Dead Man's Grip

Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is at the maternity ward with his fiancé, Cleo, when he gets a call from his DS Glenn Branson about a possible hit and run fatality.  The driver of the articulated lorry has been driving over his hour limit, the driver of the car breathes over the limit and the white van, which hit the young cyclist has disappeared.

At the first briefing of Grace's investigation team, they learn that the victim is the son of a New York mafioso.  At the second briefing, it is determined that Carly Chase, the driver of the car had not hit the cyclist.  After the meeting Grace meets with an angry ACC Rigg, who shows him a news article wherein the mother of the cyclist offers $100 000 for the identity of the driver of the white van.  Once again, Grace is sure that there is an insider in the police providing a newspaperman with information.

When the driver of the van and the van end upside down in the water, Grace wonders if the driver's dead man's grip on the steering wheel is truly the result of a suicide.  Shortly after this, another body turns up in a fish plant freezer.  This time it is the driver of the articulated lorry involved in the accident.  Grace sends Branson to tell Carly Chase that her life may be in danger, too because of these two deaths.  The police are prepared to put her and her son into protective custody.

Carly decides to go to New York to meet with the mother of the cyclist, and there is nothing Grace can do to stop her.  Will Carly's trip alleviate the situation, or make it worse?

Author Peter James' latest novel starring Roy Grace is fast paced and full of action.  It was hard to put down.  I thoroughly enjoyed the read.