Prolific author Peter James is venturing into royal territory with his latest novel, “The Hawk Is Dead,” which prominently features Queen Camilla and King Charles. While James, known for his bestselling Roy Grace series, has sold over 23 million books, his recent experience as a concierge at Brighton’s Grand Hotel served as unique research for this thriller.
James’s dedication to realism is evident in his writing process. He aims to make the exploits of his fictional detective, DS Roy Grace, as thrilling and authentic as possible. The series, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has gained renewed attention with an acclaimed adaptation on ITV, featuring John Simm in the lead role.
With the backdrop of Buckingham Palace, James’s latest plot weaves together elements of intrigue, including an assassination attempt and art thieves. The author recalls how he received the royal seal of approval for his novel, stating, “I’m absolutely certain no other author has written a novel featuring King Charles and Queen Camilla and shown the inner workings of Buckingham Palace and the Royal Household.”
The relationship between James and the royal family began during the pandemic when Camilla expressed her fondness for his work. After being photographed with his books in her study, she revealed that Roy Grace is her favorite fictional detective. This connection led to a handwritten correspondence between the two, culminating in Camilla encouraging James to set a story in London.
The plot thickened when a senior member of the Royal Household conveyed Camilla’s wishes to James, suggesting that the story could include a murder at Buckingham Palace. Inspired, James devised a scenario where a murder occurs aboard the Royal Train during a visit to Brighton. He explains, “I thought, ‘How about Queen Camilla coming by train to Brighton for the start of a two-day tour of hospices along the south coast?’”
The tension escalates as the Royal Train derails, leading to a dramatic scene where a senior royal official is shot. James describes the moment vividly: “The top half of Sir Peregrine Greaves’ head literally exploded in a pink cloud.” The story quickly turns into a race against time, with DS Roy Grace investigating what appears to be an assassination attempt on the Queen.
James’s creative journey included an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Buckingham Palace, which he describes as an incredible experience. “I walked around the basement, the corridors and the rooftop of Buckingham Palace,” he reflects. This immersive research added depth to his writing, making the narrative feel authentic.
Upon completing the manuscript, James was anxious to share it with Camilla. He hand-delivered an early proof to her, seeking her feedback. To his relief, she responded positively, stating, “I absolutely love it!” Furthermore, it seems that King Charles has also taken an interest in the story, with reports suggesting he found it enjoyable, although he typically does not read fiction.
As the author prepares for the upcoming season of the Roy Grace television series, he muses about the potential for the royal couple to make a cameo appearance, noting King Charles’s past interest in acting. James’s ability to blend fiction with royal intrigue not only showcases his creativity but also highlights the evolving relationship between literature and the monarchy.
In addition to his literary pursuits, James acknowledges Queen Camilla’s efforts to promote reading, notably through her book club, The Queen’s Reading Room, which aims to encourage literacy worldwide. The charity’s initial findings suggest that just five minutes of reading a day can significantly benefit mental and physical health.
As “The Hawk Is Dead” hits shelves, readers can look forward to a captivating blend of crime, royal drama, and a touch of humor, all within the context of modern-day Buckingham Palace. James’s journey through the intricacies of royal life and detective work promises to keep audiences engaged, reinforcing the enduring popularity of the Roy Grace series.
