Val McDermid

Val McDermid is a Scottish crime writer of more than 30 novels, known for uncompromising depictions of violence. She is best known for her series around clinical psychologist Tony Hill and Carol Jordan, beginning with The Mermaids Singing, which became the television series Wire in the Blood, broadcast from 2002 to 2008. Her books have earned the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger and the Cartier Diamond Dagger. She also writes for the British press and broadcasts on BBC Radio 4.