Where a book is set in UK

[Alex]

When you are looking for books to read, are you influenced by where a book is set?

What got me thinking was when I was in my local independent bookshop and they had a shelf of books set in the area, which they said were popular. Does a setting also drive your expectations of a book eg if set in a city, do you assume gritty, gangland drama etc?

[Beth]

For me, the setting does not drive my expectations other than I would be intrigued by the descriptions of the location.

[Judith]

I must admit I enjoy books set in areas that I know, it gives extra interest.

[Pauline]

I'm sure it does influence people. I enjoy Stephen Booth, whom I haven't seen mentioned here. He's very good, and he writes about the area where I live very accu UKrately. On the other hand, I've read an author whom I actually found offensive, but people seemed to like him
because he wrote about where they lived! But I don't choose bpoks generally becaise of tjeir setting.

[Pauline]

Sorry about the errors. The gremlins got to work.

[Judith]

I have read all of Stephen Booth books and really enjoy them.

[Juliann]

One of the reasons I enjoyed reading "The Loving Husband" was
the location....I can imagine the old barn in back and the
Fens. Really gave sort of a sci-fi story some atmosphere.

[Alex]

What about books (not fantasy or sci-fi) which are set in made-up places?

[Judith]

It doesn't matter to me really, it is the content I go for, it just adds to the enjoyment if the book is set in a place I know.

[Nikkiplans99]

I just came back from a trip to London and I loved seeing places that have been mentioned in a lot of the books I have read. But it doesn't really matter to me if a place is read or made up. If the author paints a picture then I can see the place no matter what.

[Angel]

Setting overall doesn't matter. But I do like the introduction of new places and location which are exciting to read about interwoven into a plot/storyline.

[Sandy]

Sometimes I'm drawn to a book set in a place I've been, sometimes I'm drawn to one because I haven't been there. Nothing trumps the plot.....if the story appeals, don't care where it is.

[Victoria]

I don't mind if a setting is real or invented, but if it's real I want it to be accurate.

I don't really choose a book based on its setting, but I do like to get a sense of the place, and it's a bonus if the author can use the setting to create atmosphere. I think Elly Griffiths uses the Norfolk setting very well in her Ruth Galloway books. The ultimate use of setting I think must be the Fens in Dorothy L. Sayers' The Nine Tailors.