One common theme is the dark underbelly of Scottish cities. These novels often explore the seedy side of places like Glasgow or Edinburgh, showing crime and corruption.
One common theme is the exploration of the criminal's mind. For example, in many novels, the detective tries to understand what made the criminal commit the crime.
Well, 'The Coffinmaker's Garden' by Stuart MacBride is also quite new. It has that dark and gritty Scottish crime feel, filled with mystery and some really interesting twists. The setting in Aberdeen adds a lot to the overall atmosphere of the story.
Scottish crime novels often have a strong sense of place. The settings, like the gloomy streets of Edinburgh or the wild landscapes of the Highlands, play a big role. They also tend to have complex characters, such as the troubled detectives. And the themes usually involve the darker aspects of human nature and society, like corruption and family secrets.
The plots in Scottish crime novels are usually intricate. There are often multiple layers of mystery, and the authors are skilled at misdirection. They also frequently incorporate elements of Scottish culture, such as the influence of the clans or the country's religious history, into the fabric of the stories, making them unique and engaging.
One of the best is 'The Rebus Series' by Ian Rankin. These novels feature the complex character of Inspector Rebus and are set against the backdrop of Edinburgh. Another great one is 'Tartan Noir' which is known for its gritty and dark portrayals of crime in Scotland. And 'Case Histories' by Kate Atkinson also stands out, with its engaging mystery plots and well - drawn characters.
The weather is frequently a factor. The cold, windy, and often rainy conditions can create a moody and atmospheric backdrop for the crimes. Also, the local culture and traditions are intertwined with the plot. In some novels, old superstitions or fishing traditions can be linked to the crime or the investigation.
The latest crime novels are popular because they often have exciting and unpredictable plots. Readers love to be kept guessing until the very end.
Often, they use the Scottish setting as a key element. The gloomy and sometimes harsh Scottish landscapes add to the mood of the crime stories. For instance, in Ian Rankin's novels, Edinburgh's alleys and old buildings create a sense of mystery.
Many Scottish crime authors are great at creating complex and flawed characters. These characters, whether they are the detectives or the criminals, have deep backstories and motives that are slowly revealed throughout the novels. For instance, in Ian Rankin's work, Rebus is a character with his own demons and a past that colors his approach to solving crimes. Also, Scottish crime novels frequently incorporate elements of Scottish culture, such as local dialects, traditions, and social issues. This gives the stories a unique flavor and makes them stand out from crime novels set in other locations.
Dark and moody atmospheres are common in Scottish crime fiction. The often dreary and rugged Scottish landscapes contribute to this. Also, complex characters with their own moral ambiguities are frequently seen.