The Devil's Chamber

by Neil Cocker

Miro McGarrity has built a successful life in Singapore, trying to forget the Scotland of his youth. But one afternoon he receives the news he has dreaded for twenty years – an email that takes him back to Edinburgh in 1999 and his first job in a sprawling council archive.Over the course of a few weeks in that long-lost autumn, Miro fell under the spell of two urban explorers seeking a legendary underground room known as the Devil’s Chamber. This fragile alliance would lead him into the forgotten corners of the archives, into grungy pubs and derelict buildings, until finally, in the shadows under the city, they discovered the shocking truth behind the legend.Now, after two decades of running away, Miro must return to the Devil’s Chamber to face his fate – but there might be one last chance of a way out…

332 pages, Paperback

Published August 22, 2021

About the author

Neil Cocker was born in Scotland in 1972. After graduating from Aberdeen University he ventured overseas, and has since lived and worked in Lithuania, Australia, Amsterdam, Singapore, and Luxembourg. He likes to write about emigrants and expats, displaced Scots and cultural dislocation, and how the shadow of the past darkens the present. Amsterdam Rampant was inspired by his experience of trying to live a quiet life in Amsterdam but failing spectacularly due to the regular visits of pleasure seekers, rascals, and rapscallions from the old country. His short stories have won prizes (Canongate 2001), been shortlisted for prizes (Bridport 2010), published in print (New Writing Scotland 21 & 23), and been taught on a Scottish Literature course at Oldenburg University.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't want it to end (the 90's part). Having been to Edinburgh last only 3 years ago, the novel is a picture show in my mind, knowing pretty much all of the locations. The rite of passage period in your 20's was also very familiar, with the fragile and slightly naive Miro. The mixture of the adventures with Neve and Harry, the mysterious cabal was the conspiratorial angle which I also enjoyed.

I like Neil's books because they are about getting up to adventures which come back to bite you later in life. I look forward to the next novel, unless the old boys find me first! 😅

[gerard flannagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding read,superb storytelling

I loved this book, it was like I was there in those old pubs drinking in both the beers and atmosphere.
It feels like, when you finish a good tv series and you don't know what to do,I really didn't want the book to end.
I'm looking forward to the next book.

[jennifer walmsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An original story. Had me hooked even though I've not read many novels like this genre. Will miss it. Great realistic characters. It's in the nineties but readers that weren't born around that decade will enjoy. Neil has an amazing gift for creating the impossible into possible and this reader understands he's worked in other countries. Also he doesn't pad out the content to bore or skip pages.

[mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Dark, Twisted Thriller Beneath 90s Edinburgh – "Perfect for Fans of Shallow Grave"

After reading several Irvine Welsh books, Neil Cocker popped up as a Kindle recommendation. Having recently enjoyed Amsterdam Rampant, which I highly recommend, I was eager to dive into his second novel.

Set against the backdrop of 1990s Edinburgh, The Devil's Chamber is an exhilarating, expertly crafted thriller with a 'Shallow Grave' vibe and a gothic horror twist.
Cocker masterfully weaves elements of Edinburgh’s lost Victoriana subculture, lurking beneath the city’s busy streets into a gripping narrative. With strong characterization and likable, compelling protagonist's, this novel kept me hooked from start to finish. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

[Richard Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

a really good read

I read this book in a very short time because I couldn’t put it down. An exciting story very well written.

[paul luscombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

Bought this book as something to read on the train to Edinburgh last weekend. Great story, I didn’t put it down for most of the five hour journey. Highly recommend Devil’s Chamber and Neil Cocker is now on my author watch list.

[Miss Dizzy Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, well written, interesting, different and page turning, what else can I say!

[Eileen Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth reading

A book that took me up and down with the characters and their lives. At one stage I had to put the book away to recover from the claustrophobic emotions felt as they squeezed their way along the tunnel-brilliant story telling. An unexpected ending but one that worked so well. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Arezou · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Devil's Chamber," is a book that not only entertained me but also ignited my curiosity about the enigmatic city of Edinburgh, a place I have never had the pleasure of visiting. The narrative skillfully crafted by the author held my attention throughout, making me eager to explore the city's mysteries in the future.
The author's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this novel, creating a narrative that captivates readers from its very inception and doesn't release its grip until the final page is turned. The plot is engaging and expertly constructed, taking us on a journey that is thrilling.
The vivid portrayal of Edinburgh's streets and the atmosphere within "The Devil's Chamber" adds depth to the story, making it come alive in the reader's imagination.
In sum, "The Devil's Chamber" is a beautifully written novel that blends the art of storytelling with the allure of an unexplored city.

[Alan O'Rourke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive page Turner

I've now read both books and gutted there is no more Neil Cocker to read.
Found this thriller/fantasy book extremely entertaining .

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kooky caper, light and fun