Description

Book Synopsis

‘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

A long-lost masterpiece sparks deadly violence – and sets Detective Superintendent Roy Grace on the path of a calculating killer. Discover the darkness that lurks around every corner in Picture You Dead.

Now a major ITV drama starring John Simm as Roy Grace.


Harry and Freya, an ordinary couple, dreamed for years of finding something priceless buried amongst the tat in a car boot sale.

It was a dream they knew in their hearts would never come true – until the day it did . . .

They buy a drab portrait for twenty pounds for its beautiful frame, planning to cut the painting out. Then, studying it back at home, there seems to be another picture beneath, of a stunning landscape. Could it be a long-lost masterpiece from 1770? If genuine, it could be worth millions.

One collector is certain it is genuine. Someone who uses any method he can to get what he wants.

Detective Superintendent Roy Grace finds himself plunged into the unfamiliar and rarefied world of fine art. Outwardly it appears respectable, gentlemanly, above reproach. But beneath the veneer, he rapidly finds that greed, deception and violence walk hand-in-hand. And Harry and Freya are about to discover that their dream is turning into their worst nightmare . . .

Although the Roy Grace novels can be read in any order, Picture You Dead is the eighteenth title in the bestselling series. Enjoy more of the Brighton detective’s investigations with Find Them Dead and Left You Dead.

‘The master of the craft’ - Daily Express



Trade Review
Sinister and riveting… Peter James is one of the best British crime writers, and therefore one of the best in the world. -- Lee Child, bestselling author of the Jack Reacher novels
Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business -- Karin Slaughter
A typically clever and convoluted central mystery -- Daily Mirror on Left You Dead
Left You Dead is a real page-turner. -- Express on Left You Dead
As ever, the pages become blurred as you race to discover the verdict. The plot also leaves you hungry for the next episode in DS Grace’s personal drama -- i newspaper on Find Them Dead
Reading your books after reading another author is like coming home. -- John Simm, from the Left You Dead launch event
Peter James creates a world we can smell, touch and feel for his Brighton detective Inspector Roy Grace -- The Times on Not Dead Enough
One of the world’s most popular detective series * The Guardian *

Picture You Dead: Roy Grace returns to solve a

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    £17.00

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    RRP £20.00 – you save £3.00 (15%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 22 Jun 2026.

    A Hardback by Peter James

    2 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Picture You Dead: Roy Grace returns to solve a by Peter James

      Publisher: Pan Macmillan
      Publication Date: 29/09/2022
      ISBN13: 9781529004366, 978-1529004366
      ISBN10: 1529004365

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      ‘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

      A long-lost masterpiece sparks deadly violence – and sets Detective Superintendent Roy Grace on the path of a calculating killer. Discover the darkness that lurks around every corner in Picture You Dead.

      Now a major ITV drama starring John Simm as Roy Grace.


      Harry and Freya, an ordinary couple, dreamed for years of finding something priceless buried amongst the tat in a car boot sale.

      It was a dream they knew in their hearts would never come true – until the day it did . . .

      They buy a drab portrait for twenty pounds for its beautiful frame, planning to cut the painting out. Then, studying it back at home, there seems to be another picture beneath, of a stunning landscape. Could it be a long-lost masterpiece from 1770? If genuine, it could be worth millions.

      One collector is certain it is genuine. Someone who uses any method he can to get what he wants.

      Detective Superintendent Roy Grace finds himself plunged into the unfamiliar and rarefied world of fine art. Outwardly it appears respectable, gentlemanly, above reproach. But beneath the veneer, he rapidly finds that greed, deception and violence walk hand-in-hand. And Harry and Freya are about to discover that their dream is turning into their worst nightmare . . .

      Although the Roy Grace novels can be read in any order, Picture You Dead is the eighteenth title in the bestselling series. Enjoy more of the Brighton detective’s investigations with Find Them Dead and Left You Dead.

      ‘The master of the craft’ - Daily Express



      Trade Review
      Sinister and riveting… Peter James is one of the best British crime writers, and therefore one of the best in the world. -- Lee Child, bestselling author of the Jack Reacher novels
      Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business -- Karin Slaughter
      A typically clever and convoluted central mystery -- Daily Mirror on Left You Dead
      Left You Dead is a real page-turner. -- Express on Left You Dead
      As ever, the pages become blurred as you race to discover the verdict. The plot also leaves you hungry for the next episode in DS Grace’s personal drama -- i newspaper on Find Them Dead
      Reading your books after reading another author is like coming home. -- John Simm, from the Left You Dead launch event
      Peter James creates a world we can smell, touch and feel for his Brighton detective Inspector Roy Grace -- The Times on Not Dead Enough
      One of the world’s most popular detective series * The Guardian *

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