Val McDermid is a Scottish crime writer, best known for her series of suspense novels featuring Dr. Tony Hill. She has written over 30 novels, including the best-selling Wire in the Blood series, which was adapted for television. McDermid is also a regular contributor to radio and television, and has won numerous awards for her work, including the CWA Gold Dagger for Best Crime Novel of the Year. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and an Honorary Fellow of St. Hilda's College, Oxford. McDermid is an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights and a patron of the Scottish Book Trust. She is also a passionate supporter of Manchester United Football Club.