7 'thrilling' detective novels set in and around historic Scottish city

Daily Record

2 days ago

Susan from The BookTrail maps real locations from Neil Broadfoot's detective series across Stirling, Edinburgh, and beyond.
Scotland's historic city of Stirling has long captured the imagination with its castle, cobbled streets and battlefield past. But thanks to crime author Neil Broadfoot, it plays host to an equally gripping fictional world.
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His gripping series has led readers to discover hidden corners of the country in ways they might never have expected. And Susan from literary travel agency The BookTrail has mapped out the places featured in Broadfoot's seven-book Connor Fraser detective series.
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Writing for VisitScotland, her journey through the series shows how fiction and real-world locations can blend to offer readers an immersive, book -inspired adventure across Stirling, Edinburgh and beyond.
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Susan explained how her lifelong love of literary travel began with Around the World in 80 Days. Today, her website allows readers to follow in the footsteps of characters across dozens of books set around the world.
'The mix of historical detail and thrilling plot is an exciting combination,' she said, describing Broadfoot's work. 'With the main location of Stirling, and visits to Edinburgh and Belfast, there is a real sense of travel, history and intrigue with this series.'
Broadfoot's series was inspired by a game of football at the Bloody Scotland crime writing festival, which is held annually in Stirling. Since then, his novels have taken readers on journeys through graveyards, hospitals, universities and castles.
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Cowane's Hospital – No Man's Land
The opening book, No Man's Land, introduces Connor Fraser, a close protection expert and former PSNI officer. It led Susan to Cowane's Hospital, one of Stirling's most striking historical buildings.
Built with funds from merchant John Cowane, it once housed retired members of the local guild and offers views across the city from near the castle. 'I might never have discovered this place or learned of its history without No Man's Land,' Susan noted.
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Church of the Holy Rude – No Place to Die
Just a short walk from the castle sits the Church of the Holy Rude, a location woven into the second novel, No Place to Die. The church is one of the oldest buildings in Stirling and famously held a royal coronation.
'There's this parallel world that only readers can truly access and appreciate,' Susan said. 'It feels magical every time.'
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Cambusbarron and Gillies Hill – The Point of No Return
Broadfoot's third book, The Point of No Return, brings readers to Cambusbarron, a village just outside Stirling. Its ancient hillfort, Gillies Hill, is thought to be where Robert the Bruce camped before the Battle of Bannockburn.
'Who knew that crime fiction would take me down a rabbit hole of proportions I have not experienced since Alice in Wonderland,' Susan wrote.
Edinburgh and Leith – No Quarter Given
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No Quarter Give, the fourth novel shifts much of the action to Edinburgh, particularly the Scottish Parliament and Victoria Quay in Leith.
With political intrigue and vivid locations, it explores a different side of Scotland's capital. Leith Docks, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and even indie bookshops like Argonaut Books feature in the journey.
Bannockburn – Violent Ends
Known for its role in the 1314 battle, Bannockburn remains a powerful symbol of Scottish identity. The fifth novel, Violent Ends, uses it as both a historical backdrop and a key setting in the plot.
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Susan said the book inspired her to learn more about the area and its lasting significance.
University of Stirling – Unmarked Graves
Set around the campus and its central loch, the sixth book, Unmarked Graves, uses the university's scenic landscape to chilling effect. Susan found new meaning in familiar settings, writing, 'I could appreciate the veil of fiction over the view in front of me.'
Stirling Old Town Cemetery – Exit Wounds
The final novel, Exit Wounds, is largely based in Belfast but returns to Stirling for one of its most atmospheric scenes. The Old Town Cemetery, near the castle, was the site of the last siege led by Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Susan described it as 'perhaps my favourite spot on the Broadfoot BookTrails, for it felt as if I could just hear the whispers of the past and present coming together.'