Scottish crime novelist Peter May has died at the age of 74. He passed away on September 25 at his home in the south of France after suffering a heart attack while walking his dog. May’s family confirmed the news the following day.

May was known for his gripping crime fiction, and his final novel, *Island of the Dead*, was set to be his last before retirement. The book is scheduled for posthumous publication in January.

His wife, Janice Hally, a television screenwriter, announced his death on social media, describing him as her soulmate and partner. She noted that there was no warning before his sudden passing and that they had just spent a perfect day together.

Throughout his career, May earned a strong following for his intricate plots and atmospheric settings, often drawing from Scottish landscapes and history. His work received praise for combining suspenseful storytelling with richly developed characters.