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Rhona MacLeod #8
Picture Her Dead
The eighth outing for Rhona MacLeod, forensic scientist—think CSI Glasgow
She began to scrape at the mortar. A few minutes later she was able to prise the edge of the brick loose. The resulting rush of foetid air made her gag, but she focussed her torch beam on the enlarged hole and peered inside. Her eyes widened in horror.
When art student Jude Evans disappears on a photographic visit to a derelict Glasgow cinema, her friend Liam he enlists the help of his birth mother, forensic scientist Dr. Rhona MacLeod, in his search for Jude. Visiting other derelict cinemas on her list, they find clues to her disappearance and to the horrifying secret she may have discovered behind those walls. Throughout the investigation, Rhona must deal with the news that a face from her past is literally back from the dead—but for how long?
She began to scrape at the mortar. A few minutes later she was able to prise the edge of the brick loose. The resulting rush of foetid air made her gag, but she focussed her torch beam on the enlarged hole and peered inside. Her eyes widened in horror.
When art student Jude Evans disappears on a photographic visit to a derelict Glasgow cinema, her friend Liam he enlists the help of his birth mother, forensic scientist Dr. Rhona MacLeod, in his search for Jude. Visiting other derelict cinemas on her list, they find clues to her disappearance and to the horrifying secret she may have discovered behind those walls. Throughout the investigation, Rhona must deal with the news that a face from her past is literally back from the dead—but for how long?
448 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2011
84 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Lin Anderson
73 books383 followersLin Anderson was born in Greenock of Scottish and Irish parents. A graduate of both Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities, she has lived in many different parts of Scotland and also spent five years working in the African bush. A teacher of Mathematics and Computing, she began her writing career four years ago. Her first film, Small Love, which was broadcast on STV, was nominated for TAPS writer of the year award 2001. Her African short stories have been published in the 10th Anniversary Macallan collection and broadcast on BBC Radio Four.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 12, 2022
**Read as 4.5 Stars**
This exciting thriller mystery is the 8th volume of the very engrossing "Rhona MacLeod" series.
Storytelling is excellent, most characters are very believable and lifelike, with the exception of DS Michael McNab, who as a kind of "Bionic Man" (Lee Majors) is, sadly enough, degrading this thriller somewhat and so a minus point in my view, while the cases that need to be investigated look very real and sometimes even breathtakingly emotional.
The book is divided, into two cases of murder and these are wonderfully intertwined, one being of a missing girl, the art student Jude Evans, while being on a trip to photograph one of Glasgow's many derelict cinemas, while the other heads way back to the times of the killer Gavin MacLean, while there's also the upcoming trial of the Russian Mafia leader, Nikolai Kalinin, and murders of people will follow, who have become a nuisance to him and therefore superfluous.
Going back to the first case about Jude Evans, its due to Liam Hope, Rhona MacLeod's son, and his friends, Ben Howie and Aurora Sermannis, determination to locate Jude by starting their own investigations, before the professionals take over and make some arrests and convictions, with Rhona, her friend and assistant, Chrissy, and friend DI Bill Wilson in full flow.
The second case is the murder of a man who's found in an old cinema and that is linked to a killer named, Gavin MacLean, while the equipment that is found of the missing girl, Jude, will bring an old case to the forefront about a paedophile ring that is led by Lord James Dalrymple, and their brutal and murderous games.
The third is being "Bionic Man" DS Michael McNab in serious trouble for his life, all in an attempt to stop him from testifying against Nikolai Kalinin, but McNab will get help from an unsuspected source in the end as an act of redemption by his saviour.
All in all, a very compelling and driven thriller, with plenty of scientific actions and human emotions, and all these ingredients will keep you spellbound from start to finish.
Very much recommended, for this is another great book in this series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Intriguing Murderous Cinema"!
This exciting thriller mystery is the 8th volume of the very engrossing "Rhona MacLeod" series.
Storytelling is excellent, most characters are very believable and lifelike, with the exception of DS Michael McNab, who as a kind of "Bionic Man" (Lee Majors) is, sadly enough, degrading this thriller somewhat and so a minus point in my view, while the cases that need to be investigated look very real and sometimes even breathtakingly emotional.
The book is divided, into two cases of murder and these are wonderfully intertwined, one being of a missing girl, the art student Jude Evans, while being on a trip to photograph one of Glasgow's many derelict cinemas, while the other heads way back to the times of the killer Gavin MacLean, while there's also the upcoming trial of the Russian Mafia leader, Nikolai Kalinin, and murders of people will follow, who have become a nuisance to him and therefore superfluous.
Going back to the first case about Jude Evans, its due to Liam Hope, Rhona MacLeod's son, and his friends, Ben Howie and Aurora Sermannis, determination to locate Jude by starting their own investigations, before the professionals take over and make some arrests and convictions, with Rhona, her friend and assistant, Chrissy, and friend DI Bill Wilson in full flow.
The second case is the murder of a man who's found in an old cinema and that is linked to a killer named, Gavin MacLean, while the equipment that is found of the missing girl, Jude, will bring an old case to the forefront about a paedophile ring that is led by Lord James Dalrymple, and their brutal and murderous games.
The third is being "Bionic Man" DS Michael McNab in serious trouble for his life, all in an attempt to stop him from testifying against Nikolai Kalinin, but McNab will get help from an unsuspected source in the end as an act of redemption by his saviour.
All in all, a very compelling and driven thriller, with plenty of scientific actions and human emotions, and all these ingredients will keep you spellbound from start to finish.
Very much recommended, for this is another great book in this series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Intriguing Murderous Cinema"!
May 21, 2017
This is book eight in the Rhona MacLeod series and I am so glad I have read all of them so far.
Reading one of these books makes you feel like you have re-connected with an old friend; you just get together for a quick catch-up to see what has been going on since you last saw each other and within a very short period of time, it's like you have never spent any time apart at all.
Rhona has the most complex life - a friend who is like a ghost, interesting relationship dynamics, a son she is only just starting to get to know and complex cases to solve on top of that. How she manages to get through, I really don't know, but it speaks to the skill of the author that I have become quite emotionally attached to Rhona and I am always cheering her on and hoping things work out for the best, for her.
The case Rhona is working on is particularly vexing as Jude Evans seems to have vanished into thin air and Rhona has to become like a skilled puzzle solver to try and figure out what has happened to her. The whole way through, I was hoping that Jude would be found unharmed as she has Aspergers, which my son also has, so that added another layer to the story for me.
This really is a very good police procedural and I highly recommend it.
Reading one of these books makes you feel like you have re-connected with an old friend; you just get together for a quick catch-up to see what has been going on since you last saw each other and within a very short period of time, it's like you have never spent any time apart at all.
Rhona has the most complex life - a friend who is like a ghost, interesting relationship dynamics, a son she is only just starting to get to know and complex cases to solve on top of that. How she manages to get through, I really don't know, but it speaks to the skill of the author that I have become quite emotionally attached to Rhona and I am always cheering her on and hoping things work out for the best, for her.
The case Rhona is working on is particularly vexing as Jude Evans seems to have vanished into thin air and Rhona has to become like a skilled puzzle solver to try and figure out what has happened to her. The whole way through, I was hoping that Jude would be found unharmed as she has Aspergers, which my son also has, so that added another layer to the story for me.
This really is a very good police procedural and I highly recommend it.
February 27, 2024
A very good and tense thriller.
December 16, 2017
It's unfortunate that my local library only has two of Anderson's Rhona MacLeod books because I had to start the series at #8. The book takes an interesting approach as MacLeod's son plays a big part in solving the disappearance of his friend and a much earlier murder. At the same time there was much going on that had carried over from previous book(s). Lots of balancing of priorities and loyalties. It was a quick read and had enough possible murderers to keep me guessing.
June 22, 2025
4 stars.
I'm slowly working my way through this series, listening to the audiobook version through my library. They seem to be really popular and getting the next one in the series can sometimes involve a bit of a wait, and for once I'm being patient and listening to them in sequence rather than jumping around the way I've done with the likes of some other detective series that I read e.g. Harry Bosch or Alex Cross. That's in part because this series has a really nice thread involving the central characters that run through the books (other series do too but I've found this to be more complex/interesting as it goes beyond just the general everyday happenings in the lives of the characters) that I'm enjoying following just as much as I do the main case in each one.
Lin Anderson is brilliant at coming up with a different theme each time, so it's also nice to have that central thread keeping the series rooted, but at the same time having a very different vibe depending on the case at hand. In this one, I enjoyed the setting in a younger university student setting, involving Rhona's estranged son Liam, I liked seeing the interaction play out between them. The investigation through the derelict cinemas of Glasgow was an exciting one to follow, though I did find it amusing that . Although I'd kind of worked out the ending for myself, it was still fun to investigate with the team, and of course
I'm slowly working my way through this series, listening to the audiobook version through my library. They seem to be really popular and getting the next one in the series can sometimes involve a bit of a wait, and for once I'm being patient and listening to them in sequence rather than jumping around the way I've done with the likes of some other detective series that I read e.g. Harry Bosch or Alex Cross. That's in part because this series has a really nice thread involving the central characters that run through the books (other series do too but I've found this to be more complex/interesting as it goes beyond just the general everyday happenings in the lives of the characters) that I'm enjoying following just as much as I do the main case in each one.
Lin Anderson is brilliant at coming up with a different theme each time, so it's also nice to have that central thread keeping the series rooted, but at the same time having a very different vibe depending on the case at hand. In this one, I enjoyed the setting in a younger university student setting, involving Rhona's estranged son Liam, I liked seeing the interaction play out between them. The investigation through the derelict cinemas of Glasgow was an exciting one to follow, though I did find it amusing that . Although I'd kind of worked out the ending for myself, it was still fun to investigate with the team, and of course
April 24, 2025
Took me a while to get through because I’d had to jump forward quite a few books due to library availability. So I had to catch up on the go. I enjoyed it once I got into the flow, the second half of the book. But it’s still not quite as lush as Ruth Galloway.
May 3, 2024
Another interesting story line from this author. These are well worth a read if you like a Scottish thriller
July 30, 2024
Getting better and better. I like how the stories are interlinked. You need to read them in order
December 19, 2021
she can write a tense scene and the main plot was generally pretty good, but there was a secondary story involving mysterious and brutal underworld boss Nicholas Birming that, while moderately thrilling, involved a lot of clunky exposition and still wasn't properly resolved by the end. come to think of it, the main plot was in many ways a continuation of some previous novel too.
all of which wouldn't have been too bad except there was no indication that the series is meant to be read in order, or that the novels are that closely entwined. as it was i never felt all that invested in what was going on, and it detracted from the story that had actually led me to pick it up in the first place.
it'd have been nice if the characters had spent less time leaving each other voicemails, and i'm pretty sure all students would have been at least familiar with Facebook back then, if only for social calendar reasons. for such a distinctive setting a lot of the locations felt very generic -- the Poker Club, the Jazz Club. at least the charity shop gets a name. finally, tying up the ending with a series of newspaper clippings (which somehow didn't manage to sound like clippings) felt a bit lazy.
i'm still curious to read some of the other books, if only because they're also set in places i've visited.
all of which wouldn't have been too bad except there was no indication that the series is meant to be read in order, or that the novels are that closely entwined. as it was i never felt all that invested in what was going on, and it detracted from the story that had actually led me to pick it up in the first place.
it'd have been nice if the characters had spent less time leaving each other voicemails, and i'm pretty sure all students would have been at least familiar with Facebook back then, if only for social calendar reasons. for such a distinctive setting a lot of the locations felt very generic -- the Poker Club, the Jazz Club. at least the charity shop gets a name. finally, tying up the ending with a series of newspaper clippings (which somehow didn't manage to sound like clippings) felt a bit lazy.
i'm still curious to read some of the other books, if only because they're also set in places i've visited.
August 5, 2022
When art student Jude Evans disappears on a photographic visit to a derelict Glasgow cinema, her friend Liam he enlists the help of his birth mother, forensic scientist Dr. Rhona MacLeod, in his search for Jude. Visiting other derelict cinemas on her list, they find clues to her disappearance and to the horrifying secret she may have discovered behind those walls. Throughout the investigation, Rhona must deal with the news that a face from her past is literally back from the dead—but for how long?
Jude Evans has disappeared into thin air. Rhona now has to discover who took her and why. The characters were unique and the plot and twists and turns were such that kept me reading until the end. This book is quite long and could have been shorter.
Jude Evans has disappeared into thin air. Rhona now has to discover who took her and why. The characters were unique and the plot and twists and turns were such that kept me reading until the end. This book is quite long and could have been shorter.
January 6, 2018
Wow what a fantastic thriller this was. Kept me up late for a few nights as I could not put down. Although it is one in a whole series that did not detract from the plot which, set amongst old disused cinemas made it really eerie. The descriptions were excellent and very atmospheric giving an insight to the seedy underworld of the cinemas. All the main characters were likeable and I just wanted to know what happened to Jude Evans. Have to say it kept me guessing until the end but I had started to put a few things together. A thoroughly recommended read - especially if you like murders - and the movies.
February 12, 2023
A high functioning Aspergers diagnosed art student is doing her project on closed cinemas in Glasgow.
It actually sounds like a brilliant project until Jude goes missing.
She found an old 16mm film of a death involving gay sex.
People filmed at the murder were registered paedophiles and a lord.
It was actually filmed in his home. Rhona, when carrying out her first investigation into this monster thought the first victim may have been her son who she was forced to give up for adoption.
Liam knew Jude and it was he who alerted Rhona to her disappearance.
Another good story in the series.
I do like when people get what they deserve.
It actually sounds like a brilliant project until Jude goes missing.
She found an old 16mm film of a death involving gay sex.
People filmed at the murder were registered paedophiles and a lord.
It was actually filmed in his home. Rhona, when carrying out her first investigation into this monster thought the first victim may have been her son who she was forced to give up for adoption.
Liam knew Jude and it was he who alerted Rhona to her disappearance.
Another good story in the series.
I do like when people get what they deserve.
February 26, 2017
PICTURE HER DEAD (Rhona Macleod #8) by Lin Anderson is an excellent installment in this Scottish noir series.
I would advise reading the series in order. Although the forensic cases are all different, certain key characters move in and out of the various storylines. (I don’t want to give anything away.)
PICTURE HER DEAD has particularly gritty, odious and violent subject matter. There is some closure at the end, as some previous story lines are ‘wrapped up’. (or appear to be. One never knows with Ms. Anderson.)
I would advise reading the series in order. Although the forensic cases are all different, certain key characters move in and out of the various storylines. (I don’t want to give anything away.)
PICTURE HER DEAD has particularly gritty, odious and violent subject matter. There is some closure at the end, as some previous story lines are ‘wrapped up’. (or appear to be. One never knows with Ms. Anderson.)
July 22, 2024
Lin Anderson’s Rhona Macleod series just gets better and better. This tale centres on the disappearance of a young student who finds a gruesome discovery in a former cinema. The hunt for her uncovers other crimes and Rhona gets involved on multiple levels. A cast of familiar characters are included in the book, all of which keeps the interest to the very end. Another brilliant piece of crime writing by Anderson.
October 22, 2018
Brilliant read
Continuing on from her first 8 books this one is equally good. Having lived and worked in the City of Glasgow it has been especially good reading about parts of Glasgow I often frequented making it more exciting to read as I've been transported over 700 miles right into the heart of the story.
Continuing on from her first 8 books this one is equally good. Having lived and worked in the City of Glasgow it has been especially good reading about parts of Glasgow I often frequented making it more exciting to read as I've been transported over 700 miles right into the heart of the story.
April 21, 2025
I loved this book! Although it is the 8th book in the series, this is the first one I got to read and I will definitely go back and read more from this series. The main character (Rhona), is likeable and keeps the flow of the story going well. Very easy to read, but still incredibly well-written and captivating. 5/5
June 9, 2017
Working my way through the Rhona McLeod series in order. This I must have borrowed from the library because I'd certainly read it before but, being blessed with a poor memory for plots, couldn't remember how it all panned out.
Which it did. Superbly.
Which it did. Superbly.
October 10, 2021
I enjoyed this clever story and it genuinely had me tricked a couple of times, which doesn't happen too often these days.
Unusual and engrossing, I thoroughly recommend it to all fans of good crime writing.
Unusual and engrossing, I thoroughly recommend it to all fans of good crime writing.
December 2, 2023
Excellent book in the series....a student who Liam knows disappears which is so out of character and he asks Rhona for help. So McNab is missing, missing girl and a historic porno film is going to tie in some old baddies. Lots going on but oh so good.
August 24, 2024
Nostalgic Glasgow
This is another great instalment in a great series. Each book follows the other with threads of humour, love hope and despair set on the streets and areas of Glasgow...
This is another great instalment in a great series. Each book follows the other with threads of humour, love hope and despair set on the streets and areas of Glasgow...
May 17, 2018
Loved this book with its link back to Anderson's book 1 and the references to Glasgow's old cinemas.
August 21, 2018
This book was really entertaining to read. But as I kept stopping and starting it again, it got a bit confusing with everything going on
October 9, 2018
Gritty Glasgow murder mystery. Twists and turns galore.
June 30, 2019
Plenty to puzzle over as Rhona is involved in some investigations rather to close to home.
January 27, 2020
I love Lin Anderson's books. Her plots, characters, twists and turns keep you reading till the small hours. This was one of her best yet.
April 23, 2021
I’ve read a couple of the books in this series already, they are just a bit different that your ordinary crime. It was ok but it didn’t blow me away.
July 6, 2021
I liked this one. Each novel now brings the characters into better focus and the cases are well thought out
September 4, 2021
Good story kept you wanting to read just one more page.
December 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, the old cinemas I found fascinating.
May 16, 2023
Not the best entry in the series. The actual crime being investigated plays second fiddle to the mcnab soap opera which is quite tedious and messy to follow
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews