Renowned British crime writer Peter Lovesey has passed away at the age of 88 after battling cancer. The announcement was made by his publisher, Sphere, highlighting the author’s prolific impact on the genre.

A Prolific Career Spanning Six Decades

Over an impressive 60-year writing career, Lovesey published a total of 43 novels. His acclaimed work, The False Inspector Dew, earned the prestigious CWA Gold Dagger and has been ranked among the Crime Writers’ Association’s (CWA) Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time as well as in the Times’ Top 100 Crime Novels of the 20th Century.

His contributions to the genre include:

• Eight Victorian crime novels featuring the character Sergeant Cribb, adapted for television.
• 22 novels within the Peter Diamond series, beginning with The Last Detective—which won an Anthony Award—and concluding with Against the Grain, expected to release posthumously in 2024.
• Seven collections of short stories, demonstrating his versatility as a writer.

Recognitions and Achievements

Lovesey’s contributions to literature did not go unnoticed, as he received numerous accolades such as:

• The CWA Silver Dagger
• Multiple Macavity and Anthony awards
• The Grand Prix de Littérature Policière

He was among a select group of authors who have been honored with both the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Special Edgar and the Cartier Diamond Dagger from the CWA for Lifetime Achievement, joining the ranks of literary greats like Sue Grafton and John le Carré.

A Fond Farewell

Peter Lovesey passed away peacefully in Shrewsbury, England, on April 10, 2025. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Jaqueline, along with their two children, Kathy and Phil.

Cath Burke, deputy managing director of Little, Brown Book Group, expressed her sentiments: “Peter was a brilliant writer, a legend in crime writing, and a deeply lovely man whom we will miss very much. We are so proud to have been Peter’s publisher and to know that his phenomenal body of work will continue to find readers throughout the world.”

His long-time literary agent, Vanessa Holt, remarked on his character, stating, “He was loyal to his friends and business friends, appreciative of all efforts made for him and meticulous in his writing and business affairs.”