Lin Anderson
Author of Driftnet
About the Author
Lin Anderson was born in Greenrock. She is a graduate of Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities. She has lived throughout Scotland and has spent five years in Africa. She soon bacame a mathematics teacher and later started her writing career. Her first film, Small Love, was nominated for TAPS writer of show more the year award 2001. Her book titles include: None but the Dead, Follow the Dead, and Bloody Scotland. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Image credit: Tim Duncan
Series
Works by Lin Anderson
The High Island 1 copy
Associated Works
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Anderson, Linda
- Birthdate
- 1951
- Gender
- female
- Occupations
- teacher
screenwriter
writer - Short biography
- Lin Anderson is the co-founder with Alex Gray of the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival, and is known as a Tartan Noir writer. Anderson, Gray and Alanna knight are member of the Femmes Fatales crime writing trio. She is also a screenwriter, with a Celtic Festival best drama award for River Child. She taught math and computing before quitting to become a writer, and she took Glasgow University's forensic science course to prepare her for writing about forensic scientist Dr. Rhona MacLeod. The series of books have been optioned for British television. Her short story, "Dead Close" is in production as a movie. Lin is working with John Sinclair, former keyboard player with Ozzy Osbourne, on a rock musical. She divides her time between the Highland, Edinburgh, and the south of France. [from Bloody Scotland, 2018 and Daily Record interview, 2012, and Wikipedia (retrieved 8/27/2021]
- Nationality
- UK
Scotland - Birthplace
- Greenock, Scotland, UK
- Places of residence
- Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Nigeria - Associated Place (for map)
- Scotland, UK
Members
Reviews
It was never just a game . . .When Amy MacKenzie agrees to attend a meeting at a local spiritualist church, the last person she expects to hear calling to her from beyond the grave is her son. The son whom she'd only spoken to an hour before. Then the body of a young man is found inside a neolithic stone circle high above the city of Glasgow and forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod is soon on the case. The hands have been severed and there is a stone in the victim's mouth with the number five show more scratched on it. DI Michael McNab is certain it's a gangland murder, but Rhona isn't convinced. When a second body is found in similar circumstances, a pattern begins to emerge, of a killer intent on masterminding a gruesome Druidic game that everyone will be forced to play.
Rhona is a forensic expert. She is an intelligent, feisty lady...but also a professional who loves her job.
She was called to examine the body of a man that has been found inside a Neolithic stone circle near Glasgow. The body is face down and its hands have been removed which, according to Rhona, suggests some type of ritual killing, furtherly reinforced by the stone that is found inside his mouth, with the number 5 written on it. Then D.I. MacNab enters the scene. He has just been promoted and is anxious to prove himself. He believes that the victim is part of a gang and probably in the drug scene but, then when another body is found in another stone circle, he has to rethink the whole case.
Rhona is working closely with several of the men in her life and there is plenty of tension between the guys as they circle around her like vultures, trying to get her attention. They become a bit aggressive and jealous with each other, which I thought was a bit overboard and unnecessary in what had begun as a really interesting story. I guess it was meant to show that Rhona could keep them all in their place and still manages to be professional, even when not all of the others weren't. That also lost the story a star. I have loads of romance books and don't need so much of that in my mysteries.
As the body count increases, MacNab is forced into realizing that the killer may have something to do with his own past. He puts his promotion, as well as his life, on the line as he goes in search of the man responsible for all the deaths. Rhona is left to wonder what he is up to and, as she puts the pieces of the puzzle together, is forced to witness something that could change her relationship with MacNab forever. At this point I was ready for them both to just "get a room".
I've read other books in the Rhona MacLeod series and liked them a lot more than this one. I'll still give it 4 stars for "old times sake". show less
Rhona is a forensic expert. She is an intelligent, feisty lady...but also a professional who loves her job.
She was called to examine the body of a man that has been found inside a Neolithic stone circle near Glasgow. The body is face down and its hands have been removed which, according to Rhona, suggests some type of ritual killing, furtherly reinforced by the stone that is found inside his mouth, with the number 5 written on it. Then D.I. MacNab enters the scene. He has just been promoted and is anxious to prove himself. He believes that the victim is part of a gang and probably in the drug scene but, then when another body is found in another stone circle, he has to rethink the whole case.
Rhona is working closely with several of the men in her life and there is plenty of tension between the guys as they circle around her like vultures, trying to get her attention. They become a bit aggressive and jealous with each other, which I thought was a bit overboard and unnecessary in what had begun as a really interesting story. I guess it was meant to show that Rhona could keep them all in their place and still manages to be professional, even when not all of the others weren't. That also lost the story a star. I have loads of romance books and don't need so much of that in my mysteries.
As the body count increases, MacNab is forced into realizing that the killer may have something to do with his own past. He puts his promotion, as well as his life, on the line as he goes in search of the man responsible for all the deaths. Rhona is left to wonder what he is up to and, as she puts the pieces of the puzzle together, is forced to witness something that could change her relationship with MacNab forever. At this point I was ready for them both to just "get a room".
I've read other books in the Rhona MacLeod series and liked them a lot more than this one. I'll still give it 4 stars for "old times sake". show less
This prequel is a short novella, but it still includes a full story and does not feel diminished in any way, which shows what a good writer Lin Anderson is!
Rhona MacLeod is a forensic scientist in Glasgow. When a young woman is found dead after her hen night, the evidence leads to the city's nightlife. Rhona works around the clock, although she has just met a handsome saxophonist who seems interested in her.
The characterization is surprisingly deep and nuanced considering the novella format. show more Anderson's style is concise, but skillful, and the story and plot are round. Now I am looking forward to reading book 2 in the series. show less
Rhona MacLeod is a forensic scientist in Glasgow. When a young woman is found dead after her hen night, the evidence leads to the city's nightlife. Rhona works around the clock, although she has just met a handsome saxophonist who seems interested in her.
The characterization is surprisingly deep and nuanced considering the novella format. show more Anderson's style is concise, but skillful, and the story and plot are round. Now I am looking forward to reading book 2 in the series. show less
So today’s post is kind of a doubleheader. First up is my review then I’ll close with a short rant which may stray close to spoilerish territory so just a heads up.
When forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod gets called, it’s rarely good news. This time a body has been found in one of Glasgow’s tunnels. And it’s immediately clear the killer has gone to great lengths to get their message across. The second body turns up near Rhona’s home. Same careful display, same props, same lack of show more forensics……there’s no doubt it’s related to the first.
Rhona does her best to provide clues for the police but it’s slim pickings. And maybe that’s a clue in itself. Everything points to someone with superior forensic knowledge. When one clue is tied to Rhona they all have to wonder. Is the killer taunting her or stalking her?
The gang is all back including DS Michael McNab. He & Rhona have a complicated history. They fell out after their last case which also resulted in a demotion for McNab. He’s been trying to keep his head down but when this case is assigned to DS Janice Clark, he can’t resist pushing his way into the investigation.
Just to amp up the creep factor, in alternate chapters we listen in as the killer makes their plans. There are also side stories dealing with the personal lives of the MC’s. The author does a great job of keeping you guessing. When it comes to suspects, you’re spoiled for choice. I had it narrowed down to three & kept looking for any hint that would sway me one way or the other.
One little niggle was a lack of information about the killer. Even after they’re revealed, we’re no wiser as to their background, motive or why they became fixated on Rhona. But that wasn’t the issue for me. Warning: mini-rant ahead.
I was all in on this story. Loved the Glasgow setting & got swept up in the investigation & the characters’ personal story lines. Then I hit the 90% mark. At this point Rhona makes a decision that can only be described as monumentally boneheaded. You know those slasher movies where a frisky couple looking for privacy come across an abandoned house? It’s usually isolated, has no electricity & one pipes up with something akin to “Hey, I’m going inside to check out that noise in the cellar by myself. You wait out here all alone in the dark. No worries, I’m sure it’s nothing to do with that serial killer who recently escaped.” Yup, that.
I realize authors take license to create suspense. My problem is when a character who has been portrayed as smart & experienced is dumbed down in order to create that suspense. It’s a personal peeve that yanks me out of the story & leaves me shaking my head. Maybe I lack the ability to suspend my disbelief that far but surely there are other ways to create the desired tension that allow the character to remain consistent. So that’s where my rating took a hit.
There you have it. The bulk of the story is a well paced, twisty tale that will keep you turning the pages. As a bonus, you also get a peek at the hidden history of Glasgow. If the above doesn’t bother you, go for it as there’s a reason this popular series has reached book #13. show less
When forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod gets called, it’s rarely good news. This time a body has been found in one of Glasgow’s tunnels. And it’s immediately clear the killer has gone to great lengths to get their message across. The second body turns up near Rhona’s home. Same careful display, same props, same lack of show more forensics……there’s no doubt it’s related to the first.
Rhona does her best to provide clues for the police but it’s slim pickings. And maybe that’s a clue in itself. Everything points to someone with superior forensic knowledge. When one clue is tied to Rhona they all have to wonder. Is the killer taunting her or stalking her?
The gang is all back including DS Michael McNab. He & Rhona have a complicated history. They fell out after their last case which also resulted in a demotion for McNab. He’s been trying to keep his head down but when this case is assigned to DS Janice Clark, he can’t resist pushing his way into the investigation.
Just to amp up the creep factor, in alternate chapters we listen in as the killer makes their plans. There are also side stories dealing with the personal lives of the MC’s. The author does a great job of keeping you guessing. When it comes to suspects, you’re spoiled for choice. I had it narrowed down to three & kept looking for any hint that would sway me one way or the other.
One little niggle was a lack of information about the killer. Even after they’re revealed, we’re no wiser as to their background, motive or why they became fixated on Rhona. But that wasn’t the issue for me. Warning: mini-rant ahead.
I was all in on this story. Loved the Glasgow setting & got swept up in the investigation & the characters’ personal story lines. Then I hit the 90% mark. At this point Rhona makes a decision that can only be described as monumentally boneheaded. You know those slasher movies where a frisky couple looking for privacy come across an abandoned house? It’s usually isolated, has no electricity & one pipes up with something akin to “Hey, I’m going inside to check out that noise in the cellar by myself. You wait out here all alone in the dark. No worries, I’m sure it’s nothing to do with that serial killer who recently escaped.” Yup, that.
I realize authors take license to create suspense. My problem is when a character who has been portrayed as smart & experienced is dumbed down in order to create that suspense. It’s a personal peeve that yanks me out of the story & leaves me shaking my head. Maybe I lack the ability to suspend my disbelief that far but surely there are other ways to create the desired tension that allow the character to remain consistent. So that’s where my rating took a hit.
There you have it. The bulk of the story is a well paced, twisty tale that will keep you turning the pages. As a bonus, you also get a peek at the hidden history of Glasgow. If the above doesn’t bother you, go for it as there’s a reason this popular series has reached book #13. show less
Sins of the Dead – Keeps you on edge.
Rhona MacLeod is back and gives us a thrilling ride that keeps the reader on edge all the way to the end. The blurb calls this the best Scottish Crime series since Rebus, personally I think it is better. For a start we do not have to put up with a drink addled defective detective, and it is not in Edinburgh. So, win, win in my book!
Lin Anderson knows how to hook a reader, from the opening sentence, through every chapter there is something to keep you show more reading. One of the great things about this writing, is that it is not male heavy, they are there, but not in your face. Again, with the leading females again they are in your face, so there is a perfect blend of characters.
Opening in a closed up old railways tunnel under Glasgow, four female Harley Davidson riders are having an illegal street race. What they discover a dead body they split, scared to say or do anything. Especially as one of the riders Ellie is dating DS McNab, who would not be very happy.
Rhona who had examined the body and cannot understand her findings or the reasons for the death, she does not realise she will be placing herself in danger. As other are drawn into the mystery, the danger to Rhona gets great, little does she realise this. She carries on regardless.
When another body is found, this time in the grounds of Glasgow University, and worse in view of her lab, do they think they are dealing with a forensically aware killer. It is when he turns his sights to Rhona then her life is in danger, but she just wants to get on with her work. With Rhona being targeted it becomes a race against time before she could become a victim.
Once again Lin Anderson has written a thriller that ticks all the right boxes. Her writing, her characters and her descriptive narrative are beautifully constructed. This book proves why Lin Anderson is not only the best female Scottish writer, but one of the best in Britain. I hope Lin does not mind but she is as great as Val McDermid show less
Rhona MacLeod is back and gives us a thrilling ride that keeps the reader on edge all the way to the end. The blurb calls this the best Scottish Crime series since Rebus, personally I think it is better. For a start we do not have to put up with a drink addled defective detective, and it is not in Edinburgh. So, win, win in my book!
Lin Anderson knows how to hook a reader, from the opening sentence, through every chapter there is something to keep you show more reading. One of the great things about this writing, is that it is not male heavy, they are there, but not in your face. Again, with the leading females again they are in your face, so there is a perfect blend of characters.
Opening in a closed up old railways tunnel under Glasgow, four female Harley Davidson riders are having an illegal street race. What they discover a dead body they split, scared to say or do anything. Especially as one of the riders Ellie is dating DS McNab, who would not be very happy.
Rhona who had examined the body and cannot understand her findings or the reasons for the death, she does not realise she will be placing herself in danger. As other are drawn into the mystery, the danger to Rhona gets great, little does she realise this. She carries on regardless.
When another body is found, this time in the grounds of Glasgow University, and worse in view of her lab, do they think they are dealing with a forensically aware killer. It is when he turns his sights to Rhona then her life is in danger, but she just wants to get on with her work. With Rhona being targeted it becomes a race against time before she could become a victim.
Once again Lin Anderson has written a thriller that ticks all the right boxes. Her writing, her characters and her descriptive narrative are beautifully constructed. This book proves why Lin Anderson is not only the best female Scottish writer, but one of the best in Britain. I hope Lin does not mind but she is as great as Val McDermid show less
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