Awards
2020…
- Joined the Board of Trustees of the Homeless World Cup Foundation
2019…
- Was appointed Visiting Professor of Scottish Studies and Crime Fiction at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand
2018…
Became Patron of the Scottish Book Trust- Was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of St Andrews – View Laureation Address HERE
- Awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bath Spa
- Was awarded the Glass Dagger in Germany, for my contribution to crime fiction
2017…
- Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature
- Winner of – DIVA Literary Award for Crime for Insidious Intent
- Shortlisted for 2017 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of The Year for Out Of Bounds
- Elected to become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- Shortlisted for 2017 McIlvanney Prize Scottish Crime Book of the Year for Out Of Bounds
2016…
- Winner of – Anthony Award for Best Critical/Non-Fiction book at Bouchercon in New Orleans.
McDermid, Val. Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime. Grove. 2015. 320p. ISBN 9780802123916. $26; ebk. ISBN 9780802191052. CRIME
Using historical examples, author McDermid brings to life the various subspecialties within forensic science to show how, and how well, the theories work in practice. The distinct treatment—one chapter on entomology, the next on pathology, and so on—and the juxtaposition within the chapters of histories and case studies produces the experience of reading an introductory forensic science textbook, minus all the colorful photos and elucidative marginalia. While this might leave academic readers feeling shortchanged, average readers will be more than satisfied with a no-frills primer. Additionally, McDermid’s experience as a crime writer and former journalist allows her to present the facts of the individual illustrative cases in compelling ways. Currency of the material is ensured through the use of recent court cases and consultation with practicing forensic scientists.
VERDICT: This title will primarily be relevant to readers with a general interest in forensic science/criminalistics, casual academics, true crime aficionados, and fans of McDermid’s other works.(LJ 6/15/16)—Ricardo Laskaris, York Univ. Lib., Toronto
Click here for more information about this book…
2016…
- The Mystery Writers of America have announced the 2016 Edgar Award Nominations, celebrating the 207th anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe.
Val is among the nominees in the category of ‘Best Fact Crime’ for the book:
Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime (Grove Atlantic – Grove Press) – by Val McDermid
Read the full list of nominees and get more details on all categories on the PR Newswire website…
2015…
- The Skeleton Road … won the Dead Good Reader Awards ‘Reichenbach Falls Award for Most Epic Ending 2015’
Others shortlisted for the award included:
The Defence – by Steve Cavanagh (Orion)
‘The Girl on the Train’ – by Paula Hawkins (Transworld)
‘The Nightmare Place’ – by Steve Mosby (Orion)
‘Let You Go’ – by Clare Mackintosh (Sphere)
‘Personal’ – by Lee Child (Transworld)
2013…
- Honorary Degree Awarded by Dundee University – Honorary Degree awarded June 2013
- Northumberland University honour Val McDermid with an honourary degree – Honorary Degree awarded July 2013
2011…
- Trick of the Dark is shortlisted for the Galaxy National Book Awards this year. ‘Val’s critical acclaimed standalone novel, Trick of the Dark, has been shortlisted for the Thriller and Crime Novel of the year category at the Galaxy National Book Awards 2011. Fellow contenders include Ian Rankin, Martina Cole, S J Watson, Robert Morris and C J Sansom.’The Galaxy National Book Awards honour the best of British writing & publishing, whilst celebrating books with wide popular appeal, critical acclaim and commercial success.
- The Retribution has won a place on the longlist for the Green Carnation Prize 2011
- Val receives Pioneer Award at 23rd Annual Lambda Literary Awards – May 2011
- Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year – Fever of the Bone (longlist)
2010…
- Best P.I./Procedural Novel in the 2009 Romantic Times’ BOOK REVIEWS Reviewers‘ Choice Awards goes to A Darker Domain
- Los Angeles Times Book Prize – Shortlisted – A Darker Domain
- CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger 2010 – Winner in recognition of Val’s work over more than 20 years.
2009…
- Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year – Beneath the Bleeding (shortlist)
2008…
- British Book Awards Crime Thriller of the Year (shortlist) – The Grave Tattoo
- Alice B Award for sustained achievement
