Trackman

A moving, quirky and emotionally charged novel about grief, connection and the transformative power of music.

Davie Watts is the Trackman — he knows the right song for the right moment, and he uses music to help strangers find their way back to themselves.

About the Ebook

Davie Watts is about to walk past an MP3 player lying on the pavement when a voice in his head stops him:

You’ll regret it if you leave it. You’ll only come back for it later.

That moment changes everything.

Trackman is a touching, funny and deeply human novel about the power of music to heal, connect and revive memories long buried. Davie becomes the Trackman — a quiet guardian who seeks out strangers in need and plays them the song they didn’t know they were waiting for.

Set in Edinburgh, the story moves between Davie’s past and present, exploring grief, loss, creativity and the fragile threads that tie people together. With warmth, humour and emotional insight, Catriona Child crafts a novel that resonates long after the final page.

Critical Praise

"All the makings of a cult hit… a delight for lovers of Edinburgh."
— The Herald

"A powerful piece of contemporary Scottish literature… blends fantastical subject matter with a profound look at bereavement."
— The Skinny

"Beautifully crafted… fluid and rhythmic… inspiring and powerful."
— The Student

"A story that will resonate with creative types across Edinburgh and the world."
— Ten Tracks

"Pitch‑perfect dialogue and a professional’s eye for the details tourists rarely notice."
— Northwords Now

"A profound and life‑affirming tale… don’t be put off by the fantastical premise."
— STV Local

"Touching, funny and quirky… an entertaining read for music lovers."
— Scots Magazine

"Understands the power of music… brings comfort to those who need it."
— Scots Whay Hae

"A promising debut… strong emotional connection with the protagonist."
— The Week

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• A heartfelt, imaginative novel about grief, healing and the magic of music.
• Perfect for readers who love Edinburgh and stories rooted in real places.
• A cult‑favourite debut praised for its originality and emotional depth.
• Blends realism and the fantastical with sensitivity and humour.
• A standout Luath Press title with enduring appeal.

About the Author

Catriona Child was born in Dundee in 1980 and is widely regarded as one of the brightest voices in contemporary Scottish fiction. She holds a degree in English from the University of Aberdeen and an MA with Distinction in Creative Writing from Lancaster University.

Her debut novel Trackman (2012) was hailed by The Herald as “having all the makings of a cult hit”. Her second novel, Swim Until You Can’t See Land, followed in 2014. Her work has appeared in The Sunday Herald, 404 Ink’s Earth magazine, Northwords Now and the Scottish Book Trust’s Family Legends anthology. She lives just outside Edinburgh with her husband and two children.

Publication Details

Publisher: Luath Press

Publication Date: —

Print Length: — (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781909912311

Format: Ebook

Language: English

Categories: Fiction / Contemporary / Scottish Fiction

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access my ebook?

Download The Grey Hill App and log in using the same email you used at checkout. Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.

Can I read it online?

Yes — you can also access your purchases via our online reader at reader.thegreyhill.com.

I can’t see my ebook — what should I do?

Tap the refresh button in the app or online reader. If it still doesn’t appear, ensure you’re logged in with the same email used at checkout. If issues continue, contact us and we’ll help right away.

Can I gift this ebook?

Yes — you can purchase a Grey Hill Gift Card here: Buy a Gift Card. The recipient can redeem it on our store, and the ebook will appear in The Grey Hill App.