I've got all Peter James's books. I've met him many times as he lives locally and is often seen around the town and surrounding areas. If you want to start with the "dead" series, the ones about Roy Grace, then start at the beginning. The first one was Dead Simple and was really gripping. That was the one that got me hooked.
I agree about Peter Robinson's Insp Banks books. They, too, are excellent. Yes, Stephen Tompkinson was totally wrong in the part as was Ken Stott as Rebus. I always saw Ken Stott more in the role of Insp Bobby Hogan.
I've just discovered Stephen Leather and am now a bit hooked on those books as well.
I've recently got through a John Grisham phase and read a whole load of his books. All of them very good, but, a bit "American" for my taste, spelling etc... Still excellent reading though.