Peter James’ DEAD IN THREE TWO ONE is an immediate bestseller

DEAD IN THREE TWO ONE, the 22nd title in Peter James’s international bestselling Roy Grace Series, was published to great fanfare on Tuesday 20th October 2026. It immediately went to No.2 in the UK hardback fiction bestseller chart and has remained in the UK Top Ten despite fierce competition.

Peter visited bookshops up and down the country (covering over 3,000 miles!) to promote DEAD IN THREE TWO ONE – finally landing in Brighton for the official launch at Brighton’s iconic Palace Pier, where the Mayor of Brighton and Hove was in attendance, amongst many others. Peter will appear on BBC Radio 4’s A Good Read, set to air on Monday 9th November at 3pm, and has many podcast appearances to come throughout the end of 2026.

In other news, Season 7 of GRACE (ITV’s popular television adaptation of the Roy Grace series) concluded filming earlier this month and is set to air next year, with an exact date still to be announced.

As noted by Waterstones when flagging October’s Best Books, in DEAD IN THREE TWO ONE ‘Roy Grace’s old nemesis prepares to exact devastating revenge during Brighton Pride in this heart-pounding entry in Peter James’s beloved – not least by Queen Camilla – police procedural series.’

Brighton is celebrating. A killer is waiting. And Roy Grace is the target…

Brighton Pride is the biggest date on the city’s calendar with half a million people lost in the party. But behind the opulent façade of the Royal Courteney Hotel, a nightmare is checking in.

Dritan Dervishi, the cold-blooded consigliere for mob boss Roel Albazi, has arrived with a beautiful woman on his arm and a lethal secret in his suitcase. He has specifically requested Room 321 – a room with a perfect view of the sea, and a deadly proximity to a target he’s been dreaming of for years.

Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is already pushed to the limit, coordinating the city’s massive security operation amid whispers of a potential terrorist attack. But the threat is more personal than he could ever imagine. Back in a prison cell, his old nemesis Albazi is counting down the seconds to a revenge that will not just take Roy’s life, but erase his entire bloodline.

And as Roy and his wife Cleo prepare for a night of celebration at the Royal Courteney, they have no idea that they are stepping into a deadly trap.

As the relentless countdown nears zero, Roy must outsmart an invisible enemy and protect his loved ones before their time finally runs out…

DEAD IN THREE TWO ONE will be out in paperback in Spring 2027. Peter is currently working on the next novel in the Roy Grace series, which will be published by Pan Macmillan in the autumn of 2027. 

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 24 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.

The opening episode of GRACE, based on the first Roy Grace novel, DEAD SIMPLE, was broadcast in March 2021 with John Simm starring in the lead role as the tenacious detective. It was a TV Pick of the Day across all the major UK newspapers, appeared on ITV 1’s prime Sunday night slot and viewing figures quickly reached more than 8.8 million, with glowing reviews. In May 2025 it was in the top ten of ITVX’s most streamed shows.

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!

In 2026, Peter was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of his services to literature and to charity.

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.’ – The 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

Follow Peter on Facebook and Instagram

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.

The Queen’s Favourite Fictional Detective, Roy Grace, goes behind the scenes at Buckingham Place in Peter James’ THE HAWK IS DEAD

THE HAWK IS DEAD, the exciting new novel by crime writing sensation Peter James, will be published by Pan Macmillan on Tuesday 21st October 2025. In THE HAWK IS DEAD, Queen Camilla will take a leading role alongside her favourite fictional detective, Peter James’ Roy Grace.

Combining Peter’s classic fast-paced thriller with extensive behind-the-scenes research at Buckingham Palace, and  insights from members of The Royal Household, including from the Queen herself, THE HAWK IS DEAD is the not-to-be-missed publishing event of the autumn, and the perfect entry point into the world of Roy Grace for anyone yet to meet him.

Opening with a cinematic derailment of the royal train, THE HAWK IS DEAD takes Roy Grace deep into the heart of Buckingham Palace, when he is called upon to solve a murder and what looks to be a royal assassination attempt.

Queen Camilla, a well-known book-lover and reading champion through her charity The Royal Reading Room, has always been one of the very first people to receive each Grace novel, and is excited to have a starring role, alongside His Majesty King Charles, in Peter’s latest thriller.

Peter James says: ‘It’s a decade since I discovered Queen Camilla is my No.1 fan and we’ve since built up a great rapport. She asked me when I might set a Roy Grace novel in London … and the seed was sown. Where better in London than Buckingham Palace? It has been the most fascinating research I’ve ever done, learning about the inner workings of the Royal Household and the Palace.’

Francesca Pathak says, ‘Peter is much-loved by his legions of fans and has garnered an amazing twenty-one Sunday Times No.1 bestsellers. I’m delighted to publish THE HAWK IS DEAD, which sees Detective Superintendent Roy Grace taken from his home territory of Brighton and dropped into the heart of the establishment in Peter’s most thrilling tale to date. It’s the perfect place to start for anyone who hasn’t yet met Grace, and I can’t wait to introduce him to legions more new readers.’

Isobel Dixon says: ‘Peter James reaches an astonishingly broad range of readers, audiences and viewers worldwide through his much-loved novels, the touring play adaptations and the hugely popular Grace television series, streaming and broadcast in scores of countries. And after 20 years of bestseller-list stardom, Peter James and Roy Grace are about to reach even greater heights with this spectacular 21st title, THE HAWK IS DEAD. The stakes for this royal investigation are very high indeed, but as ever the journey will be a twisty thrill and the outcome supremely satisfying - I can’t wait to see even more readers joining the party at this exciting moment.’

To date, Peter has written an impressive total of 21 Sunday Times No. 1 bestsellers, sold over 23 million copies worldwide, and been translated into 38 languages. The fifth series of ITV’s hit adaptation of the Grace novels, starring John Simm, continues to delight audiences with significant ratings growth, and series six is currently in production. PICTURE YOU DEAD – the seventh play in Peter James’ successful stage franchise – is currently selling-out theatres on a nationwide tour. The latest Roy Grace novel, ONE OF US IS DEAD, was a UK Number One in paperback in April, with the hardback reaching Number Three when it was published last October.

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, with his most recent, PICTURE YOU DEAD, now on national tour in the UK. His plays have been named as ‘the most successful stage franchise since Agatha Christie’.

Praise for Peter James

‘If you have never read Peter James’ crime thriller series about the Sussex detective Roy Grace, I would highly recommend you give it a try.’ – Queen Camilla, Press and Journal

‘Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business’ – Karin Slaughter

‘Peter James, Britain’s closest equivalent to Stephen King’ – The Sunday Times

‘A master plotter.’ – The Bookseller

‘James just gets better and better and deserves the success he has achieved with this first-class series.’ – Independent on Sunday

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

Visit Peter’s website.

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

PICTURE YOU DEAD play, based on the bestselling Peter James novel, continues to receive rave reviews

Following successful nationwide tours of the stage plays of THE PERFECT MURDER, THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL,  DEAD SIMPLE, NOT DEAD ENOUGH, LOOKING GOOD DEAD and WISH YOU WERE DEAD, the stage adaptation of PICTURE YOU DEAD continues its 2025 tour – complete with an all-star cast.

National Television Award winning actor Peter Ash (Coronation Street, Footballers’ Wives, War Horse) and Ore Oduba (Pretty Woman, The Rocky Horror Show) return to the stage, joined by Fiona Wade (Emmerdale, 2:22 A Ghost Story, Going Dutch) and West End favourite Jodie Steele (Bonnie & Clyde, Wicked, Heathers, Six). George Rainsford (Casualty, Call the Midwife and All’s Well That Ends Well) returns to reprise the role of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace who he played in the 2023 stage adaptation of WISH YOU WERE DEAD. The play is written by Shaun McKenna and directed by Jonathan O’Boyle. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.peterjames.com/plays/picture-you-dead-tour-dates/

The PICTURE YOU DEAD play has received rave reviews since its opening in February:

‘There is something thrilling about seeing a story set in Brighton on the stage in Brighton. Peter James’ detective mysteries featuring Roy Grace have become part of the fabric of how fans of the books and television series see Brighton, and it’s great to hear the references on stage to places we all know… The set is a glorious multi construction showing four different locations, all being so very distinct and different it is crystal clear at all times where the action is taking place. The attention to detail in each one is beautiful, leaving the Police offices where the discussions happen right at the front of the stage with no set: the effect is that of beckoning the audience in, giving us a private insight into the investigation and the current thinking of the Police, which is a lovely touch… If you are a fan of Peter James and Roy Grace, then this is absolutely for you.’ – Brighton Source

‘If you’ve seen any of the other Peter James pieces you’ll not be disappointed by this one. If you’ve never given them a try, go and see it – it’s a great introduction to the series. Suspenseful, energetic and surprisingly funny. The tension mounts to sweltering levels with superb direction from Jonathan O’Boyle. Did I figure out how it all unravels? Not a chance! But that is half the fun – you’ll be guessing until the end.’ – East Midlands Theatre

‘For those who love a murder mystery that keeps you guessing right to the last second this will be definitely right up your street!’ – Love London Love Culture

Hot off the heels of a hardback Number One, the paperback edition of THEY THOUGHT I WAS DEAD by Peter James flew straight to Number Three in the UK paperback bestsellers list after only 3 days on sale in November. This comes shortly after the twentieth instalment of the Roy Grace series, ONE OF US IS DEAD, hit Number Three in the hardback charts in October. It will be released in paperback on 10th April 2025. The 21st novel in the Roy Grace series will be published in October 2025.

Crime fans can also tune in to series four of GRACE on ITVX, starring John Simm and Richie Campbell. Recently announced, the much-loved tv series will return for series five in 2025, comprised of four feature-length episodes and will begin airing on ITV on 6th April.

Praise for Peter James’ plays

‘One of the best crime thrillers I’ve seen on stage… kill for a ticket!’ – Chichester Observer on DEAD SIMPLE

‘Gripping storytelling. Full of twists and turns.’ – The Reviews Hub on NOT DEAD ENOUGH

‘Will leave you breathless with suspense.’ – Whatsgoodtodo on THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL

‘A theatrical masterpiece.’ – Encore Reviews on LOOKING GOOD DEAD

‘This thrilling thriller had the audience on the edge of their seats.’ – Latest 7 on NOT DEAD ENOUGH

‘A great night in the theatre.’ – BritishTheatre.com on THE PERFECT MURDER

Praise for Peter James
‘If you have never read Peter James’ crime thriller series about the Sussex detective Roy Grace, I would highly recommend you give it a try.’ – Queen Camilla, Press and Journal

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

‘Roy Grace ... is fast becoming one of the more memorable coppers in modern crime fiction ... A first class police procedural.’ – The Times

‘James just gets better and better and deserves the success he has achieved with this first-class series.’ – Independent on Sunday

‘Peter James is one of the best crime writers in the business’ – Karin Slaughter

‘Probably the closest we’ll get to a British Stephen King’ – The Financial Times

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

‘In uncertain times, I always tend to fall back on old, familiar favourites, so I’ll be reading Peter James’ Roy Grace series. They are thrillers with enough drama to keep you guessing. Reading a well-crafted mystery gives me a sense of accomplishment – almost as if I’ve solved everything myself!’ – Emma Shacklock, Books Editor, Women & Home Magazine

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

‘A master plotter.’ – The Bookseller

‘James has been compared with Stephen King, but in many ways he's better’ – Daily Express

‘This compulsive horror story is a tale of the search for immortality . . . I cannot remember when I last read a novel I enjoyed so much’ – Sunday Telegraph

‘A thought-provoking menacer that’s completely technological and genuinely frightening about the power of future communications’ – Time Out

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. The opening episode of GRACE, based on the first Roy Grace novel, DEAD SIMPLE, was broadcast in March 2021 with John Simm starring in the lead role as the tenacious detective. It was a TV Pick of the Day across all the major UK newspapers, appeared on ITV 1’s prime Sunday night slot and viewing figures quickly reached more than 8.8 million, with glowing reviews.

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 20 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.