Best-selling Scottish author Peter May has died at the age of 74, his wife announced.
Peter May, who sold more than 15 million copies of his work worldwide and had 40 years of experience in journalism, writing and television, passed away in his home in the south of France.
He first began his career as a journalist in his native Glasgow, before publishing his first novel at the age of 26.
His final novel, Island of the Dead, is to be published posthumously in January 2027, his publisher, Jon Riley, said.
Tributes have poured in for the beloved author, who has been described as ‘irreplaceable’.
‘Peter May was one of the most popular and loved writers of crime fiction of his generation, and his books have sold around 15 million copies around the world,’ he said.
After his first book was made into a BBC series, he began working in television as a scriptwriter and producer.
‘He returned to fiction with a series of China-set thrillers, which was followed by the French-set Enzo Files, both of which featured characters who reflected his growing interest in forensic science,’ Riley said.
‘However, it was the publication of the Lewis-set thriller The Blackhouse in 2011 that brought international fame and bestselling success, and resulted in The Lewis Trilogy.’
Peter also ventured into music, releasing a CD in 2025 called ‘Towards the Light’.
‘Although he had announced his retirement, which he was looking forward to sharing with his beloved wife, the writer Janice Hally, May found there was one more novel in him, and he delivered Island of the Dead in July this year,’ his publisher said.
‘He was preparing for a farewell tour of Scotland and Lewis to coincide with publication in January 2027. Peter May was not only one of the best writers of crime fiction we had, but he inspired enormous affection in his readers and in those lucky enough to work with him.’
His French publisher Editions du Rouergue wrote: ‘Peter May was a man of raw sensitivity, profoundly empathetic, considerate, and endlessly kind.’
May, who lived in the Lot area of southwest France and became a French citizen, was one of the country’s most popular foreign crime writers.
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