Scottish crime novelist Peter May has died at the age of 74 at his holiday residence in the south of France, his widow confirmed on Friday night. May was widely recognized for his contributions to the crime fiction genre, particularly for his acclaimed series The Lewis Trilogy.

May’s career began in journalism during the 1970s in Scotland. He transitioned into writing for television, creating and scripting dramas such as The Standard and Squadron. Over time, he became an established author with a broad readership, known for notable works including the Enzo Files and the China Thrillers series.

His widow, Janice Hally, a playwright from Glasgow and fellow author, shared the news of his passing on social media, describing the loss as “awful” and expressing her profound grief. Alongside her message, she included a photograph of May as well as a tribute from Jon Riley, May’s long-term publisher and close friend. Riley’s statement highlighted May’s popularity and influence, noting that his books have sold approximately 15 million copies worldwide.

The publisher also confirmed that May’s final novel, Island Of The Dead, is scheduled for release in January 2027. The announcement served as a reflection on his extensive career, which began with the publication of his debut novel, The Reporter, in 1976. The novel’s adaptation into a BBC drama series prompted May to leave his journalism career to focus entirely on writing fiction.

May’s body of work spans decades and genres within crime fiction, earning him a dedicated following and critical acclaim for his storytelling and contributions to Scottish and international crime literature. His passing marks the loss of a significant figure in contemporary crime writing.