Scottish Crime Author Peter May Has Died at 74
The acclaimed writer, known for his Lewis Trilogy, passed away at his home in France.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Books
Peter May, the celebrated Scottish crime novelist who sold 15 million books worldwide, died at his home in the south of France on Friday, September 25, 2026. He was 74 years old.
Why it matters
May leaves behind a significant literary legacy as a master of atmospheric crime fiction, particularly through his works set in the Scottish Hebrides. His final novel, Island of the Dead, is already completed and set for release next year.
May sold 15 million books worldwide over a career that began with a journalism award at age 21 and the publication of his first novel at 26. He also released a music album, Towards the Light, in 2025.
The players
Peter May
He was a prolific Scottish crime writer known for his atmospheric novels set in the Hebrides.
Janice Hally
She announced the passing of Peter May through his social media channels.
The details
Beginning his career as a journalist in Scotland, May later moved to France, where he resided for over 20 years. He achieved major success with his Lewis Trilogy, which began with the 2011 release of The Blackhouse.
Timeline
Peter May won the Scottish Young Journalist of the Year award at age 21.
His debut novel was published in the 1970s.
The Blackhouse was published in 2011.
May delivered his final novel, Island of the Dead, in July 2026.
Peter May died on the night of Friday, September 25, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The passing of May marks the conclusion of a career that redefined the landscape of modern Scottish crime fiction. His work famously took off with the publication of The Blackhouse in 2011, establishing a new standard for atmospheric noir.
Readers can continue to engage with his final work when Island of the Dead is released in early 2027. His extensive back catalog remains widely available for those looking to explore his contributions to the crime genre.
The takeaway
May demonstrated that a career in literature can evolve from regional reporting into international success across multiple creative mediums. His life serves as a reminder of the enduring global appeal of localized, atmospheric storytelling.
What happens next
The final novel written by Peter May, titled Island of the Dead, is scheduled for publication in January 2027.
Further reading
For more on the latest literary news, browse the Books section.
