Discover books similar to "The Haunting of Barney Thomson"

Douglas Lindsay

The Haunting of Barney Thomson

3.79

In "The Haunting of Barney Thomson," Douglas Lindsay introduces readers to a world of dark humor, suspense, and the supernatural. The novel follows the life of Barney Thomson, an unassuming and rather dull barber in Glasgow, as he becomes unwittingly entangled in a series of bizarre and gruesome murders. As the police investigation into the killings intensifies, Barney finds himself in the crosshairs of suspicion, despite his complete innocence. In a desperate attempt to clear his name, Barney turns to the only person he believes can help him: a former mental patient who claims to be a psychic. What follows is a wildly entertaining and often absurd journey through the streets of Glasgow, as Barney and his newfound psychic ally try to unravel the mystery of the murders and stay one step ahead of the police. Along the way, they encounter a host of eccentric characters, including a transvestite prostitute, a one-armed knife-thrower, and a psychotic gangster with a penchant for torture. At its heart, "The Haunting of Barney Thomson" is a novel about the human capacity for self-delusion and the power of the imagination. Lindsay masterfully blends elements of horror, comedy, and drama to create a truly unique and unforgettable reading experience. Fans of authors like Carl Hiaasen and Christopher Moore will find much to love in "The Haunting of Barney Thomson," as will anyone who enjoys a well-crafted and darkly humorous tale. With its fast-paced plot, memorable characters, and sharp wit, this novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction and anyone looking for a fresh take on the classic detective story.

List of books similar to "The Haunting of Barney Thomson":

Andrew Taylor

The Silent Boy

If you enjoyed the suspenseful and eerie atmosphere of 'The Haunting of Barney Thomson', you might like 'The Silent Boy' by Andrew Taylor. This historical mystery novel is set in the 18th century and follows the story of a young girl who moves into a new home with her family, only to discover that it has a dark and sinister past. Filled with secrets, twists, and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Michael Chabon

The Yiddish Policemen's Union

For readers who appreciated the dark humor and unique narrative style of 'The Haunting of Barney Thomson', 'The Yiddish Policemen's Union' by Michael Chabon is a great choice. This alternate history detective novel is set in a world where Jewish refugees have created a thriving society in Alaska, and follows a detective as he investigates a murder that could have far-reaching consequences.

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Sarah Waters

The Little Stranger

If you enjoyed the haunted house setting and supernatural elements of 'The Haunting of Barney Thomson', you might like 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters. This psychological thriller is set in a crumbling English mansion and follows a doctor as he becomes increasingly obsessed with the family that lives there, and the strange occurrences that begin to plague them.

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Umberto Eco

The Name of the Rose

For readers who appreciated the historical setting and intricate plot of 'The Haunting of Barney Thomson', 'The Name of the Rose' by Uberto Eco is a must-read. This intellectual mystery novel is set in a medieval monastery and follows a Franciscan friar as he investigates a series of murders, uncovering a web of intrigue and heresy along the way.

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China Miéville

The City & the City

If you enjoyed the imaginative and unique world-building of 'The Haunting of Barney Thomson', you might like 'The City & The City' by China Miéville. This speculative fiction novel is set in a divided city where two distinct societies coexist, and follows a detective as he investigates a murder that could have implications for both worlds.

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Donna Tartt

The Secret History

For readers who appreciated the dark and twisted characters of 'The Haunting of Barney Thomson', 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is a great choice. This psychological thriller follows a group of classics students at a small college as they become increasingly obsessed with the occult, and the consequences that follow.

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Diane Setterfield

The Thirteenth Tale

If you enjoyed the gothic and atmospheric setting of 'The Haunting of Barney Thomson', you might like 'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield. This mystery novel follows a young biographer as she uncovers the dark secrets of a reclusive author, and the haunted past that has shaped her life.

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Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Shadow of the Wind

For readers who appreciated the literary and imaginative style of 'The Haunting of Barney Thomson', 'The Shadow of the Wind' by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a must-read. This historical novel is set in post-Civil War Barcelona and follows a young boy as he becomes obsessed with a mysterious book and the author who wrote it.

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Carol Goodman

The Lake of Dead Languages

If you enjoyed the academic and mysterious setting of 'The Haunting of Barney Thomson', you might like 'The Lake of Dead Languages' by Carol Goodman. This thriller is set in a girls' boarding school and follows a Latin teacher as she uncovers a series of murders that have haunted the school for decades.

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Paul Auster

The Book of Illusions

For readers who appreciated the dark and introspective themes of 'The Haunting of Barney Thomson', 'The Book of Illusions' by Paul Auster is a great choice. This metafictional novel follows a professor of literature as he becomes obsessed with a silent film comedian who died under mysterious circumstances.

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Elizabeth Kostova

The Historian

If you enjoyed the historical and supernatural elements of 'The Haunting of Barney Thomson', you might like 'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova. This epic horror novel follows a young woman as she uncovers the dark history of Vlad the Impaler and the legacy of evil that has haunted her family for generations.

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