Vanda Symon books

Vanda Symon is a New Zealand crime fiction author known for the Sam Shephard detective series and the standalone thriller Faceless, both set in New Zealand.

Sam Shephard Reading Order

Title Published Buy on Amazon
Overkill 2007 Buy
The Ringmaster 2008 Buy
Containment 2009 Buy
Bound 2011 Buy
Expectant 2023 Buy
Prey 2024 Buy

Standalone Novels

Title Published Buy on Amazon
Faceless 2012 Buy

Vanda Symon is a crime writer based in Dunedin, New Zealand. She writes the Sam Shephard detective series, which has reached number one on the New Zealand bestseller list. Her standalone psychological thriller Faceless (2012) showed her range beyond the series format.

Symon has been shortlisted three times for the Ngaio Marsh Award, New Zealand’s top crime fiction prize, and was shortlisted for the British CWA New Blood Dagger. She is also the Chair of the Otago Southland Branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has Vanda Symon written?

Vanda Symon has written seven books across two series.

What was Vanda Symon's first book?

Vanda Symon’s first book is Overkill, published in 2007.

What recognition has Vanda Symon received for her crime fiction?

Symon has been a three-time finalist for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Fiction Novel in New Zealand. She was also shortlisted for the British Crime Writers’ Association New Blood Dagger and nominated for the 2022 USA Barry Awards.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this site.

Privacy Policy