Credit: Max Young
This summer Amazon Original Stories will publish a brand-new story from no.1 Sunday Times bestselling crime and thriller writer Peter James, acquired by editor Maisie Lawrence from Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency.
Publishing on 1st August, JOHN GREBBLE IS GONE follows the eponymous John Grebble, who wakes up to discover he’s been declared dead. His bank account is frozen, his car repossessed, and his entire existence erased. Someone wants him gone – permanently. Can he discover who would go this far to destroy him before it’s too late?
Peter James says: ‘I love to write short stories – in which I can explore ideas and themes very different to my Roy Grace crime thrillers. The team at Amazon have been both huge fun and truly inspirational to work with, and I can honestly say that JOHN GREBBLE IS GONE is one of my very favourite stories I have ever written.’
Maisie Lawrence says: ‘I was so excited when Peter James said yes to writing an Amazon Original Story. JOHN GREBBLE IS GONE is an incredibly fast-paced, darkly comic thriller about a man whose entire existence is wiped out overnight and the result is a short that sent shivers up my spine. Peter brings all of his trademark thrilling pace and ability to surprise. It’s wickedly entertaining and I know readers are going to love it.’
Isobel Dixon says: ‘The indefatigable Peter James is a twisty plot powerhouse and it’s such a pleasure to share his bestselling work – series and standalone – with the world in so many formats. Thanks now to Maisie Lawrence for this opportunity for Peter to have some more short-form storytelling fun – providing great entertainment to even more readers worldwide.’
Michael Buchsteiner, Senior Manager at Amazon Books Europe, says: ‘Peter James is one of the UK’s most iconic crime writers, and we’re thrilled to bring his brilliant storytelling to Amazon Original Stories. ‘John Grebble Is Gone’ is a gripping, inventive short that showcases Peter’s extraordinary ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. We’re proud to connect his work with even more readers across Europe and beyond, and to champion the short story format as a home for bold, compelling fiction.’
Peter’s next full length novel, DEAD IN THREE TWO ONE, will be published on 20th October by Pan Macmillan. It will be the 22nd in Peter’s ever popular Roy Grace series, but as with all the Grace titles, readers can dive in at any stage!
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