The end of another year. Another book published. Another book written, well, almost. I expect to finish it within the next ten days before I travel to the UK for the launch of The Chessmen, but more of that later. First a review of the last year….
What were the highlights of 2012?
At the end of the year, The Lewis Man was named by UK newspaper The Independent as one of their “Books of the Year” for 2012. The Lewis Trilogy was also described in the paper as:
In 2012, The Blackhouse was published in the USA by Quercus’ partners, Silver Oak, and was received very well.
New York Times reviewer, Marilyn Stasio said:
Publishers Weekly gave it a starred review, calling it:
Library Journal also gave it a starred review, describing it as:
and they have just named The Blackhouse one of “The Best Books of 2012” in the USA.
The Blackhouse was named one of “The Best Books of 2012” in the USA by January Magazine, too.
Back in Europe, The Lewis Man was up for several awards during 2012.
In May, I made the final shortlist for the UK Crime Writers’ Association’s “Dagger in the Library” a prize awarded by British librarians.
In the Spring, the French version of The Lewis Man was selected for the French daily newspaper Le Télégramme’s Grand Prix des Lecteurs. There were 12 nominees and all the authors were called on to give talks in book shops and libraries and to be interviewed on television – all of this in French, naturally!
The judging process took place over several months and the vote was then taken by readers of the newspaper who had registered and read the 12 books. I was amazed and delighted when The Lewis Man was declared the winner and I received the 10,000 Euro prize at the televised award ceremony.
In June, at Le Havre’s Ancres Noires Crime Writing Festival, The Lewis Man won the Prix des Lecteurs. This is another prize judged by readers. It is run and adjudicated by librarians in the North West of France.I was the first author to win this prize twice – having won it previously for The Blackhouse.
The Lewis Man was shortlisted for the first Scottish Crime Book of the Year, at the inaugural “Bloody Scotland” Crime Writing Festival in Stirling in September – a great festival, well-run, superb location, convivial – hope it’s the first of many!
In October, at one of my favourite festivals, the Cognac festival of Crime Writing I won the Prix Polar International by a unanimous vote of the judges (which is apparently very unusual). The best thing about this award? The crystal decanter of 1795 Baron Otard Extra Cognac!
As for 2013…
The Chessmen was released on Kindle UK early, and the past couple of weeks have seen The Blackhouse, The Lewis Man, and The Chessmen all regularly sitting in the Top Twenty of the Amazon Kindle UK Mystery and Thriller lists.
The Chessmen‘s hardback release date in bookstores was 3rd January and I’ll be flying to the UK for 11 events to celebrate the launch at bookstores and other venues mainly in Scotland, and focusing on a Hebridean tour!
CHESSMEN LAUNCH TOUR
- Newcastle, Corrbridge Forum Books, Tea and Tipple Cafe 14th Jan 7pm
- St Boswells, Mainstreet Trading 15th Jan, 12 noon
- Newton Mearns, Waterstones, Primavera Bistro 15th Jan 7pm
- Edinburgh, Blackwells, 53-59 South Bridge16th Jan 6.30pm
- Dundee, Steps Theatre, 17th Jan 7pm
- Lochmaddy North Uist, Taigh Chearsabhagh Arts Centre 19th Jan 2pm
- Lochboisdale, South Uist, Lochboisdae Hotel 21st Jan 7pm
- Tarbert, Harris, Tarbert Community Library, 22nd Jan 7pm
- Stornoway, Lewis, Woodlands Centre, 23rd Jan 7.30pm
- Ness, Lewis, Historical Society, 24th Jan 7.30pm
- Inverness, Waterstones 25th Jan 4pm (signing only)
PLEASE CHECK WITH INDIVIDUAL VENUES FOR
FULL DETAILS ABOUT WHETHER BOOKING IS NECESSARY
I have to go now, to ensure that I meet the deadline to finish writing my next book before the tour.
What is it about?
Well, in spite of daily e-mails imploring me to continue with Fin’s story, I can tell you there is definitely NOT going to be a fourth book in The Lewis Trilogy. I can also divulge that the Isle of Lewis does appear in the new book. But you’ll have to wait a while to find out any more!
Peter May Author 
For me 2012 was the year of Peter May I read the trilogy and I look forward to the other series to be published in the UK.
Bring back Margaret she was the best xxx
Joan says:
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February 14, 2013 at 22:27
I loved each book in the trilogy – I practically read each one in a single sitting! I moved immediately onto the China thrillers, and have only Chinese Whispers left to read. I had to buy that and Firemaker kindle versions, and scoured the net for 2nd hand versions of the others as, for some reason, new books are currently unavailable. Such is my addiction to your talent, Mr. May, that I now am trying to track down copies of the Enzo Files. Not only are they out of print, they are also out of kindle! So far, I have only managed to find Freeze Frame online, and some audio versions of Dry Bones. Wish me luck in my quest. I’m delighted to hear that you are beginning a new series and that the first one will be published next year. I very much look forward to that! Thank you for the many very contented hours you have given me.
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