Books Like...
'His Bloody Project' by Graeme Macrae Burnet is a historical crime novel set in the Scottish Highlands during the late nineteenth century. The book takes the unique form of a collection of documents, including witness statements, confessions, and trial accounts, all related to the brutal murder of three members of the Mackenzie family. Through these various documents, the author explores themes of poverty, class distinctions, religion, and the harsh realities of life in a rural Scottish community. The novel delves into the motivations behind the murders, the mental state of the accused, and the impact of the trial on the small village of Culduie.
If you liked His Bloody Project, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'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.
Most books start with an idea in the author’s head. This book started with a conversation that I had in California, at a party held by the novelist, Amy Tan, whose generosity to me has been remarkable... - #2
'The Testament of Gideon Mack' by James Robertson is a unique and thought-provoking novel that delves into the life of Gideon Mack, a Scottish minister who claims to have met the Devil. The story unfolds through a manuscript written by Gideon, chronicling his encounters with the supernatural, his struggles with faith, and the impact of his traumatic experiences on his beliefs. Set in a small Scottish village, the narrative weaves together elements of mysticism, religion, and reality, blurring the lines between truth and fiction. The book explores themes of isolation, doubt, belief, and the complexities of human relationships, all while keeping readers engaged with its intriguing plot and compelling writing style.
The narrative structure of 'The Testament of Gideon Mack' is rich and layered, incorporating elements of mystery and introspection that keep readers captivated. Through Gideon's journey of self-discovery and his encounters with the Devil, the novel raises questions about faith, truth, and the nature of reality. Robertson's skillful craftsmanship shines through in the construction of the story, the development of the characters, and the use of metaphors, creating a complex and immersive reading experience that challenges readers to question their beliefs and perceptions.
When I was a child I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: yet I was already, in so many ways, the man I would become. I think back on how cold I was, even then. It is hard ... The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks is a comprehensive manual on how to protect oneself from a potential zombie apocalypse. Written in a serious and detailed tone, the book covers various aspects of survival tactics, defense strategies, and historical accounts of zombie attacks. The writing style is matter-of-fact, engaging, and informative, offering readers practical advice on how to navigate a world overrun by the undead.
The book delves into the different types of zombies, survival techniques, and the necessary precautions one should take in case of a zombie outbreak. With a blend of dark humor, horror elements, and strategic thinking, The Zombie Survival Guide provides readers with a detailed guide on how to combat and survive a zombie infestation. Max Brooks' unwavering seriousness in addressing the topic of zombies adds a layer of realism to the fictional narrative, making readers contemplate their own reactions in the face of a potential zombie infestation.
Once a human is infected, little can be done to save him or her. Because Solanum is a virus and not a bacteria, antibiotics have no effect. Immunization, the only way to combat a virus, is equally use...- #4
'The Crow Road' by Iain M. Banks is a multi-faceted tale set in Scotland, blending mystery, comedy, love, and family dynamics. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, exploring the protagonist's search for his past while delving into his family's complex history. The book showcases skillful writing that combines elements of mystery, philosophy, politics, and humor, creating a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
The novel follows Prentice McHoan as he navigates life on the West coast of Scotland, uncovering secrets from his family's past and grappling with his own identity. Through a non-linear storytelling style, the author weaves together a rich tapestry of characters and settings, capturing the essence of Scottish life with depth and authenticity.
It was the day my grandmother exploded. I sat in the crematorium, listening to my Uncle Hamish quietly snoring in harmony to Bach’s Mass in B Minor, and I reflected that it always seemed to be death t... - #5
'Sunset Song' by Lewis Grassic Gibbon is a classic Scottish novel that follows the life of Chris Guthrie, a young woman living in a Highland village in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Chris' struggles and choices between her love for the land and her desire for learning and literature. Set just before the First World War, the book beautifully captures the decline of the Scottish countryside and the impact of external events like war and modernization on the rural community. The narrative style is lyrical, poetic, and deeply rooted in the Scottish dialect, portraying a realistic reflection of the changing times and the characters' emotional journeys.
Kinraddie lands had been won by a Norman childe, Cospatric de Gondeshil, in the days of William the Lyon, when gryphons and such-like beasts still roamed the Scots countryside and folk would waken in ... - #6
"Luckenbooth" by Jenni Fagan follows the lives of nine individuals in a tenement building in Edinburgh across different eras. The story delves into the hopes and struggles of the characters, intertwined with the secrets and supernatural occurrences within the Luckenbooth building. Fagan's writing style is described as a mix of genres, blending literary, horror, social commentary, and historical fiction, creating a gritty, fantastic, and sometimes disturbing narrative that spans nearly a century.
MY FATHER’S corpse stares out across the North Atlantic swells. Grey eyes. Eyelashes adorned with beads of rain. Tiny orbs to reflect our entire world. Primrose and squill dance at his feet. His body ... - #7
Two sisters go missing on a remote Scottish island. Twenty two years later, one is found but she's still the same age as when she disappeared. In 1998, single mother Liv is commissioned to paint a mural in a century old lighthouse, and it's an opportunity to start over with her three daughters Luna, Sapphire and Clover. When two of them go missing, she's frantic. She learns that hundreds of years ago, several women were tried for witchcraft on the island, and cursed it in an act of revenge. Twenty two years later, Luna has still not given up searching for her missing sisters. When she receives a phone call that her youngest sister, Clover, has been found, she's initially ecstatic. Clover is the sister she remembers, except she's still seven years old. Luna quickly begins to think her sister may in fact be a wildling, an evil supernatural being that mimics children. The book is a cleverly written novel that brings together a modern day missing persons mystery with dark and deadly superstition from the past. Slightly eerie and gothic, readers were drawn in from the start and found it to be a really compelling read. There was a lightbulb moment when some loose ends made sense and the twist at the end was delivered superbly.
- #8
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.
- #9
'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.
Mike is at the bedroom window, taking in the view of the water, the road and the scattering of cottages along it, when he sees Murdo’s red van come round the end of the kyle. The van disappears for a ... - #10
'The Supernatural Enhancements' by Edgar Cantero is a unique and gripping tale that blends elements of turn-of-the-century ghost stories, mystery, cryptography, and occult action adventure. The story follows a young European referred to as A. who inherits a mansion in Point Bless, Virginia, from a mysterious cousin. Accompanied by his close friend Niamh, a mute punk girl, and a collie named Help, they delve into the eerie history of Axton House, uncovering secrets of a secret society, coded messages, and a haunted house that serves as a backdrop to a complex and intriguing plot.
The narrative unfolds through a collection of documents such as letters, video and audio transcripts, and notebook conversations, immersing the reader in a world of puzzles, codes, and hidden mysteries. The book weaves together elements of science and mysticism, offering a rich tapestry of characters, including the enigmatic Niamh, and explores themes of cryptography, dreams, and secret societies against the backdrop of a haunted mansion, creating a suspenseful and engaging reading experience.
Above us lies suspended a gold-trimmed cloud the size of one of the big states (say, Arizona), threatening to plummet over Virginia. The low sun beneath casts its rays along the dirt road we travel, e...