They Thought I Was Dead: Sandy's Story

'One of the best British crime writers, and therefore one of the best in the world' - Lee Child Peter James, the number one multimillion-copy bestselling author of the Grace series, returns with a thrilling new novel: a Roy Grace story told from a different perspective. Some will know how it begins . . . My name is Sandy. My husband is Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. But when I disappeared, even he couldn't find me. This is my story. There's more to Sandy than meets the eye. A woman with a dubious past, a complicated present and an uncertain future. Then she was gone. Some will think they know how it ends . . . Her disappearance caused a nationwide search. Even the best detective on the force couldn't find her. They thought she was dead. But nobody knows this . . . Where did she go? Why did she run? What would cause a woman to leave her whole life behind and simply vanish? For the first time, the truth behind Sandy Grace's dramatic disappearance is revealed. They Thought I Was Dead will thrill fans and new readers alike with its gripping account of a woman on the run. This is Sandy's story. * 23 million books sold. Creator of Her Majesty Queen Camilla's favourite fictional detective. 'One of the best crime writers in the business' - Karin Slaughter, author of the Will Trent series. 'This is the one I've been waiting for. And it's a masterpiece of suspense. I quite literally couldn't put it down - even when I was supposed to be doing other things . . .' - Barbara Erskine, author of The Dream Weavers 'Typically, They Thought I Was Dead is a brilliantly fast-paced thriller with more twists and turns than a Tour de France descent. No doubt it'll be eagerly read by fans' - Daily Express 'One of the world's most popular detective series' - The Guardian

PETER JAMES is a UK No.1 bestselling author, best known for his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series. Much loved by crime and thriller fans for his fast-paced page-turners full of unexpected plot twists, sinister characters, and accurate portrayal of modern day policing, he has won over 40 awards for his work including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award and Crime Writers' Association Diamond Dagger. In 2024, it was announced that he is the creator of Her Majesty Queen Camilla's favourite fictional detective. To date, Peter has written an impressive total of 21 Sunday Times No. 1s, sold over 24 million copies worldwide and been translated into 38 languages. ITV's primetime adaptation of the Grace novels, starring John Simm, continues to delight audiences with significant ratings growth, and series seven is currently in production. On stage seven of Peter's Grace novels have been adapted as plays, earning his work the reputation of being the most successful stage franchise since Agatha Christie. In 2026, Peter was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours List, in recognition of his services to literature and to charity. Peter is a supporter of many of charities reflecting his concerns and interests, including as Co-Patron of the Sussex Police Charitable Trust; as a Patron of the RSPCA and the Samaritans; and as an ambassador for The Reading Agency and for the National Year of Reading 2026, among many others.