Re Rupert Thomson (cyteen is right, no p)

Every one of his books is completely different, I hardly know how to describe them; I suppose comically sinister with a slight fantastical element might come close. But it is his style that is the thing. he writes brilliantly and is often very funny

The Insult is about a man who has been shot in the head and blinded, there is also a murder mystery element too. When I had finished it I felt physically shaken by the ending.

I also love Dreams of Leaving which is about an English village that no-one can leave and what happens when someone who was smuggled out as a baby ends up back there as an adult.
His latest is about a policeman who has to guard the body of Myra Hyndley!

I'm probably not selling him very well. Look him up on Amazon for some more sensible reviews

OK...may not be meaty enough for some but i found The Alchemist's Daughter (Katharine McMahon) to be a cracking read!

OMG to The Collector. It gave me nightmares.

What does Rupert Thompson write about? Not heard of him...

Thanks for all your suggestions. Yes, loved Instance of the Fingerpost...infortunately, have also read the Secret History (one of my all time faves) and The Corrections (didn't think it lived up to the hype, but enjoyed). Read American Boy too - was a bit ambivalent about that one. May try the Magus (read The Collector and loved). My dh is into Brookmyre and Boyd, but can't get into them at all, dunno why. Couldn't get into Arthur and George either! Oh God...I am a royal pain!

The American Boy is great.
'Arthur And George' is brilliant.
'Winter In Madrid' is a good, meaty read.

Yes, I love Rupert Thomson too. The Insult is my favourite of the ones I've read.

William Boyd - Any Human Heart
Restless is good too.
Maria Macann - As Meat Loves Salt
Ronan Bennett - Havoc in its Third Year

I also love an author called Rupert Thompson

Whilst rummaging through my 'to read' pile last night, also came across The American Boy by Andrew Taylor, which might be up your street. (I haven't read it yet but have seen it recommended before on MN.)

If you like Sarah Waters try the Journal of Dora Damage by Belinda Starling. Very similar milieu to Fingersmith. Sadly, the author died just after writing so it is a one off.