They also tend to have complex characters. Since Edinburgh is a city full of different cultures and traditions, the characters in these novels are diverse. They might be struggling with personal demons like in 'Trainspotting', or they could be trying to break free from social constraints as in 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie'.
Many Edinburgh novels explore social class differences. Edinburgh has a long history of distinct social strata, and novels like 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' show how these differences play out in education, relationships, and society at large. The characters' interactions are often shaped by their class positions.
The language used in Edinburgh novels can be quite distinct. There might be a lot of Scottish dialect words and phrases, which add to the authenticity of the setting. It gives readers a real taste of the local culture. And often, the stories are intertwined with the city's history, whether it's the industrial past or the more genteel aspects of Edinburgh's society.
Many of these novels also incorporate the city's history and culture. Edinburgh has a rich and sometimes dark past, and authors use this to add depth to their stories. They might include references to the city's famous festivals, its literary heritage, or its historical events like the Witch Trials. This gives the novels an added layer of authenticity and intrigue.
Well, in Edinburgh detective fiction, there's a strong sense of place. Edinburgh's rich history, from its medieval past to its more modern developments, seeps into the stories. The detective might be solving crimes that are somehow linked to the city's heritage or its social fabric. And the villains can be as diverse as the city's population, ranging from the seedy underworld characters to those who seem to be upstanding citizens but have dark secrets.
The 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin is also highly regarded. These novels feature Inspector John Rebus as he investigates various crimes in Edinburgh. The books are great as they not only show the criminal elements but also the complex character of the city itself, with its old and new areas, different social classes, and a rich history that often plays into the mystery.
Well, 'Case Histories' by Kate Atkinson is also set in Edinburgh. It weaves together different mystery cases in a really interesting way. The characters are well - developed and the Edinburgh setting adds a lot of atmosphere to the story.
There are quite a few Edinburgh crime novels out there. 'Standing in Another Man's Grave' by Ian Rankin is a great one. It delves deep into the criminal underbelly of Edinburgh. Also, 'One Good Turn' by Kate Atkinson is set in the city and has an engaging plot full of mystery and suspense. These novels often use the unique atmosphere and locations of Edinburgh to enhance the crime - filled stories.
One of the well - known Edinburgh based detective novels is 'The Rebus Series' by Ian Rankin. It features Inspector Rebus who investigates various crimes in the city's complex and often gritty setting.
The Mackenzie Poltergeist in Greyfriars Kirkyard is considered one of the scariest. There have been numerous accounts of people being physically attacked by an unseen force. For example, some have been scratched and pushed. It's really terrifying.
One more to mention is 'Sunset Song' by Lewis Grassic Gibbon. Although it focuses more on rural Scotland, Edinburgh also plays a role in the broader context of the story. It's a powerful novel about family, love, and the changing rural landscape in the shadow of the city.
The ghosts are one of the scariest elements. The idea of seeing a figure that is not of this world, like the ghosts in the castle or graveyard, is truly terrifying.