Crime enthusiasts and Peter James fans can look forward to more deadly cases and dangerous investigations as Pan Macmillan acquire rights for three further titles in the internationally bestselling Detective Superintendent Roy Grace Series. Associate Publisher Wayne Brookes concluded a seven-figure deal with Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann for World English Rights, with the first publishing in May 2020. The fourteenth book in the Brighton-based crime series, DEAD IF YOU DON’T, will publish on 17th May this year with his thrilling new standalone ABSOLUTE PROOF hitting shelves in October.

Peter James says: ‘I find it hard to believe that fifteen years have passed since David North and Geoff Duffield first spoke to my then agent, the late Carole Blake, asking her if I would ever consider writing a crime novel - and I am now starting the fifteenth! It is an immense thrill to be signing this deal for three further Roy Grace novels. Pan Macmillan is a terrific publishing house to be with, wonderfully professional, totally joined-up, and always, very crucially, huge fun! I love the challenges of keeping Roy Grace fresh and topical and know that I am very lucky to have so many great readers around the world, and such a wonderful publisher.’

Wayne Brookes says: ‘I cannot imagine a year without having Peter James and Team Roy Grace in my life. I have worked with Peter for eight years I could not be happier that our relationship is set to continue. Peter is a dream author and 2018 is set to be his biggest year yet. Not only do we have our 14th Roy Grace DEAD IF YOU DON'T hitting the shelves in May, but we also have Peter's biggest standalone novel to date, ABSOLUTE PROOF coming out in October. DEAD IF YOU DON'T also heralds the beginning of a whole new re-package for the Roy Grace backlist.'

Anthony Forbes Watson says: "Peter has created an extraordinarily textured and rich world around Roy Grace and the underside of Brighton, which resonates ever more deeply with every book he writes in this magnificent series. I'm thrilled to be able to look forward to three more - and long may this story continue!"

Jeremy Trevathan says: ‘I’m delighted to be continuing this terrific partnership between a wonderfully creative author and a proud publisher. The development of Peter James and the Roy Grace novels is something we cherish hugely at Pan Mac and I can’t wait for us the reveal the next stage in the Peter James story’.

Isobel Dixon says: ‘I vividly remember Carole sharing the stunning plot set-up for DEAD SIMPLE, the first Roy Grace title, and how we did deal after international deal thereafter. From that gasp-out-loud moment, Peter has never ceased to surprise and entertain, and Macmillan have been brilliant in their strategy and support. It’s a great pleasure to close this deal for a trio of new Roy Grace titles for Peter: I know we have a thrilling time ahead with Wayne Brookes and the team, with our shared ambition for this exceptional series.’

DEAD IF YOU DON’T, Peter’s new Roy Grace is published in May by Macmillan with rights in the series sold in dozens of international markets. Peter’s next standalone thriller, ABSOLUTE PROOF, has also been snapped up by international publishers and is released by Macmillan in the UK in October.

Peter James is one of the UK’s most treasured crime and thriller novelists. He has won numerous awards for his gripping crime novels, including the coveted 2016 CWA Diamond Dagger for sustained excellence, and an Honorary Platinum Award at the Specsavers Bestseller Awards, powered by Nielsen Book. He was publicly voted by WH Smith – Britain's biggest book selling chain – The Best Crime Author of All Time. The Roy Grace detective novels have sold over 19 million copies worldwide and are now published in 37 territories. The best-selling detective series has dominated the charts, with 12 consecutive Sunday Times No.1s. His last Roy Grace NEED YOU DEAD went straight in at No. 1 in the paperback bestseller charts in October 2017 and stayed in the top 10 for nine weeks.

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Praise for Peter James:

‘As with all Peter James novels, it is not just an individual cop or storyline that impresses but the excellence of the ensemble’ — The Times

‘Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business’ — Lee Child

‘Peter James is one of the most fiendishly clever crime fiction plotters.’ — The Daily Mail

‘Fast-paced and gripping...’ — Jessica Hamzelou, New Scientist