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I've just finished reading Val McDermid's Silent Bones - utterly brilliant - can anyone recommend something similar

15 replies

loveyouradvice · 29/11/2025 10:12

Just that - I love that she writes in such a women-forward way, her gentle integrating of what's happening culturally and politically at the time the action happens. And most of all that it is intriguing and well-written enough for me to want to keep reading, but not a nail-biting gotta-finish-this novel - so I happily read it over a handful of days, looking forward to reading it but not obsessed with it in the way of some tension-inducing crime fiction.

Can anyone recommend anything similar? I've now read all her novels - and with the exception of the two Allie Burns novels (I hope she'll add more!!) - this is by far the best. Her writing grows in insight and sophistication.

So now looking for something to read with a similar sophistication but easy readability and most importantly not a keep you awake at night novel!!

OP posts:
ConnieHeart · 29/11/2025 10:21

Well I love books by Louise Candlish, in particular The Swimming Pool

TheGirlOnTheLanding · 29/11/2025 15:10

Have you read any Denise Mina? Her Garnethill trilogy is great. I also really enjoyed ‘The Less Dead’ and more recently, ‘The Good Liar’.

loveyouradvice · 29/11/2025 23:11

Mmmm... going to take a look at both of these!! Thanks

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AlwaysRightISwear · 29/11/2025 23:15

If you're ok with American writers, Dana Stabenow's series set in Alaska is great.

Fgfgfg · 29/11/2025 23:21

Yrsa Sigurdardottir is an Icelandic writer I really enjoy.

loveyouradvice · 02/12/2025 22:56

Huge thanks all - @Fgfgfg she sounds intriguing - I've ordered Gallows Rock.....

Loving your name @TheGirlOnTheLanding I've ordered the first Garnet Hill and am looking forward to it enormously

@ConnieHeart Can't believe Ive never heard of Louise Candlish - I've ordered Our House - and also asked the library for the neighbours guide to murder

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DisplayPurposesOnly · 02/12/2025 23:01

Louise Welsh - The Cutting Room and its follow-up
Jane Harris - Gillespie and I (Victorian psychological thriller)

BlueGlassOfDoom · 03/12/2025 15:09

I also loved Silent Bones, and the Karen Pirie series as a whole, totally get what you enjoy about them.

I’d echo the Denise Mina recommendations above, and have you tried Caro Ramsay? Also character-led, female forward, police procedurals and set in Glasgow (Anderson & Costello series) and Argyll & Bute (DCI Christine Caplin series) although they tend to branch out across Scotland too!

loveyouradvice · 04/12/2025 10:52

Ooh loving this - more fab recommendations!! not heard of Caro Ramsay... definitely loving all things Scottish!

Huge thanks - building up a great little pile to read over coming weeks

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Radiator981 · 04/12/2025 13:04

F

K0OLA1D · 04/12/2025 13:07

Is this a stand alone OP?

StormywalksWinter · 04/12/2025 13:09

Shameless place marking to look these up later. I really miss reading, my mind just feels so busy lately & I’ve lost the ability to enjoy a good book no idea if it’s age (early 50s), too much tech usage or just general full up from life. I’m determined over the Xmas break to make reading time again.

whirlyhead · 04/12/2025 13:32

Louise Penny's Gamache novels are brilliant - fantastic characters and the food descriptions are amazing. Even the animals have real personalities.

Also, MW Craven and his washington Poe books. He is a male writer, but the books feature a fantastic female character, Tilly, and they are hilarious and really well written.

whirlyhead · 04/12/2025 13:33

Also, Jane Casey's Maeve Kerrigan series. Ace.

loveyouradvice · 06/12/2025 22:32

I'm accumulating a gorgeous pile of novels to see me through Christmas and the January gloom - thank you all - such great suggestions!

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