Val McDermid is a renowned Scottish author best known for her gripping crime thrillers that have captivated readers around the world. With a writing career spanning several decades, McDermid has produced a prolific number of novels featuring complex characters, chilling plots, and psychologically rich narratives. Her books are not only popular among fans of the genre but are also critically acclaimed for their literary merit. For readers new to McDermid or long-time fans wanting to revisit her work in the correct order, understanding the sequence of her books is essential to fully grasp character development and plot continuity across her series.
Val McDermid’s Book Series Overview
McDermid has authored several notable series, each with a unique lead character and style. Her most prominent series include
- Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series
- Karen Pirie series
- Lindsay Gordon series
- Kate Brannigan series
- Allie Burns series
Tony Hill and Carol Jordan Series in Order
This series is perhaps McDermid’s most famous, blending psychological profiling with traditional police work. It follows clinical psychologist Tony Hill and Detective Inspector Carol Jordan as they solve gruesome crimes while navigating their complex personal relationship.
- The Mermaids Singing(1995)
- The Wire in the Blood(1997)
- The Last Temptation(2002)
- The Torment of Others(2004)
- Beneath the Bleeding(2007)
- Fever of the Bone(2009)
- The Retribution(2011)
- Cross and Burn(2013)
- Splinter the Silence(2015)
- Insidious Intent(2017)
- How the Dead Speak(2019)
- 1979(2021) – Though not part of the Hill-Jordan narrative, it’s sometimes discussed alongside it due to overlapping themes
Karen Pirie Series in Order
The Karen Pirie books feature a cold-case detective based in Scotland. These novels explore themes of justice delayed, long-buried secrets, and political corruption. Karen is a strong, smart character who operates independently, often at odds with the institution she serves.
- The Distant Echo(2003)
- A Darker Domain(2008)
- The Skeleton Road(2014)
- Out of Bounds(2016)
- Broken Ground(2018)
- Still Life(2020)
- Past Lying(2023)
Lindsay Gordon Series in Order
Lindsay Gordon is McDermid’s first recurring character and a significant figure in lesbian crime fiction. A journalist with a knack for solving mysteries, Gordon’s adventures are tinged with political intrigue, feminist discourse, and sharp wit.
- Report for Murder(1987)
- Common Murder(1989)
- Final Edition(1991)
- Union Jack(1993)
- Booked for Murder(1996)
- Hostage to Murder(2003)
Kate Brannigan Series in Order
Kate Brannigan is a private investigator based in Manchester, and the tone of this series is more fast-paced and humorous compared to McDermid’s other works. These novels reflect the urban pulse of the 1990s and delve into cybercrime, fraud, and family drama.
- Dead Beat(1992)
- Killing the Shadows(1994)
- Crack Down(1994)
- Cleanskin(1995)
- Blue Genes(1996)
- Star Struck(1998)
Allie Burns Series in Order
This newer series introduces investigative journalist Allie Burns and is set in a historically rich context. The books explore how political and societal changes shape individuals and institutions. This series blends fiction with real-life events, showcasing McDermid’s storytelling depth.
- 1979(2021)
- 1989(2022)
- 1999(expected soon)
Standalone Novels and Short Stories
In addition to her popular series, Val McDermid has written standalone novels and collections of short stories. These often tackle different themes, from wartime drama to literary thrillers.
- A Place of Execution(1999) – widely regarded as one of her best standalone works
- The Grave Tattoo(2006)
- Trick of the Dark(2010)
- My Scotland(2019) – a memoir blending travel writing with personal history
Reading Order vs. Publication Order
When reading Val McDermid books, it’s generally recommended to follow the publication order, especially within each series. This allows readers to experience character development as intended by the author. For the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series, the personal evolution of the protagonists is deeply tied to the order of cases and emotional experiences.
For newcomers, starting withThe Mermaids SingingorThe Distant Echois a good way to understand McDermid’s style. Meanwhile, long-time readers may enjoy revisiting older series like Lindsay Gordon for a more political and early-career look at her work.
Val McDermid’s Literary Influence
Val McDermid is considered a pioneer in crime fiction, particularly in bringing LGBTQ+ characters into the mainstream. Her work has influenced countless writers and reshaped how women are represented in thrillers. Many of her books have been adapted for television, most notably the Tony Hill series into the showWire in the Blood.
Her unique blend of psychological insight, forensic detail, and cultural critique sets her apart in the world of crime writing. Readers are often drawn not just to the plot twists, but to the moral questions and social issues that McDermid weaves into her stories.
Val McDermid’s books in order offer a literary journey through crime, psychology, and society. Whether you’re following the tortured mind of Tony Hill, the relentless pursuit of justice by Karen Pirie, or the sharp investigations of Allie Burns, each series offers something compelling and unique. By reading her works in sequence, fans can truly appreciate the layered complexity and thematic richness of McDermid’s writing.