Peter May hailed as “irreplaceable” after death aged 74

Scottish crime writer Peter May, best known for The Lewis Trilogy, has been remembered as “irreplaceable” and “one of the best writers of crime fiction” after his death aged 74.

May died on Friday night at his holiday home in the south of France, according to a statement shared on social media. His widow, fellow author Janice Hally, announced the news in a post shared to May’s Facebook page on Monday, saying she had “no words to express the loss”.

The post included a tribute from Jon Riley, described as May’s long-term publisher and dear friend. Riley said May was one of the most popular and loved crime writers of his generation and that his books had sold around 15 million copies worldwide.

May was known for The Lewis Trilogy, as well as the Enzo Files series and the China Thrillers. His novels were often set against the landscapes of Scotland, particularly the Isle of Lewis and the Hebrides.

His bestseller The Blackhouse, set on the remote Isle of Lewis, was published in 2011. Riley said May published a bestseller almost every year between The Blackhouse and his last book, The Black Loch, in 2024.

May began his career as a journalist in Scotland in the 1970s. He published his first novel, The Reporter, in 1976, and later became a successful television scriptwriter and producer. His television work included The Standard, Squadron, Take The High Road and the Gaelic-language series Machair, which was set on the Isle of Lewis.

The tribute said May’s work on Machair helped form his love for the Hebrides, which influenced much of his writing. It also described him as a talented musician and referred to his 2025 album, Towards The Light.

May’s final novel, Island Of The Dead, is due to be published in January 2027, according to the statement. It said he had announced his retirement and had been preparing for a farewell tour of Scotland and Lewis to coincide with the book’s publication.

“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,” Riley said. “He is irreplaceable.”

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney also paid tribute in a message shared to X. He said he had “hugely enjoyed” May’s books set in the Hebrides and extended his sympathy to May’s family.