Can you recommend some classic Scottish crime fiction books?

One great Scottish crime fiction book is 'The Rebus Series' by Ian Rankin. It features the complex character of Inspector Rebus and is set in the gritty streets of Edinburgh, exploring various crimes and the seedy underbelly of the city.

There's also 'The Lewis Trilogy' by Peter May. Set on the Isle of Lewis, it combines elements of Scottish history, culture, and crime. The stories are rich in Gaelic traditions and the unique atmosphere of the islands, and the crime plots are both engaging and thought - provoking.

Sure. One great Scottish fiction book is 'Trainspotting' by Irvine Welsh. It offers a gritty and raw look at the lives of a group of drug addicts in Edinburgh.

Sure. One well - known Scottish author of crime fiction is Ian Rankin. His 'Rebus' series is very popular. The books follow the investigations of Inspector Rebus in Edinburgh, filled with complex mysteries and gritty Scottish settings.

Sure. 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle is a classic. It has a spooky and mysterious atmosphere with the legend of the hound. Another classic is 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' by Agatha Christie. Her unique plot twists are on full display in this one. And 'The Thirty - Nine Steps' by John Buchan is an early example of UK crime and adventure fiction.

Definitely. 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a classic that could be considered part of dark crime fiction. It explores the psychological turmoil of a man who commits a murder. 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is also a great one. It's based on a true crime story and is written in a very vivid and dark style. And 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is quite dark, with its themes of violence against women and corporate corruption, and it has a complex and brooding main character.

Sure. One of the most famous ones is 'Psycho' by Robert Bloch. It's a classic that really delves into the psychological aspects of crime. Another great one is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. The relationship between Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter is a brilliant exploration of the psychological elements in crime and criminal profiling. And 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn also fits this genre well. It keeps you guessing about the characters' true motives and psychological states throughout the story.

Sure. 'The Dry' by Jane Harper is a great one. It's set in a drought - stricken Australian town and follows a detective as he investigates a complex murder case. Another is 'True Crime' by Andrew McGahan which has a very engaging plot.

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.

Ian Rankin is definitely one of the best. His Rebus series has been widely praised for its engaging plots and well - developed characters. Another is Val McDermid. Her works are known for their in - depth exploration of the criminal mind.