Pan Mac signs two-book deal with Peter James

Pan Macmillan has signed a two-book deal with Peter James.

This will include a standalone novel, They Thought I was Dead, which picks up from his inaugural Roy Grace novel, Dead Simple (Pan Macmillan).

Wayne Brookes, formerly associate publisher for Pan Fiction, acquired world rights for the two books from Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann. They Thought I was Dead will be the first to be published as a lead hardback in May 2024. The paperback will follow in October 2024.

Francesca Pathak, publishing director, who has taken on publishing James following Brookes’ departure last year, said: “As a lifelong fan of Peter’s I am very happy to be working with him on Sandy’s story.

"Grace readers around the world have been desperate to learn the details on what exactly happened to Roy Grace’s wife and what her motivations were, and Peter has truly delivered in this incredible standalone novel.

“It’s the book all Grace fans have been waiting for, and the perfect entry point to the series for any new reader who wants the perfect thriller this spring.”

James commented: “Sandy’s story is one I have been excited to write for a long time. So many of my fans have messaged me over the years speculating on what might have happened to her… and as a thriller author there are few things more fun than wrong-footing our readers – in the nicest possible way – and most importantly in a way that will both make them smile and go, ‘Wow!’”

Dixon added: “In They Thought I Was Dead, Peter expertly delivers both twisty mystery and sensational revelation about the ever-elusive Sandy. A standalone that also deepens and complements the series story, it’s a fantastic bonus for all of Peter’s international fans, ahead the 20th Roy Grace later in the year – another very big year for Grace in print and on-screen.”