The Hawk Is Dead cover art

The Hawk Is Dead

Roy Grace Returns In This Royally Pulse-Pounding Crime Thriller From The Multimillion-Copy Bestselling Author

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The Hawk Is Dead

By: Peter James
Narrated by: Daniel Weyman
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About this listen

Read by Daniel Weyman (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) and featuring an author's note read by Peter James

'What a fool I've been not to have read Peter James until The Hawk Is Dead! A great story' – James Patterson, bestselling author of the Alex Cross series

Roy Grace never dreamed a murder investigation would take him deep into Buckingham Palace . . .

Her Majesty, Queen Camilla, is aboard the Royal Train heading to a charity event in Sussex when disaster strikes – the train is derailed.

A tragic accident or a planned attack?

When, minutes later, a trusted aide is shot dead by a sniper, the police have their answer.

Despite all the evidence, Roy Grace is not convinced The Queen was the intended target. But he finds himself alone in his suspicions.

Fighting against the scepticism of his colleagues and the Palace itself, Grace pursues his own investigation. But when there is a second murder, the stakes rise even higher, and Grace is at risk of being embroiled in a very public catastrophe – and in mortal danger.

Failure at this level is not an option. But time is running out before a killer in the Palace will strike again . . .

Roy Grace is back with his most difficult case yet in the gripping new instalment from number one bestselling author Peter James.

You can listen to Peter James discussing the Roy Grace series with Her Majesty Queen Camilla on The Queen's Reading Room podcast.

*****

23 million books sold.

Now a major ITV/BritBox show starring John Simm as Roy Grace.

Creator of Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s favourite fictional detective.

‘A great story’ – James Patterson, bestselling author of the Alex Cross series

'Fast-paced and gripping, I couldn’t put it down!' – Alexandra Potter, bestselling author of the Confessions of a Forty-Something series

'Classic Peter James' – Rachel Abbott, bestselling author of the DCI Tom Douglas series

'A right royal page-turner' – Angela Rippon, award-winning broadcaster

'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 series

'Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business' – Karin Slaughter, bestselling author of the Will Trent series

'One of the world’s most popular detective series' – The Guardian

 Crime Thrillers Mystery Police Procedurals Suspense Thriller & Suspense Royalty Crime Murder

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Critic reviews

What a fool I’ve been not to have read Peter James until The Hawk is Dead. A great story (James Patterson, bestselling author of the Alex Cross series)
I’ve never read a detective novel before but what better place to start than this thumping new thriller from Peter James . . . Fast-paced and gripping, I couldn’t put it down! (Alexandra Potter, bestselling author of Confessions of a Forty-Something)
The Hawk Is Dead is classic Peter James, combining the trademark intricate plotting of his acclaimed Roy Grace series with a fascinating, behind-the-scenes exploration of life within the royal household (Rachel Abbott, bestselling author of the Tom Douglas series)
Roy Grace swaps Brighton for Buck House to unravel a conspiracy of murder, revenge and betrayal. It all makes for a right royal page-turner (Angela Rippon, award-winning broadcaster)
Endlessly fascinating, riveting and wildly entertaining! For the Anglophiles among us, a must-read (Tess Gerritsen, bestselling author of the Rizzoli & Isles series)
The Hawk Is Dead is classic Peter James, combining the trademark intricate plotting of his acclaimed Roy Grace series with a fascinating, behind-the-scenes exploration of life within the royal household. (Rachel Abbott, author of Whatever It Takes)
A majestic treat!
An utterly compelling thriller, this is James at his masterful best - one of the best writers around
Packed with detail about the workings of the modern monarchy, the plot thunders along, underlining just how consummate a crime novelist James is
One of the world's most popular detective series
All stars
Most relevant
Loved the story line, the detailed description of the Royal household & great to be back with Roy Grace & Branson. Looking forward to the next one as the final episode did suggest. The narration was even better than usual - if that’s possible! Thank you

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, as all in the Grace series. Fantastic narration by Daniel as always

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As always, Peter James did not disappoint.
I have been reading and listening to the Roy Grace series for what feels like many years, and until now, it would have been impossible for me to choose a favourite. This latest book is definitely the one!

I have visited Buckingham Palace at least four times, and on my last visit, I had the pleasure of seeing the newly renovated East Wing, which is truly beautiful. The Chinese Room was still undergoing renovation, but we were fortunate enough to see it despite the ongoing work. The craftsmanship on the ceiling was particularly impressive, their attention to detail was remarkable.

The rooms are absolutely stunning; you could happily spend hours in each one, admiring every intricate feature. So, when listening to the descriptions in the book - especially of the room with the secret doorway, I could vividly visualise it, as well as many of the other rooms mentioned.

What a fantastic idea to incorporate the Palace and the Royal Family into this wonderful story!

Thank you so much.

My favourite so far!

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I’m going to be honest i thought it would be a bit cheesy but thankfully it was another classic Roy Grace novel. Superbly written and narrated.
Peter is right up there at the top of a rich seam of great crime writers from across the British Isles, how blessed are we.

Peter does it again!

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I have always enjoyed this series, but this episode is particularly inspired … very entertaining.
Well narrated

Very entertaining

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I liked everything about this new story with Roy Grace and his team. Queen Camila under threat, or is she? Royal aid murdered, the train disrailed.
Theft on a huge scale at the Palace.
Twists and turns throughout.
Peter James is a great writer, looking forward to the next one in the series.

Royal theme for Roy !

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I always eagerly anticipate the next Roy Grace book. This one has disappointed me however. I knew from the beginning that it was not for me but I was determined to finish.
I am a supporter of the Monarchy but this was too much. In fact the deference and titles were quite off putting.

I rushed through it so it would be over

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I have always enjoyed the Roy Grace series (and Peter James’s other books) immensely and always pre-order the latest one with keen anticipation. However on this occasion I was sorely disappointed. The plot dragged on and lacked pace. However the worst part was the obsequious and sycophantic portrayal of the Royals. In particular, Camilla was portrayed as a virtual paragon, nay saint. Is there no limit to this woman’s virtues? Kind, compassionate, courageous, clever, devoted to her duty, so hard working, wry sense of humour, etc etc etc. The odd affectionate dig at King Charles (presumably a bit of an in joke between P D James & Queen C). There was too much time sucking up to the royals and not enough time on the plot, or the roles of other characters. I found this hugely off putting . I hope Peter James gets his knighthood out of this but unfortunately I just couldn’t read more than half way through.

Couldn’t finish it

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Have read/listened to the full series and really enjoy most of the books but this feels like Peter James learned a new word and can’t stop using it!

Part way through and sick of hearing the word Hypothesis

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Excellent storyline and so much detail !
Have loved every one of Peter James’s books but this stands out
If you are new to his books.. this is a wonderful example of a great crime writer
You will not be disappointed

One of the best!

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In the beginning I found this quite slow however I kept listening and so glad I did. It gets better and better. Delighted Roy Grace is back in the main part. A much better novel than Peter James previous and one of his best. Plot is so believable, and characters so real. Plot keeps you thinking. Story compliments Queen Camilla. It’s one I will read again. Highly recommend.

Roy Grace is back!

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