Peter James (writer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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James in 2011
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| Born | 22 August 1948 Brighton, East Sussex, England |
| Genre | Crime |
| Notable works | Roy Grace series |
| Notable awards |
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| Spouse |
Georgina Wilkin
(m. 1979–1998)Lara James
(m. 2015) |
| Parents | Cornelia Katz (mother) Jack James (father) |
Peter J. James (born 22 August 1948) is a British writer famous for his crime novels. He was born in Brighton, England. His mother, Cornelia James, was a glovemaker for Queen Elizabeth II.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Peter James went to Charterhouse School and later studied at Ravensbourne Film School. While at film school, he even worked for a short time as a house cleaner for the famous director Orson Welles.
After his studies, Peter spent several years in North America. He worked as a writer and producer for films. He started in Canada in 1970, first as a helper, then as a writer for the children's TV show Polka Dot Door.
Peter's Interests and Hobbies
Peter James has many interesting hobbies. He likes learning about criminology (the study of crime) and also enjoys science and the paranormal (things that are beyond normal understanding). He has written many articles about food and wine.
He also loves cars and racing! He calls himself a "petrol head." He has owned many fast cars, including Aston Martins and Mercedes. He even has a special racing license. He has competed in car races, driving cars like a Honda Accord and a SEAT Toledo. In 2013, his 1965 BMW 1800 Ti came in 10th place in a race. Today, he races a 1962 C1 Corvette and a 1964 Mini Cooper S.
Peter has also given two police cars to the Sussex Police in England and one to the States of Jersey Police. These cars even have his name on them!
Peter James is married to Lara James (since 2015).
Peter James's Books and Stories
Popular Books
Peter James has written 36 novels. He is best known for his popular crime thriller series about Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. This detective works in Brighton, England. These books have sold over 21 million copies around the world! They have been number one best-sellers in the UK, Germany, France, Russia, and Canada. Peter's books have been translated into 38 different languages.
In 1993, Peter James published his novel Host on computer floppy discs. This was a very new idea at the time. It is known as the world's first electronic novel. A copy of it is even kept in the Science Museum!
Peter has written different kinds of books, including supernatural thrillers, spy stories, and science-based thrillers. He has also written a children's novel. His short novel The Perfect Murder was very popular online.
Books on Stage and Screen
Many of Peter James's novels have been turned into plays for the stage. Plays like Dead Simple, Not Dead Enough, and The House on Cold Hill have been very successful.
His Roy Grace series is now a TV show called Grace on ITV. The actor John Simm plays Roy Grace. Another one of his novels, Perfect People, is also being made into an eight-part TV mini-series.
Peter James has also helped other writers. He was the chairman of the Crime Writers' Association for two terms. He also hosts "The Author's Studio" on YouTube. This is a free online place where new writers can learn.
Film and TV Work
Peter James has worked on 26 films as a writer or producer. His novel Host was made into a TV movie called Virtual Obsession in 1998. He also worked on films like The Neptune Factor and The Bridge of San Luis Rey, which starred Robert De Niro.
In 2005, Peter was an executive producer for the film The Merchant of Venice. This film was shown at a special event with Prince Charles and was nominated for a BAFTA Award.
His 1992 novel Prophecy was also adapted into an episode of the TV series Chiller in 1995.
Helping Others
Peter James is involved in many charities and organizations. He is a patron (a supporter) of the Sussex Police Charitable Trust and the Brighton & Hove Samaritans. He also supports the Brighton Greyhound Owners Association Retired Greyhound Trust and Relate in Sussex.
He is a co-patron of Neighbourhood Watch and Sussex Crimestoppers. He is also an ambassador for the University of Brighton. Peter supports the Martlets Hospice through his yearly golf event. He also helps Action Medical Research and The Reading Agency, which helps people become better readers.
Awards and Achievements
Peter James has won many awards for his writing and his work:
- 1967 Charterhouse school poetry prize
- 1969 Esquire Magazine International College Film Festival, The Island
- 1974 Sitges International Horror Film Festival, Best Foreign Film for Dead of Night
- 1999 Honorary Fellowship, FHS Emeritus award by the Hypnotherapy Society
- 2000 Public Awareness of Science Award, runner up, Alchemist
- 2004 BAFTA nomination for The Merchant of Venice
- 2004 Rose D'Or nomination at the Montreux Television Festival, Bedsitcom
- 2005 Krimi-Blitz, Best Crime Writer of the Year in Germany
- 2006 Le Prix Polar International, Comme Une Tombe (French translation of Dead Simple)
- 2007 Le Prix Cœur Noir at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines festival, Comme Une Tombe (French translation of Dead Simple)
- 2007 Richard & Judy Galaxy British Book Awards – Crime Thriller of the Year, shortlisted, Looking Good Dead
- 2007 Prix SNCF du Polar, shortlisted, La Mort Leur Va Si Bien (French translation of Looking Good Dead)
- 2007 Le Grand Prix de littérature policère, shortlisted, La Mort Leur Va Si Bien (French translation of Looking Good Dead)
- 2008 Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award, shortlisted, Not Dead Enough
- 2008 ITV Crime Thriller Author of the Year, shortlisted, Not Dead Enough
- 2009 Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award, shortlisted, Dead Man's Footsteps
- 2009 CWA Dagger in the Library, shortlisted
- 2009 Honorary Doctorate of Letters at the University of Brighton
- 2010 Sounds of Crime Award, best abridged and unabridged novel, Dead Tomorrow
- 2010 Galaxy British Book Awards – Sainsbury Popular Fiction Book of the Year shortlisted, Dead Like You
- 2010 Quick Reads Readers' Favourite Award, The Perfect Murder
- 2011 Sounds of Crime Award, best abridged and unabridged novel, Dead Like You
- 2011 ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards Winner, People's Bestseller Dagger for Crime Novel of the Year
- 2011 Barry Award, winner, Dead Man's Grip
- 2012 Wellcome Trust Book Prize, shortlisted, Perfect People
- 2012 Sussex Police, Outstanding Public Service Award
- 2012 Specsavers National Book Awards, Crime Thriller of the Year, shortlisted, Perfect People
- 2013 Argus Outstanding Contribution to Sussex Award
- 2013 Specsavers National Book Awards, Crime Thriller of the Year 2013 – shortlisted – Dead Man's Time
- 2014 Sainsbury's eBook of the Year Award – Winner – Want You Dead
- 2015 WHSmith. The Best Crime Author of all Time – Winner
- 2015 Honorary Mastership of the Open University
- 2015 Dagger in the Library UK Crime Writers' Association award for an author's body of work in British libraries (UK) shortlisted
- 2015 Dead Good Readers Dr Lecter Award for Scariest Villain – Winner – You Are Dead
- 2016 CWA Diamond Dagger Award Recipient
- 2016 Dead Good Readers Tess Gerritsen Award for Best Series – Winner – Roy Grace
- 2017 CAMEO Award – Book To Stage Category – shortlist – Not Dead Enough
- 2017 Poland – Lubimyczytac.pl Book Of The Year award, Horror Category – Winner – The House On Cold Hill
- 2017 Germany – Rheinbach Glass Dagger Award for Crime Fiction – Winner
- 2017 Sussex Life Hero at the Celebration of Sussex Life – Winner
- 2018 Specsavers Honorary Platinum Award for book sales over 5 million
- 2018 Specsavers National Book Awards – Audiobook Of The Year – Shortlist – Absolute Proof
- 2021 Specsavers Crimefest - Audible Sounds of Crime Award nominee - Find them Dead
- 2021 Brighton & Hove Business Awards - Outstanding Brightonian of the Year Award
See also
In Spanish: Peter James para niños
