I’ve read every Roy Grace book and watched all the adaptations. I love Peter’s way of writing and have been lucky enough to hear him speak at book events a couple of times - talks in which he has proudly mentioned that Roy is Queen Camilla’s favourite. And I’m sure she will be even more of a devoted fan now that she is one of the main characters in this book!

A failed assassination attempt on the Queen? This sounds like just the job for Roy.

You can tell that Peter has put an immense amount of t of research unit his book but it is no less a Grace story for it.

I loved it and can’t wait to see it on TV!

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in return for an open and honest review.

“If you are reading this, The Hawk is Dead”

This is probably Grace’s most high profile case to date. The Royal train derailed and then a sniper shoots and kills a trusted aide just yards from Queen Camilla. To the untrained eye, this is an attempt on Camilla’s life gone wrong but is it? To Grace and ballistic experts, no. The sniper didn’t miss. So what really is going on?

Naturally The Met want to take over the case but Grace stands his ground and has the backing of the King and Queen. A cryptic note book belonging to the deceased, turning to a familiar face to help him navigate the Dark Web, will we ever get to the bottom of just what is happening at the Palace? Why kill a seemingly well loved man who doesn’t appear to have any enemies? But doesn’t everyone has a secret? Remember, nothing is what it seems and can you really trust anyone?

I really enjoyed this book, loving that Cleo was able to help out with cryptic problem solving and that Grace isn’t too proud to seek help when he needs to from unauthodox sources. Grace’s interaction with HRH was amusing, and even though I was expecting it to be a full “we love the king” book, was pleasantly surprised. Interesting to see in the next book if we see much more of The Mets Detective Superintendent Mosse – Grace isn’t too impressed with him especially when Mosse mentions he will be going for promotion in Sussex! Just what Grace needs. Thanks for the minor cliffhanger at the end though Peter- do we really have to wait a year to find out? 5 stars

Pretty much perfection I could write such a long list of justifications for this. The setting is original and brave, delving right into the heart of the Royal family and their Palaces, staffing, traditions and unique idiosyncratic ways. The research undertaken is so thorough it is actually sublime and you can really sit back and enjoy all the facts and background that Peter has obviously painstakingly undertaken to give everything a 100% authenticity. I feel I have learned a great deal, by proxy, plus have had my interest piqued in areas I had no idea would interest me.
The actual Police practice is spot on and the way they react with and the effect on their larger family life is also gratifyingly accurate. I particularly liked that Cleo added a couple of Roy’s favourite chocolates to his lunchbox without his knowing. It’s the little touches to get them through the day and so relatable.
The gore level is absolutely perfect, the worst bits being left to our imagination somewhat so we can self control that area, he doesn’t rely on shock factor as the storyline is intense and ingenious so doesn’t need any help.
The heart racing, edge of the seat moments are an intense adrenaline rush and expertly thrill an excite so the whole read is exhilarating.
The last line completely rocked my world after settling in to a cosy feel good ending. Great storytelling indeed. I actually can’t wait for the next book.

I feared I might not enjoy this as it features real people, the King and Queen. I'm not anti-royalist, but I do like my fiction, fictional. However, I really didn't need to worry as the author delivers another unputdownable read in the brilliant Roy Grace series.
While all the gang are here there is a very different feel to this as a lot of the action takes place away from the normal Brighton stomping ground this time in Buckingham Palace, but this also offers the reader a fascinating look at life in the Palace including the various departments and the Royal Collection. For someone who likes their fiction fictional, I spent a lot of time googling items in the collection too! Who knew what an Ibrahim dagger was? I do now!
However, as always, the heart of this book is another brilliantly researched good old murder mystery which of course Roy et al solve. Another engrossing read from this oh so talented master storyteller.

The Hawk Is Dead marks a significant new direction for Peter James and his beloved Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. It's a high-stakes, fast-paced thriller that pulls Grace out of his familiar Brighton setting and places him in the heart of the British establishment: Buckingham Palace. The novel has garnered considerable buzz for its unique premise and unprecedented access to the Royal Household.

Plot and Concept

The story begins with a truly shocking and cinematic event: the derailment of the Royal Train carrying Queen Camilla. This is followed minutes later by the fatal shooting of a trusted royal aide by a sniper. While the evidence points to a targeted assassination attempt on the Queen, D.S. Roy Grace is not convinced. He finds himself battling the skepticism of his colleagues and the Palace itself as he pursues his own investigation.

Grace’s pursuit of the truth leads him deep into the hidden world of Buckingham Palace, uncovering conspiracies and secrets that go far beyond the initial incident. When a second murder occurs, the stakes are raised, and Grace finds himself in a position of mortal danger, with the possibility of a public catastrophe looming.

Themes and Strengths

Palace Intrigue: The most exciting element of this book is its setting. Peter James is known for his meticulously researched police procedurals, and this book takes that to a new level by offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the Royal Household. Early reviews suggest that the details of palace life, from its hierarchy to its security protocols, are a key feature and make the story feel incredibly authentic.

High-Stakes Thriller: This is not a typical Brighton-based case for Grace. The potential for an international incident, coupled with a national security risk, elevates the tension to a fever pitch. The narrative is described as fast-paced and cinematic, with a gripping opening that immediately hooks the reader.

A New Side of Roy Grace: While Grace remains the compassionate, thorough detective readers know, his investigation in The Hawk Is Dead forces him to operate in a foreign and highly sensitive environment. This challenges his usual methods and puts him at odds with powerful forces, which is expected to provide a compelling character arc.

Endorsement by Royalty: A fun fact that has fueled the book's marketing is that Queen Camilla herself is a fan of the Roy Grace series. This connection has provided James with unique research opportunities and gives the book an extra layer of royal authenticity that no other crime novel can claim.

Overall Impression

For fans of Peter James and the Roy Grace series, The Hawk Is Dead is shaping up to be a must-read. It offers a fresh, intriguing premise that breathes new life into the long-running series. The blend of a classic police procedural with high-level royal intrigue is a winning combination. While some early readers noted that the extensive detail on palace life might occasionally slow down the action, the general consensus is that this is a captivating and unputdownable thriller.

It's expected to be a brilliant entry point for new readers as well, as the central mystery is a standalone case. Overall, The Hawk Is Dead promises to be a thrilling, twisty, and expertly crafted novel that lives up to Peter James's reputation as a master of crime fiction.

Roy Grace is facing his highest profile case to date. The Royal Train has been derailed in Sussex and a sniper has shot at the Queen,killing on of the Palace's senior aides.

As he investigates,he uncovers a conspiracy running deep within the Palace hierarchy.

The book started slowly but was soon going like a steam train (pun intended!) hurtling towards its conclusion.

I always have fun with a Roy Grace book and this is no exception!


I would like to thank Macmillan Publishing and
Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book