The literary community is mourning Peter May, the acclaimed Scottish crime writer whose novels brought readers into the atmospheric landscapes of Scotland, China, and France. May died at his holiday home in the south of France on Friday night, September 25, according to a statement shared by his wife, Janice Hally.
Born in Glasgow, May began his career as a journalist before moving into television writing and production. He worked on popular Scottish television dramas, including Take the High Road and the Gaelic-language series Machair, which was set on the Isle of Lewis. His experiences working in the Hebrides later influenced much of his fiction.
May gained international recognition with The Blackhouse, published in English in 2011, which launched The Lewis Trilogy. The series became one of his best-known works. His other popular books included the Enzo Files and the China-set thriller series. Across his career, his books sold around 15 million copies worldwide.
Tributes have highlighted not only May’s literary achievements but also his generosity and the affection he inspired among readers and colleagues. His publisher and longtime friend, Jon Riley, described him as irreplaceable. Scottish First Minister John Swinney also expressed his condolences, praising May’s evocative writing about the Hebrides.
Although May had announced plans to retire, he completed another novel, Island of the Dead, which is scheduled for posthumous publication in January 2027. He had reportedly been preparing for a farewell tour of Scotland and the Isle of Lewis to coincide with its release.
Peter May leaves behind a substantial literary legacy spanning journalism, television, music, and crime fiction. His stories and the landscapes he brought to life will continue to connect readers with the places and people that shaped his work.
