Crime Writer Peter May Dies at 74; Publisher Calls Him Irreplaceable

Scottish crime writer Peter May has died aged 74 following a heart attack while staying at his holiday home in the south of France. His publisher, riverrun, and widow Janice Hally announced his death on Monday after he passed away on Friday night.

May's career spanned journalism, television production, and fiction before achieving international success with The Blackhouse and its subsequent Lewis Trilogy series. Known for works set in the Isle of Lewis and the Hebrides, including the China Thrillers and Enzo Files, his books have sold approximately 15 million copies worldwide.

Although he had announced retirement plans, May completed one final novel titled Island of the Dead before passing away. The book is scheduled to be published posthumously in January 2027. Tributes were paid by publisher Jon Riley and Scottish First Minister John Swinney, with Riley describing him as irreplaceable.

May began his career at age 21 when he was named Young Journalist of the Year before publishing The Reporter in 1976. He later adapted this work for BBC television and worked on productions such as Take the High Road and Machair. His publisher noted that May's kindness, generosity, and engagement with life made him a much-loved figure among readers and colleagues alike.