From fiction and romance to crime and children’s books, explore some of books that place Edinburgh at the heart of the action.
Edinburgh has long been a city that inspires writers. Its narrow closes, grand squares, hidden wynds and stunning skyline have been a natural stage for drama, mystery, humour and colourful characters.
Writers from across the centuries have captured Edinburgh’s essence, and here we take a look at just a handful of the many novels and series that have brought the capital to life on paper.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1961) Muriel Spark
This iconic novel takes place in 1930s Edinburgh and follows the sharp, unconventional Miss Brodie and her devoted pupils at the Marcia Blane School for Girls.
Spark captures school life, friendship, growing up and the atmosphere of the Edinburgh’s streets. It remains one of the best-known portraits of Edinburgh in fiction.
The book has subsequently been made into a film (1969) starring Maggie Smith. Filming took place at various places in Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Academy, Greyfriars Churchyard, Dalmeny House and the Vennel steps. Incidentally, in 2018, the Vennel was renamed the Miss Jean Brodie Steps to celebrate the author’s 100th birthday
One Good Turn (2006) Kate Atkinson
Set during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the clever and fast-paced One Good Turn weaves together several characters whose lives collide after a violent incident on a city street.
Atkinson makes great use of the festival crowds, the theatres, and the buzz of the city during the summer, offering a sharp and entertaining look at Edinburgh at one of its busiest times of the year.
The Rebus Series (1987 to present) Ian Rankin
Rebus, Rankin’s long-running crime series shows a tougher side of modern Edinburgh. Detective Inspector John Rebus moves through pubs, police stations and hidden corners of the city as he investigates complex cases.
These books reveal an Edinburgh full of depth, conflict and brooding atmosphere.
44 Scotland Street Series (2004 to present) Alexander McCall Smith
Set mainly in Edinburgh’s New Town, this gentle, witty series follows a group of neighbours navigating daily dilemmas in a warm, conversational portrait.
The stories highlights the neighbourhood as a close-knit community filled with cafes, art galleries and the small details that make it feel like a village within a city.
One Day (2009) David Nicholls
Nicholls’ bestselling novel frequently returns to Edinburgh. The leading characters, Dexter and Emma, meet for the first time on the night of their graduation from the University of Edinburgh, agree to remain friends and keep in touch, reuniting on the same day over the course of 20 years.
The book captures snapshots of university life, late-night conversations and the bittersweet nostalgia of growing up. Its Edinburgh moments are timeless, showing the city in all its glory, including Arthur’s Seat. Turned into a Netflix series in 2024, discover more about the Edinburgh filming locations.
The Ghost Cat (2023) Alex Howard
The quiet, atmospheric Ghost Cat follows a ghostly cat who drifts through centuries of life in an Edinburgh tenement.
As the cat quietly observes the inhabitants who come and go, the book creates a gentle portrait of how the city’s buildings hold memories and traces of the past.
Maisie Comes to Morningside (1989) Aileen Paterson
The first book in the series for younger readers, Maisie is a kilt-wearing cat who moves to Edinburgh’s Morningside neighbourhood to live with her Grannie.
The series joins Maisie as she gets to know Edinburgh, including Maisie’s Festival Adventure where she dives into the summer’s festival, and What Maisie Did Next which is set at the city’s National Museum of Scotland.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
