PETER James has spoken about what he sees as Brighton’s “criminal pedigree” as his new book is released.

James says that the city fits crime thrillers such as his Roy Grace novels and gives him a particularly rich backdrop to work against.

Ahead of his next entry into the series, Picture You Dead, the novelist has spoken about how important it is to have Brighton in his books in order to fully illustrate his relatable yet troubled protagonist.

James said: “If you wanted to design your perfect city as a criminal you would choose Brighton.

“I think Brighton lends itself for crime thrillers. I grew up in Brighton and it was quite a seedy place back in the 60s. I know that a lot of local people like that they recognise places as well.”

The Argus: Peter James, author of new book Picture You DeadPeter James, author of new book Picture You Dead (Image: Peter James)

James’s use of the Brighton setting in his Roy Grace stories is something that will be familiar both to readers and to viewers of the television adaptation of the novels, starring John Simm as the detective.

Having always been close to The Argus, from doing work experience as a youngster, and later shadowing crime reporters and even being guest editor, the author recounts how a battle with ITV over the use of real Brighton businesses in Grace led to the paper featuring in the show.

Brighton’s influence on James’s writing continues in the eighteenth entry into the detective thriller series which takes inspiration from a Saltdean art forger.

Elements of the text are based on David Henty, considered to be one of the best art forgers in the world who has seamlessly mirrored paintings by Picasso, Van Gogh and L.S. Lowry.

Henty, a good friend of James, picked up his trade while in prison and has since exhibited his forgeries.

The author said: “He discovered that he had a real talent for copying artists. The book involves this art forger who is David Henty in everything but name.”

From speaking with Henty, Peter adds how the artist can imitate artists to the point that world renowned experts would not be able to notice his forgery. These elements of the crime world become the focus of his latest novel.

The Argus: Painter David Henty, who elements of the book are based on (Image: Liz Finlayson)Painter David Henty, who elements of the book are based on (Image: Liz Finlayson)

The synopsis for Picture You Dead follows Freya and Harry Kipling who after looking to get a priceless painting forged “soon get caught up in the dubious dealings of the art world”. It is for Roy Grace to aid the couple who, after linking the painting to a cold case, worries for their safety.

For those who have read previous works in the series, the book builds on the complex, troubled character of the detective. For those meeting Roy Grace for the first time, James adds that readers will discover “a fantastic, fresh character who is a very human guy” and will be “immersed in a crime thriller world”.

Picture You Dead is released on Thursday, September 29, with James doing book signings across Sussex in the following days, including in City Books in Hove on the release day and Waterstones in Brighton on Friday, September 30.

Read exclusive extracts in The Argus printed newspaper all next week.