rorke really is dead.

One Of Us Is Dead by Peter James is the twentieth book in the Roy Grace series. The opening is slow as the author takes his time to build the complex storyline. We are introduced to pilot James Taylor at the funeral of one of his close school friend, Barnie Wallace, who died by mistaking field mushrooms for death cap mushrooms. Taylor is surprised to spot another close friend in the congregation, Rufus Rorke. The surprise is because Rorke died at sea two years ago. At the end of the service, the man disappears before Taylor can confront him.

Death by ingesting poisonous mushrooms has also piqued the interest of Roy Grace as it's the second case in a short space of time. Pretty quickly Grace also begins to wonder if Rufus Rorke is still alive. Rorke was close to being arrested for murder when he disappeared at sea.

Rorke is a highly intelligent sociopath who uses his acumen for financial gain. Through the dark web his main business is the sale of 3D-printed handguns. Murder is a sideline but one he relishes. Rorke excels at carrying out murders that appear to be tragic accidents, meticulous planning and execution avoid any suspicions.

Peter James works closely with the police when researching his novels. After reading One Of Us Is Dead I'm intrigued to know how much is based on actual cases and how much is simply down to the imagination of the author. Attention to detail is shown in the dogged investigation by the police. Analysing CCTV and questioning suspects is just the tip of the iceberg. The thought of going through rubbish bins is enough to turn the strongest stomach.

Being hunted from two different sides would be enough to make anyone with the means flee, but Rorke is filled with hubris. Having got away with things almost undetected for so long gives him a sense of invulnerability and this leads to his downfall in quite a dramatic way.

Another brilliant addition to the Grace series. I have read and loved every one. Fast paced storyline that kept me hooked from the first page with a few twists and not so nice characters. I love reading about the personal lives as well as their job and the issues that come with them. Peter James is a master storyteller and I can’t wait for the next instalment. Hope we don’t have to wait too long.

This, the latest case for DS Roy Grace to solve, is yet another absorbing tale of murder and intrigue from the Sussex coast. Peter James, once again, has provided a convoluting plot with fascinating characters centred around one deeply disturbed villain. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of his writing is his ability to take ordinary individuals who seem unremarkable in everyday life but then you get to know their hidden characteristics. Sometimes this is shocking and sometimes hilarious but always interesting. One of Us is Dead is full of such characters where the murderer is not so much a mystery to the reader as he is to the others involved. His method of operating is very devious and the excitement builds as he arrogantly attempts to pursue his evil ways whilst trying to evade capture.
If you are already a Peter James fan then this book will not disappoint. For those new to him then it is well worth a read if you like crime novels which are expertly written with a touch of macabre without being too dark and delivered with a good dose of humour. If you find you like it then you will have a sizeable series of preceding titles which are all equally well written.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing pre publication access to this book.

Well plotted and a twisty story with a lots of goings on on the dark web, cryptocurrency and that sort of thing. Alongside this there are school friends of long ago, one now dead from a yachting accident, another of mushroom poisoning with the third wondering about these. Another mushroom poisoning and the police are wondering if, and how, they may be linked. Det. Superintendent Roy Grace and team have their work cut out to solve these mysteries which they do, after many red herrings and complications. A set of characters new to me, yes, where have I been all these years, but they are great, the team work well and obviously respect each other. Will have to now go back to the first and start from there. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Another brilliant read in the Roy Grace series, which never disappoints. I loved the unusual plotting, the dark web, cryptocurrency and "ghost" guns, which flowed nicely between characters at a steady pace. I was invested right from the start and I feel as if the characters are really old friends being revisited. There is the usual great banter between the team and insight into the personal life of Grace, which I love. A very authentic and believable read which I can highly recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

It is a testimony to Peter James’s skill and ingenuity that the Roy Grace series of police procedurals are still getting better rather than declining as the series progresses.

He combines an intoxicating brew of excellent characters who we’ve got to know and love for their various foibles over the y3srs, a sound knowledge of police tactics and the ability to devise a fiendish plot.

Yes it certainly helps to have read the preceding books in the series to appreciate all the nuances of plot and character but this is yet another first class book that thrills and engages in equal parts.

Another absolute belter of a book in the series, thoroughly enjoyable and I flew to the end. The ingenuity of the crimes never ceases to amaze me, what a fantastic and frankly terrifying imagination the author draws on. The level of authenticity of the forensics and inside knowledge and understanding of the way Police work is also top notch, as ever, I found myself nodding and smiling along for the empathy and brilliant portrayals. The characters are all like familiar friends and the way they interact is very entertaining, I practically feel like one of the team myself, the snippets of their personal lives and how their particular step of work impacts it is also spot on. My only regret upon finishing this is that I’ll now have to wait for the next one. Thank you very much for such amazing writing and entertainment.

Hold onto your hat in this book in the Grace series. It kept me on edge of my seat particularly in the final chase . How well do you know your friends? Interesting incursions into the dark web and cryptocurrency underpin the story of a serial killer. Good to meet all the characters once again and move forward with the team in the station and at home.

I have enjoyed all the Grace series and this edition did not disappoint. Love the backstory about their lives running through the book. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. A great rollercoaster ride of a novel. Look forward to the next one. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it

If your familiar with the author then this installemtn delivers absolutely everything you'd expect. The well fleshed out and brought to life characters, the Cleverly mapped out plot, the twists and turns, the high speed, thrilling storyline that keeps you guessing. I'm always surprised that with a series that has gone in as long as the roy grace series has, that new books don't apart to feel samey but this is another original and fresh take with the characters and I loved every second

Another fabulous instalment in the Roy Grace series. The series just keeps on getting better. Great to catch up with all of the team. The story in this book is very interesting and has some nasty characters. Fast paced and engaging throughout, looking forward to the next one.

A fast paced thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed, I have read all the Dead Series and enjoyed them all, some more than others.

I found this a bit of a dark read but the characters were interesting and the storyline was very well written.

Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for this ARC.

Thrilled to get back to business after getting the whole Sandy saga done with (though I doubt it's actually done with) and get the whole team back together.
Along with all the regulars, this had a cracking bad guy, and clever kills.
The last few chapters had high speed car chase vibes (trying not to give spoilers here) and I was on the edge of my seat for some of it.
As always some great banter and one liners from the crew.
A very entertaining read.

I have read most of Peter James books and all of the Roy Grace series. The tv series now allows me to picture the characters in a consistent manner. This book isn’t quite as fast paced as the previous book ( Stop them Dead) but a great story nonetheless. Roy is still getting involved even though his DI Glenn is perfectly capable; he can’t help it. Interesting stuff on the ‘dark web’ and cryptocurrency. The last couple of chapters would be a nightmare to film but are really exciting. Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan for an ebook ARC.

Funerals are always sad occasions, especially close friends' funerals. When James Taylor arrives late for his childhood friend's funeral, he spots a man ahead of him who looks just like his other friend Rufus, but it isn't possible - Rufus died years ago, and James delivered his eulogy. At the same time, Roy Grace is puzzled by a series of accidental deaths - and the closer he gets to the truth, the more danger everyone could be in.

This is another great Roy Grace book - the pacing is fantastic and the plot cinematic. An easy 5* book.

When James Taylor attends the funeral of a friend he's more than a bit surprised to see that another attendee is another friend..............whose funeral was 2 years earlier. While James is trying to work that little puzzle out DS Roy Grace is equally puzzled when a series of accidental deaths may or may not be what they seem. Before Grace can solve the crimes he has to convince his superiors that crimes have actually been committed ,while initially being unsure himself.

The book is bang up to date with the dark web and its use as a marketplace for criminal services and supplies being a feature of the story. All the old favourites are here ,Norman Potting's bad jokes,Branson's often funnier fashion sense and the ongoing banter between the various characters is great fun as usual. There's also quite a long action scene towards the end which is a bit different for this series but it's edge of the seat stuff,literally in one memorable part.

Thrills,spills,laughs and the odd bit of social commentary ,you always know what you're going to get when a new Roy Grace book hits the shelves and this is a great addition to the series.

Thank you to Netgallery and the publisher for this ARC. The publication date is the 24th Sept. Where do I even begin?! Another superb instalment by Peter James in the Roy Grace series I can’t wait until this airs on ITV.

A plot twisting book that kept on the edge of my seat whilst reading it! I’d advise readers to read the previous instalment first which is Sandy’s story before reading this one!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars! 😊

A cleverly written storyline.
Well written characters.
Overall an intriguing well put together read.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.
Five stars from me.

Jamie is at the funeral of his schoolfriend. Sitting a few rows in front of his is another schoolfriend.

But it can't be.

Because, two years ago, Jamie gave the eulogy at Rufus Rorke's funeral...

Meanwhile, Superintendent Roy Grace is being bugged by suspicious deaths.

How are they linked? And how are they connected to Rufus Rorke?

Another brilliant addition to this excellent series.

Peter does it again with this new Roy Grace book. Not only does the reader get a clever crime in each book, but he masterfully entwines the back stories of the main characters with new and interesting situations to keep the reader's interest so they don't get stale. Sometimes this can be an issue with many of the long running series I have read.
If you haven't read Sandy's story (They Thought I Was Dead), I would suggest you read that before this new one.
Excellent as always!