ONE OF Britain’s best-known crime writers, Peter James, will visit Dunoon next week as part of an event at the Queen’s Hall.
The Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author will appear at the venue on Monday, October 12, with the event organised by Bookpoint.
James will discuss his life and writing career ahead of the publication of his latest Roy Grace thriller, Dead in Three Two One, which is released on October 20 by Macmillan.
The new novel is set against the backdrop of Brighton Pride, where half a million people are expected to take to the city’s streets.
Behind the opulent façade of the Royal Courteney Hotel, however, a deadly plot is unfolding.
Dritan Dervishi arrives at the hotel with a beautiful woman and a lethal secret in his suitcase, having specifically requested room 321 because of its proximity to his intended target.
Meanwhile, Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is stretched to the limit coordinating a huge security operation amid fears of a potential terrorist attack.
His old nemesis, Albanian mob boss Roel Albazi, is also counting down to a revenge plot which threatens not only Grace’s life but those of everyone he loves.
As Roy and his wife Cleo prepare to celebrate at the Royal Courteney, they are unaware they are walking into a deadly trap.
James has sold more than 23m books worldwide, with his novels translated into 38 languages and achieving 21 Sunday Times number ones.
He has won more than 40 awards, including the Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger and the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award.
His Roy Grace novels have also been adapted into the hit ITV drama Grace, starring John Simm as the Brighton detective. The series is currently airing its sixth season and is available on ITVX and BritBox.
Seven of James’ novels have been adapted into stage plays, with Picture You Dead currently touring nationally. The productions have been described as the most successful stage franchise since Agatha Christie.
James is also known for the extensive research he carries out for his books.
For The Hawk Is Dead, he was given unprecedented access to Buckingham Palace and travelled from London to Brighton alongside a train driver.
For Dead in Three Two One, he spent a full day working as a concierge at one of Brighton’s iconic seafront hotels — and even earned himself a £5 tip.
His career began in film, initially cleaning Orson Welles’ London home for ten shillings an hour, before going on to work as a producer and writer on more than 25 feature films.
Among his credits is the BAFTA-nominated A Merchant of Venice, starring Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons, while he has also created television shows for Channel 4 and ITV.
James, whose Roy Grace character was recently named Queen Camilla’s favourite fictional detective, is expected to discuss his writing, research and the experiences that have helped shape his crime novels during his Dunoon visit.
