Dead Simple

'One of the best crime writers in the business' - Karin Slaughter

Now a major Britbox series, Grace, adapted for television by screenwriter Russell Lewis and starring John Simm.


Detective Superintendent Roy Grace’s first major case is one he’ll never forget.

It was meant to be a harmless pre-wedding prank. But, a few hours later, the groom has disappeared and his friends are dead.

With only three days until the wedding, Grace is contacted by the man’s distraught fiancée to unearth what happened on that fateful night. He soon discovers that the one person who ought to know of the groom’s whereabouts is saying nothing.

But this individual has more to gain than anyone realizes, for one man’s disaster is another man’s fortune . . .

Although the Roy Grace novels can be read in any order, Dead Simple is the first thrilling title in the bestselling series. Enjoy more of the Brighton detective’s investigations with Looking Good Dead and Not Dead Enough.



23 million books sold.

Creator of Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s favorite fictional detective.

'Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business' – Karin Slaughter, author of the Will Trent series

'Peter James is one of the best British crime writers and therefore one of the best in the world' – Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series

'One of the world’s most popular detective series' – The Guardian

A terrific tale of greed, seduction and betrayal Daily Telegraph
Ingenious plotting, high suspense and tight writing Daily Mail
Ruthlessly efficient entertainment. Pedigree fun The Times
Peter James is one of the best British crime writers, and therefore one of the best in the world Lee Child
One of the world’s most popular detective series The Guardian
Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business Karin Slaughter

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 21 million copies worldwide and been translated into 38 languages. His books are also often adapted for the stage, with his six stage shows grossing over £17 million at the box office – the most recent being Wish You Were Dead.

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