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Books set on Yorkshire Coast

15 replies

TheGirlOnTheLanding · 10/07/2016 08:45

Off to Whitby for a few days shortly, and would like to read something set in or near the area while I'm there. There's Dracula, of course (picked up a graphic novel version with the original text so elder DD can share it - she'd find the language of the novel offputting but this should bring it alive.) I've also got the Michel Faber novel set in Whitby, The Hundred and Ninety Nine Steps. Anything else you can recommend?

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MermaidofZennor · 10/07/2016 10:07

Some suggestions here from Goodreads lists

Iirc, Susan Hill's Simon Serrailler series went to the Yorkshire coast near Scarborough, where I believe she's from, for one of the novels in pursuit of a serial killer.

hoxty · 10/07/2016 10:08

Jane Gardam's early novels, including Bilgewater.

MaybeDoctor · 10/07/2016 10:10

I think some of 'Posession' is set there.

ingeniousidiot · 10/07/2016 10:13

Winifred Holtby's South Riding.

TheGirlOnTheLanding · 10/07/2016 17:50

Thanks everyone. I've never come across Jane Gardam, will seek her out, I've read most of Susan Hill's Simon Serailler books already, but I don't think I've read that one either.

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hedwig2001 · 10/07/2016 19:53

The Whitby Witches trilogy by Robin Jarvis. Kids books but I still enjoyed them. Fun to search for real artifacts like the 'Prognosticator' featured in the books.

pippinandtog · 10/07/2016 19:54

I am a regular visitor to Whitby,GirlOnTheLanding, and I, too, thought I would like to take a book to read which was set in the area.
I will be taking Finding Jane, by S N Pearse, a crime novel written by a former police officer and set in Whitby.
Hope you have a lovely holiday.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 10/07/2016 21:19

I read The Whitby Witches books last time we were in Whitby, as they were in the holiday cottage.

Paul Magr's series beginning with Never the Bride. Very silly, but Whitby is a real presence in them.

tripfiction · 11/07/2016 19:52

You could try Denial – The Varcolac Journals by Adele Carrington set in Whitby and Leeds.

And keep you eye out for The Mountain in my Shoe by Louise Beech set E Yorkshire
(her first book How to be brave was a stunning debut)

Fizzywinegum · 11/07/2016 23:27

Possession by AS Byatt is partly set in Whitby and is a great read as well.

Fizzywinegum · 11/07/2016 23:30

The bookshop on Church Street in Whitby is lovely and well worth a visit.

Sadik · 12/07/2016 09:31

I was trying to remember whether South Riding included the coast - but I'd recommend it regardless :)

TheGirlOnTheLanding · 12/07/2016 09:46

Wow, I'm spoiled for choice now! And thanks v much for the bookshop tip Fizzy - love an independent bookshop and there's precious few these days.

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wakesandquakes · 17/08/2016 22:04

A couple of options, for the younger reader (not sure your DD age), but found these:

Teresa Tomlinson has published several well-researched children’s historicals set in the north east. The Flither Pickers (1987) is set in the 1880s in the fishing town of Whitby, and is about the wives and children of fishermen who spend their days baiting the lines for the fishing fleet. It includes contemporary photographs of real fishing families.

Then there's: Room 13 is a children's novel written by the acclaimed award winning children's author Robert Swindells. Published in 1989, and awarded the Children's Book Award, the novel centers around a group of friends, on a school trip, who stay in a creepy guest house on Whitby's West Cliff. The novel takes advantage of Whitby's sinister and Gothic ties and weaves a story of suspense that has earned its place as a firm favorite of children wanting the thrill of a little horror and suspense. Once again Whitby finds itself inextricably connected to a vampirish encounter.

Hope you have / had a lovely time and some inspired reading!

Cooroo · 19/08/2016 23:59

Oh I'd forgotten Room 13! Yes, it was wonderful. Thanks for reminding me.

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