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Anna Scavolini #5
The Reckoning
You thought you had power, so let us destroy you.
A series of violent attacks on female students sparks panic across the city of Glasgow. The men responsible call themselves The Reckoning – an extremist movement dedicated to reversing the social gains made by women and re-establishing male supremacy.
For criminology professor Anna Scavolini, it seems obvious the blame lies with her new colleague, Robert Leopold, whose controversial podcast preaches reactionary views to disaffected young men. At first, it appears the attackers are purely drawing inspiration from his misogynist teachings. However, when evidence arises suggesting Leopold’s involvement goes deeper, Anna resolves to hold him to account.
But The Reckoning have no intention of letting her interference pass without repercussions. Soon, Anna finds herself in the crosshairs of a movement that’s prepared to use any tool in its arsenal to silence its enemies – and she’s just the sort of woman they’d love to make an example of.
As passions intensify and tensions spiral, is Anna about to face her own, very public reckoning?
A pacy, contemporary mystery about an all too pertinent issue, The Reckoning is the fifth gripping instalment in the Anna Scavolini series, perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Sharon Bolton and Nicci French.
A series of violent attacks on female students sparks panic across the city of Glasgow. The men responsible call themselves The Reckoning – an extremist movement dedicated to reversing the social gains made by women and re-establishing male supremacy.
For criminology professor Anna Scavolini, it seems obvious the blame lies with her new colleague, Robert Leopold, whose controversial podcast preaches reactionary views to disaffected young men. At first, it appears the attackers are purely drawing inspiration from his misogynist teachings. However, when evidence arises suggesting Leopold’s involvement goes deeper, Anna resolves to hold him to account.
But The Reckoning have no intention of letting her interference pass without repercussions. Soon, Anna finds herself in the crosshairs of a movement that’s prepared to use any tool in its arsenal to silence its enemies – and she’s just the sort of woman they’d love to make an example of.
As passions intensify and tensions spiral, is Anna about to face her own, very public reckoning?
A pacy, contemporary mystery about an all too pertinent issue, The Reckoning is the fifth gripping instalment in the Anna Scavolini series, perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Sharon Bolton and Nicci French.
Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2024
99 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Mackenzie
11 books70 followersTo get the latest news and your FREE sample chapters from the McIlvanney Prize-nominated In the Silence, join the M.R. Mackenzie Readers’ Club:
https://www.mrmackenzieauthor.com/rea...
M.R. Mackenzie is the author of several gritty, character-driven crime fiction novels set mainly in his native Glasgow, including an ongoing series of mysteries featuring criminology lecturer Anna Scavolini.
The first book in the series, In the Silence, was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year and longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2019.
The sixth, The Secrets We Keep, featured in the Financial Times’ Best Summer Books of 2025 (Crime and Thrillers) and IngramSpark’s 2025 Editorial Selection (Mystery/Thriller).
PRAISE FOR M.R. MACKENZIE:
“One of the most consistently accomplished writers on the current scene.” — Financial Times
“Brings a fresh new voice to the field of Tartan Noir.” — James Oswald
“Writes with precision and passion.” — Caro Ramsay
“An immersive slow burn of a tale, peppered with disquieting fire-crackers of revelation.” — Gordon J. Brown
“Mackenzie has come up with something that defies easy definition and is truly original.” — NB Magazine
“Up there with the best contemporary authors working today.” — David B. Lyons
https://www.mrmackenzieauthor.com/rea...
M.R. Mackenzie is the author of several gritty, character-driven crime fiction novels set mainly in his native Glasgow, including an ongoing series of mysteries featuring criminology lecturer Anna Scavolini.
The first book in the series, In the Silence, was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year and longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2019.
The sixth, The Secrets We Keep, featured in the Financial Times’ Best Summer Books of 2025 (Crime and Thrillers) and IngramSpark’s 2025 Editorial Selection (Mystery/Thriller).
PRAISE FOR M.R. MACKENZIE:
“One of the most consistently accomplished writers on the current scene.” — Financial Times
“Brings a fresh new voice to the field of Tartan Noir.” — James Oswald
“Writes with precision and passion.” — Caro Ramsay
“An immersive slow burn of a tale, peppered with disquieting fire-crackers of revelation.” — Gordon J. Brown
“Mackenzie has come up with something that defies easy definition and is truly original.” — NB Magazine
“Up there with the best contemporary authors working today.” — David B. Lyons
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 9, 2026
Riveting!
I am still in a state of shock after finishing this book. The battle of the sexes doesn't begin to cover it. This is full on war with both sides having salient points but the fall out is mighty. The debate was quite the masterful scene and scary. I am in awe of the author's research efforts and guts to handle such a tricky topic. He does a great job at getting inside the mind of women. Where does he get his insights...does he have a sister like Zoe perhaps??? Big changes for Anna and a hard look at her values. Wonderful series. I have added so much to my Scottish vocabulary. 😋
I am still in a state of shock after finishing this book. The battle of the sexes doesn't begin to cover it. This is full on war with both sides having salient points but the fall out is mighty. The debate was quite the masterful scene and scary. I am in awe of the author's research efforts and guts to handle such a tricky topic. He does a great job at getting inside the mind of women. Where does he get his insights...does he have a sister like Zoe perhaps??? Big changes for Anna and a hard look at her values. Wonderful series. I have added so much to my Scottish vocabulary. 😋
September 22, 2024
Stunning Read
Having read and enjoyed all the previous Anna Scavolini books, I was really looking forward to starting this one. It certainly didn't disappoint, in fact I would say that it's undoubtedly my favourite to date. Stunning read!
Having read and enjoyed all the previous Anna Scavolini books, I was really looking forward to starting this one. It certainly didn't disappoint, in fact I would say that it's undoubtedly my favourite to date. Stunning read!
January 1, 2026
Another well written book in this series, the characters are becoming more developed and make the plot more engaging. The subject matter is disturbing but the twists and turns keep you turning the pages. A good series to binge read, the books can be read in one sitting.
May 24, 2025
Another terrific installment!
July 24, 2024
It is currently 2:55am. I have devoured all 5 in the series in about 10 days. The Reckoning in about 24 hours! I think I’ll just need to read them all again!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews