Books Like...

The Panopticon by Jenni Fagan is a gritty and raw portrayal of a teenage girl named Anais who has been through the foster care system and ends up in a facility for chronic young offenders called the Panopticon. The book delves into Anais's troubled life, drug addiction, and her interactions with other troubled youth in the facility. Written in a vivid and confident prose, the book explores themes of loneliness, survival, and the harsh realities of the foster care system, all while challenging the reader with its unconventional narrative style and complex characters.

'44 Scotland Street' by Alexander McCall Smith is a light-hearted novel originally published as a serial in The Scotsman newspaper. The book revolves around the daily lives of the inhabitants of a tenement house in Edinburgh, Scotland. The story is told through short, quickly read chapters, each focusing on different characters living on Scotland Street, showcasing their interactions, relationships, and quirks. The writing style is episodic, resembling a series of related short stories that offer a peek into the diverse and interesting lives of the residents.

The plot of '44 Scotland Street' is character-driven, with a mix of sympathetic and irritating characters that readers grow to care about. The book captures the essence of Edinburgh's Scotland Street, blending humor, charm, and light-hearted storytelling to create an engaging and enjoyable read. The episodic nature of the writing, inspired by daily newspaper columns, adds a unique touch to the narrative, making it a delightful exploration of human relationships and everyday experiences.

A Small Death in the Great Glen by A.D. Scott is a murder mystery set in 1950s Scotland, focusing on the murder of a young boy named Jamie. The story delves into themes of abuse, both physical and societal, and the silent acceptance that perpetuates such abuses within a close-knit community. The narrative weaves together multiple plot threads surrounding the hunt for Jamie's killer, touching on issues such as gender inequality, alcoholism, and the aftermath of World War II. The writing style is described as engaging, with well-developed characters and a strong sense of time and place.

In 'The Sunlight Pilgrims' by Jenni Fagan, the story is set in a near future where a new ice age is enveloping the globe due to ignored warnings about climate change. The novel follows the life of Dylan Macrae, who loses his family and home within a short period and heads north to live in a caravan park in Scotland. There, he meets intriguing characters like Stella, a transgender 12-year-old, and her mother, as they navigate daily life in a frozen and dangerous landscape. The writing style is described as beautiful, the characters are memorable, and the setting is vividly portrayed, creating a reality that is both believable and interesting.

The plot of 'The Sunlight Pilgrims' focuses on the connections between individuals and their personal battles rather than just the ice age setting. The narrative delves into themes of survival, identity, and community, portraying a world falling apart due to climate change as a backdrop to the characters' stories. The author's unique writing style, character development, and slow pacing allow readers to savor the intricacies of the lives of Dylan, Stella, and Constance as they navigate the challenges of an impending winter and find their place in a changing world.

'The Fair Botanists' by Sara Sheridan is a historical fiction novel set in Enlightenment era Edinburgh, focusing on the building of the new botanical gardens. The story beautifully blends fact and fiction, weaving the lives of characters like Elizabeth and Belle with real historical events and figures such as the visit of the King. The writing style is described as skillful, with well-drawn characters and a perfect balance of Scottish language to add color without overwhelming the reader.

Shrike by Joe Donnelly tells a gripping horror story set in the Scottish town of Levenford. After a séance gone wrong, the town faces a series of mysterious murders committed by a dark entity. The plot follows policeman Jack Fallon as he investigates the death of a psychic medium, the disappearance of children, and an unsettling string of murders. Jack’s personal struggles with loss and his fear of heights add depth to his character, increasing the tension in the tale.

Donnelly's writing style effectively builds mood and atmosphere, immersing readers in the horror of the supernatural occurrences. Characters like Jack Fallon and young librarian Lorna Breck are well-developed, and the pacing keeps readers engaged despite some repetitive elements. The vivid descriptions create an almost tangible sense of fear, particularly in the thrilling scenes involving heights. Overall, Shrike is an engaging blend of traditional horror and supernatural suspense that keeps readers turning the pages well into the night.

PINE by Francine Toon is a haunting tale set in a small Scottish town, focusing on themes of grief, alcoholism, and the supernatural. The story follows the mysterious disappearance of a woman, Christine, and the eerie events surrounding her daughter Lauren and their community. The narrative weaves together elements of folk horror, gothic thriller, and fantasy, creating a chilling atmosphere filled with ancient superstitions, unspeakable tragedies, and a sense of foreboding. Through intricate storytelling and well-developed characters, the author delves into the complexities of loss, mental instability, parental neglect, and the haunting presence of Christine's ghost, driving the plot towards a harrowing climax.

The writing style of PINE is described as evocative, atmospheric, and immersive, with a keen focus on detail and a skillful blend of earthly and unearthly elements. Toon expertly crafts a narrative that keeps readers on edge, uncovering layers of mystery and suspense while exploring the depths of human emotions and supernatural forces. The novel's setting in the Scottish Highlands adds to the haunting ambiance, with references to local folklore, eerie landscapes, and a sense of desolation that permeates the story, creating a compelling and spellbinding read.

'And the Land Lay Still' by James Robertson is a beautifully written novel that spans from around WWII to present day, delving into Scottish social and political history. The book follows different characters whose lives slowly intertwine, showcasing the evolution of Scotland through personal accounts. The narrative weaves a complex and finely developed structure, exploring themes of independence, social change, and personal relationships against the backdrop of historical events. The book is described as an epic portrait of modern Scotland, capturing the essence of natives, immigrants, journalists, politicians, and more.

Captain Edward Hyde, Superintendent of Detectives of the Edinburgh police force, is faced with a series of gruesome murders in Victorian Edinburgh. As he investigates the killings, Hyde must also confront a mysterious ailment that causes him to experience blackouts and disturbing dreams. The novel delves into the duality of Hyde's character, blending elements of Celtic mythology, Gothic storytelling, and historical references, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric murder mystery. Set against the backdrop of a sinister plot involving an occult organization, Hyde navigates through a city filled with filth, devil worship, and ancient rites, all while struggling to uncover the truth about the Dark Guild and the potential monster lurking within him.

Author Craig Russell masterfully weaves a tale that immerses readers in the vivid and macabre world of 19th century Scotland, capturing the essence of a murder investigation in that era. Through evocative descriptions and multiple character perspectives, the novel maintains a mysterious and suspenseful tone, keeping the reader on edge as they follow Hyde's journey to unravel the dark secrets of Edinburgh. The narrative cleverly plays with the themes of duality, humanity, and the unknown, presenting a unique twist on the classic Jekyll and Hyde trope that keeps readers guessing until the gripping conclusion.

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan is a heartwarming story that follows Carmen, a character who initially comes off as tricky to know and like. As the plot progresses, readers witness Carmen's transformation and growth, as she finds herself warming up to her and eventually loving her. Set in a snowy Edinburgh, the book features a struggling bookshop owner, Mr. McCredie, and Carmen's journey to help save the bookstore from financial ruin. Through themes of family dynamics, self-discovery, and the magic of Christmas, the story unfolds with a mix of romance, sisterly bonds, and the power of community.