The plot line and premise of the novel are straightforward: set in a decaying seaside town on the outskirts of Edinburgh, there is a small cast of characters and very little variety of location. This tightly contained setting allows a full immersion in the thoughts and subconsciousness of the characters. Thompson creates a claustrophobic and intense atmosphere which affectively mimics the reality of the depressed and lonely Blake, and as we move deeper into his mind we understand that Blake’s obsession with his daughter’s disappearance has left his world distorted and bleak.
The characters range from National Gallery curators, blind mystics, games arcade workers, and fish shop owners to prostitutes and singers. This makes for a lively, at times somewhat fantastical, backdrop and adds to an almost child-like enjoyment when reading this novel. However, it also means that the story can seem over-simplified and may have benefited from a more covert or intricate unveiling of the mystery.
‘What ifs’ aside, The Existential Detective
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