Where to Start with Carole Johnstone
If you are new to Carole Johnstone's writing, the best place to start is with her breakout debut novel, Mirrorland (2021). This psychological thriller showcases her signature style: a blend of gothic atmosphere, childhood trauma, unreliable memories, and a hauntingly detailed Scottish setting. It is the perfect introduction to her mind-bending plots and emotional depth.
However, if you prefer a classic, slow-burn mystery set against a rugged, wind-swept landscape, you might want to start with The Blackhouse (2022/2023). It leans heavier on folklore, isolation, and island secrets, making it ideal for fans of traditional gothic whodunits.
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Carole Johnstone's novels are completely standalone, meaning you can read them in any order you choose. However, reading them in publication order allows you to see how her approach to suspense and settings has evolved.
- Mirrorland (2021) – Set in Edinburgh, this story follows twin sisters Cat and El, who created an imaginary world called Mirrorland to cope with childhood trauma. When El disappears, Cat must return to their gothic childhood home and follow a series of clues to uncover the truth.
- The Blackhouse (2022 UK / 2023 US) – Set on the remote Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, this novel follows journalist Maggie MacKay as she returns to the island to investigate a murder she claims to remember from her childhood, uncovering dark secrets hidden by the locals.
Important Reader Warning: The Blackhouse Mix-Up
When searching for The Blackhouse, be careful not to confuse Carole Johnstone's book with the highly popular 2011 crime novel The Blackhouse by Peter May. Both authors are Scottish, and both books are atmospheric thrillers set on the Isle of Lewis. However, Peter May's book is the first installment of his famous Lewis Trilogy, whereas Carole Johnstone's book is a standalone gothic mystery with a completely different plot and characters.
Publication Order of Collections, Novellas, and Short Stories
Before publishing her full-length novels, Johnstone was a celebrated writer of short speculative fiction, horror, and thriller stories. Her shorter works often feature darker, more supernatural, and science-fiction themes compared to her novels.
Standalone Novellas and Novelettes
- Cold Turkey (2014) – A psychological horror novella about a school teacher named Raym who is trying to quit smoking, only to find himself haunted by a terrifying figure from his childhood. It explores themes of addiction and the loss of reality.
- Skinner Box (2019) – Published as a Tor.com Original, this science fiction novelette is set on a tense space mission to Jupiter, focusing on interpersonal dynamics, isolation, and psychological control.
Short Story Collections
- The Bright Day Is Done (2014) – Johnstone's debut collection containing seventeen of her early short stories, showcasing her versatility across horror, fantasy, and mystery genres. The collection was nominated for the British Fantasy Award in 2015.
Key Short Stories and Co-Authored Works
- "Signs of the Times" (2013) – First published in Black Static magazine, this dark, atmospheric story set in Scotland won the British Fantasy Award for Best Short Story in 2014. It blends social realism with surreal dread.
- "In the Gallery of Silent Screams" (2018) – A horror story co-authored with Chris Kelso, published in Black Static. It explores art, guilt, and the relationship between a critic and an artist, earning a British Fantasy Award nomination.
What to Know Before You Start
Carole Johnstone's stories are deeply atmospheric and character-driven. Here are a few things to keep in mind before diving in:
- Atmosphere as a Character: Whether it is the shifting walls of a Georgian house in Edinburgh or the harsh, stormy weather of the Outer Hebrides, the settings in Johnstone's novels play a crucial role in building suspense.
- Heavy Themes: Her work frequently explores psychological trauma, abuse, memory loss, and addiction. Reader discretion is advised as some stories contain intense themes.
- Folklore and Reality: Johnstone masterfully blends local Scottish folklore and superstition with modern psychological thriller elements, keeping readers guessing about what is real and what is imagined.