Kindle
$5.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$2.96
Paperback
$8.22
Kindle Price: $5.99

Save $9.00 (60%)

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $17.99

Save: $8.00 (44%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Peter James
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Perfect People Kindle Edition

by Peter James (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 5,008 ratings
See all formats and editions

A couple desperate to have a child consider one unsettling option in this thriller by the #1 international bestselling author of the Roy Grace series.

After the tragic loss of their young son to a rare genetic disorder, John and Naomi discover they both carry a rogue gene. Having another child by conventional means is too much risk to bear.

When they find geneticist Dr Leo Dettore it seems like the answer to their prayers. Every aspect of the child can be chosen and manufactured, from height and eye color to intelligence and sporting prowess. But realizing the danger too late, Naomi is already pregnant when they understand the nightmare world they are entering . . . 

Praise for Perfect People: 

“Peter James’s clever page-turner Perfect People focuses not on the past but risks for the future.” —The Times 

“As ever, James writes beautifully, maintaining the pace with short, punchy chapters. But it’s his firm grasp of the moral issues surrounding designer babies that makes Perfect People so satisfying—and so unsettling.” —The Guardian 

“James has produced a suitably breathless fan-pleaser about accelerating evolution.” —The Daily Telegraph

“The ending is so horrifyingly scary that I was unable to sleep properly for several nights.” —The Mail on Sunday

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    508 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Canelo USA
  5. Publication date
    September 9, 2019
  6. File size
    1325 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Peter James's clever page-turner Perfect People focuses not on the past but risks for the future.' The Times

'As ever, James writes beautifully, maintaining the pace with short, punchy chapters. But it's his firm grasp of the moral issues surrounding designer babies that makes Perfect People so satisfying – and so unsettling.' Guardian

'James has produced a suitably breathless fan-pleaser about accelerating evolution.' Daily Telegraph

'The ending is so horrifyingly scary that I was unable to sleep properly for several nights.' Mail on Sunday

"Perfect People is quite possibly the perfect book. . .  the only reason I actually brought this was because I am a Roy Grace fan. Had the book been written by somebody else, I may have given it a wide berth. . . .  The writing was brilliant, the tension high and the underlying `horrible feeling' I had didn't leave me all through the book. . . .  This is normally not the sort of book that I would read, but am truly grateful I did." —Crime Thriller Hound

--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

About the Author

Peter James was educated at Charterhouse then at film school. He lived in North America for a number of years, working as a screenwriter and film producer before returning to England. His novels, including the Sunday times Number One bestselling Roy Grace series have been translated into thirty-four languages, with world sales of 11 million copies, and three have been filmed. All his novels reflect his deep interest in the world of the police, with whom he does in-depth research, as well as science, medicine and the paranormal. He has also produced numerous films, including The Merchant of Venice, starring Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons and Joseph Fiennes. He divides his time between his homes in Notting Hill, London and near Brighton in Sussex. Visit his website at www.peterjames.com. Or follow him on Twitter @peterjamesuk Or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/peterjames.roygrace --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BLGQZL2F
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Canelo USA (September 9, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1325 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 508 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 5,008 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Peter James

Peter James

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Peter James is a UK No.1 bestselling author, best known for his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, now a hit ITV drama starring John Simm as the troubled Brighton copper.

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.

To date, Peter has written an impressive total of 19 Sunday Times No. 1s, sold over 21 million copies worldwide and been translated into 38 languages. His books are also often adapted for the stage – the most recent being Looking Good Dead.

Visit Peter James www.peterjames.com

Follow Peter on Instagram > @peterjamesuk

Follow Peter on Twitter > @peterjamesuk

Follow Peter on Facebook > www.facebook.com/peterjames.roygrace

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
5,008 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

gelatojunky
5.0 out of 5 stars "It's like playing Russian Roulette with technology"
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2013
Verified Purchase
This book got me on the very first page and didn't stop till the end, which brought tears to my eyes and a bit of sadness to my heart.
This is the type of book I would enjoy reading every day! It had intrigue, interest, emotional and ethical issues throughout the entire story. It made me question life as we know it and life as we imagine it might be but most of all it made me question the out come of altering people's genetic make-up for what appears to be good with out considering what may come up as years go by and find what was supposed to be good and positive actually being a step that ONLY Mother Nature should take.
Helpful
 Report
Alyssa RM
4.0 out of 5 stars Solid mystery with light sci-fi features.
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2017
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this book. It's not a literary masterpiece, but it terms of a solid scifi mystery, it hit the mark. Certain aspects were predictable, but what I loved was the character development, and the way the story twisted and turned. It was definitely worth a read if you're a mystery fan. While it crosses a little bit into sci-fi, it is mostly grounded in our world, which I actually enjoyed. Only pitfall, there were certain side plots that seemed a little unnecessary. I honestly skimmed those specific chapters with the "extra" characters.
Helpful
 Report
Sharon Bermuda
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely excellent
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2016
Verified Purchase
This is my second book by this author and I am entirely hooked. I bought Possession in a second hand store and loved it so much that I searched for the author in my kindle and wow I'm glad I did. Like possession this book is unique, thought provoking, thrilling and quite simply, excellent. The premise is fascinating and the characters were so well written that I felt entirely connected to them. I highly recommend this author and the two books mentioned here. I'm off to buy more.
Helpful
 Report
Critique god
3.0 out of 5 stars so so
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2013
Verified Purchase
Right out of the gate, there was a plot hole . When the father of the designer children spilled the beans to a reporter, why couldn't he have done "damage control"? For instance, he could have told the truth. Him and his wife just wanted to eradicate a deadly disease from their children, and that does not make them designer children? Something that simple. But this plot hole blew my suspension of disbelief. Yes this is sci fi thriller genre, but there has to be some reality to keep up the suspension of disbelief . Also, I found that people who were in fear of their lives were very naive about taking safety measures. I mean, other parents and children were being killed, but they just bought a simple security system that can be disabled very easily? So, huh?

I gave this three stars because the idea, theme, plot, were very good, but the plot holes, of which I gave only a couple of examples, were pretty bad. Also, the ending left really, no answers as to what had happened. This I found very discouraging. This plot could have really developed into something special. Too bad the author didn't take it there. I would not recommend it too a friend.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Sue O'Donnell
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2023
Verified Purchase
I’ve never read a book like this. What an incredible imaginative this author has. Well worth your time to read it.
Helpful
 Report
Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars What would you do???
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2013
Verified Purchase
Loved the premise of the story and the style of writing. The author brings you into the lives of the main characters and keeps you wondering what you would do in their situation - which is something I love about reading a good book. However, the ending is such a disappointment because it does not follow with the rest of the book. Can't say more without spoiling it!
Helpful
 Report
gary Ling
5.0 out of 5 stars genetically made perfect children story
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2014
Verified Purchase
If you are into this stuff this book is excellent.. The characters seem real and the story isn't overly complex, all about a couple wanting to have child free of certain genetic problems and getting some help - and it goes on from there with the differing sides for and against etc. It was definitely one of those books that keep you wanting to get to the end and I ended up sitting up half the night to finish it. It has a good ending and overall you find all your emotions at work. Well worth it.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Mariana Blair
5.0 out of 5 stars truly chilling
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2013
Verified Purchase
I couldn't put this book down.. this is the first time I have read a book by this author and it won't be my last time. Some people might think this book is a little out there but I don't think so...... messing around with genetics can be a dangerous thing.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Written Path
5.0 out of 5 stars Are designer babies better?
Reviewed in India on March 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
This novel addresses the complex issue of genetically modifying humans. While this might become common in the distant future, the author very rightly brings out the cons of doing this kind of manipulating. I found the designer babies in this book to be know-it-all twats with too much intelligence and looks but not enough humanity. Maybe, that is exactly what the author wanted to convey - that unless it is to find cures for diseases, tinkering with genes should only be left to God. Definitely not to scientists with a God complex like Leo Dettore has in this book. Does he manage to give John and Naomi perfect twins? Read the book!!!
Report
Ann Oliver
5.0 out of 5 stars One of his best
Reviewed in Canada on March 8, 2020
Verified Purchase
Had trouble putting the book down.
Report
Nathalie Rossi
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in France on April 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
Brilliant book. Recommended by a friend, not my usual read, but definitely a page turner. Really makes you think, if that's where humanity is heading...
Report
Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Read it
Reviewed in Italy on January 28, 2017
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed it very much. It was an interesting and gripping thriller. Every page I turned there was a spectacular twist and I had to finish it. I basically devoured it in three days.
Report
Andreas Schrems
5.0 out of 5 stars atemberaubend
Reviewed in Germany on March 25, 2014
Verified Purchase
Ein etwas anderer Thriller von Peter James. Nicht so actiongeladen, keine übertrieben raffiniert verwobenen Handlungsstränge - dafür sehr ausführlich geschildertes Szenario von dem "Möglichkeiten" gentechnischer Optimierung ... mit überraschendem Ende. Wer sich über recht viele Seiten den Gedanken James' zum Thema Gentechnik öffnen kann und mag dürfte an diesem Buch seinen Spaß haben - wer eher auf Action und thrillermäßige Spannung steht könnte eher enttäuscht sein.
2 people found this helpful
 Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report