Picture a British storyteller who turned her love for history and true crime into pulse-pounding thrillers—meet Victoria Selman! This Oxford-educated author has taken the crime fiction world by storm with her Ziba MacKenzie series, blending gritty suspense with sharp wit. From topping Amazon charts with her debut Blood for Blood to hosting the addictive Crime Girl Gang podcast, Selman’s knack for unraveling the criminal mind keeps readers and listeners hooked.
With a historian’s curiosity and a profiler’s precision, Selman crafts stories that feel as real as they are thrilling. Her journey from academia to bestselling author is as compelling as the mysteries she writes, proving she’s a force in modern crime fiction.
The Making of Victoria Selman
Born in London, Victoria Selman’s path to authorship was anything but ordinary. She studied history at Oxford University, where her fascination with human behavior and storytelling took root. After earning certificates in criminal psychology and profiling, she found her calling in crime fiction. Initially, Selman dabbled in journalism, writing for outlets like The Independent and Daily Express, but her true passion lay in weaving intricate thrillers. Inspired by true crime and authors like Agatha Christie, she began crafting stories that explore the darker corners of the human psyche.
Her big break came in 2017 when she entered the first 3,000 words of Blood for Blood into the CWA Debut Dagger Award. Shortlisted among hundreds, Selman caught the eye of literary agents and publishers, kickstarting her rise as a Sunday Times bestselling author.
Victoria Selman’s Unforgettable Stories
Selman’s Ziba MacKenzie series is the heart of her literary legacy. Featuring an ex-Special Forces profiler with a knack for outsmarting serial killers, the series kicks off with Blood for Blood (2019), a Kindle #1 bestseller. In it, Ziba navigates a deadly train crash and a resurgent killer known as the London Lacerator, blending high-stakes action with psychological depth. Readers praise its “explosive opening” and Ziba’s fierce, flawed humanity.
Follow-ups like Nothing to Lose and Snakes and Ladders deepen Ziba’s world, tackling themes of grief, obsession, and vengeance. In Nothing to Lose, Ziba faces a killer whose victims eerily resemble her, while Snakes and Ladders pits her against a murderer leaving pink roses at crime scenes. Selman’s standalone novel, Truly Darkly Deeply (2022), a Richard & Judy Book Club pick, explores a serial killer’s legacy through a daughter’s eyes, showcasing her versatility. Her style—fast-paced, psychologically rich, and laced with dark humor—has earned comparisons to Silence of the Lambs and Mindhunter.
Beyond novels, Selman co-hosts Crime Girl Gang, a podcast where she and fellow authors dissect cold cases with a fictional twist. Described as “Castle meets Serial,” it’s a must-listen for true crime fans, highlighting her expertise and infectious enthusiasm.
Why Victoria Selman Matters
Victoria Selman has redefined female-led crime fiction with Ziba MacKenzie, a protagonist who’s as tough as she is relatable. Her ability to blend meticulous research with gripping narratives has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim, including CWA Dagger shortlists and over half a million book sales. Selman’s podcast and public appearances, like MCing the CWA Dagger Awards, amplify her influence, inspiring new voices in the genre.
In a crowded thriller market, Selman stands out for her authentic characters and fearless exploration of trauma and morality. Her work doesn’t just entertain—it challenges readers to confront the complexities of justice and human nature.
About Victoria Selman
- Education: Studied history at Oxford University; holds certificates in criminal psychology and profiling.
- Key Works: Blood for Blood (2019), Nothing to Lose, Snakes and Ladders, Truly Darkly Deeply (2022).
- Awards: Shortlisted for CWA Debut Dagger (2017) and CWA Short Story Dagger (2021); won Full Stop Short Story Prize (2013).
- Podcast: Co-hosts Crime Girl Gang, analyzing cold cases.
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Blood for Blood and dive into Victoria Selman’s electrifying world of crime and suspense!