‘Absolute Proof’ by Peter James

Published by Macmillan,
4 October 2018.  
ISBN: 0-23077218-2 (HB)

Peter James has climbed to the very top of the crime writing genre with his unputdownable, and page-turning series of police procedural novels featuring DI Grace set in Sussex. All of which have hit the top of the bookselling charts.  How brave then, when in control of one of the most popular police procedural series ever penned, that James has stepped away from that series, for this book, and written a standalone of mind-blowing difference.

And yes, this book kept me up all night turning pages and wondering what or who, would be behind the mystery of the existence of God, but how different to anything James has written before, and I have read all his previous work.

Ross Hunter, an established, successful and truly honest journalist, is visited by a Doctor Harry F Cook, who claims to have proof about the true existence of God. He tells Hunter he has proof that Jesus Christ came to earth, and gives him an extremely large manuscript where by, he says, the proof lies within. He asks Hunter to read it and then get back in touch with him.

Hunter, being a top investigative journalist is naturally interested, smelling a story. He agrees to read it. Cook is then found dead, and this sets Hunter on a journey to put the pieces together that he has read in the manuscript to see if indeed  they are true and God exists. The journey takes him to Egypt and on to Los Angeles and through more danger than Hunter experienced when he was a frontline journalist in bomb stricken Iraq.

So, does God exist? Read the book and find out. It is a highly recommended page-turner.  5 stars, Mr James for your originality, incredible mind, and page-turning prose. I salute your genius.

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Reviewer: Linda Regan.

www.lindareganonline.co.uk

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.

Linda Regan is the author of six police procedural crime novels. She is also an actress. She holds a Masters degree in critical writing and journalism, and writes a regular column, including book reviews, for three magazines. She also presents the book-club spot on BBC Radio Kent. She is an avid reader and welcomes the chance to read new writers. 

  To read a review of Linda's most recent book
The Terror Within
click on the title. 

www.lindareganonline.co.uk