Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Set in Glasgow in 1979, Bad, Bad Place immediately grounds itself in a gritty, close-knit community where everyone knows everyone and secrets don’t stay buried for long. Frances Crawford draws you in with a chilling premise and a strong emotional core, blending crime with a deeply personal story about family and fear.

At the heart of the novel is twelve-year-old Janey, whose life is turned upside down after she discovers the body of a murdered woman near an abandoned railway line while walking her dog, Sid Vicious. After the incident, Janey claims she can’t remember what she saw, but the police aren’t convinced. As suspicion grows and rumours spread through Possilpark, Janey and her nana, Maggie, find themselves pulled into the centre of a murder investigation.

But the danger doesn’t stop there. It becomes clear that the police aren’t the only ones interested in Janey’s memories. As tension builds, the story leans into a powerful question: is Janey truly unable to remember, or is she hiding something too frightening to face? With Maggie desperately trying to protect her granddaughter, the truth threatens to surface in ways that could change everything.

✅ What I Liked:
The emotional depth of this story really stood out. The relationship between Janey and Maggie adds a layer of warmth and heartbreak that balances the darker elements of the plot. You genuinely feel the fear and desperation as Maggie tries to keep Janey safe in a world that suddenly feels hostile.

The setting is another highlight. The depiction of 1970s Glasgow feels vivid and authentic, with the tight-knit community adding to the tension. The rumour mill, the suspicion, and the sense that everyone is watching creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that works perfectly for this kind of story.

I also loved the way the mystery unfolds. It’s not just about solving a crime, it’s about uncovering the truth piece by piece, with the psychological angle keeping you constantly questioning what really happened.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
At times, the pacing can feel a little uneven, particularly in the middle where the tension dips slightly before building again. While the slow-burn approach works overall, there are moments where it feels like the story is holding back just a bit too much.

Some readers might also find the ambiguity around Janey’s memory slightly frustrating. While it adds to the suspense, it can leave you wanting clearer answers a little sooner.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you enjoy crime fiction with strong emotional stakes, this is definitely one to pick up. It’s perfect for readers who like character-driven mysteries where the relationships are just as important as the plot.

It will especially appeal to those who enjoy atmospheric, slow-building tension rather than fast-paced thrillers. If you like stories that explore trauma, memory, and family bonds, this one delivers.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Bad, Bad Place is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that combines a compelling mystery with a heartfelt story about protection and survival. Frances Crawford creates a world that feels both intimate and threatening, where the past refuses to stay hidden.

It’s the kind of book that pulls you in quietly and then refuses to let go.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ – Dark, tense, and emotionally gripping