Minnie's Fiction Addiction

Because one more chapter is never enough

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  • What to Read Wednesday : Stories Steeped in Scotland’s Soul

    There is a particular enchantment to Scotland. The dark stone of Edinburgh, the vast quiet of the Highlands, the sea winds curling around the islands, the folklore that seems to hum beneath every loch and hillside. This week’s What to Read Wednesday celebrates that magic with books that capture Scotland’s voice, history, tension, and charm. These are stories shaped by the landscape, by its humour, its struggles, and its legends.

    For fans of brooding atmosphere: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

    There is nothing quite like Muriel Spark’s sharp, elegant prose, and this novel remains one of the most iconic depictions of Edinburgh. It blends humour, darkness, and character study in a way that feels distinctly Scottish and distinctly Spark. The school setting and the clipped dialogue create a low hum of tension beneath the charm.

    For Gothic readers who love a shiver: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

    Stevenson captures the duality of Edinburgh long before readers recognised the city’s blend of grandeur and shadow. Reading this classic with the idea of Old Town gloom and New Town elegance makes the story feel even more electric, as though the city itself split in two.

    For a modern Scottish voice: Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

    This Booker Prize winner is raw, emotional, and beautifully written. Instead of the postcard version of Scotland, it explores Glasgow’s vulnerability and resilience. It is an unforgettable novel with characters drawn so vividly you feel the cold air on your skin and the ache in their hearts.

    For folklore lovers: The Callanish Stones and Lewis Trilogy by Peter May

    The windswept Outer Hebrides form the backdrop of May’s gripping trilogy. The isolation, mythology, and stark beauty of the islands create an atmosphere of haunting tension. It is perfect for readers who want crime fiction wrapped in mist and myth.

    For Edinburgh charm with a twist: The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

    If you want something cosy and uplifting, this Colgan novel is a love letter to books, community, and Scottish landscapes with a romantic thread. It is the literary equivalent of a warm café on a cold Royal Mile afternoon.

    For history woven with heart: The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

    Kearsley blends Jacobite history with a slow unfurling romance and a gentle supernatural touch. The Scottish coastline becomes a living character, full of memory and mystery. It is atmospheric and deeply transportive.

    For crime lovers who want suspense steeped in Scottish identity: Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin

    No Scottish reading list is complete without Ian Rankin. Rebus stalks the darker corners of Edinburgh, giving you a tour of the city’s underbelly while unravelling a tense, tightly crafted mystery.

    Final Thoughts

    Scotland offers a literary landscape as varied as its geography. From the towering cliffs of the islands to the narrow lanes of Edinburgh, every corner of this country holds a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you want crime, classics, folklore, or something cosy, these books bring the spirit of Scotland directly to your reading nook.

    If you want next week’s What to Read Wednesday to focus on Highland myths, Scottish women writers, or books set entirely in Edinburgh, just let me know and I’ll craft the perfect themed list.

  • Book Review: Heartwood by Amity Gaige

    👀 First impressions:
    Heartwood begins deep in the Maine woods, where forty two year old Valerie Gillis vanishes only two hundred miles from completing her Appalachian Trail hike. Gaige immediately creates an atmosphere of isolation, cold air, and creeping dread as Valerie’s voice comes through in fractured, lyrical letters to her mother. Her storyline captures both physical struggle and emotional unraveling in a way that feels intimate and unsettling. Meanwhile, Beverly, a tenacious Maine State Game Warden, leads the search with methodical determination, and seventy six year old Lena, a sharp witted birdwatcher in a retirement community, becomes an unexpected third strand of the narrative. The shifting perspectives create a layered mystery that feels both human and suspenseful from the very begi

    ✅ What I Liked:
    The strongest element is Valerie’s voice. Her letters read like survival poetry, capturing her fear, hope, and the stark beauty of the wilderness. Beverly brings grounded realism, giving the reader insight into search tactics, terrain, and procedure while still revealing her own internal conflicts. Lena’s chapters add warmth and curiosity, offering a quieter but compelling thread that balances the tension of the main search. Gaige weaves these narratives together with careful pacing, unveiling clues slowly while building a deep emotional resonance. The sense of place is exceptional, with the woods feeling both breathtaking and merciless.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    The lyrical style of Valerie’s sections may not appeal to readers who prefer straightforward narration. At times the switches between perspectives can feel abrupt, and a few character threads could have benefited from more time to develop. The mystery itself is more contemplative than twist heavy, which may not satisfy readers expecting a more conventional thriller.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    This novel is perfect for readers who love atmospheric mysteries with emotional depth. If you enjoy stories of survival, character driven suspense, and narratives that blend tension with introspection, Heartwood offers a rich and memorable experience. It is also ideal for fans of wilderness settings and literary thrillers that linger in the mind.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Heartwood is a beautifully written and quietly gripping novel that explores resilience, fear, and the surprising connections between strangers. Through three distinct voices, Gaige delivers a mystery that is as much about the human spirit as the question of what happened in the woods. It is tender, haunting, and deeply immersive.

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

    Final Rating ★★★★ – Atmospheric, thoughtful, and full of quiet suspense

  • Book Review: The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry

    👀 First impressions:
    The Essex Serpent begins with an irresistible mix of gothic atmosphere, Victorian unease and intellectual curiosity. Sarah Perry’s writing immediately stands out with its lyrical tone and rich historical detail. The novel introduces us to Cora Seaborne, newly widowed and intent on pursuing a life of freedom and discovery, who becomes fascinated by rumours of a mythical serpent haunting the Essex marshes. From the opening chapters, it feels like a story about belief, science, faith, obsession and the human longing to find meaning in the unknown. The setting in rural Essex is vivid and damp and eerie in that classic Victorian gothic way that pulls you in slowly but completely.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    The writing is stunning. Perry builds atmosphere with careful precision, creating a world that feels foggy, tactile and alive. Cora is a fascinating protagonist, complex and unconventional for the time period, and her dynamic with Reverend William Ransome is one of the strongest parts of the book. Their push and pull over science, faith and personal desire is beautifully done. I also loved the way the serpent itself becomes a metaphor rather than a simple plot device, representing fear, hope and change within the community. Every character feels layered, and the relationships are handled with emotional intelligence.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    There are moments when the narrative becomes crowded with subplots that lose momentum before they find their purpose. Some readers may find the book more atmospheric than plot driven and this may not suit everyone. A few characters are so intriguing that I wanted more time with them than the story allowed.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you love literary historical fiction with gothic undertones, this is a must read. It is ideal for readers who enjoy character driven stories, complex emotional landscapes and beautiful writing that values atmosphere as much as action. It is also a great choice if you’re drawn to Victorian settings and stories that blur the lines between myth and reality.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    The Essex Serpent is a haunting and elegant novel that explores love, belief and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of ordinary life. It is slow burning but deeply rewarding, with a cast of memorable characters and writing that lingers long after the final page. A thoughtful and captivating read.

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

    Final Rating ★★★★ – Atmospheric, elegant and beautifully unsettling

  • Book Review: One Summer at Deers Leap by Elizabeth Elgin

    👀 First impressions:
    One Summer at Deers Leap immediately pulled me in with its blend of nostalgia, romance and the lingering echoes of wartime memories. Elizabeth Elgin is known for her sweeping emotional sagas, and this one settles into that familiar, comforting space. The setting is beautifully rooted in rural Yorkshire, centred around Deers Leap, a place touched by both love and loss. The opening chapters promise a story about healing, rediscovering joy and finding connection in unexpected places. It has that classic saga feel with strong character histories and a gentle pace that mirrors summer days stretched long and warm.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    I loved the atmosphere of this book. Elgin writes landscapes with such affection that Deers Leap feels like a character in its own right. The characters arrive carrying their own emotional baggage and the way their stories slowly intertwine feels tender and authentic. The wartime threads are handled with care and add depth without overwhelming the present day storyline. The romance is subtle and slow building, which suits the reflective tone perfectly. There is a real sense of community too, with moments of kindness and warmth that give the novel its heart.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    There are moments where the narrative lingers for longer than necessary and the storyline sometimes meanders. Some characters could have benefitted from more development, especially side characters who had interesting beginnings but were not fully explored. At times the transitions between past and present felt abrupt.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    This is a lovely choice if you enjoy emotional family sagas set against rural backdrops. Fans of gentle romance, generational secrets and stories that weave the past and present together will find lots to love. If you want a book that feels like stepping into a quiet countryside retreat, this is perfect for a slow afternoon read.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    One Summer at Deers Leap is a warm, comforting saga filled with heartfelt moments, beautiful landscapes and characters learning to let go of old sorrows. It may not be fast paced, but it is rich in feeling and atmosphere. A gentle, satisfying read that leaves you with a sense of peace.

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

    Final Rating ★★★ – A tender, nostalgic escape into a Yorkshire summer

  • Book Review: Playground by Richard Powers

    👀 First impressions:
    Playground immediately grabbed my attention with its blend of intimate human drama and sweeping intellectual curiosity, the kind Richard Powers is known for. The story revolves around the intersections of childhood, creativity, and the hidden forces that shape a young mind. From the opening chapters, it is clear that Powers is asking readers to consider the spaces where imagination becomes both refuge and battleground. His writing feels melodic and observant, drawing you slowly into a world where meaning can be found in the smallest gesture. As always, he wraps big ideas in deeply emotional storytelling, creating a novel that feels both ambitious and tender.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    This book feels alive with intelligence. Powers understands how to build characters from their inner silences, their fears, their flashes of wonder. Playground is filled with moments that feel simultaneously intimate and universal. I loved the way the narrative wove together questions of identity, education, family pressure, and the fragile line between nurture and control. The emotional beats land with precision and the prose is beautiful without feeling self indulgent. The setting of the playground itself becomes almost a living presence, representing both freedom and confinement. Watching the characters interact with this symbolic space created a layered and impactful reading experience.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    There is very little here that faltered for me. Powers does ask for patience and attention, and some readers may find the philosophical threads dense. For me, the contemplative pacing added richness, though there were moments when I wanted certain ideas to unfold more quickly. It is a novel that requires you to settle in and let it wash over you.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you enjoy thoughtful literary fiction that asks meaningful questions about how we learn, grow, and define ourselves, this book is a must read. Playground is ideal for readers who appreciate emotional depth, character driven stories, and novels that explore complex themes with grace. Anyone who loved Powers earlier works or who simply wants to be fully immersed in a beautifully built world will find this worth adding to their shelf.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Playground is a remarkable story filled with heart, intellect, and a quiet sense of wonder. Richard Powers reminds us how powerful novels can be when they merge big ideas with genuine emotional connection. This is a book I will be thinking about for a long time.

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

    Final Rating ★★★★★ –

  • Book Review: A Star called Henry by Roddy Doyle

    👀 First impressions:
    A Star Called Henry immediately stands out as a bold and vivid reinvention of Irish history. Roddy Doyle takes readers deep into the streets of early twentieth century Dublin through the eyes of Henry Smart, a boy born into poverty and chaos who claws his way into the heart of the Irish Revolution. The opening chapters are raw, gritty, and full of kinetic energy as Henry grows up surrounded by violence, hunger, and rebellion. Doyle’s trademark dialogue feels alive on the page and the novel promises a sweeping, character driven look at the Easter Rising and beyond through a voice that is both vulnerable and ferociously resilient.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    Doyle’s greatest achievement here is Henry himself. He is a compelling narrator with sharp humour, stubborn determination, and an emotional honesty that makes even his darkest actions strangely sympathetic. The world building is striking. Dublin feels textured and real through the smells of the streets, the crowded tenements, and the tension simmering under political unrest. The blending of real historical figures with Henry’s personal journey is seamless. The pacing of the Revolution scenes is gripping and the novel’s exploration of identity, survival, and loyalty gives it a strong thematic core. Doyle’s prose is at its best when he leans into rhythm and voice, creating a narrative that feels almost musical.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    Some sections feel overly dense and the novel occasionally drifts into long stretches where the emotional momentum falters. Henry’s larger than life endurance can stretch believability at times which may distance readers who prefer grounded realism. The dialogue is sharp but sometimes repetitive and the narrative voice, though brilliant, can overshadow the supporting cast.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you enjoy historical fiction that centres on strong character voice rather than strict factual retelling, this novel is a standout. Readers who love immersive settings, rebellious protagonists, and stories that mix historical events with deeply personal stakes will find this a powerful and memorable read.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    A Star Called Henry is ambitious, atmospheric, and astonishingly alive. It captures the chaos of revolution through the eyes of a boy who refuses to be broken and it delivers both emotional weight and sharp social commentary. While it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own intensity, it remains a vivid and unforgettable portrait of a turbulent era.

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

    Final Rating ★★★★ – Very raw, very human, and very hard to forget

  • 📓🤓 What to Read Wednesday: Cult Classics

    Photo by Binh Nguyen on Unsplash

    Some books are instant bestsellers. Others slip quietly into the world and build a loyal following over time. Those are the cult classics, the novels people passionately recommend, the ones that spark heated debates, and the books you either love or really don’t get.

    This week, I’m rounding up cult classics, both the iconic staples and some newer titles already gathering their own devoted fandoms.

    📖 Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis (1985)

    Cold, detached, and hypnotic, Ellis’s debut about the wealthy, disaffected youth of 1980s Los Angeles is a portrait of beautiful nihilism. A true cult cornerstone.

    📖 The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992)

    Dark academia’s crown jewel. Murder, obsession, and a group of privileged classics students whose friendships spiral into tragedy. A modern cult classic that never loses its grip.

    📖 House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (2000)

    A labyrinth on the page as well as in the story. This experimental, genre-bending novel is confusing, terrifying, and unforgettable—exactly what a cult classic should be.

    📖 Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (2005)

    Eerie, melancholic, and quietly devastating, Ishiguro’s exploration of love, memory, and mortality has grown into one of the most beloved (and hotly discussed) modern classics.

    📖 Bunny by Mona Awad (2019)

    Darkly funny, surreal, and delightfully strange, Bunny has become the poster child for weird-girl lit. If you like books that make you say “what did I just read?”—this one’s for you.

    📖 Yellowface by R.F. Kuang (2023)

    Sharp, provocative, and impossible to put down, Kuang’s novel about publishing, privilege, and appropriation already has the energy of a cult favourite, sparking fierce conversations everywhere.

    ✨ Why reach for a cult classic?
    Because these books stay with you. They confuse you, challenge you, shock you, or even make you angry. But love them or hate them, you’ll never forget them.

    Would you like me to keep the mix of old and new cult classics, or do you want a version that’s only focused on recent cult classics (say, from the 2000s onwards)?

  • Book Review: The Whistling by Rebecca Netley

    👀 First impressions:
    The Whistling immediately caught my interest with its remote Scottish island setting and its promise of a classic Gothic mystery. Elspeth travels to the isolated island of Skelthsea to work as a nanny for a young girl who has not spoken since her sister disappeared. From the moment she arrives, the island feels heavy with silence, superstition and secrets. Strange noises echo through the house at night, the villagers keep their distance and the whistling on the wind suggests something is terribly wrong.

    The opening chapters create a strong sense of isolation and dread, and the entire book feels rooted in traditional ghost story territory while still offering an emotional modern narrative.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    I really enjoyed how vividly the author brings Skelthsea to life. The island feels wild, windswept and claustrophobic, which adds to the tension beautifully. The sense of creeping dread is handled extremely well. Instead of sudden scares, the fear builds slowly through atmosphere, whispers, shadows and half heard sounds.

    I also appreciated the emotional depth of the story. Themes of grief, trauma and unresolved guilt shape the characters and make the haunting elements feel meaningful rather than decorative. The novel captures that classic Gothic feeling of a house full of secrets waiting to be revealed.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    Some elements will feel familiar to anyone who reads a lot of Gothic fiction. There are moments when experienced readers may guess certain twists in advance. The middle section also slows slightly. The atmosphere remains strong but the plot takes its time before building toward the final reveal.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    This is perfect for readers who love atmospheric ghost stories, isolated settings and mysteries influenced by folklore. If you enjoy slow building tension, eerie children, old houses and a strong sense of place, this is exactly the kind of book that will keep you turning the pages on a dark evening.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    The Whistling is a wonderfully moody ghost story that blends unsettling atmosphere with emotional storytelling. It feels both traditional and fresh, offering readers a haunting experience rooted in loss, superstition and the power of secrets. It is the kind of book that lingers in the mind long after you finish it.

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

    Final Rating ★★★★ – Haunting, emotional and deeply atmospheric

  • Book Review: Beyond Her Reach by Melinda Leigh

    👀 First impressions:
    Beyond Her Reach is another gripping addition to Melinda Leigh’s long list of bestselling suspense novels. In this story, Sheriff Bree Taggert investigates a missing persons case that quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. Leigh blends domestic tension with high stakes investigation, creating a world where family secrets, trauma, and loyalty collide. The opening chapters set the tone immediately with a sense of urgency that never really lets up and the emotional heartbeat of the book is clear from page one.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    Leigh is incredibly strong at character driven suspense and that shines here. Bree is complex, capable, and deeply human. Her personal life intersects with her work in a way that enriches the tension rather than overwhelming it. The supporting cast feels grounded and believable which adds weight to every discovery. The mystery unfolds with tight plotting and the stakes escalate in a way that feels organic. Leigh’s writing is clean and precise which keeps the tension consistent throughout.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    There are a few moments where the investigation feels slightly telegraphed. Some clues land a little too neatly which reduces some of the potential shock. A couple of emotional beats repeat similar themes which slows the momentum in spots. None of this undermines the core of the story but readers who prefer a more twist heavy plot may want slightly sharper turns.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you enjoy fast paced, emotionally driven crime fiction, Melinda Leigh is one of the most reliable authors in the genre. Beyond Her Reach offers mystery, tension, vulnerability, and a protagonist you will root for. It is perfect for readers who love a blend of police procedural elements and domestic suspense.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Smart, heartfelt, and gripping, Beyond Her Reach is another strong entry from Melinda Leigh. It balances character, danger, and emotion with confidence. Bree Taggert remains one of the most compelling heroines in modern crime fiction and this instalment only strengthens that reputation.

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

    Final Rating ★★★★ – A tightly plotted suspense with heart and grit

  • Book Review: River God by Wilbur Smith

    👀 First impressions:
    River God is one of Wilbur Smith’s most celebrated novels, first published in 1993 and set in ancient Egypt during the time of the 17th Dynasty. The story is told entirely through the eyes of Taita, a highly skilled and fiercely loyal slave whose intellect, humour, and talent for invention bring the world of the Nile vividly to life. What begins as a tale of courtly intrigue quickly widens into an odyssey of war, love, betrayal, and destiny. The scope is huge, the detail is rich, and the opening chapters immediately pull you into a world shaped by magic, politics, and the shifting sands of power.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    Smith is known for historical adventure, but here he reaches a new level of worldbuilding. Taita is a remarkable narrator. His voice is distinctive and often witty, giving the story a human heart even in its grandest moments. The descriptions of Egypt are lush and immersive. Everything feels alive. The political drama is gripping and the battles are cinematic. There are also strong emotional stakes. Love and loyalty drive much of the book and Smith balances drama with character authenticity.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    The novel can feel indulgent in places. Taita is brilliant at almost everything which can occasionally make him feel a little too perfect. The pacing slows down at times, especially during extended descriptions or technical sections. A few plot leaps rely heavily on coincidence, which may pull some readers out of the story.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you love historical fiction with a grand, sweeping storyline, River God is a standout choice. The Egyptian setting is atmospheric and beautifully realised. Taita’s voice, whether you love or raise your eyebrow at him, is unforgettable. This is the sort of novel that feels like a true saga filled with emotion, adventure, and immersive detail.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    River God is a powerful and emotionally driven epic that showcases Wilbur Smith at his best. It is both intimate and huge in scale with characters that stay with you long after the final page. Despite a few minor issues, its ability to transport you across centuries is remarkable and it remains a beloved modern classic of historical adventure fiction.

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

    Final Rating ★★★★ – A sweeping adventure full of heart and history