Peter James, Denial

I never used to be a big book reader; instead I was more of a magazine reader. I subscribed to many magazines, and then they just got thrown. Now however I have discovered the joy of books, and after you've read them you can pass them on or sell them at car boots.

My first book by Peter James was called Faith (see review), and it got me hooked, it was the type of book you just couldn't put down. The second of my Peter James books that I have read was called 'Denial'.

Denial tells the tale of a man whose mother is a fading actress-Thomas Lamark. His mother Gloria starred in film with the likes of Clark Gable and her house is a shrine to her stardom: Filled to the brim with pictures of her in her starring roles.

Thomas doesn't know his father, but adores his mother! His mother is not your run of the mill mother, she belittles him, and shares his bath, and plays with his choo-choo. Later in his life girls laugh when he asks them to play with his choo-choo. He takes her breakfast and his mother is pleased. Thomas has been told all his life that he's 'not right in the head', from his mother, and he has always had a 'quick off the mark temper'.

When his mother apparently commits suicide Thomas is distraught

The funeral is advertised in the national papers, and more but her legion of so called fans must all be busy. Thomas is furious that no one turns up to his beloved mother's funeral, and sets about on his revenge campaign.

A young reporter - Justin Flowering is sent to cover the fading film stars funeral from a local paper - no national bother. But unaware of whom Thomas is-begins a conversation with him. It soon becomes very clear Thomas's mother was not held in the esteem [by the reporter] he feels she should have been. Thomas seeks revenge.

First on his list is a young female editor: years ago she refused to publish his mother's biography which he had written. She goes missing, no one can find a reason for her disappearance, no one has sighted her - she has simply vanished.

Next on the list is the young reporter who laughed at his mother's funeral, but his ultimate goal is his mother Psychiatrist- one doctor Michael Tennent.

Doctor Tennent has a new girlfriend who goes missing, and so begins the search by Doctor Michael Tennent to find his new love.

His search takes him into the sadistic world of Thomas Lamark and his torturing and killing-but will he find his true love before Thomas Lamark carries out his delicate operation on her .

I have found that Peter James is an excellent writer, and with his stories based in the UK and written in a way that has twists and turns at every corner - they are thoroughly enjoyable. Furthermore his writing is totally believable. Peter James is obviously well educated and writes thriller books second to none. Once I start reading his books I simply find the only way I can put them down is by falling asleep!

Twists and turns all the way through ensure you simply can't leave the book alone. A final twist at the end is fairly predictable and even I guessed it.

Who does Peter James appeal to? My guess would be any adult who enjoys suspense books. My wife enjoys his writing, and he is by far my favourite author that I have read.

Overall:

Denial is a book full of suspense and thrills without having too much explicit gore or unnecessary sex. Peter James has created another fine work or art. The book doesn't swerve from anything but exciting, and is a must read for any one who likes thriller/suspense. Peter James has been likened to Britain's Stephen King. A couple of his books have been made into movies/TV.

Highly recommended

ISBN: 0752826883

Price £5.99

Other books by Peter James include: Faith, Alchemist and the truth