On July 2, 2024, go
By now, most readers know the name Roy Grace. How couldn’t they? The Brighton-based Detective Superintendent has been the star of nineteen novels from Peter James, who has sold over 21 million copies of his books worldwide, dominating best-seller lists, including a streak of #1 nineteen consecutive placements on the UK Sunday Times list alone.
Telling Sandy’s story marks a massive literary event that’s not to be missed. Her disappearance has left readers scratching their heads since she was originally mentioned in the first Roy Grace novel, Dead Simple, which was published back in 2005. The mystery surrounding her vanishing hasn’t only baffled readers, though. Roy Grace was brought to life on the small screen by actor John Simm through four seasons of Grace, a British television crime drama series that airs on ITV and is based on James’ work. Fans of the television series, which debuted in 2021, have also scoured the show for any clues that might shed light on what, exactly, happened to Roy’s wife. Throughout the books, James has teased his legion of readers for years, but now the author is finally set to reveal everything—and he’s doing it through Sandie’s Voice in what’s sure to be an epic reading experience for longtime fans.
Check out the official cover art and plot details below.
Peter James, the number one, multi-million copy bestselling author of the Grace series returns with a standalone novel with a difference.
Some will know how it begins . . .
Her name is Sandy. You might know her as the loving wife of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. But there’s more to her than meets the eye. A woman with a dubious past, a complicated present and an uncertain future. Then she was gone . . .
Some will know how it ends . . .
Her disappearance caused a nationwide search. Even the best detective on the force couldn’t find her. They thought she was dead.
But nobody knows this . . .
Where did she go? Why did she run? What would cause a woman to leave her whole life behind and simply vanish?
For the first time, the number one, multi-million copy bestselling author Peter James reveals the truth behind Sandy Grace’s dramatic disappearance. They thought I Was Dead will thrill fans and new readers alike with its gripping story of a woman on the run. This is Sandy’s story.
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. To date, Peter has written an impressive total of 19 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—the most recent being Looking Good Dead.
Readers hoping to ensure they don’t miss James’ new release can now pre-order They Thought I Was Dead wherever books are sold.
Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.