Quite specific recommendation wanted!

[Elbi]

I've read a lot of very 'real' books lately and would like to read something more... magical. Not full-on Fantasy but the books I've really loved over the years have been atmospheric with a hint of magic or the supernatural. Often they've been set in buildings with secrets, buildings that are almost a character. Human characters that are emotionally well-drawn also a bonus... Historical fine. I don't ask for much! Any suggestions?

M.R. Carey. "The Girl with all the Gifts"

Just what you're looking for.

Have you read the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch? They might appeal. Some magic and fantasy and crime and London all together. They're not bad, and that's coming from someone not keen on fantasy.

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

Ooh this is exciting I haven't read any of those! Looking them up now... Thank you

The Bone Clocks and Slade House by David Mitchell.

Slade House only appears once every nine years, and people aren't seen again once they visit...

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey.

The Night Circus and The Magicians trilogy

Have you read any Isabel Allende?

Anything by Angela Carter.

Neil Gaiman or Nick Harkaway, although I suppose they're more obviously fantasy.

Anything by Alice Hoffman would fit the bill.
Ive just finished 'Bitter Greens' by Kate Forsyth which was magical and unputdownable.

The Gracekeepers. The Honours. Possibly Finding Martha Lost, although I ended up being disappointed in it.

YY to the Snow Child and Johnathon Strange and Mr Norrel both great reads and fit the bill entirely.

Station 11. Probably more post apocalyptic, but the idea setting up a travelling Shakespeare troupe after the end of the world is more towards more light hearted end. Ooh, The Blind Assassin.

If you haven't read the Ben Aaronvitch books, you are def going to want to try them.

You could also try Phil Rickman - either his Merrily Watkins series, or the non series ones. In many of them you can't decide whether something supernatural is actually supposed to be going on, or whether its peoples imagination. December is particularly good.

Lexicon by Max Barry. All about the power of language.

YY to Angela Carter, especially Nights at the Circus and The Magic Toyshop

Another vote for Ben Aaronovitch, they really are brilliant.

Oh totally agree on Angela Carter - she's my favourite and I LOVE Nights at the Circus and The Magic Toyshop.

If you want something a bit 'light' some of the Cecilia Ahern books have a magical 'undertone' e.g. 'Thanks for the memories'.

The Languedoc trilogy by Kate Mosse, Labyrinth, Sepulchre and Citadel.

Another vote for Isabelle Allende!

I'm having a delightful evening looking up all these suggestions - thank you everyone! Thegiantofilllinois I nearly hyperventilated at the premise of Station 11 - sounds fab.

I'd second/third the recommendations for Phil Rickman and Ben Aaronovitch. Also Nick Harkaway.

Also, if you are open to translated fiction, then you might enjoy some Haruki Murakami (A Wild Sheep Chase, 1Q84, After Dark, Norwegian Wood etc) or Taiichi Yamada (Strangers, I Haven't Dreamed of Flying For a While).

Placemarking

I came on to say how much I enjoyed the Wilbur Smith Egyptian series featuring Taita