Renowned author Peter James is stirring excitement with his latest thriller, The Hawk Is Dead, which brings a fictional narrative to the heart of the British monarchy. James, known for his successful Roy Grace series, recently spent time as a concierge at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, not for financial necessity but as part of his research for this new installment, which marks the 21st entry in the series.
While at the Grand Hotel, James humorously noted a small reward for his efforts: “I did get a fiver tip for carrying an elderly couple’s luggage out!” His meticulous approach to writing shines through in this latest book, where he intertwines the fictional world of his detective, Roy Grace, with real-life figures, including King Charles and Queen Camilla. Much of the story unfolds at Buckingham Palace, making for a thrilling backdrop to the plot.
James’s journey into the royal narrative began after he discovered that Queen Camilla, 78, was a fan of his work. During the lockdown, she was photographed in her study at Birkhall, revealing a collection of books that included several of James’s novels. The Queen later expressed her admiration for the Roy Grace character and encouraged James to set one of his stories in London, specifically suggesting Buckingham Palace as a potential location.
“It was around this time that a senior member of the Royal Household indicated Her Majesty was serious about the idea,” James recounted. “I started pondering how to incorporate a Sussex-based detective into a London setting.” He creatively resolved this by introducing a murder aboard the Royal Train, which Camilla would be using for a visit to Brighton.
James’s plot thickens as he incorporates a dramatic derailment of the Royal Train while it travels through Clayton Tunnel. The ensuing chaos leads to the assassination of a senior royal aide, creating a gripping scenario that challenges DI Roy Grace to navigate both royal protocol and a complex conspiracy.
“Everyone assumes it’s a failed assassination attempt on the Queen,” James explains, highlighting the tension that ensues. Grace’s instinct leads him to suspect otherwise, causing friction with royal authorities, including King Charles, who demands answers.
The connection between James and the royal family deepened when he was granted a behind-the-scenes tour of Buckingham Palace to conduct research for the novel. “I walked around the basement, the corridors, and the rooftop of Buckingham Palace,” he reflected. This exclusive access allowed him to convey a sense of authenticity to the royal setting in his narrative.
Upon completing a preliminary version of the book, James hand-delivered a proof to Queen Camilla, seeking her approval. The Queen’s response was overwhelmingly positive, stating, “I absolutely love it!” This approval not only confirmed the authenticity of his portrayal but also reflected the close engagement between the author and the royal family.
James’s connection to the monarchy extends beyond the fictional realm. He noted that while King Charles does not typically read fiction, he has heard that the Queen has shared elements of the story with him, and he expressed gratitude for how James’s work entertains her.
As for the Queen’s initiatives promoting reading, Peter James commended her efforts. She launched a charity, The Queen’s Reading Room, aimed at encouraging literacy and reading among the public. “Just reading five minutes a day has massive benefits for both mental and physical health,” James stated, underscoring the importance of her mission.
Looking ahead, James is gearing up for the seventh season of the Roy Grace television adaptation, set to begin production next year for ITV. He playfully suggested that perhaps the royal couple might even consider making cameo appearances, given King Charles’s youthful interest in acting.
The release of The Hawk Is Dead promises to captivate both fans of crime fiction and those intrigued by royal narratives. With its blend of suspense, character depth, and a touch of royal authenticity, James continues to solidify his place as a master storyteller in contemporary literature.
