Mina, Denise

Denise Mina (born 21 August 1966) is a Scottish writer active since 1996. Her debut novel Garnethill (1998 Transworld) was a bestseller and won the Crime Writers' Association John Creasey Award for best debut. It was followed by Exile and Resolution, completing a trilogy of novels featuring Maureen O’Donnell, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Described as ‘crime writing royalty’ by Val McDermid, she was a key figure in the rise of Tartan Noir. Conviction (2019) was a Reese's Book Club Pick. Her latest novel, The Good Liar (2025) examines forensic junk science and the implications for justice. She is best known for her crime novels and short stories. Her non-fiction novel, The Long Drop, was about serial killer Peter Manuel's trial in Glasgow 1958. She also writes graphic novels, wrote ‘Hellblazer’ for a year, is a playwright and regularly presents television and radio.