Book cover for Perfect People by Peter James

Perfect People

2011 Released
400 Pages
8-9 Hours
Audiobook Unavailable
Paperback Unavailable
Hardback Unavailable
Macmillan UKISBN 9780230763050

*Now with a brand new introduction from the multimillion-copy bestselling author Peter James*

Perfect People is a compelling and thought-provoking thriller from bestselling author Peter James.


John and Naomi are grieving the death of their four-year-old son from a rare genetic disorder. They desperately want another child, but, when they find out they are both carriers of a rogue gene, they realize the odds of their next child contracting the same disease are very high.

Then they hear about geneticist Doctor Leo Dettore. He has methods that can spare them the heartache of ever losing another child to any disease – even if his methods cost more than they can afford. But surely a healthy child is worth all the money in the world?

His clinic is where their nightmare begins.

They should have realized that something was wrong when they saw the list. Choices of eye colour, hair, sporting ability. They can literally design their child. Is this what they really wanted? Now it’s too late to turn back. Naomi is pregnant and already she knows something is very wrong . . .

'Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business' Karin Slaughter

'Another stonking story from the master of the craft' Daily Express

Peter James

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.

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