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’