Val McDermid Biography

Val McDermid, a renowned Scottish crime writer, is best known for her suspenseful and engaging crime novels that delve into the dark underbelly of society. With a career spanning over three decades, McDermid has written over 30 novels, and her work has been translated into more than 40 languages.

Early Life

Born on June 4, 1955, in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, McDermid’s early life was steeped in the world of journalism. Her father was a football scout and her mother worked in a jute mill. Her passion for writing was evident from a young age.

Work as a Journalist

She attended St Hilda’s College, Oxford, where she was the first student from a Scottish state school to be admitted. She studied English and was involved with the student newspaper, which sparked her interest in journalism. After graduating, she worked as a journalist for 14 years, including time as a drama critic for the Manchester Evening News.

First Crime Novel

McDermid’s foray into the world of crime writing began in the mid-1980s. Her first novel, “Report for Murder,” was published in 1987 and introduced the character of Lindsay Gordon, a self-proclaimed socialist, feminist, and lesbian freelance journalist. This book was the first in a series of six featuring Gordon, and McDermid’s groundbreaking portrayal of a lesbian protagonist in a crime novel was considered revolutionary at the time.

The Mermaids Singing

In 1995, McDermid published “The Mermaids Singing,” the first book in the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series. The series, which now includes over ten books, revolves around the complex relationship between a clinical psychologist and a police detective. The series was adapted into the successful television show “Wire in the Blood,” which ran for six seasons.

Kate Brannigan Series

McDermid’s third series, the Kate Brannigan series, is set in Manchester and features a female private detective. The series is known for its wit and humor, and it showcases McDermid’s ability to create a diverse range of characters and narratives.

McDermid’s novels are known for their meticulous research and attention to detail. She often consults with professionals in the fields she is writing about, including police officers, forensic scientists, and psychologists, to ensure the accuracy of her work. This commitment to realism has earned her a reputation as a writer of “tartan noir,” a subgenre of crime fiction that is characterized by its gritty realism and dark humor.

Standalone Novels

In addition to her series, McDermid has written several standalone novels, including “A Place of Execution,” which won the Los Angeles Times Book of the Year Award in 2000.

Awards and Accolades

Throughout her career, McDermid has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2010, she was inducted into the Crime Thriller Hall of Fame, and in 2016, she received the Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction Award at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. She was also awarded the Crime Writers’ Association’s Cartier Diamond Dagger for outstanding achievement in the field of crime writing in 2010.

Personal Life

McDermid is openly lesbian and has been an active supporter of LGBT rights. She has a son with her former partner, and she is currently married to Jo Sharp, a professor of geography at the University of Glasgow.

Val McDermid’s work has left an indelible mark on the world of crime fiction. Her novels, characterized by their intricate plotting, psychological depth, and vividly realized characters, continue to captivate readers worldwide. Her contribution to the genre has not only entertained millions but also pushed the boundaries of what is possible in crime fiction.