Val McDermid, the acclaimed author widely recognised as the Queen of Crime, continues to maintain her reputation with a prolific output, having written five series of crime novels totaling 33 books. Her work has sold more than 17 million copies globally, reports BritPanorama.
Her latest release is part of the Karen Pirie series, where the detective investigates the apparent connection between the deaths of a journalist and an Edinburgh hotel manager. Additionally, McDermid has launched Winter, a memoir that reflects on the coldest season through immersive storytelling.
As Christmas approaches, McDermid shares her recommendations for festive reading, presenting her top five crime books for the holiday season, which she describes as her “killer reads for the festive season.”
Dalziel and Pascoe Hunt the Christmas Killer and other stories by Reginald Hill
In this collection of 11 engaging winter tales, Hill showcases his Yorkshire detectives navigating through a series of twists and humorous situations. McDermid praises the stories for their fast-paced nature and the engaging chemistry of the detective pair.
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie
McDermid regards this collection as a seasonal classic, likening it to the annual tradition of the Royal Christmas broadcast. With stories featuring both Poirot and Miss Marple, the title story, in particular, resonates with nostalgia drawn from Christie’s own childhood experiences during Christmas.
A Maigret Christmas and Other Stories by Georges Simenon, translated by David Coward
This collection highlights Inspector Maigret, a character defined by his strong sense of justice. Set against the backdrop of Parisian festivities, McDermid appreciates Simenon’s empathetic storytelling, even when Maigret is not central to some of the narratives.
The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries edited by Otto Penzler
Penzler’s anthology compiles 100 of the finest festive whodunnits featuring iconic detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple. McDermid notes the diversity of the authors included, ranging from famous names to surprising contributors, making it a delightful choice for readers.
The Christmas Clue by Nicola Upson
In this engaging novel, Upson takes readers back to a murder mystery event in a 1943 country house hotel, where guests become amateur detectives after a body is found. McDermid highlights the historical context and depth of the narrative that strikes a chord even today.
Winter: The Story of a Season by Val McDermid is published by Hodder, priced at £16.99. McDermid’s latest novel, Silent Bones, is also currently available (Little Brown, £22).
