🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Val McDermid
She has said in many interviews that she received a great motivation from the great writing works of the famous authors at the time when she started her writing career. These famous authors include Ian Rankin, James Lee Burke, Reginald Hill and Ruth Rendell. The novels written by McDermid have been translated into more than 30 foreign languages all over the world. She has been able to sell more than 11 million copies of her novels in different parts of the world. This success helped McDermid to become the No. 1 bestselling author of her time. McDermid has won many international awards for her successful novels, such as the CWA Gold Dagger and the LA Times Book Award. She has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame of the ITV3 Crime Thriller authors in the year 2009. Later on. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, Val McDermid has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Val McDermid
1979
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Allie Burns Books with 1979, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
1989
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Allie Burns Books with 1989, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
The Distant Echo
The Distant Echo is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Karen Pirie Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
A Darker Domain
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Karen Pirie Books with A Darker Domain, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
The Skeleton Road
The Skeleton Road is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Karen Pirie Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Out of Bounds
Out of Bounds is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Karen Pirie Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Broken Ground
Broken Ground is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Karen Pirie Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Still Life
Still Life continues the Publication Order of Inspector Karen Pirie Books story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Past Lying
Past Lying continues the Publication Order of Inspector Karen Pirie Books story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Silent Bones
Silent Bones is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Karen Pirie Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Dead Beat
A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Beat as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Kate Brannigan Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Kick Back
Kick Back is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Kate Brannigan Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Crack Down
Crack Down continues the Publication Order of Kate Brannigan Books story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Clean Break
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Kate Brannigan Books with Clean Break, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
Blue Genes
Blue Genes continues the Publication Order of Kate Brannigan Books story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Star Struck
Star Struck is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Kate Brannigan Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Report For Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Report For Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Lindsay Gordon Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Common Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Common Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Lindsay Gordon Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Final Edition / Open and Shut / Deadline for Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Final Edition / Open and Shut / Deadline for Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Lindsay Gordon Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Union Jack / Conferences Are Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Union Jack / Conferences Are Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Lindsay Gordon Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Booked For Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Booked For Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Lindsay Gordon Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Hostage To Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Hostage To Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Lindsay Gordon Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
The Mermaids Singing
The Mermaids Singing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
The Wire In The Blood
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Wire In The Blood as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
The Last Temptation
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan Books with The Last Temptation, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
The Torment of Others
The Torment of Others is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Beneath the Bleeding
Beneath the Bleeding continues the Publication Order of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan Books story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Fever of the Bone
Fever of the Bone continues the Publication Order of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan Books story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Retribution
The Retribution continues the Publication Order of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan Books story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Cross and Burn
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan Books with Cross and Burn, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
Splinter the Silence
Splinter the Silence continues the Publication Order of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan Books story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Insidious Intent
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan Books with Insidious Intent, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
How the Dead Speak
A gripping mystery unfolds in How the Dead Speak as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
A Place of Execution
A Place of Execution is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Killing the Shadows
A gripping mystery unfolds in Killing the Shadows as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
The Grave Tattoo
The Grave Tattoo continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Trick of the Dark
Trick of the Dark continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Vanishing Point
The Vanishing Point is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Cleanskin
Cleanskin continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Happy Holidays
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Happy Holidays, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
Life's Too Short
Life's Too Short is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Writing on the Wall and Other Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Writing on the Wall and Other Stories, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
Stranded
Stranded continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Christmas is Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Christmas is Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Resistance
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Graphic Novels with Resistance, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
My Granny Is a Pirate
My Granny Is a Pirate is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
A Suitable Job for a Woman
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with A Suitable Job for a Woman, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime
The investigation intensifies in Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Val McDermid's creation.
My Scotland
My Scotland continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Winter: The Story of a Season
Winter: The Story of a Season is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Northanger Abbey
Northanger Abbey continues the Publication Order of Austen Project Books story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Murder under the Christmas Tree
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder under the Christmas Tree as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Murder on Christmas Eve
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder on Christmas Eve as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
A Very Murderous Christmas
A gripping mystery unfolds in A Very Murderous Christmas as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Murder at Christmas
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder at Christmas as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Murder in Midwinter
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in Midwinter as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Murder on a Winter's Night
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder on a Winter's Night as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Murder in the Falling Snow
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in the Falling Snow as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Murderous Christmas Stories Books series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Queen Macbeth
Queen Macbeth is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Darkland Tales Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Queen Macbeth
Queen Macbeth is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Darkland Tales Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
12 Days: A Modern Twist on The Twelve Days of Christmas
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 12 Days: A Modern Twist on The Twelve Days of Christmas, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
Naked Came the Phoenix
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Naked Came the Phoenix, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 3
The investigation intensifies in The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 3, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Val McDermid's creation.
Tart Noir
Tart Noir continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Like a Charm
Like a Charm continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Adventure of the Missing Detective and 19 of the Year's Finest Crime and Mystery Stories
The investigation intensifies in The Adventure of the Missing Detective and 19 of the Year's Finest Crime and Mystery Stories, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Val McDermid's creation.
Magnetic North
Magnetic North continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Crime Scenes Revisited: Scottish Popular Fiction
The investigation intensifies in Crime Scenes Revisited: Scottish Popular Fiction, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Val McDermid's creation.
A Merry Band of Murderers
A gripping mystery unfolds in A Merry Band of Murderers as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Criminal Tendencies
Criminal Tendencies continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Sounds Of Crime
The investigation intensifies in The Sounds Of Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Val McDermid's creation.
The Library Book
The Library Book continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Killer Cookbook
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Killer Cookbook as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Inherit the Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in Inherit the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
OxCrimes: 27 Killer Stories from the Cream of Crimewriters
A gripping mystery unfolds in OxCrimes: 27 Killer Stories from the Cream of Crimewriters as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Out There: An Anthology of Scottish LGBT writing
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Out There: An Anthology of Scottish LGBT writing, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
Crime Writers: A Decade of Crime
The investigation intensifies in Crime Writers: A Decade of Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Val McDermid's creation.
MatchUp
MatchUp is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Val McDermid have come to expect.
Exit Wounds
Exit Wounds continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Val McDermid's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Bloody Scotland
A gripping mystery unfolds in Bloody Scotland as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Val McDermid's mastery of suspense.
Marple: Twelve New Mysteries
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Marple: Twelve New Mysteries, another outstanding contribution from Val McDermid.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Val McDermid?
Val McDermid is a bestselling author known for 15 book series containing over 81 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Allie Burns Books, Publication Order of Inspector Karen Pirie Books, Publication Order of Kate Brannigan Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Val McDermid series to start with?
For readers new to Val McDermid's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 21 books. Begin with 12 Days: A Modern Twist on The Twelve Days of Christmas to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Val McDermid written?
Val McDermid has written over 81 books across 15 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Val McDermid books in order?
Yes, reading Val McDermid's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Val McDermid write in?
Val McDermid writes primarily in fiction. With 15 series across 81 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Val McDermid's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Val McDermid's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Val McDermid's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Val McDermid's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, 12 Days: A Modern Twist on The Twelve Days of Christmas, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.