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Dead Like You

by Peter James
Minotaur: St. Martin's. Dec. 2010. c.560p. ISBN 9780312642822. $25.99. M
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In the latest entry in James's Roy Grace series of police procedurals (Looking Good Dead), a brutal rape at Brighton's Metropole Hotel reminds Detective Superintendent Grace of a similar series of rapes from 12 years ago. The similarities become obvious when the rapist strikes again, following the same pattern, and Grace and his team are certain that they are looking for the Shoe Man. His criminal career was thought to have ended in 1997 around the time Rachael Ryan, possibly one of his victims, disappeared. James's novel takes place in the present but is interspersed with flashbacks from the time of Rachael's disappearance and Grace's original investigation. Grace's personal past with his wife, Sandy, who also disappeared in 2000, is revealed in the flashbacks in contrast to his present life with Cleo, who is expecting his child.
VERDICT This intriguing series addition (and James's first book for Minotaur) offers a tantalizing look at Grace's past and a mystery that will keep readers guessing until the end and anticipating James's next book. Fans of British police procedurals, if they haven't discovered James already, will want this one. [See Prepub Mystery, LJ 7/10; Minotaur First Edition Selection; library marketing campaign.]
Reviewed by Lisa Hanson O'Hara, Univ. of Manitoba Libs., Winnipeg , Oct 01, 2010
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