Peter James’s THE HAWK IS DEAD flies high!

THE HAWK IS DEAD, the highly anticipated 21st novel in Peter James’s internationally bestselling Roy Grace series, was published on 21st October by Pan Macmillan in the UK and US. THE HAWK IS DEAD jumped straight to Number 3 in the bestseller charts after five days on sale with a close to 25% increase in sales compared to last year’s Roy Grace, ONE OF US IS DEAD. 

Ahead of publication, THE HAWK IS DEAD was praised by the likes of James Patterson who said ‘‘What a fool I’ve been not to have read Peter James until THE HAWK IS DEAD… I have no idea if this is the best Roy Grace thriller, but it’s most definitely a great story’, Alexandra Potter at Stylist who said ‘Fast-paced and gripping, I couldn’t put it down!’, and more (see below).

The publication campaign saw Peter embark on an extensive tour across the UK, taking part in radio and podcast interviews, book signings, Q&As, meet and greets, a TV appearance on BBC Breakfast and 5 News, and festival appearances at Jersey Festival of Words, The Queen’s Reading Room Festival at Chatsworth and Cranbrook Literary Festival, among others. The campaign culminated in celebrations at three separate launches in London (at Hatchards Picadilly, where Peter was interviewed by Angela Rippon), on Grace ‘home turf’ in Brighton and in Jersey.

At dozens of book store and supermarket events, scores of fans queued to have their copies of THE HAWK IS DEAD signed. You can catch up on Peter’s podcast interviews on Murder Junction, Quick Book Reviews, Shelf Life and Spectator – The Book Club as well as his radio feature on BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live with Adrian Chiles.

Peter also reflected on 20 bestselling years of the Roy Grace series in a feature in The Bookseller, and sat down for an interview with Rebecca English for the Daily Mail, which also serialised the novel ahead of publication. And there’s plenty more book and launch content on Peter’s Instagram!

In THE HAWK IS DEAD, Her Majesty, Queen Camilla, is aboard the Royal Train heading to a charity event in Sussex when disaster strikes – the train is derailed. A tragic accident or a planned attack? When, minutes later, a trusted aide is shot dead by a sniper, the police have their answer.

Despite all the evidence, Roy Grace is not convinced The Queen was the intended target. But he finds himself alone in his suspicions. Fighting against the scepticism of his colleagues and the Palace itself, Grace pursues his own investigation. But when there is a second murder, the stakes rise even higher, and Grace is at risk of being embroiled in a very public catastrophe – and in mortal danger.

Failure at this level is not an option. But time is running out before a killer in the Palace will strike again…

The Roy Grace series is also a huge hit on TV; fans can catch series five of GRACE on ITVX, starring John Simm and Richie Campbell. The opening episode achieved average viewing figures of 3 million, surpassing ITV1’s slot average of 2.6 million viewers. The much-loved series will return for Series Six in 2026.

Peter is currently writing the next novel in the Roy Grace series.

About Peter James

Peter James is a New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author best known for his crime thrillers featuring Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, who Queen Camilla recently named as her favourite fictional detective.

Praised by critics and 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 more than 40 awards for his work, including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award and the Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger. His books have sold over 23 million copies worldwide, achieved 21 Sunday Times No.1s, and have been translated into 38 languages.

His Roy Grace novels are currently filming their 6th season for the hit ITV drama, Grace, starring John Simm as the troubled Brighton copper and available to view on ITVX and on Britbox. Seven of his novels have been adapted into hit stage plays. His plays have been named as ‘the most successful stage franchise since Agatha Christie’.

Praise for THE HAWK IS DEAD

‘What a fool I’ve been not to have read Peter James until THE HAWK IS DEAD. Anyway, I have no idea if this is the best Roy Grace thriller, but it’s most definitely a great story.’ – James Patterson

‘THE HAWK IS DEAD is classic Peter James, combining the trademark intricate plotting of his acclaimed Roy Grace series with a fascinating, behind-the-scenes exploration of life within the royal household.’ – Rachel Abbott

‘The pages turn themselves in James’ series’ – Anna Bonet, the i newspaper, ‘The best new crime and thriller books to read in October 2025’

‘I’d never read a detective novel before, but what better place to start than this thumping new thriller from Peter James? A murder investigation sends him deep into Buckingham Palace when Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s train is derailed, and her trusted aide is shot dead by a sniper. Fast-paced and gripping, I couldn’t put it down!’ – Alexandra Potter, Stylist

‘Packed with detail about the workings of the modern monarchy, the plot thunders along, underlining just how consummate a crime novelist James is.’ – Geoffrey Wansell, The Daily Mail

‘An utterly compelling thriller, this is James at his masterful best – one of the best writers around.’ – Jonathan Whitelaw, The Sun, ‘Pick of The Week’

Visit Peter’s website.

Follow him on BlueSky and Instagram. 

BOUND BY FIRE by Elli J. Morrigan storms the Audible charts

BOUND BY FIRE, the first in Elli J. Morrigan’s Ashen Crown series, has performed tremendously well since its publication in August. First published by Audible in Germany it was No.1 in the German Fantasy as well as the Most Popular/Most Listened Audible charts. Its UK and US publication followed in October, and has already proved extremely popular with English listeners, with an average 4.5 star rating on Audible. It was also featured prominently at Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest trade fair for books.

BOUND BY FIRE is a romantasy novel. Burned out and desperate for change, Izzy has just quit her job and retreated to her late parents’ summer cabin, hoping to rediscover her former self. Instead, she tumbles unexpectedly into the mysterious realm of the Fae – straight into the path of the enigmatic Caleb – a hot, brooding stranger who refuses to let her out of his sight.

If Izzy ever hopes to return home, she has no choice but to follow him into Skarvindar, and the fortress of the ruthless Queen Kalia, who sees more in Izzy than just a lost mortal.

While frantically searching for a way back, Izzy becomes entangled in a deadly game of power where her life is at stake.

But within her, a fire stirs, poised to become an inferno – one that might save her, or reduce everything to ashes.

Meanwhile, a dangerous attraction ignites between her and Caleb, but their connection harbours secrets that could destroy them both.

Izzy faces a crucial decision: will she use her newly discovered strength to return to the person she once was – or to become the person she could be?

About Elli J. Morrigan

Elli J. Morrigan is the pen name of writing duo Alison Norrington and Jenny E. Kleine.

Jenny has a background in screenwriting and development, while Alison is a best-selling author, writer & producer. Her debut novel, CLASS ACT, was an Irish bestseller in 2004, with first week sales of over 10,000.

Praise for BOUND BY FIRE

‘Couldn’t stop listening! Loved every minute. From the very first scene, I was hooked… If you love slow-burn romantasy, strong heroines, and a touch of danger, this one’s for you.’ – reader review

‘Wonderful character development, a twisty, turny plot and a delicious ‘will they/won't they’ romance. Unexpected and utterly delightful. Definitely excited for the next instalment!’ – reader review

‘Oh. My. Goodness.... fabulous. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Now on tenterhooks for the next book...! Cannot wait!!’ – reader review

Follow Elli J. Morrigan on Instagram

ONE OF US IS DEAD by Peter James is a Number 1 bestseller in paperback

The paperback edition of ONE OF US IS DEAD, the twentieth book in Peter James’s internationally bestselling Roy Grace series, is a UK Number 1 bestseller – his 21st Number One.

Upon publication, ONE OF US IS DEAD went straight to Number 3 and now, after a full week of sales, it has reached Number 1 – a rise of 48.1%. The hardback edition was also a UK bestseller, hitting Number 3 in the charts when it was published in October last year. All the books in the Roy Grace series are published by Pan Macmillan in the UK and the US.

When James Taylor arrives late for a funeral, he has to stand at the back of the small church. But as the service progresses, Taylor notices a man six rows in front of him. At first he thinks he must be mistaken, but the more he looks at him, the more convinced Taylor becomes that this is his old schoolfriend, Rufus Rorke. Except it couldn’t be him, could it? Because two years ago, Taylor attended Rufus Rorke’s funeral. He even delivered Rufus’s eulogy...

On the other side of Brighton at Police HQ, Detective Superintendent Roy Grace has been alerted to a number of suspicious deaths that he can’t get out of his mind. But how are they linked? And how could they possibly be connected to Rufus Rorke? Roy Grace is about to find out just how dangerous a dead man can be...

In other exciting news, the fifth series of Grace returned to screens this month. It continues to dominate viewing figures, with the first episode (DEAD IF YOU DON’T)  achieving a consolidated 4.8 million viewers after only seven days. Episode 2 (DEAD AT FIRST SIGHT) reached even higher, with consolidated figures of 5.1 million. Both episodes surpassed ITV1’s slot average of 2.6 million viewers. Season Six begins shooting in Brighton very soon too!

Peter is working hard on the next pulse-pounding novel in the Roy Grace series which will be published in October, with more details coming soon.

Photo credit: Mark Dixon

About Peter James

Peter James is the international bestselling author of many award-winning novels. Peter writes both thriller standalones and the hugely popular Brighton-set Roy Grace series.

Peter’s books have been translated into thirty-eight languages, with worldwide sales of over twenty-three million copies and his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, set in Brighton, has given him 21 Sunday Times Number Ones. In 2015 WH Smith customers voted him the Greatest Crime Author of All Time and in 2016 he was awarded the coveted CWA Diamond Dagger, a lifetime achievement award for sustained excellence. In 2018 he received a Specsavers Honorary Platinum Bestseller Award and in 2024 he won four Silver Nielsen Bestseller Awards. Peter James has also written two books based on true crime stories, with former senior detective Graham Bartlett.

Peter took part in the launch podcast of the Queen’s Reading Room in January 2024, having had the Roy Grace series featured on the Royal Reading Room previously. He appeared on the podcast again in June 2024, where he was named one of Her Majesty’s favourite crime writers and Roy Grace her favourite fictional detective!

Praise for ONE OF US IS DEAD

‘All hail the Queen’s favourite detective as the indefatigable Peter James returns with the 20th Roy Grace mystery (already).’ – The Times

‘Another just-one-more-page-thriller.’ – Anna Bonet, i newspaper, ‘The best new books to read in September 2024’

‘First the smash-hit TV series, now the 20th novel – Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is going flat out, sirens and all… a simple case spirals into a complex soup of ego and murder in this twisty page-turner.’ – Bill Todd, The Sun, Pick of the Week, 5-Star Review

‘DS Roy Grace returns in the twentieth gripping instalment in Peter James’ bestselling series, as links to a man supposedly dead and buried start cropping up in an ongoing investigation into a series of suspicious deaths.’ – Waterstones, ‘September’s Best Books’

‘ONE OF US IS DEAD is a fabulous thriller... Loads of twists and turns… a great holiday read.’ – Kym Argo, The Citizen

‘The long-time British mystery and procedural writer Peter James has done it again with his newest novel, ONE OF US IS DEAD. The book starts with James Taylor attending the funeral of a friend. But weirdly enough, he recognizes a man in the front row of the church, and this man also happens to be Taylor's friend. But Taylor eulogized his friend two years ago, so how can this be? That anomaly is enough for Detective Roy Grace of Brighton; his curiosity is peaked while, at the same time, he's working several homicides as any police detective does. A pattern develops, which is fascinating and delicately connects the deaths. Peter James is a solid procedure writer; I recommend ONE OF US IS DEAD. And I also suggest you check out his long and well-written backlist.’ – Great Mysteries & Thrillers

 Visit Peter’s website.

 Follow him on BlueSky, X (previously Twitter) and Instagram.  

THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR paperback hits the Top 10 in Ireland and Top 20 in the UK

We’re delighted that the paperback edition of THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR by Sheila O’Flanagan is Number 6 in the Irish bestseller charts and Number 13 in the UK mass market paperback bestseller charts after the first full week on sale. Published by Headline on March 13th, the paperback success follows a Number 1 bestselling trade paperback edition which remained in the Irish Top 10 for fourteen weeks.

THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR is a compelling and thought-provoking story about two strong women, one complicated man, and the secrets and dreams that draw them together – with explosive consequences… 

Veronica Henry described it as ‘a glitzy, glamorous rollercoaster of a romance – hugely entertaining escapism and so satisfying. Sheila O’Flanagan at her sparkling best’, while in the Sunday Times Vicki Notaro called it ‘compelling in its intricacy’, adding that ‘the main characters, Izzy and Ariel, will get under your skin.’

Izzy is in the Caribbean on the honeymoon-that-isn’t after her fiancé broke her heart. She’s not looking for someone new. But when she meets Charles Miller, a successful writer holidaying alone, the electricity is undeniable. And what does she have to lose?

In Ireland, Charles’s ex-wife and agent Ariel flits from party to party, glamorous and poised. She’s in constant contact with Charles. They’re very close. Ariel wonders if they should get back together. She’s an independent woman, but she liked being part of a power couple. And she’s sure she only has to say, and they’ll pick up where they left off.

No matter how in control of life you think you are, it can shock and surprise you. As Izzy, Ariel and Charles are about to find out...

Last year, Sheila was shortlisted for the 2024 Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year Award at the An Post Irish Book Awards. She is currently writing her next novel.

Photo credit: Evan Doherty

 About Sheila O’Flanagan

Sheila O’Flanagan is an international bestselling novelist, with more than 9 million copies sold. Most of her novels have been immediate and long-lasting No 1s in Ireland, UK Top 10 Sunday Times Bestsellers and Kindle Bestsellers, and she is published in more than twenty languages around the world. She is the recipient of the prestigious Irish Tatler Literary Woman of the Year Award.

 Praise for THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR

An Irish Times ‘Fiction to look out for in 2024’ pick

A Belfast Telegraph ‘Here’s everything to get excited about in 2024’ pic

An i newspaper ‘Best new books to read in May 2024’ pick

An Irish Examiner ‘Summer reads: 20 great fiction books to bring on your holiday’ pick

‘I'm in the middle of this and it's scorchio!! Sheila O’Flanagan knocks it out of the sun lounger.’ – Veronica Henry

‘Once again, Sheila O'Flanagan delivers a riveting story, strong characters, great settings and a satisfying dose of romantic adventure, while managing all the while to fly the flag for independent women.’ – Roisin Meaney

‘What a fascinating book, set in the world of publishing. I loved it!’ – Sue Moorcroft

‘A brilliant story’ – Bella Magazine

‘O’Flanagan fans will be entranced.’ – Anne Cunningham, The Connaught Telegraph

‘This slow-burn from Sheila O’Flanagan follows heartbroken Izzy, on holiday in the Caribbean, independent Ariel and the man that connects and frustrates them both: Charles. Another satisfying contemporary novel from the author of THREE WEDDINGS AND A PROPOSAL and THE MISSING WIFE.’ – My Weekly, ‘The Best New Books’

‘Fell in love with this book and characters’ – 5-star reader review

‘Another fabulous Sheila O’Flanagan book!’ – 5-star reader review

‘This book flowed really well and the characters were so relatable.’ – 5-star reader review

‘This lived up to my expectations!’ – 5-star reader review

‘Definitely didn’t want to put this book down’ – 5-star reader review

A SHEmazing ‘30 best small but mighty stocking stuffers for women’ pick

 Visit Sheila’s website.

Follow Sheila on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram.

A MOTHER’S PROMISE, the true story of Renee Salt’s survival of the Holocaust, is a Sunday Times bestseller

A MOTHER’S PROMISE, the true story of Renee Salt’s survival of the Holocaust, written with Kate Thompson, is a Sunday Times bestseller, jumping straight to Number 6 in the hardback bestseller list.

A MOTHER’S PROMISE is published by Seven Dials (Orion) in the United Kingdom with US and Canadian editions set to be published on March 4th by Alcove Press and Simon & Schuster Canada.

Renee’s powerful story was featured in BBC documentary ‘What Happened at Auschwitz’ in January 2025 and Renee has appeared on Sky News, ITV’s Lorraine and in Prima magazine. She also met the Prime Minister Kier Starmer at Number 10 Downing Street at a reception for Holocaust survivors.

From invasion to liberation, September 1939 to April 1945, as Renee was marched from ghetto to camp, there was one constant. One hand that clutched hers – her mother’s. Every day for nearly six years, mother and daughter were bound together in hell. From Auschwitz-Birkenau to Bergen-Belsen, they were a powerful source of solace and hope for one another.

The strength of Sala’s love gave them both something fragile yet beautiful to cling to in an ugly, depraved world. It was her mother who hid Renee, lied to the SS, went right when she was directed left – whose small actions had life-saving consequences. Now, for Renee, the need to share has finally overcome the desire to forget.

Praise for A MOTHER’S PROMISE

‘A powerful testament to a mother’s love during unbelievable hardship… Renee’s story of resilience and survival is powerful, poignant, and deeply important. A must-read.’ – Elizabeth Bellak, co-author of RENIA’S DIARY

‘A privilege to read. It is a deeply moving memoir, beautifully written and researched. What a fascinating, heartbreaking story… How heartening to see the strength of family love and resilience threading through the narrative. I was engrossed from the opening… Renee’s own words are brilliantly supported by Kate’s in depth exploration of context and her well-crafted storytelling. In addition to the evocation of Renee’s past life, the narrative is fascinating from a textile history point of view, highlighting Nazi policies of plunder and exploitation… I valued the way in which she was able to share her memories, despite her deep reservoirs of pain and loss… As a dress historian I was also impressed by Renee’s sense of re-humanisation when given a wool skirt to replace the awful garments doled out at Auschwitz. I was elated when she described the profound joy of saving money from her post-war sewing work in order to treat herself to a shop-bought dress.’ – Lucy Adlington, author of THE DRESSMAKERS OF AUSCHWITZ

‘This is a most extraordinary memoir, distinctive for its detailed recollection and its fearlessness in recording the truth of what happened.  Such accounts stand against violence and tyranny for all time.’ – Rachel Hore

‘A moving portrayal of one young woman's heroic life story... Renee’s journey is one of hope through the ashes of the past.’ – Heather Dune Macadam, author of 999: THE EXTRAORDINARY YOUNG WOMEN OF THE FIRST TRANSPORT TO AUSCHWITZ

‘An unforgettable story about the power of love, a story that reminds us how important hope is, a story that proves to us that human beings are remarkable and endlessly inspiring.’ – Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of THE PARIS ORPHAN

‘A powerful account of a young girl’s incredible resilience in the face of the unthinkable horror of the Holocaust, Renee Salt’s memoir is needed now more than ever. A riveting read.’ – Julia Kelly, bestselling author of THE LOST ENGLISH GIRL

‘This is a book that will stay with me for a long time... A beautiful account, so movingly told.’ – Anna Stuart, author of THE MIDWIFE OF AUSCHWITZ

‘Renee Salt and Kate Thompson come together in powerful unity in a way that is both deeply moving and unforgettable. This is a story the world needs to know.’ – Madeline Martin, author of THE BOOKLOVER’S LIBRARY

‘Quite simply the most important book you will read this year. It will stay with me for a very long time.’ – Hazel Gaynor, bestselling author of THE LAST LIFEBOAT

 About Kate Thompson

Kate is an award-winning journalist, ghostwriter and novelist. She spent five years’ working on national newspapers such as the Daily Express and Daily Mail, and also on all the major national woman’s magazine titles. Her debut novel, SECRETS OF THE SINGER GIRLS, was a Sunday Times bestseller in 2015, with first week sales of over 10,000. Kate’s first non-fiction book, THE STEPNEY DOORSTEP SOCIETY, was published by Penguin in February 2019 and reached number one in the history categories on Amazon.

THE LITTLE WARTIME BOOK CLUB, a standalone historical novel, was published in Spring 2024.

About Renee Salt

Reene was born Rywka Ruchla Berkowitz in Zdunska-Vola, Poland, in 1929 and is a Holocaust survivor. Renee and her mother survived both Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. After the Holocaust, Renee returned to her hometown to try and find any surviving members of her family. She moved in with an aunt in Paris where Renee then met her husband, Charles, a British soldier who had helped liberate Bergen-Belsen. They married in 1949 and had two children. Renee lives in northwest London and has five grandchildren. She regularly speaks in schools about her experiences during the Holocaust.