‘Want You Dead’ by Peter James

Published by Midas,
June 2014.
ISBN: 978-0-2307-6058-5

I am a great fan of Peter James' books, and don't believe he could produce a bad one. The plot hinges on the revenge taken by a narcissistic psychopath called Bryce Laurent, who refuses to accept that his girlfriend, Red Westwood, has dumped him. She did this after discovering that absolutely everything he had told her about himself was a lie, and, moreover, that he has done time in the US for different crimes, including assaulting  former girlfriends. 

Determined on revenge, he begins a campaign of real terror not just on Red, but on everyone connected with her.  I was quite frightened myself, just sitting quietly in the sunshine, reading the book.  The possibility of shock and horror is just as terrifying as the real thing, especially when the man coming after you is a skilled Houdini-like magician. 

I highly recommend this book, although there were times when disbelief simply could not be suspended.
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Reviewer: Susan Moody

Peter James was educated at Charterhouse and then at film school. He lived in North America for a number of years, working as a screen writer and film producer, before returning to England. His multiple award-winning, Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling novels have been translated into thirty-three languages. His writings reflect his deep interest in medicine, science and the world of the police. He has produced numerous films, including The Merchant of Venice, starring Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons and Joseph Fiennes. He also co-created the hit Channel 4 series Bedsitcom, which was nominated for a Rose d'Or. Peter James won the Krimi-Blitz 2005 Crime Writer of the Year Award in Germany, and Dead Simple won both the 2006 Prix Polar International award and the 2007 Prix Cœur Noir award in France. Looking Good Dead was shortlisted for the 2007 Richard and Judy Crime Thriller of the Year award, and has been shortlisted for both France's SNCF award and Le Grand Prix de Littérature Policère. He divides his time between his homes in Notting Hill in London and Sussex.

Susan Moody was born and brought up in Oxford.  She has published over 30 crime and suspense novels, including the Penny Wanawake series and the Cassandra Swann bridge series.  She is a past Chairman of the British Crime Writers' Association, a member of the Detection Club, a past Writer-in-Residence at the University of Tasmania and a past President of the International Association of Crime Writers.  She divides her time between south-west France and south-east Kent.   Nominated for the CWA short story award.  Nominated for the RNA's award.