What are the characteristics of Scottish historical crime fiction?

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.

Often, 2017 Scottish historical fiction focuses on specific periods of Scottish history. For example, some might be set during the Highland Clearances. They usually have strong Scottish settings, like the misty moors or old castles.

New Scottish crime fiction often features complex characters. The settings are typically gritty and realistic, like the streets of Edinburgh or Glasgow. It may also incorporate elements of Scottish culture and history into the plots.

Scottish crime fiction books frequently incorporate local dialects and cultural references. This gives the stories an authentic feel. Also, the crimes in these books can range from gritty urban crimes to more rural and isolated mysteries. For example, in books set in the Highlands, there might be crimes related to old family feuds or secrets hidden in the remote areas. The sense of community, whether it's in a small village or a big city like Glasgow, is also an important aspect that the authors explore. They show how the community reacts to crime, and how secrets are kept or revealed within it.

Scottish crime fiction often has a strong sense of place. The settings, like the dark alleys of Glasgow or the historic streets of Edinburgh, become characters in their own right. For example, in Ian Rankin's books, the city of Edinburgh is almost a living, breathing entity that adds to the mood of the stories.

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.

The characters in these books usually include strong - willed women who are wrongly accused of witchcraft. They are often at odds with the patriarchal society of the time. These books also tend to explore the power dynamics between the accusers, who were often men in positions of authority, and the accused women. They may include details about the so - called 'proofs' of witchcraft like the presence of a mole or a cat, which were absurd but taken seriously in that historical context.

In these books, the historical aspect is a big part. They usually depict Scottish history, like the clan system, feuds, and how the Scots interacted with other powers. The romance is intense. Take 'The Dark Highlander' for instance. The relationship between the main characters is full of passion and longing. And the cultural elements are prominent. Things like Scottish traditions, music, and clothing are often described, adding to the authenticity of the story.

They often feature the unique Scottish landscapes, like the misty highlands. Also, they usually include elements of Scottish clans, their traditions and feuds.