Reviews

Dead Simple by Peter James

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anneduff's review against another edition

1.0

"Why use 1 word when 6 will do" seems to be the order of the day with this book!! I have never come across such a wordy book before. It started out so well but, sadly, the 1st chapter is the best chapter. From about 17% in I began skipping pages, then 10 pages, then 5%! It became apparent I'd missed nothing important. I only 'finished' it because this book had been recommended by a friend and I felt duty bound to get to the end.
I'm glad it's over! And btw, it was over so suddenly - completely out of character with the rest of the book.
This book has made me angry!

marleens's review against another edition

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adventurous tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Listened to this on audio over 2 days. It was a very quick one to get through and read like an action movie. I enjoyed the plot a lot and the way we knew most of the different sides through different POVs. The claustrophobic scenes of the trapped victim were particularly well done. The big downside to the book was the sexism and chauvinism of the police officer that is the main character. His reactions and thoughts about every woman he meets, comments on how attractive they are and whether or not they are flirting with him. At the same time we are supposed to buy his tragic backstory about the love of his life gone missing. If it wasn’t for the MC this would have been a 4 star.

therhinelady's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

marco5599's review

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2.0

Disappointing. Despite a strong opening. Great case, with the prank gone wrong and everything. Something that makes your blood pump. Boil even at times. That Davey, man. I know he can't help it, but I wanted to strangle him too. And there's the couple that tries to take advantage of the situation.

Deliciously detestable, these two. They really deserve each other. I also liked their tendency to come up with rash and careless decisions. After all, ordinary people do dumb things when certain feelings take the upper hand. And they make mistakes under pressure. Made sense to me.

Roy Grace isn't my kind of detective though. Time is of the essence here, but you can't tell based on this guy's actions. Someone might be choking, he's busy dating. Sure, that has something to do with his -here we go again- trauma and all, I get it, but it's all so cliché. So overly pathetic.

Sure didn't help making me care for the Royster, if that was the intention. Which I'm pretty sure it was. Wasn't very fond of his partner either. Someone who cracks the same (age) jokes over and over again. Ugh. His love for cinema rapidly becomes annoying as well. And I love cinema.

The story derailed for me when it comes up with a ridiculous turn of events. When another person tries to take advantage of the situation. What this guy does, how he acts, who he is; downright laughable. Couldn't buy into any of it anymore. Total waste of an exciting starting point if you ask me.

mmk4725's review

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4.0

I got hooked to this book right away. About mid-way through I was starting to get bored. The author then threw in a twist to keep me reading. Well, he threw in a couple of twists.

This is the first book in a series, so I look forward to reading the series.