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VJ Books Presents Author Peter May!

Author Peter MayPeter May was born and raised in Scotland. He wanted to be a writer even as a young boy. At 17, May was expelled from school and took off to London with a few friends to seek his fortune as a musician. This cold and hungry experience taught him a lot, but unfortunately did not lead to a career in music. Afterwards, he took to journalism, and quickly found success. At 21, he received the Scottish Young Journalist of the Year Award.

May wrote his first novel at 18, followed by another a year later, which he submitted for publication. His submission was unsuccessful, but received positive feedback from editor Philip Ziegler, which encouraged May to continue his efforts. At 26, his novel The Reporter was published. May was asked to adapt the book to television, and this led him to leave journalism and move into a career as a writer/creator and, later, producer. He had over 1000 credits in 15 years, including as producer and co-creator of Machair, which was the first major Gaelic-language television series.
Peter May and Cast Iron
Following this chapter of his career, May turned to writing novels full time. He is best known for his China Thrillers and The Lewis Trilogy, the latter of which was originally published in France after being rejected every major UK publisher, but then went on the achieve international acclaim. May has a remarkable ability to write authentically from within characters bearing little resemblance in background to himself. His novels are thoroughly researched and he makes a point of visiting and making contacts in all of the places where his stories will take place.

May is an honorary member of the Chinese Crime Writers Association, and has been nominated for a slough of awards for his writing in France, the UK, and the US, and has won the Barry Award for Best Novel (USA), among other honors.

May currently lives in France.

Peter May Book List and Awards
Author's website: www.petermay.co.uk
Author's blog: maypeter.com
Similar authors: Stephen Booth, David Mark, Val McDermid, Adrian McKinty
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A Silent Death
Signed First Thus

A Silent Death by Peter May

The Man With No Face
Signed First Thus

The Man With No Face by Peter May

I'll Keep You Safe
Signed UK Edition

I'll Keep You Safe by Peter May

Cast Iron
Signed First Edition

Cast Iron by Peter May

Coffin Road
Signed 1st UK Edition

Coffin Road by Peter May

The Chessmen
Signed First Edition

The Chessmen by Peter May
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Entry Island | May, Peter | Signed First Edition Book May, Peter | Entry Island | Signed First Edition Copy

Author Signed Hardcover Book  2015 NY: Quercus   First edition, first printing, fine in a fine dust jacket, signed by the author.  This is a collectible book free from material defects.  Jacket covering services are available for a small fee.

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Cast Iron | May, Peter | Signed First Edition Book May, Peter | Cast Iron | Signed First Edition Copy

Author Signed Hardcover Book. October 2017 NY: Quercus First edition, first printing, fine in a fine dust jacket, signed by the author.  This is a collectible book free from material defects.  Jacket covering services are available for a small fee..

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The Man With No Face | May, Peter | Signed First Edition Book May, Peter | Man With No Face, The | Signed First Thus Edition Copy

Author Signed Hardcover Book. March 2019 NY: Quercus First thus, first printing, fine in a fine dust jacket, signed by the author.  This is a collectible book free from material defects.  Jacket covering services are available for a small fee.

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May, Peter | Silent Death, A | Signed First Edition Copy May, Peter | Silent Death, A | Signed First Edition Copy

Author Signed Hardcover Book. March 2020 NY: Quercus First edition, first printing, fine in a fine dust jacket, signed by the author.  This is a collectible book free from material defects.  Jacket covering services are available for a small fee..

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May, Peter | Lockdown | Signed Edition Trade Paper Book May, Peter | Lockdown | Signed First Edition Trade Paper Book

Signed Trade Paper Book. April 2020 NY: Quercus First Trade Paperback edition, first printing, mint, new/unread in pictorial wraps, signed by the author.

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May, Peter | Black Loch, The | Signed First Edition Book May, Peter | Black Loch, The | Signed First Edition Book

Author Signed Hardcover Book. September 2024 NY: Mobius First edition, first printing, mint, new/unread in a flawless dust jacket, signed by the author.

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Peter May Bibliography


The Lewis Trilogy

  1. The Blackhouse - 2011
  2. The Lewis Man - 2012
  3. The Chessmen - 2013

The China Thrillers

  1. The Firemaker - 1999
  2. The Fourth Sacrifice - 2000
  3. The Killing Room - 2001
  4. Snakehead - 2002
  5. The Runner - 2003
  6. Chinese Whispers - 2004

The Enzo Files

  1. Extraordinary People (aka Dry Bones) - 2006
  2. The Critic (aka A Vintage Corpse) - 2007
  3. Blacklight Blue - 2008
  4. Freeze Frame - 2010
  5. Blowback - 2011
  6. Cast Iron - 2017

Other Work

  • Fallen Hero - 1979
  • The Reporter - 1978
  • Hidden Faces (aka The Man With No Face) - 1981
  • The Noble Path 1992
  • Virtually Dead - 2010
  • Entry Island - 2013
  • Runaway - 2014
  • Coffin Road - 2016
  • I'll Keep You Safe - March 2018
  • The Man With No Face - March 2019
  • A Silent Death - March 2020

Peter May Awards
  • Fraser Award, Scottish Young Journalist of the Year - 1973
  • Prix Intramuros, Cognac, France - 2007
  • Prix Des Lecteurs, Le Havre, France - 2010
  • Prix Litteraire, Cezam Inter Ce, France - 2011
  • Prix Des Lecteurs Du Telegramme, Brest, France - 2012
  • Prix Polar International, Cognac, France - 2012
  • Prix Des Lecteurs, Le Havre, France - 2012
  • Barry Award Best Crime Novel (USA) - 2013
  • ITV Specsavers Dagger Award Crime Thriller Club Best Read of the Year (UK) - 2014
  • Bloody Scotland Deanston Scottish Crime Novel of the Year - 2014
  • Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year (UK) - 2014

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