Peter James awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List

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.

Like him on Facebook and follow him on Instagram.

Peter James has another Top Ten Bestseller with THE HAWK IS DEAD

THE HAWK IS DEAD, the 21st title in Peter James’s international bestselling Roy Grace Series, shot to No.4 in the UK paperback fiction bestseller chart after only three days on sale, with significantly higher sales than previous Roy Grace titles. Last year the hardback edition jumped straight to Number 3 in the charts on publication and also saw more fans and new readers embracing the new book. Peter celebrated the paperback release of THE HAWK IS DEAD with a special appearance at the Windsor Festival earlier this month.

The ‘excellent’, ‘edge-of-the-seat’ television adaptation of the Roy Grace series continues to delight viewers. Starring John Simm and Richie Campbell, GRACE returned to screens with Series 6 in April, winning the top viewing figures in its prime-time Sunday night slot. Last night saw the end of the Sunday night broadcasts, though viewers can catch up on ITVX. The series has also been shown widely internationally.

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…

Peter is currently completing the next novel in the Roy Grace series, which will be published by Pan Macmillan in the autumn of 2026.  

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

‘A majestic treat’ – James Owen, The Times, ‘The Best Thrillers of 2025 so far’

‘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

Photo credit: May Young

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 23 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 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!

Visit Peter’s website.

Like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

GRACE returns to ITV for series 6

Photo credit: ITV

Series 6 of the hit Brighton-based detective drama GRACE returns to screens this Spring, with the first episode airing this Sunday 29th March 2026 at 8pm. Subsequent episodes will air weekly. GRACE is based on the internationally bestselling Detective Superintendent Roy Grace books by Peter James.

John Simm returns as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, joined again by Richie Campbell (Glenn Branson), Zoë Tapper (Cleo Moray), Laura Elphinstone (Bella Moy), Brad Morrison (Nick Nicholl) and Juliette Motamed (Vee Wilde). Series 6 will be based on books from the Peter James series – LEFT YOU DEAD and ONE OF US IS DEAD – as well as original stories too.

The opening episode of GRACE, based on the first Roy Grace novel, DEAD SIMPLE, was broadcast in March 2021. It was a TV Pick of the Day across all the major UK newspapers, appeared on ITV1’s prime Sunday night slot and viewing figures quickly reached more than 8.8 million, with glowing reviews.

The second series was broadcast in 2022, starting with LOOKING GOOD DEAD, which like the subsequent episode NOT DEAD ENOUGH, topped the chart as most-watched UK TV show of the night. DEAD MAN’S FOOTSTEPS and DEAD TOMORROW followed. The popular streamer Britbox brought the GRACE series to US and Canadian viewers in 2021, followed by further world territories. The third series, DEAD LIKE YOU, DEAD MAN’S GRIP and NOT DEAD YET, began airing in March 2023 and the fourth series based on DEAD MAN’S TIME, WANT YOU DEAD, LOVE YOU DEAD and DEAD LIKE YOU was broadcast in September 2024.

The fifth series began airing in April 2025. The first episode, DEAD IF YOU DON’T, achieved average viewing figures of 3 million, surpassing ITV1’s slot average of 2.6 million. GRACE dominated the evening’s other television offerings on BBC1, BBC2, Channel 4 and Channel 5 with a 26.6% share of viewing across the channels between 8pm and 10pm. DEAD AT FIRST SIGHT, NEED YOU DEAD and FIND THEM DEAD followed.

Pan Macmillan will publish the paperback edition of the 21st book in the Roy Grace series, THE HAWK IS DEAD, on 9th April 2026. The hardback edition jumped straight to Number 3 in the charts on publication in October 2025 and saw a 25% increase in sales compared to the previous book. Book 22 will be released in Autumn 2026.

 

Praise for GRACE

‘A stirring return’ – TV Times, 5-star review

‘Truly nail-biting TV and there were great performances, with Simm as watchable as ever as the shrewd, yet vulnerable Grace… With more to come later this year… I’ll certainly be tuning in.’ – Gwendolyn Smith, The i

‘There is a reason why Peter James’s novels have sold all over the world, and one of the main ones is that… Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is a well-written and believable character… Simm makes for a likeable lead and the atmospheric Brighton setting is well used.’ – Sarah Hughes, The Sunday Telegraph, ‘The Very Best of the Week Ahead’

‘Darkly compelling’ – Tim Oglethorpe, The Daily Mail

‘Simm gives [Roy Grace] a winning sense of humour beneath all the grit… Campbell is smooth foil, playing Branson quietly enough that Simm doesn’t have to be enormous to stand out. Brighton’s mix of pretty shoreline, faded glamour, criminal past and contemporary hipsterism makes it a ripe spot for some murder. The action feels rooted in its setting… It’s almost inconceivable Simm hasn’t already been in a long running franchise… and I expect the wait’s over.’ – Ed Cumming, The Independent

‘Few people do moody, angst-ridden men better than John Simm, who takes on the role of Grace. With so many books in hand, this series could run and run.’ – Prospect Magazine, ‘The best television shows in the UK this April’

‘Simm plays the lead with elegant understatement’ – Mail On Sunday

‘A very effective appetite-whetter… The unpretentious storytelling makes this an easy watch, helmed by the always watchable Simm.’ – The Mail on Sunday, ‘Pick of the Day’

‘Roy Grace doesn’t have any obvious gimmick to mark him out, but he swiftly establishes himself as a solid addition to the Sunday-night pack… Chilling.’ – James Jackson, The Times, ‘Critic’s Choice’

 

Photo credit: Max Young

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 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!

 

Visit Peter’s website.

 Like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

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.