Peter West

Peter May, born in 1951, is a Scottish author recognized for his work as a television screenwriter and novelist, specializing in crime fiction. His career began in journalism before transitioning to full-time writing for television, where he created and penned numerous series for the BBC and other networks. Notably, he co-created 'Machair,' the first major TV drama in Gaelic, which achieved significant viewership despite its niche language. After fifteen years in television, May dedicated himself to novel writing.

May's literary career gained international acclaim, especially with his 'China Thrillers' series, which earned him honorary membership in the Chinese Crime Writers' Association. He has lived in France for many years, where his works have been highly regarded, receiving prestigious awards such as the Prix Intramuros, awarded by prisoner juries. His 'Enzo Files' series is set in France and focuses on forensic science. His 'Lewis Trilogy,' set in the Outer Hebrides, achieved widespread success, winning numerous awards in France and the UK, and selling millions of copies globally. May's standalone novels also explore diverse themes and settings, including historical events and ecological concerns.

Born in Glasgow in 1951, Peter May harbored ambitions of becoming a novelist from a young age. He initially pursued journalism to establish a writing career and support himself. His early attempts at novel writing were met with encouragement, even in rejection. At 21, he was recognized as Scotland's Young Journalist of the Year. He worked for prominent Scottish newspapers before his first novel, 'The Reporter,' was published when he was 26. This novel was adapted into a BBC television series, prompting May to leave journalism in 1978 to focus on writing for television full-time.

May's television career was extensive, spanning over fifteen years with more than a thousand credits. He developed and wrote major drama serials for UK broadcasters, including 'Squadron' for the BBC and 'Machair,' a groundbreaking Gaelic-language drama he co-created for Scottish Television. Despite its limited native viewership, 'Machair' achieved high ratings and significant audience share. During this period, he also penned novels like 'Hidden Faces' and 'The Noble Path.' In 1996, he transitioned to writing novels exclusively.

Peter May's novels have achieved significant international recognition. His 'China Thrillers' series involved extensive research in China, granting him unique access to police and forensic departments, and earning him an honorary position within the Chinese Crime Writers' Association. His experiences living in France have deeply influenced his work, particularly the 'Enzo Files' series, which is set there. He has received numerous French literary awards, including the Prix Intramuros, unique for its jury of prisoners. May's commitment to authenticity is evident in his detailed research methods, which have included participating in wine-tasting courses and even establishing a virtual private detective agency in the online world of Second Life for research purposes.

The 'Lewis Trilogy,' beginning with 'The Blackhouse,' garnered substantial acclaim after its initial publication in French translation before being released in the UK. The series, set in the Outer Hebrides, has won multiple awards in France and the UK, including the Cezam Prix Litteraire and the ITV Crime Thriller Book Club Best Read of the Year. The trilogy has sold over a million copies in the UK alone, with global sales exceeding twelve million. Subsequent standalone novels like 'Entry Island' and 'Coffin Road' have continued to explore diverse settings and themes, often featuring characters or settings linked to his previous works, and have also received critical and popular success.