Best-selling author Peter James has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in His Majesty The King’s 2026 Birthday Honours List, in recognition of his services to literature and to charity.
Best known for his DSI Roy Grace series, now a hit ITV drama, Peter James is the #1 bestselling author of over 40 novels, including 21 Sunday Times Number One bestsellers, which have been translated into 38 languages. He has sold over 23 million copies worldwide. 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.
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.
Peter is a supporter of many of charities reflecting his concerns and interests, including as Co-Patron of the Sussex Police Charitable Trust, which supports Sussex Police officers, staff, special constables, pensioners and dependant family members in their hour of need; as a patron of the RSPCA, the Samaritans, as an ambassador for The Reading Agency and as an ambassador for the National Year of Reading 2026, among many others.
Peter James says: ‘I was surprised, delighted beyond words and felt both thrilled and humbled by the news that I was being awarded an OBE. I also shed a tear, wishing my parents were still alive to see this, and knowing how proud they would have been - they were always so supportive.’
Lucy Hale, Managing Director of Pan says: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to see Peter James recognised with an OBE in The King’s Birthday Honours list. Peter is one of the reigning legends of UK crime fiction, and this prestigious honour is a richly deserved testament to his services to literature. For decades, Peter has been a towering fixture on the bestseller lists, capturing the imaginations of millions of readers worldwide. From his phenomenal DSI Roy Grace series, to his tally of more than 40 awards, Peter’s impact on the literary landscape is immeasurable. Everyone at Pan is immensely proud to publish him, and we join his millions of fans in celebrating this fantastic milestone.’
Isobel Dixon, Managing Director of Blake Friedmann Literary Agency says: ‘At Blake Friedmann, we are delighted that Peter James has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list, an honour so richly deserved. Working closely with him over many years, the whole team is in awe of his prodigious energy – energy poured not just into his widely acclaimed and internationally bestselling books, but also shared in his support of many charitable causes, and with a passionate focus on bringing more people to reading. We are so proud of his extraordinary achievements and his spirit, generosity and commitment are a true inspiration.’
Peter James has just announced the title of his next Roy Grace novel, DEAD IN THREE TWO ONE, which will be published in hardback by Pan Macmillan in October 2026.
Praise for Peter James
‘Superior plotting and edge-of-the-seat suspense.’ – The Guardian
‘Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business’ – Karin Slaughter
‘A master plotter who cunningly tunes into contemporary concerns. Peter James cannot fail to thrill.’ – Daily Mail
‘Memorable characters and nail-biting tension.’ – Kathy Reichs
‘Peter James creates a world we can smell, touch and feel for his Brighton detective Inspector Roy Grace.’ – The Times
‘Probably the closest we’ll get to a British Stephen King’ – The Financial Times
‘With echoes of Thomas Harris, the closer analogue is to Jeffrey Deaver’s clock-racing thrillers… James delivers the goods.’ – Kirkus Reviews
‘James just gets better and better and deserves the success he has achieved with this first-class series.’ – Independent on Sunday
Visit Peter’s website.