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Rhona MacLeod #16
The Killing Tide
The Killing Tide by Lin Anderson sees forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod investigating a mysterious abandoned ship which has swept ashore in the Orkney Isles.
After a fierce storm hits Scotland, a mysterious cargo ship is discovered in the Orkney Isles. Boarding the vessel uncovers three bodies, recently deceased and in violent circumstances. Forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod’s study of the crime scene suggests that a sinister game was being played on board, but who were the hunters? And who the hunted?
Meanwhile in Glasgow DS Michael McNab is called to a horrific incident where a young woman has been set on fire. Or did she spark the flames herself?
As evidence arises that connects the two cases, the team grow increasingly concerned that the truth of what happened on the ship and in Glasgow hints at a wider conspiracy that stretches down to London and beyond to a global stage. Orcadian Ava Clouston, renowned investigative journalist, believes so and sets out to prove it, putting herself in grave danger.
When the Met Police challenge Police Scotland’s jurisdiction, it becomes obvious that there are ruthless individuals who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect government interests. Which could lead to even more deaths on Scottish soil . .
After a fierce storm hits Scotland, a mysterious cargo ship is discovered in the Orkney Isles. Boarding the vessel uncovers three bodies, recently deceased and in violent circumstances. Forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod’s study of the crime scene suggests that a sinister game was being played on board, but who were the hunters? And who the hunted?
Meanwhile in Glasgow DS Michael McNab is called to a horrific incident where a young woman has been set on fire. Or did she spark the flames herself?
As evidence arises that connects the two cases, the team grow increasingly concerned that the truth of what happened on the ship and in Glasgow hints at a wider conspiracy that stretches down to London and beyond to a global stage. Orcadian Ava Clouston, renowned investigative journalist, believes so and sets out to prove it, putting herself in grave danger.
When the Met Police challenge Police Scotland’s jurisdiction, it becomes obvious that there are ruthless individuals who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect government interests. Which could lead to even more deaths on Scottish soil . .
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2021
53 people are currently reading
416 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 115 reviews
July 12, 2021
This is the latest in Lin Anderson's stellar Scottish crime series featuring Glasgow forensic scientist, Dr Rhona MacLeod, and DS Michael McNab, as they take on a nightmare of a fiendishly dangerous and complex investigation. Orkney is experiencing the worst of Storm Burka when a local farmer spots an unlit cargo ship at sea, the MV Orlova, being battered on the rocks. When the police board the ghost ship in the cold light of day, they discover three dead bodies, two men and one woman murdered, and no-one else on board. In Glasgow, McNab and his partner, DS Janice Clark, are at the scene of a burnt woman, possibly a case of self-immolation, but certain facts appear to indicate otherwise, a handbag on the scene contains details of a identity, a woman living in London.
When DI Cleverly from the London Met arrives in Glasgow, McNab is assigned to accompany him but whilst the London cop is gathering as much information as he can from Police Scotland, he fails to reciprocate, indeed throwing doubt on the testimony of the witness who had tried to save the burning woman by throwing a blanket over her. Orcadian investigative journalist, Ava Clouston returns to Orkney from London after the death of her parents, trying to work out what to do with her younger brother who wants nothing more than to become a farmer. Ava finds herself employed to look into the Russian MV Orlova and the ship's links with the Go Wild company, which it emerges has connections with the Glasgow murder. Ava and McNab have no idea of the dangers they are to encounter, there are ruthless forces that have no intention of allowing any truths about Go Wild to emerge, a company that caters to the extreme whims of the rich and powerful.
One of the joys of this wonderful series are the terrific supporting characters that I have become invested in, from the irreverent Chrissy, Rhona's assistant, the wonderful DI Bill Wilson, jazz saxophonist and club owner, Sean Maguire, and Janice Clark. McNab's love life is a bit of a disaster as he stalks tattooist Ellie who is now clearly involved with another man. Unfortunately, he is once again to find himself being beaten up and sporting a new set of injuries on his already battered body as he determinedly chases the truth about Go Wild and justice for the dead. This is a brilliantly engaging and compulsive crime read, with plenty of suspense and tension, that had me turning the pages desperately to find out how it all ends. Highly recommended, Anderson is a quality crime writer. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
When DI Cleverly from the London Met arrives in Glasgow, McNab is assigned to accompany him but whilst the London cop is gathering as much information as he can from Police Scotland, he fails to reciprocate, indeed throwing doubt on the testimony of the witness who had tried to save the burning woman by throwing a blanket over her. Orcadian investigative journalist, Ava Clouston returns to Orkney from London after the death of her parents, trying to work out what to do with her younger brother who wants nothing more than to become a farmer. Ava finds herself employed to look into the Russian MV Orlova and the ship's links with the Go Wild company, which it emerges has connections with the Glasgow murder. Ava and McNab have no idea of the dangers they are to encounter, there are ruthless forces that have no intention of allowing any truths about Go Wild to emerge, a company that caters to the extreme whims of the rich and powerful.
One of the joys of this wonderful series are the terrific supporting characters that I have become invested in, from the irreverent Chrissy, Rhona's assistant, the wonderful DI Bill Wilson, jazz saxophonist and club owner, Sean Maguire, and Janice Clark. McNab's love life is a bit of a disaster as he stalks tattooist Ellie who is now clearly involved with another man. Unfortunately, he is once again to find himself being beaten up and sporting a new set of injuries on his already battered body as he determinedly chases the truth about Go Wild and justice for the dead. This is a brilliantly engaging and compulsive crime read, with plenty of suspense and tension, that had me turning the pages desperately to find out how it all ends. Highly recommended, Anderson is a quality crime writer. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
June 27, 2021
4+
This is another good addition to the excellent Rhona MacLeod series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Storm Burka is assaulting Scotland and the Orkney Isles in particular when an Orcadian farmer spots an unlit cargo ship floundering in mountainous seas. This proves to be the MV Orlova and some disturbing discoveries are made on board once they can safely get to the ship. Rhona is called in to help with the necessary forensics. Is this in any way connected to a badly burned body of a female in Glasgow which DS Michael McNab is investigating? This exciting story takes us the length and breadth of the UK from Orkney down to London.
When you are this far into a series as is the case with this one, there’s a really good understanding of your characters which comes across very strongly as they feel so authentic and there’s a comfortable camaraderie between them. They all have interesting personal lives, especially Rhona and McNab who is so colourful! This is very well written, the storytelling is lively, engaging and vivid and with much of the action taking place in Orkney this adds an atmosphere all of its own. The storm is used extremely effectively at the start of the book and those scenes are dramatic and easy to visualise. This is a very gritty dark story where McNab et al are up against an influential, wealthy and powerful organisation who have zero morality, are exceptionally ruthless and will stop at nothing. We have corruption, murder, threats and danger (poor McNab on more than one occasion) and its hard to know beyond the team who can be trusted. This is a complex tale with a fast paced plot that has you gripped from beginning to end and is a very good example of Tartan Noir.
Overall I recommend this and the series to fans of the genre. They’re well written, intelligent, cleverly plotted, fast paced and with great characters.
With thanks to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is another good addition to the excellent Rhona MacLeod series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Storm Burka is assaulting Scotland and the Orkney Isles in particular when an Orcadian farmer spots an unlit cargo ship floundering in mountainous seas. This proves to be the MV Orlova and some disturbing discoveries are made on board once they can safely get to the ship. Rhona is called in to help with the necessary forensics. Is this in any way connected to a badly burned body of a female in Glasgow which DS Michael McNab is investigating? This exciting story takes us the length and breadth of the UK from Orkney down to London.
When you are this far into a series as is the case with this one, there’s a really good understanding of your characters which comes across very strongly as they feel so authentic and there’s a comfortable camaraderie between them. They all have interesting personal lives, especially Rhona and McNab who is so colourful! This is very well written, the storytelling is lively, engaging and vivid and with much of the action taking place in Orkney this adds an atmosphere all of its own. The storm is used extremely effectively at the start of the book and those scenes are dramatic and easy to visualise. This is a very gritty dark story where McNab et al are up against an influential, wealthy and powerful organisation who have zero morality, are exceptionally ruthless and will stop at nothing. We have corruption, murder, threats and danger (poor McNab on more than one occasion) and its hard to know beyond the team who can be trusted. This is a complex tale with a fast paced plot that has you gripped from beginning to end and is a very good example of Tartan Noir.
Overall I recommend this and the series to fans of the genre. They’re well written, intelligent, cleverly plotted, fast paced and with great characters.
With thanks to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 26, 2021
This time I knew I was jumping into the middle of a series, but - book 16! I don’t think I’ll be reading all of these. Again though, this one worked very well as a stand alone. Detectives in Glasgow are called to a disturbing scene where a woman was burnt to death. It is soon obvious this was not self inflicted. At the same time a deserted cargo ship, the MV Orlov, washes up on the coast of Orkney. It is referred to as a ghost ship, which is apparently a thing - ships that are abandoned for one reason or another. Sometimes in real life even with crew aboard, but I digress.
The ship is inspected to ensure the hull is sound and there is no fuel about to be spilled. The ship is not leaking but instead three bodies are found. One is in a communications/computer room and the bodies of a man and a woman are found in a blood soaked arena at the centre of a maze on a lower deck. They are dressed as Vikings and have been killed by sword strikes. Strangely evidence at both scenes seems to indicate a link to a company called Go Wild which caters to the gratuitous whims of the very wealthy through the dark web. This is a tricky investigation as it is clear the company will kill to keep its secrets and those of its rich and powerful clients.
Even though I joined the series at book 16, the characters were still very well developed and portrayed. I particularly liked DS McNab who is a larger than life, cheeky bugger who loved his wine, women and song in that order although he does prefer whiskey like any self respecting Scot! McNab doesn’t like being played and gets annoyed big time when this happens so he puts his life on the line more than once. Once too often - maybe! The focus of the case moves between Glasgow, Orkney and London as Police Scotland are determined to see this through to the end. Not everyone will come out unscathed.
Rhona McLeod, a forensic scientist, and her sidekick the flamboyant Chrissy, are also wonderful characters who have featured throughout the series (apparently). They work closely with the police and certainly help the case along. A journalist, Ava Clouston, also gets involved and is instrumental in cracking things wide open. There is much drama, suspense and danger for all involved and the pace was cracking. Mostly. I thought the book might have been a tiny bit too long but other than that it was fantastic. Orkney itself was beautifully portrayed. We first arrive there in the middle of a massive storm which is how the ship got pushed towards the island. I could almost feel the wind whipping around. Animal lovers will enjoy the cat, Lucifer, and the dog, Finn, which feature heavily in the story and neither of which come to any harm. In fact Finn is a very helpful dog.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would be keen to read more about these very realistic and relatable characters. The story was quite dark and can probably best be described as ‘tartan noir’. My thanks go to Netgalley for providing a free copy of the book which I have reviewed voluntarily.
The ship is inspected to ensure the hull is sound and there is no fuel about to be spilled. The ship is not leaking but instead three bodies are found. One is in a communications/computer room and the bodies of a man and a woman are found in a blood soaked arena at the centre of a maze on a lower deck. They are dressed as Vikings and have been killed by sword strikes. Strangely evidence at both scenes seems to indicate a link to a company called Go Wild which caters to the gratuitous whims of the very wealthy through the dark web. This is a tricky investigation as it is clear the company will kill to keep its secrets and those of its rich and powerful clients.
Even though I joined the series at book 16, the characters were still very well developed and portrayed. I particularly liked DS McNab who is a larger than life, cheeky bugger who loved his wine, women and song in that order although he does prefer whiskey like any self respecting Scot! McNab doesn’t like being played and gets annoyed big time when this happens so he puts his life on the line more than once. Once too often - maybe! The focus of the case moves between Glasgow, Orkney and London as Police Scotland are determined to see this through to the end. Not everyone will come out unscathed.
Rhona McLeod, a forensic scientist, and her sidekick the flamboyant Chrissy, are also wonderful characters who have featured throughout the series (apparently). They work closely with the police and certainly help the case along. A journalist, Ava Clouston, also gets involved and is instrumental in cracking things wide open. There is much drama, suspense and danger for all involved and the pace was cracking. Mostly. I thought the book might have been a tiny bit too long but other than that it was fantastic. Orkney itself was beautifully portrayed. We first arrive there in the middle of a massive storm which is how the ship got pushed towards the island. I could almost feel the wind whipping around. Animal lovers will enjoy the cat, Lucifer, and the dog, Finn, which feature heavily in the story and neither of which come to any harm. In fact Finn is a very helpful dog.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would be keen to read more about these very realistic and relatable characters. The story was quite dark and can probably best be described as ‘tartan noir’. My thanks go to Netgalley for providing a free copy of the book which I have reviewed voluntarily.
June 1, 2023
The Killing Tide is a good Crime Thriller,interesting to read but not the great one.
After a storm hits Scotland, a mysterious ship is swept ashore and it has 3 dead bodies and there is another horrific incident where a young woman has been set on fire, when the investigation is on full swing by DS MCNab and investigative journalist Ava,
they find it out that all are connected to a company called GW and how they solves the murder mystery made it interesting.
Too many characters involved without any connections, why the love life of MCNab, why Baldy, why Jazz saxophone and was wondering from whose point of the story was narrated, was it from Rhona or from Narrator.
After a storm hits Scotland, a mysterious ship is swept ashore and it has 3 dead bodies and there is another horrific incident where a young woman has been set on fire, when the investigation is on full swing by DS MCNab and investigative journalist Ava,
they find it out that all are connected to a company called GW and how they solves the murder mystery made it interesting.
Too many characters involved without any connections, why the love life of MCNab, why Baldy, why Jazz saxophone and was wondering from whose point of the story was narrated, was it from Rhona or from Narrator.
July 20, 2021
Rhona MacLeod Book 16
After a storm hits Scotland, a mysterious cargo ship is discovered in the Orkney Isles. Boarding the vessel uncovers three bodies, recently deceased and in violent circumstances. Forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod's study of the crime scene suggests that a sinister game was being played on board, but who were the hunters? And who the hunted?
An abandoned ship with three dead bodies on board and a woman who was set on fire and dies. Dr Rhona MacLeod and DS Michael McNab are investigating both crimes. But are they connected?
Although this book is number 16 in this series, it can be read as a standalone. Set between Orkney, Glasgow and London, this is a dark and gripping read. The pace is fast in this well written story, There's lots of great characters but DS Michael McNab was my favourite, he brings some humour to the story. I was hooked from the first few chapters. This story held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #LinAnderson for my ARC of #TheKillingTide in exchange for an honest review.
After a storm hits Scotland, a mysterious cargo ship is discovered in the Orkney Isles. Boarding the vessel uncovers three bodies, recently deceased and in violent circumstances. Forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod's study of the crime scene suggests that a sinister game was being played on board, but who were the hunters? And who the hunted?
An abandoned ship with three dead bodies on board and a woman who was set on fire and dies. Dr Rhona MacLeod and DS Michael McNab are investigating both crimes. But are they connected?
Although this book is number 16 in this series, it can be read as a standalone. Set between Orkney, Glasgow and London, this is a dark and gripping read. The pace is fast in this well written story, There's lots of great characters but DS Michael McNab was my favourite, he brings some humour to the story. I was hooked from the first few chapters. This story held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #LinAnderson for my ARC of #TheKillingTide in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2021
Scottish author and screenwriter Lin Anderson is known for her bestselling crime series featuring forensic scientist Dr Rhona Macleod.
“The Killing Tide” is book sixteen in this popular series and is set predominantly in the Orkney Isles after a ghost ship is washed up on the coast during a recent storm. With the discovery on board of three dead bodies who died in mysterious circumstances, the investigation, together with an apparent case of a young woman’s self immolation, takes Glasgow DS Michael McNab to London’s Metropolitan Police. McNab finds himself dangerously embroiled in the illegal virtual world of high stakes arena fighting, reaching the upper echelons of society.
The long running characters are so lovely and their camaraderie is a pleasure to read but don’t be fooled into thinking this is a cosy read with ‘nice’ characters, the violence and brutality isn’t held back and this portrays exactly the correct balance of emotions between the crimes the officials investigate and their private lives.
There’s no mistaking the atmospheric quality to Lin’s writing. Told so descriptively, I could vividly see the rugged landscape, feel the sea spray and inclement weather as I read the outdoor scenes in Orkney. I’ve always loved the Highlands and Islands of Scotland as a setting for books and the author’s own love of Glasgow and Orkney truly shines through.
Nothing beats a decent police procedural and this author conveys the necessary dynamics perfectly which puts her in the same successful league as Ian Rankin and his Rebus series, if not higher.
I’m still relatively new to this series, having read only one book so far (but do own others) but I’ll be putting that right very soon after thoroughly enjoying this very satisfying thriller. Read easily as a stand-alone, “The Killing Tide” is a cracking book to get started with, or if you’re a regular Dr Rhona Macleod fan, it’s another entertaining read in this long running, superbly set of developed crime thrillers.
5 stars
“The Killing Tide” is book sixteen in this popular series and is set predominantly in the Orkney Isles after a ghost ship is washed up on the coast during a recent storm. With the discovery on board of three dead bodies who died in mysterious circumstances, the investigation, together with an apparent case of a young woman’s self immolation, takes Glasgow DS Michael McNab to London’s Metropolitan Police. McNab finds himself dangerously embroiled in the illegal virtual world of high stakes arena fighting, reaching the upper echelons of society.
The long running characters are so lovely and their camaraderie is a pleasure to read but don’t be fooled into thinking this is a cosy read with ‘nice’ characters, the violence and brutality isn’t held back and this portrays exactly the correct balance of emotions between the crimes the officials investigate and their private lives.
There’s no mistaking the atmospheric quality to Lin’s writing. Told so descriptively, I could vividly see the rugged landscape, feel the sea spray and inclement weather as I read the outdoor scenes in Orkney. I’ve always loved the Highlands and Islands of Scotland as a setting for books and the author’s own love of Glasgow and Orkney truly shines through.
Nothing beats a decent police procedural and this author conveys the necessary dynamics perfectly which puts her in the same successful league as Ian Rankin and his Rebus series, if not higher.
I’m still relatively new to this series, having read only one book so far (but do own others) but I’ll be putting that right very soon after thoroughly enjoying this very satisfying thriller. Read easily as a stand-alone, “The Killing Tide” is a cracking book to get started with, or if you’re a regular Dr Rhona Macleod fan, it’s another entertaining read in this long running, superbly set of developed crime thrillers.
5 stars
October 28, 2021
Meticulous, sinister and sharp!
The Killing Tide is a menacing, creative police procedural that sees forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod and her team tangled up in two cases that seem at first glance to be isolated incidents, a woman set on fire at an apartment building in Glasgow and an abandoned cargo ship containing several victims washing ashore in Orkney, but as the investigation unfolds, it doesn’t take long before it quickly becomes apparent that these cases may be connected and may have ties to a criminal syndicate with influential friends and a penchant for fulfilling all the devious things the rich and powerful like to indulge in.
The writing is atmospheric and crisp. The characters are multifaceted, intuitive, and persistent. And the plot is a compelling, ominous mix of twists, turns, red herrings, secrets, deduction, mayhem, violence, manipulation, and murder.
Overall, The Killing Tide is crafty, dark, and unbelievably the sixteenth book in the Rhona MacLeod series. I have yet to read a novel by Anderson that isn’t gripping, pacey, and extremely satisfying, and this one is definitely no exception.
Thank you to PGC Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Killing Tide is a menacing, creative police procedural that sees forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod and her team tangled up in two cases that seem at first glance to be isolated incidents, a woman set on fire at an apartment building in Glasgow and an abandoned cargo ship containing several victims washing ashore in Orkney, but as the investigation unfolds, it doesn’t take long before it quickly becomes apparent that these cases may be connected and may have ties to a criminal syndicate with influential friends and a penchant for fulfilling all the devious things the rich and powerful like to indulge in.
The writing is atmospheric and crisp. The characters are multifaceted, intuitive, and persistent. And the plot is a compelling, ominous mix of twists, turns, red herrings, secrets, deduction, mayhem, violence, manipulation, and murder.
Overall, The Killing Tide is crafty, dark, and unbelievably the sixteenth book in the Rhona MacLeod series. I have yet to read a novel by Anderson that isn’t gripping, pacey, and extremely satisfying, and this one is definitely no exception.
Thank you to PGC Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2021
The Killing Tide is the sixteenth instalment in the Rhona MacLeod series, a richly atmospheric canon of tartan noir. Tides wait for no man and cannot be stemmed, turned and swum with or against, but the tide that washes up an abandoned ship on Orkney is not responsible for the deaths which have occurred on board. Glasgow-based forensic pathologist Dr Rhona MacLeod is called in to investigate when a local farmer sees darkened cargo ship the Russian MV Orlova being thrust against the rocks and further investigation finds three bodies in pretty horrifying circumstances – two men dressed as Vikings dead from sword wounds in a fighting arena on the ship, while a third body has been burned. They were the only passengers found still aboard the wrecked vessel. This has all ensued after Storm Burka hit the island with gusting winds and driving rain. Back in Glasgow, Rhona, DS Michael McNab and his partner DS Janice Clark are arriving at the scene of the brutally burned body of a woman which is thought to perhaps be self-immolation. The identity of the woman is found in her handbag nearby and it appears she resides in London. To the experienced investigators, though, it certainly looks more like murder, but does it have anything to do with the cargo ship that had run aground? The one witness who had claimed to have tried to put the woman who was aflame out, soon proves herself to be untrustworthy.
Rhona swiftly realises that there are people vested in the secrets and crimes that happened aboard the ship sinking like a stone and they will do anything to keep the cases and the connection between them ciphered and undisturbed. It doesn't take long before investigative journalist and native Orcadian Ava Clouston, who has returned to her family’s Orkney farm after her parents’ deaths, finds herself assigned to get to the bottom of exactly what happened on MV Orlova and its connection to the Go Wild company - a business supplying the affluent via the dark web, which seemingly, it is revealed, has links to the Glasgow murder. This is a scintillating and compulsive procedural that takes you on one hell of a thrill ride through the dark and disturbing depths of the illegality online and exactly what you can buy with the right kind of money. The palpable descriptions of the ensuing autopsies are not for the weak of stomach, but if you are the sort who is fascinated by forensic testing you'll enjoy it as much as I did. It's convoluted, multilayered and rich in atmosphere and carries an unsettling undertone of dread throughout. It is a cracking story, told at breakneck speed. The love lives of the characters are as complicated as the crimes, with hook-ups on the overnight sleeper and flirtations on the Orkney helicopter. With a plethora of viable suspects, excitement and tension, I simply couldn't put this down. Crime writing at its absolute finest. Highly recommended.
Rhona swiftly realises that there are people vested in the secrets and crimes that happened aboard the ship sinking like a stone and they will do anything to keep the cases and the connection between them ciphered and undisturbed. It doesn't take long before investigative journalist and native Orcadian Ava Clouston, who has returned to her family’s Orkney farm after her parents’ deaths, finds herself assigned to get to the bottom of exactly what happened on MV Orlova and its connection to the Go Wild company - a business supplying the affluent via the dark web, which seemingly, it is revealed, has links to the Glasgow murder. This is a scintillating and compulsive procedural that takes you on one hell of a thrill ride through the dark and disturbing depths of the illegality online and exactly what you can buy with the right kind of money. The palpable descriptions of the ensuing autopsies are not for the weak of stomach, but if you are the sort who is fascinated by forensic testing you'll enjoy it as much as I did. It's convoluted, multilayered and rich in atmosphere and carries an unsettling undertone of dread throughout. It is a cracking story, told at breakneck speed. The love lives of the characters are as complicated as the crimes, with hook-ups on the overnight sleeper and flirtations on the Orkney helicopter. With a plethora of viable suspects, excitement and tension, I simply couldn't put this down. Crime writing at its absolute finest. Highly recommended.
August 9, 2021
Visit the locations in The Killing Tide
Who dares go and explore a ghost ship of Orkney?
Rhona and DS Michael McNab are back and this is a very unusual and interesting case. Creepy too mind. There’s a ghost ship you see off the coast of Orkney. Not only that, there’s three bodies on board. Imagine finding that out? I would want to stay where I was, but just as well Rhona is braver than me. I of course, as the reader went with her but from the safety of the page.
She soon comes across a local journalist who is keen to help out and find the truth. Plenty of others who want to obstruct the investigation though. Said investigation soon expands from Orkney and we see it thread its way around Glasgow and London too. Tell you something, the sense of place, particularly that of Orkney is spot on. The ghostly nature of the island, the cliffs, rocky headland and shipping history of the region is really evoked with style. It’s a landscape of secrets, fog and shadows and I was chilled and excited in equal measure.
It was a lovely change having such established characters leave more familiar settings and head to the unknown. Orkney sounds and looks amazing in this book. It will really make you want to go, despite the ghostly visions within. This is a novel which looks at the characters and the reasons behind why we do the things we do. It has that little bit extra of criminally good writing too with the landscapes and history of the islands coming into their own.
Despite the chilling atmosphere and case, thank goodness for Rhona’s assistant, Chrissie, who is still having hysterics as well as providing the humour.
I couldn’t stop thinking of the music in the film The Fog when reading this. Just saying.
August 14, 2021
One of the best things about participating in book tours, is finding new authors to stalk, ahem, follow and work your way through their back catalogues.
Rhona Macleod is one of those characters who burrows under your skin...her sense of right and wrong is firmly set and she is a no nonsense practitioner, however, that does not preclude her from having a sense of humour. She is called to investigate a case of potential self-immolation and, concurrently, the wreck of a ghost ship washed up on the shore in Orkney, a place close to her heart.
Whilst she investigates whether this ship has come in on the ferocious tail end of Viking named storm Birka, a local journalist,Ava, has been called home by her brother Dougie to the farm they have inherited from their parents, h and he wants to keep the farm going, she, however, has a career and is uncertain whether to stay in Orkney or to return to her life on the mainland.
Both narratives dovetail when Dougie goes to explore the wreck of the ship, Orlova, and suddenly, things take a dramatic and hairpin turn. The intimations had been planted as Rhona, assistant Chrissy and detective McNab try to piece together why a woman in Glasgow has the credentials of a wealthy London based business woman.
Their connection is a troubling one, taking in human trafficking, the lifestyles of those with privilege and money to do whatever they want with no fear of consequences. But, these criminals have not reckoned with the fiercely determined forensic scientist who will not let this case go without a fight...
There is so much to enjoy in this novel, the short chapters create a sense of urgency as well as the whole 'I'll just read one more chapter...' lie that all book readers tell themselves whilst crossing their fingers . This is a hard book to put down, it is so detailed in the beginning that you almost cannot see the wood for the trees yet, when Lin pulls the lense back and things begin to fall into place it is highly, highly satisfying.
The intricacies of the plot cross from Scotland to England and back again so quickly that I sometimes had to go back and read passages over again to get what's what straight in my mind, there is no doubt there is a great deal of history behind Rhona's life and the way that she is presented, to a reader who has -shamefully-not encountered any of her investigations, makes you want to read more. It is totally accessible, but, such is the impression that Rhona makes, you add all the previous books in the series to your 'To Read' list. I really liked that there was a sampler of the first novel, 'Driftnet' at the back of the book too!
'The Killing Tide' is a book with a very firm sense of place and time, the colloquial use of Scottish terms made me feel part of the team whilst making me want to seek out the Orkney Islands for it is clear how dear a place it is to the author, she describes it so vividly . And having such a strong social conscience as the heart of the book absolutely ensures I will be back for more. Highly HIGHLY recommended!
Rhona Macleod is one of those characters who burrows under your skin...her sense of right and wrong is firmly set and she is a no nonsense practitioner, however, that does not preclude her from having a sense of humour. She is called to investigate a case of potential self-immolation and, concurrently, the wreck of a ghost ship washed up on the shore in Orkney, a place close to her heart.
Whilst she investigates whether this ship has come in on the ferocious tail end of Viking named storm Birka, a local journalist,Ava, has been called home by her brother Dougie to the farm they have inherited from their parents, h and he wants to keep the farm going, she, however, has a career and is uncertain whether to stay in Orkney or to return to her life on the mainland.
Both narratives dovetail when Dougie goes to explore the wreck of the ship, Orlova, and suddenly, things take a dramatic and hairpin turn. The intimations had been planted as Rhona, assistant Chrissy and detective McNab try to piece together why a woman in Glasgow has the credentials of a wealthy London based business woman.
Their connection is a troubling one, taking in human trafficking, the lifestyles of those with privilege and money to do whatever they want with no fear of consequences. But, these criminals have not reckoned with the fiercely determined forensic scientist who will not let this case go without a fight...
There is so much to enjoy in this novel, the short chapters create a sense of urgency as well as the whole 'I'll just read one more chapter...' lie that all book readers tell themselves whilst crossing their fingers . This is a hard book to put down, it is so detailed in the beginning that you almost cannot see the wood for the trees yet, when Lin pulls the lense back and things begin to fall into place it is highly, highly satisfying.
The intricacies of the plot cross from Scotland to England and back again so quickly that I sometimes had to go back and read passages over again to get what's what straight in my mind, there is no doubt there is a great deal of history behind Rhona's life and the way that she is presented, to a reader who has -shamefully-not encountered any of her investigations, makes you want to read more. It is totally accessible, but, such is the impression that Rhona makes, you add all the previous books in the series to your 'To Read' list. I really liked that there was a sampler of the first novel, 'Driftnet' at the back of the book too!
'The Killing Tide' is a book with a very firm sense of place and time, the colloquial use of Scottish terms made me feel part of the team whilst making me want to seek out the Orkney Islands for it is clear how dear a place it is to the author, she describes it so vividly . And having such a strong social conscience as the heart of the book absolutely ensures I will be back for more. Highly HIGHLY recommended!
August 9, 2021
This was my first encounter with this series and wow I have been missing out. I cannot wait the get my hands on the other books. This crime thriller set in Scotland is full of stunning scenery and brilliant storms. The suspense as the crime is being solved by a remarkable team of law enforcement officials leaves you feeling like you are hanging on a cliff edge. This book is full of action that keeps you guessing as you turn the pages.
Lin Anderson is a wonderful storyteller that manages to keep you engaged from start to finish. There is never a dull moment while you are reading this book. I enjoyed the characters and their interaction. The author’s description of the scenery left me wishing I could visit these beautiful islands. I am looking forward to reading more of the books in the series.
When a storm hits Scotland a mysterious cargo ship is washed ashore. When the coast guard manages to board the ship, they are expecting the grisly scene that awaits them on board. Forensic scientist, Dr Rhona MacLeod is called to investigate and with the help of her team, they need to unravel a complicated web that stretches much further Glasgow.
At the same time, a woman is set on fire during the storm and when DS Michael McNab compares notes with Dr Rhona McLeod, they discover there is a connection between the crimes.
Ava Clouston, an investigative journalist, is home at the family farm in Orkney when the ship is washed ashore, and she is quickly drawn into a dangerous situation as she and her partner digs into the owners of the ship and what happened on board.
This is a brilliantly creative, dark, and twisty crime thriller that had me reading late into the night to find out how the story would end. I loved the scenic detail and the unusual twists. This book is a fantastic read. I am eager to read more of the books in this series. The characters and their interaction make this a book that draws you into its story and leaves you excited for more.
DS Michael McNab is a character that is tough enough to take a punch, while human enough to end up injured making him realistic and extremely appealing. So often the tough guys are just a little too tough. I enjoy how the author kept McNab realistic.
Dr Rhona McLeod left me wondering. I felt I was missing some of her backstory and I need to read the other books in the series to catch up. However, she is a strong, determined workaholic and I look forward to finding out more about her.
This book easily sailed onto my loved list as it transported me to Orkney and Glasgow while I read. If anything, I was left longing to visit Scotland and seeing the beautiful skies.
Crime and thriller fans are in for a treat when they reach for this book. It has everything you need to keep you in suspense right to the last page. Be prepared to be left wanting to read the other books in the series if you haven’t yet. If like me you are new to the series, not to worry – I started with this one and found it highly entertaining even though I haven’t read any of the other books.
Https://featzreviews.com
Lin Anderson is a wonderful storyteller that manages to keep you engaged from start to finish. There is never a dull moment while you are reading this book. I enjoyed the characters and their interaction. The author’s description of the scenery left me wishing I could visit these beautiful islands. I am looking forward to reading more of the books in the series.
When a storm hits Scotland a mysterious cargo ship is washed ashore. When the coast guard manages to board the ship, they are expecting the grisly scene that awaits them on board. Forensic scientist, Dr Rhona MacLeod is called to investigate and with the help of her team, they need to unravel a complicated web that stretches much further Glasgow.
At the same time, a woman is set on fire during the storm and when DS Michael McNab compares notes with Dr Rhona McLeod, they discover there is a connection between the crimes.
Ava Clouston, an investigative journalist, is home at the family farm in Orkney when the ship is washed ashore, and she is quickly drawn into a dangerous situation as she and her partner digs into the owners of the ship and what happened on board.
This is a brilliantly creative, dark, and twisty crime thriller that had me reading late into the night to find out how the story would end. I loved the scenic detail and the unusual twists. This book is a fantastic read. I am eager to read more of the books in this series. The characters and their interaction make this a book that draws you into its story and leaves you excited for more.
DS Michael McNab is a character that is tough enough to take a punch, while human enough to end up injured making him realistic and extremely appealing. So often the tough guys are just a little too tough. I enjoy how the author kept McNab realistic.
Dr Rhona McLeod left me wondering. I felt I was missing some of her backstory and I need to read the other books in the series to catch up. However, she is a strong, determined workaholic and I look forward to finding out more about her.
This book easily sailed onto my loved list as it transported me to Orkney and Glasgow while I read. If anything, I was left longing to visit Scotland and seeing the beautiful skies.
Crime and thriller fans are in for a treat when they reach for this book. It has everything you need to keep you in suspense right to the last page. Be prepared to be left wanting to read the other books in the series if you haven’t yet. If like me you are new to the series, not to worry – I started with this one and found it highly entertaining even though I haven’t read any of the other books.
Https://featzreviews.com
December 15, 2021
The Killing Tide is book sixteen in this series featuring forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod. In Glasgow, the badly burned body of a young woman has been found in the backyard of a tenement building. During a severe storm, a ‘ghost’ ship has run aground off the Orkney coast, and the shocking discovery of three bodies onboard sets in motion an investigation that will uncover a far-reaching conspiracy. What links them is a company called Go Wild that caters for the whims of the rich and powerful, and will go to any lengths to protect its wealthy clients.
I have been reading this series since the beginning, and what makes it so special is the cast of familiar characters who by now feel like old friends. While you could easily read The Killing Tide as a standalone, you would gain so much more from reading the books in order and finding out what makes these characters tick. The settings are important and range from the wonderfully atmospheric descriptions of the Orkney Islands, via the streets around Glasgow University where Rhona works that are so familiar to me, to cosmopolitan London where DS McNab does not get a warm welcome.
The Killing Tide is a fast-paced and tense thriller that shines a light on some very dark places. It is well written with a wonderful cast of characters who will leave a lasting impression. I look forward to reading Lin Anderson’s next book which I believe is a standalone – The Party House – and hope that there will be another Rhona MacLeod adventure before too long. Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.
I have been reading this series since the beginning, and what makes it so special is the cast of familiar characters who by now feel like old friends. While you could easily read The Killing Tide as a standalone, you would gain so much more from reading the books in order and finding out what makes these characters tick. The settings are important and range from the wonderfully atmospheric descriptions of the Orkney Islands, via the streets around Glasgow University where Rhona works that are so familiar to me, to cosmopolitan London where DS McNab does not get a warm welcome.
The Killing Tide is a fast-paced and tense thriller that shines a light on some very dark places. It is well written with a wonderful cast of characters who will leave a lasting impression. I look forward to reading Lin Anderson’s next book which I believe is a standalone – The Party House – and hope that there will be another Rhona MacLeod adventure before too long. Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.
August 9, 2021
Even though this is the 16th book in the series it is actually the first book I have read in it.... I will definitely be going back and catching up with the series though as it was a truly great read , it does work as a stand alone book though !
In this book we follow Rhona MacLeod , a forensic scientist who is investigation a mysteriously abandoned ship that has come ashore on the Orkney Isles, along with 3 bodies . While Rhona is investigating that , DS Michael McNab is called out to an incident where a woman has been set on fire ! This is a book of twists , turns , mysteries and moments of the characters risking their lives to find the truth !
It is brilliantly written and keeps you hooked on the book wanting to read more of it , I cant wait to read the rest of the series and find out more about Rhona MacLeod and follow her through many more investigations, think I have found another author for me to adore !
In this book we follow Rhona MacLeod , a forensic scientist who is investigation a mysteriously abandoned ship that has come ashore on the Orkney Isles, along with 3 bodies . While Rhona is investigating that , DS Michael McNab is called out to an incident where a woman has been set on fire ! This is a book of twists , turns , mysteries and moments of the characters risking their lives to find the truth !
It is brilliantly written and keeps you hooked on the book wanting to read more of it , I cant wait to read the rest of the series and find out more about Rhona MacLeod and follow her through many more investigations, think I have found another author for me to adore !
March 9, 2022
#TheKillingTide #NetGalley This is an incredibly well written thriller that is difficult to put down. There is so much going on and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes! It is billed as a Rhona McLeod series but I think that DS McNab plays as big a part if not more in this particular book. It is capable of being read as a standalone but knowing the background of some of the main characters does increase the enjoyment in my opinion. Lovely setting in Orkney and I look forward to reading more in this series.
April 29, 2024
A little more graphic than I like but a great mystery novel. On a par with the Cormorant Strike series, clever, complex and an engrossing read.
October 19, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and PN Macmillan for an advance copy of The Killing Tide, the sixteenth novel to feature Glasgow based forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod.
Rhona and DS Michael McNab are called out to what is initially called a self immolation, but which they suspect is murder. Rhona is soon called to Orkney where a ghost ship with three murdered bodies has landed. It soon becomes apparent that not only are the cases linked there is a well connected interest reaching London and beyond in keeping the case quiet. Investigative journalist Ava Clouston, a native Orcadian, is determined to get the truth out.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Killing Tide, which is an action packed read with plenty of twists and turns. I couldn’t put it down, but I’m not sure if that was due to the engrossing plot or my familiarity with the characters and locations, probably a bit of both. Even the changing point of view didn’t put me off as I felt that each change added something to my store of knowledge, although what I was going to do with that knowledge I don’t know as this is not a guess the perpetrator novel, more an uncovering of what lies behind the murders. And that’s a doozy, but as I’m inclined to believe the worst of the well heeled it’s not beyond belief. If I have one complaint about the novel it’s that ending is a touch inconclusive, but that’s life, I suppose. Well, perfection may be beyond reach but the journey to the conclusion is riveting.
There’s not much to say about the characters as there are no dramatics or changes in their lives so they jog along as ever, with Rhona and McNab as the workaholics and Rhona’s assistant, Chrissie, providing the humour. They are a tight knit bunch and it’s always fun to spend time with them.
The Killing Tide is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Rhona and DS Michael McNab are called out to what is initially called a self immolation, but which they suspect is murder. Rhona is soon called to Orkney where a ghost ship with three murdered bodies has landed. It soon becomes apparent that not only are the cases linked there is a well connected interest reaching London and beyond in keeping the case quiet. Investigative journalist Ava Clouston, a native Orcadian, is determined to get the truth out.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Killing Tide, which is an action packed read with plenty of twists and turns. I couldn’t put it down, but I’m not sure if that was due to the engrossing plot or my familiarity with the characters and locations, probably a bit of both. Even the changing point of view didn’t put me off as I felt that each change added something to my store of knowledge, although what I was going to do with that knowledge I don’t know as this is not a guess the perpetrator novel, more an uncovering of what lies behind the murders. And that’s a doozy, but as I’m inclined to believe the worst of the well heeled it’s not beyond belief. If I have one complaint about the novel it’s that ending is a touch inconclusive, but that’s life, I suppose. Well, perfection may be beyond reach but the journey to the conclusion is riveting.
There’s not much to say about the characters as there are no dramatics or changes in their lives so they jog along as ever, with Rhona and McNab as the workaholics and Rhona’s assistant, Chrissie, providing the humour. They are a tight knit bunch and it’s always fun to spend time with them.
The Killing Tide is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 4, 2021
The Killing Tide is the sixteenth outing for Glasgow-based forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod and sees her called to a possible incident of self-immolation in a Glasgow tenement, followed swiftly by a trip to Orkney to identify three bodies washed up on a seemingly deserted former cargo ship. At first glance the two cases could not be more different but, as Rhona and her colleague DS Michael McNab investigate, it becomes apparent that a shadowy company, operating on the Dark Web and providing a deadly playground for the rich and powerful, may connect the deaths.
As Orcadian investigative journalist Ava Clouston begins investigating the shadowy organisation, and evidence in the police investigation grows, it becomes clear that these four deaths may hint at a wider conspiracy – one that spreads to London, and the global stage beyond. And when the Met Police send up a detective to challenge Police Scotland’s jurisdiction on the case, Rhona, DS McNab and Ava begin to question if the conspiracy could lead into the corridors of power justice itself. One thing is certain – there are ruthless individuals who will stop at nothing to conceal their secrets. And that will lead Rhona and her colleagues into terrible danger – and to even more deaths on Scottish soil.
Jumping into an established series at the sixteenth book is always a slightly nerve-wracking experience but The Killing Tide works perfectly well as a standalone. Whilst there are plenty of references to the established relationships between characters who are clearly series regulars – and to some of the previous cases they’ve worked on together – these are made clear for new readers in a way that neither spoils previous books nor bores existing fans with unnecessary exposition.
The plot rattles along – aided by short, sharp chapters that switch between multiple perspectives and often end on tantalising cliff-hangers that leave you racing to find out what happens next! Combined with the multi-stranded investigations across Orkney, Glasgow and London, this made The Killing Tide a compelling and compulsive read that takes in illegal fight clubs, people trafficking, undercover police operations, and corruption before its end – and that will put more than one of our protagonists in life-threatening circumstances.
As such, trigger warnings for several graphic scenes of physical violence, plenty of choice language, detailed descriptions of crime scenes, references to sexual violence, and drug abuse. Although never gratuitous, Lin Anderson does not shy away from depicting the darker and more dangerous side of police investigations – and DS McNab is a detective who doesn’t always play entirely by the rules!
That said, I really did like the main characters in The Killing Tide. DS McNab might be no angel but despite making some questionable choices (primarily in his personal life), he is definitely one of the good guys – and puts his heart and soul into getting the job done and bringing the perpetrators of these dreadful crimes to justice. Rhona MacLeod is smart and intelligent – both academically and emotionally – and her chatty and flamboyant assistant Chrissy makes for a perfect pairing! Investigative journalist Ava also makes for an interesting viewpoint character, being torn between her undoubtedly dangerous – but rewarding – career and her young brother’s wish for her to come home to Orkney and help him keep control over the family farm following the tragic deaths of their parents. Lin Anderson does a fantastic job of balancing such personal struggles with the investigation of the ongoing cases and, by the end of the book, I was keen to spend more time with these characters – and to go back and discover what I’d missed in earlier books!
Fans of the Rhona MacLeod series will probably be well aware of Anderson’s ability to combine a gripping narrative with some wonderfully evocative and atmospheric writing – and are unlikely to be disappointed by The Killing Tide. For readers new to the series, The Killing Tide offers a perfect place to jump into a satisfying slice of some of the best modern ‘tartan noir’ that I’ve read. The Killing Tide may be the first Rhona MacLeod thriller I’ve had the pleasure of reading – but it certainly won’t be my last!
NB: This review first appeared on my blog at https://theshelfofunreadbooks.wordpre... as part of the blog tour for the book. My thanks go to the publisher for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
As Orcadian investigative journalist Ava Clouston begins investigating the shadowy organisation, and evidence in the police investigation grows, it becomes clear that these four deaths may hint at a wider conspiracy – one that spreads to London, and the global stage beyond. And when the Met Police send up a detective to challenge Police Scotland’s jurisdiction on the case, Rhona, DS McNab and Ava begin to question if the conspiracy could lead into the corridors of power justice itself. One thing is certain – there are ruthless individuals who will stop at nothing to conceal their secrets. And that will lead Rhona and her colleagues into terrible danger – and to even more deaths on Scottish soil.
Jumping into an established series at the sixteenth book is always a slightly nerve-wracking experience but The Killing Tide works perfectly well as a standalone. Whilst there are plenty of references to the established relationships between characters who are clearly series regulars – and to some of the previous cases they’ve worked on together – these are made clear for new readers in a way that neither spoils previous books nor bores existing fans with unnecessary exposition.
The plot rattles along – aided by short, sharp chapters that switch between multiple perspectives and often end on tantalising cliff-hangers that leave you racing to find out what happens next! Combined with the multi-stranded investigations across Orkney, Glasgow and London, this made The Killing Tide a compelling and compulsive read that takes in illegal fight clubs, people trafficking, undercover police operations, and corruption before its end – and that will put more than one of our protagonists in life-threatening circumstances.
As such, trigger warnings for several graphic scenes of physical violence, plenty of choice language, detailed descriptions of crime scenes, references to sexual violence, and drug abuse. Although never gratuitous, Lin Anderson does not shy away from depicting the darker and more dangerous side of police investigations – and DS McNab is a detective who doesn’t always play entirely by the rules!
That said, I really did like the main characters in The Killing Tide. DS McNab might be no angel but despite making some questionable choices (primarily in his personal life), he is definitely one of the good guys – and puts his heart and soul into getting the job done and bringing the perpetrators of these dreadful crimes to justice. Rhona MacLeod is smart and intelligent – both academically and emotionally – and her chatty and flamboyant assistant Chrissy makes for a perfect pairing! Investigative journalist Ava also makes for an interesting viewpoint character, being torn between her undoubtedly dangerous – but rewarding – career and her young brother’s wish for her to come home to Orkney and help him keep control over the family farm following the tragic deaths of their parents. Lin Anderson does a fantastic job of balancing such personal struggles with the investigation of the ongoing cases and, by the end of the book, I was keen to spend more time with these characters – and to go back and discover what I’d missed in earlier books!
Fans of the Rhona MacLeod series will probably be well aware of Anderson’s ability to combine a gripping narrative with some wonderfully evocative and atmospheric writing – and are unlikely to be disappointed by The Killing Tide. For readers new to the series, The Killing Tide offers a perfect place to jump into a satisfying slice of some of the best modern ‘tartan noir’ that I’ve read. The Killing Tide may be the first Rhona MacLeod thriller I’ve had the pleasure of reading – but it certainly won’t be my last!
NB: This review first appeared on my blog at https://theshelfofunreadbooks.wordpre... as part of the blog tour for the book. My thanks go to the publisher for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
October 15, 2021
Fabulous! A new Rhona McLeod thriller from Lin Anderson! What’s Rhona up to now?
Well, this one involves a rather dodgy company who seem to offer whatever nefarious games nasty people of this world get up to in, amongst other venues around the world, a “ghost ship,” the Orlova, which floats into the waters of Orkney, complete with corpses. Keen followers of this series will know Dr Rhona MacLeod and of course Chrissy McNish have been here before. There’s also a stowaway, a fire in a back court in Govan with questions to be asked about the true identity of the victim, some questionable goings-on with the Met…In short, it’s got everything you could possibly desire in a crime novel, as expected from the always-reliable Lin Anderson.
Are the usual cast involved?
Of course! There’s the aforementioned Rhona and Chrissy (my favourite character), Rhona’s partner, jazz musician Sean, DS Michael McNab and his (police) partner, as well as his girlfriend Ellie – also a policewoman. And in Orkney there’s psychologist Magnus, and policeman Erling. Also there is an investigative reporter Ava Clouston and her brother, farmer Dougie, up in Orkney – I hadn’t come across Ava before but I’ve fallen behind a few series. You bookworms know how it is – so many books and series, so little time! Down in London there’s an Afghan family who prove invaluable in helping both Ava and McNab. It sounds like a large cast, but don’t worry, you won’t have problems keeping tabs on them all (something I hate in a book! If there’s a large cast, I like a “cast list” at the beginning of the book – particularly as since my attack I’m a slower reader than ever, so keeping tabs on everyone can be tough!)
Tell me about this company – what do they offer and who on earth would it appeal to?
Well, they’re called Go Wild and seem to offer whatever sick fantasy turns you on! There’s role play fighting (one such fight on the Orlova provides the team with their first two corpses – but a third party was involved in their deaths…) There’s also evidence of other people having been on board – whether to participate in the games, or as bait – willing or not. But the tide will always returns what’s thrown into it, no matter how long it takes…
How have they got away with it for so long?
Friends in very high places, in short – the same way repugnant characters like Cyril Smith and Jimmy Savile got away with their foul deeds. Hand certain people enough money and they will turn a blind eye to anything.
Amongst them there are suspected of being officers in the Met – Ava’s one time partner (in work and outside) Mark had gathered information on one particular officer, who McNab also doesn’t trust. So when they do their damnedest to move the investigation south, into their jurisdiction, Police Scotland do their best to fight them. But when they play the, “National Security” card, will Police Scotland be able to retain control of the investigation?
Are there no witnesses to what went on on the Orlova?
Actually, there is – a girl who’s been trafficked around Go Wild’s various venues and used as bait, sexually and otherwise. She’s discovered by Dougie, Ava’s teenage brother, hiding in a small nook on board the ship, and brought ashore and hidden from the authorities by him. But will she be prepared to come forward and tell her story, when she’s already unsure if she’ll be allowed to stay in the UK?
So is this another gripping tale from Lin Anderson – by now definitely a Scottish national treasure in the crime writing world?
It is! And there’s also room for Go Wild to return, as it’s an international “adventure” game playing organisation, although that’s not to say of course that it will. I thoroughly enjoyed yet another novel by Lin, who appeared on the “Tartan noir” scene early – around the same time as Alex Gray – and they’ve both been keeping us consistently entertained ever since the early Noughties. Fans of Lin will enjoy this one.
Very enjoyable and recommended.
Well, this one involves a rather dodgy company who seem to offer whatever nefarious games nasty people of this world get up to in, amongst other venues around the world, a “ghost ship,” the Orlova, which floats into the waters of Orkney, complete with corpses. Keen followers of this series will know Dr Rhona MacLeod and of course Chrissy McNish have been here before. There’s also a stowaway, a fire in a back court in Govan with questions to be asked about the true identity of the victim, some questionable goings-on with the Met…In short, it’s got everything you could possibly desire in a crime novel, as expected from the always-reliable Lin Anderson.
Are the usual cast involved?
Of course! There’s the aforementioned Rhona and Chrissy (my favourite character), Rhona’s partner, jazz musician Sean, DS Michael McNab and his (police) partner, as well as his girlfriend Ellie – also a policewoman. And in Orkney there’s psychologist Magnus, and policeman Erling. Also there is an investigative reporter Ava Clouston and her brother, farmer Dougie, up in Orkney – I hadn’t come across Ava before but I’ve fallen behind a few series. You bookworms know how it is – so many books and series, so little time! Down in London there’s an Afghan family who prove invaluable in helping both Ava and McNab. It sounds like a large cast, but don’t worry, you won’t have problems keeping tabs on them all (something I hate in a book! If there’s a large cast, I like a “cast list” at the beginning of the book – particularly as since my attack I’m a slower reader than ever, so keeping tabs on everyone can be tough!)
Tell me about this company – what do they offer and who on earth would it appeal to?
Well, they’re called Go Wild and seem to offer whatever sick fantasy turns you on! There’s role play fighting (one such fight on the Orlova provides the team with their first two corpses – but a third party was involved in their deaths…) There’s also evidence of other people having been on board – whether to participate in the games, or as bait – willing or not. But the tide will always returns what’s thrown into it, no matter how long it takes…
How have they got away with it for so long?
Friends in very high places, in short – the same way repugnant characters like Cyril Smith and Jimmy Savile got away with their foul deeds. Hand certain people enough money and they will turn a blind eye to anything.
Amongst them there are suspected of being officers in the Met – Ava’s one time partner (in work and outside) Mark had gathered information on one particular officer, who McNab also doesn’t trust. So when they do their damnedest to move the investigation south, into their jurisdiction, Police Scotland do their best to fight them. But when they play the, “National Security” card, will Police Scotland be able to retain control of the investigation?
Are there no witnesses to what went on on the Orlova?
Actually, there is – a girl who’s been trafficked around Go Wild’s various venues and used as bait, sexually and otherwise. She’s discovered by Dougie, Ava’s teenage brother, hiding in a small nook on board the ship, and brought ashore and hidden from the authorities by him. But will she be prepared to come forward and tell her story, when she’s already unsure if she’ll be allowed to stay in the UK?
So is this another gripping tale from Lin Anderson – by now definitely a Scottish national treasure in the crime writing world?
It is! And there’s also room for Go Wild to return, as it’s an international “adventure” game playing organisation, although that’s not to say of course that it will. I thoroughly enjoyed yet another novel by Lin, who appeared on the “Tartan noir” scene early – around the same time as Alex Gray – and they’ve both been keeping us consistently entertained ever since the early Noughties. Fans of Lin will enjoy this one.
Very enjoyable and recommended.
August 16, 2021
Full blog...
I’ve been extremely fortunate to take part in the Random Things Tours’ blog tour of The Killing Tide, by Lin Anderson. My thanks go to Anne Carter, and Random Things Tours for my advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Synopsis
After a fierce storm hits Scotland, a mysterious cargo ship is discovered swept ashore in the Orkney Isles. Boarding the vessel uncovers three bodies, recently deceased and in violent circumstances.
Forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod’s study of the crime scene suggests that a sinister game was being played on board, but who were the hunters? And who the hunted?
Meanwhile in Glasgow DS Michael McNab is called to a horrific incident where a young woman has been set on fire. Or did she spark the flames herself? As evidence arises that connects the two cases, the team grow increasingly concerned that the truth of what happened on the ship and in Glasgow hints at a wider conspiracy that stretches down to London and beyond to a global stage.
Orcadian Ava Clouston, renowned investigative journalist, believes so and sets out to prove it, putting herself in grave danger. When the Met Police challenge Police Scotland’s jurisdiction, it becomes obvious that there are ruthless individuals who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect government interests. Which could lead to even more deaths on Scottish soil . . .
Review
When I picked up The Killing Tide, I hadn’t realised it was part of the forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod series of books by Lin Anderson. I also wasn't expecting it to be book 17! That said, it works perfectly well as a standalone novel, and I didn’t feel I had missed out on anything by joining this far into the series. The characters were well established and their friendships were immediately evident, so I slipped straight into the story
Rhona was instantly likeable, as were police detectives McNab and Clark, and investigative journalist Ava Clouston. There were obviously going to be characters who could only be loved by their own mothers and they played their part well.
With such a strong cast of characters, it's hardly surprising that this was a compelling work of art, and a real pleasure to read. I'm happy to recommend The Killing Tide to any crime/thriller reader and have given it five stars.
Author bio
Lin Anderson is a Scottish author and screenwriter known for her bestselling crime series featuring forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod. Four of her novels have been longlisted for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year, with Follow the Dead being a 2018 finalist.
Her short film River Child won both a Scottish BAFTA for Best Fiction and the Celtic Film Festival’s Best Drama Award and has now been viewed more than one million times on YouTube. Lin is also the co-founder of the international crime writing festival Bloody Scotland
Book Info
Publisher : Pan Macmillan (5 Aug. 2021)
Language : English
Print length : 333 pages
ISBN Hardback 9781529033687 - Ebook 9781529033700
Buying Links
Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08TX38J3...
Waterstones
https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-...
The Book Depository
https://www.bookdepository.com/Killin...
I’ve been extremely fortunate to take part in the Random Things Tours’ blog tour of The Killing Tide, by Lin Anderson. My thanks go to Anne Carter, and Random Things Tours for my advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Synopsis
After a fierce storm hits Scotland, a mysterious cargo ship is discovered swept ashore in the Orkney Isles. Boarding the vessel uncovers three bodies, recently deceased and in violent circumstances.
Forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod’s study of the crime scene suggests that a sinister game was being played on board, but who were the hunters? And who the hunted?
Meanwhile in Glasgow DS Michael McNab is called to a horrific incident where a young woman has been set on fire. Or did she spark the flames herself? As evidence arises that connects the two cases, the team grow increasingly concerned that the truth of what happened on the ship and in Glasgow hints at a wider conspiracy that stretches down to London and beyond to a global stage.
Orcadian Ava Clouston, renowned investigative journalist, believes so and sets out to prove it, putting herself in grave danger. When the Met Police challenge Police Scotland’s jurisdiction, it becomes obvious that there are ruthless individuals who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect government interests. Which could lead to even more deaths on Scottish soil . . .
Review
When I picked up The Killing Tide, I hadn’t realised it was part of the forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod series of books by Lin Anderson. I also wasn't expecting it to be book 17! That said, it works perfectly well as a standalone novel, and I didn’t feel I had missed out on anything by joining this far into the series. The characters were well established and their friendships were immediately evident, so I slipped straight into the story
Rhona was instantly likeable, as were police detectives McNab and Clark, and investigative journalist Ava Clouston. There were obviously going to be characters who could only be loved by their own mothers and they played their part well.
With such a strong cast of characters, it's hardly surprising that this was a compelling work of art, and a real pleasure to read. I'm happy to recommend The Killing Tide to any crime/thriller reader and have given it five stars.
Author bio
Lin Anderson is a Scottish author and screenwriter known for her bestselling crime series featuring forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod. Four of her novels have been longlisted for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year, with Follow the Dead being a 2018 finalist.
Her short film River Child won both a Scottish BAFTA for Best Fiction and the Celtic Film Festival’s Best Drama Award and has now been viewed more than one million times on YouTube. Lin is also the co-founder of the international crime writing festival Bloody Scotland
Book Info
Publisher : Pan Macmillan (5 Aug. 2021)
Language : English
Print length : 333 pages
ISBN Hardback 9781529033687 - Ebook 9781529033700
Buying Links
Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08TX38J3...
Waterstones
https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-...
The Book Depository
https://www.bookdepository.com/Killin...
August 5, 2021
You’d think that after 15 books in this series, Lin Anderson might be resting on her laurels. Not a bit of it! She likes to keep things charged up and changing and the result is that The Killing Tide is a cracker of a read and puts the thrill back into thrilling!
At 432 pages, The Killing Tide is a meaty read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set between the atmospheric and beautiful islands of Orkney and Glasgow, The Killing Tide sees forensic scientist Rhona McLeod and her redoubtable sidekick and breakfast provider, Chrissie investigating three bodies aboard an abandoned ship that has washed up near the shore. The circumstances of their deaths seem both violent and a trifle bizarre and Anderson takes great pleasure in regaling us with details of the vomit recovered at the scene and subsequently inspected for information.
Meanwhile in Glasgow, DS McNab is called to an horrific scene in which a woman has died after being immolated. Whether self-inflicted or not remains to be determined, but McNab is pretty sure that the marks of cable ties on her wrists and ankles provide a ghastly clue as to which. Anderson doesn’t shrink from describing the lingering smell that hangs in the air, making this a place you know you’d rather not be anywhere near.
Ava Clouston is an experienced investigative reporter whose work across the world has garnered acclaim. She’s recently returned to Orkney after the death of her parents and now has to decide what to do about the family’s farm. Her younger brother wants to keep it and farm it, but he’s too young to take on that level of overall responsibility and Ava is not sure she is ready to give up her journalistic life to stay at home and farm with him.
She’s intrigued by the bodies on the ship and when she decides to look deeper into the case, what she uncovers has tentacles that spread further than anyone imagines and leads to a conspiracy that goes deep into the establishment.
At the same time it seems that both the Orkney case and McNab’s Glasgow immolation are linked and that provides the impetus for an old Met Police nemesis of McNab’s to make a return visit.
Lin Anderson writes about her characters with warmth and affection, inspiring the same feelings in the reader as we hang on every detail of how their relationships are faring and who McNab is sleeping with now. At the same time, she does not hesitate to show us the brutal and violent side of the crimes these much loved characters have to deal with. There is nothing cosy about this writing.
The beautiful, evocative Orkney landscapes clash with the horror of the crimes committed nearby and that adds a level of contrast which makes this a striking read.
Verdict: Brilliantly drawn characters make us care about this team and their personal and professional lives. The plotting is sharp and fast – paced and the storyline propulsive and genuinely thrilling. There were a couple of points where I had my heart in my mouth, fearing for McNab. This series still feels fresh and vital and I’d highly recommend it.
At 432 pages, The Killing Tide is a meaty read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set between the atmospheric and beautiful islands of Orkney and Glasgow, The Killing Tide sees forensic scientist Rhona McLeod and her redoubtable sidekick and breakfast provider, Chrissie investigating three bodies aboard an abandoned ship that has washed up near the shore. The circumstances of their deaths seem both violent and a trifle bizarre and Anderson takes great pleasure in regaling us with details of the vomit recovered at the scene and subsequently inspected for information.
Meanwhile in Glasgow, DS McNab is called to an horrific scene in which a woman has died after being immolated. Whether self-inflicted or not remains to be determined, but McNab is pretty sure that the marks of cable ties on her wrists and ankles provide a ghastly clue as to which. Anderson doesn’t shrink from describing the lingering smell that hangs in the air, making this a place you know you’d rather not be anywhere near.
Ava Clouston is an experienced investigative reporter whose work across the world has garnered acclaim. She’s recently returned to Orkney after the death of her parents and now has to decide what to do about the family’s farm. Her younger brother wants to keep it and farm it, but he’s too young to take on that level of overall responsibility and Ava is not sure she is ready to give up her journalistic life to stay at home and farm with him.
She’s intrigued by the bodies on the ship and when she decides to look deeper into the case, what she uncovers has tentacles that spread further than anyone imagines and leads to a conspiracy that goes deep into the establishment.
At the same time it seems that both the Orkney case and McNab’s Glasgow immolation are linked and that provides the impetus for an old Met Police nemesis of McNab’s to make a return visit.
Lin Anderson writes about her characters with warmth and affection, inspiring the same feelings in the reader as we hang on every detail of how their relationships are faring and who McNab is sleeping with now. At the same time, she does not hesitate to show us the brutal and violent side of the crimes these much loved characters have to deal with. There is nothing cosy about this writing.
The beautiful, evocative Orkney landscapes clash with the horror of the crimes committed nearby and that adds a level of contrast which makes this a striking read.
Verdict: Brilliantly drawn characters make us care about this team and their personal and professional lives. The plotting is sharp and fast – paced and the storyline propulsive and genuinely thrilling. There were a couple of points where I had my heart in my mouth, fearing for McNab. This series still feels fresh and vital and I’d highly recommend it.
August 10, 2021
The Killing Tide – The Brilliant Rhona MacLeod series
A strong storm hits Scotland, and everyone is hunkering down to make sure they are not out in the wind and become a victim to the storms. But in the Orkney Isles where the weather is far worse than down in Glasgow, one farmer goes out to check on his livestock and make sure the barns are still up. When he sees a cargo ship swept on the shore and he does his duty and makes his report to the police.
When the ship is finally steadied and the police can enter this cargo ship, they are not quite prepared for what they find. Besides this ship being one of the many ghost ships that usually litter the Atlantic Ocean, it has been converted into something they are not quite sure of. With the discovery of three dead bodies, Rhona MacLeod is sent for, to try and put the pieces together.
While back in Glasgow a woman has been turned into a human touch, and DS Michael McNab is on the case. His only witness is a lonely old man, who tries to give him all the information that he could. Nobody seems to have any idea of who the dead woman is. When the Met send up his nemesis up to try and identify the woman and gave nothing away.
As the evidence grows, it slowly becomes clear that the two cases are connected and that this is more than about ghost ships. McNab and his team become deeply concerned that the truth about what really happened on the ship and in Glasgow is part of a massive conspiracy that means heading to London.
Ava Clouston, an investigative journalist is back home on the Orkney’s taking care of her younger brother who at 17 is not quite able to take care of himself just yet. While investigating the ship, as it is a story on her doorstep, she does not realise how much danger she is exposed too. But when her former boyfriend is murdered over his role in the story, she knows he needs to run to stay alive,
As Rhona and her team slowly put the pieces together, and her tangled life keeps her grounded. She knows McNab is not telling her everything, until he goes missing. She knows that the only way to solve this mystery is by keeping a calm head and following the evidence.
Lin Anderson has written an excellent twisty thriller that will keep you deeply engrossed until the last page. Truly one of the best crime series in Britain at this time.
A strong storm hits Scotland, and everyone is hunkering down to make sure they are not out in the wind and become a victim to the storms. But in the Orkney Isles where the weather is far worse than down in Glasgow, one farmer goes out to check on his livestock and make sure the barns are still up. When he sees a cargo ship swept on the shore and he does his duty and makes his report to the police.
When the ship is finally steadied and the police can enter this cargo ship, they are not quite prepared for what they find. Besides this ship being one of the many ghost ships that usually litter the Atlantic Ocean, it has been converted into something they are not quite sure of. With the discovery of three dead bodies, Rhona MacLeod is sent for, to try and put the pieces together.
While back in Glasgow a woman has been turned into a human touch, and DS Michael McNab is on the case. His only witness is a lonely old man, who tries to give him all the information that he could. Nobody seems to have any idea of who the dead woman is. When the Met send up his nemesis up to try and identify the woman and gave nothing away.
As the evidence grows, it slowly becomes clear that the two cases are connected and that this is more than about ghost ships. McNab and his team become deeply concerned that the truth about what really happened on the ship and in Glasgow is part of a massive conspiracy that means heading to London.
Ava Clouston, an investigative journalist is back home on the Orkney’s taking care of her younger brother who at 17 is not quite able to take care of himself just yet. While investigating the ship, as it is a story on her doorstep, she does not realise how much danger she is exposed too. But when her former boyfriend is murdered over his role in the story, she knows he needs to run to stay alive,
As Rhona and her team slowly put the pieces together, and her tangled life keeps her grounded. She knows McNab is not telling her everything, until he goes missing. She knows that the only way to solve this mystery is by keeping a calm head and following the evidence.
Lin Anderson has written an excellent twisty thriller that will keep you deeply engrossed until the last page. Truly one of the best crime series in Britain at this time.
Read
February 3, 2022Regrettably this is the first book I have in the popular Rhona MacLeod series. It is not regrettable that I read it, but rather regrettable that I had missed the previous fifteen books before this one. Rhona MacLeod has become a very popular character, a forensic scientist, sort of in the same vein as books written by Kathy Reichs and Patricia Cornwell. She is most thorough when it comes to dealing with crime, and in THE KILLING TIDE, she almost has more than she can handle with a series of murders that are shocking and grisly.
It all begins with a cargo ship has come ashore during a major storm in the Orkney Islands. On board the ship, three bodies are discovered. No one else is found on board, so why the ship was abandoned is most interesting and unusual. It almost appears that the people were killed from participating in some bizarre game on board, and it is up police and Rhona to get answers and hopefully the person responsible for the deaths. The people were dressed in Viking gear and swords were used for the killings. There is a company called Go Wild, that caters to the whims of the rich and adventurous. Is this an adventure that went too far? Finding answers is not easy as the company is very secretive. Her assistant Chrissy tries to offer her assistance as well, and she is more low-key, but still offers great input.
While that ongoing case is investigated, in Glasgow, D. S. Michael McNab must deal with his own puzzling case. The body of a young woman is found, and it is apparent that she had been set on fire. It seems that she is identified initially, but soon it becomes apparent it is not the woman they originally thought. The woman seemed to have been tied up somewhere before he death. Was this a sex game gone bad or something even more ominous and evil? And could this case be related to the dead people on the cargo ship?
McNab finds that life is not easy, when he is assaulted and badly beaten and comes close to losing life and limb not once, but twice. Trouble follows him everywhere as he seeks answers to this murder, and others that occur as well.
The book takes us to many locales and adds more intrigue by the page. While being a police procedural, it also has its share of drama and danger that makes THE KILLING TIDE turn into a tidal wave of the mastery of great mystery.
It all begins with a cargo ship has come ashore during a major storm in the Orkney Islands. On board the ship, three bodies are discovered. No one else is found on board, so why the ship was abandoned is most interesting and unusual. It almost appears that the people were killed from participating in some bizarre game on board, and it is up police and Rhona to get answers and hopefully the person responsible for the deaths. The people were dressed in Viking gear and swords were used for the killings. There is a company called Go Wild, that caters to the whims of the rich and adventurous. Is this an adventure that went too far? Finding answers is not easy as the company is very secretive. Her assistant Chrissy tries to offer her assistance as well, and she is more low-key, but still offers great input.
While that ongoing case is investigated, in Glasgow, D. S. Michael McNab must deal with his own puzzling case. The body of a young woman is found, and it is apparent that she had been set on fire. It seems that she is identified initially, but soon it becomes apparent it is not the woman they originally thought. The woman seemed to have been tied up somewhere before he death. Was this a sex game gone bad or something even more ominous and evil? And could this case be related to the dead people on the cargo ship?
McNab finds that life is not easy, when he is assaulted and badly beaten and comes close to losing life and limb not once, but twice. Trouble follows him everywhere as he seeks answers to this murder, and others that occur as well.
The book takes us to many locales and adds more intrigue by the page. While being a police procedural, it also has its share of drama and danger that makes THE KILLING TIDE turn into a tidal wave of the mastery of great mystery.
August 16, 2021
This sixteenth book in the Rhona MacLeod series of crime novels sees forensic scientist, Rhona, and her assistant Chrissy, caught up in a very complicated investigation which begins with a distressing case involving the death of a young woman in horrific circumstances and continues with the discovery of a Russian cargo ship which has been swept ashore in the Orkney Islands during a fierce storm which battered the whole of the area. DS Michael McNab and his investigative team are caught in the middle of both of these cases and with a race against time to discover what's going on, so it would seem that these two unusual cases are linked in some macabre way.
This talented Scottish crime writer has certainly found her niche with this series and with each successive book the stories just get stronger, and more complicated. I especially enjoyed watching how this complex plot would play out amidst the world of global gaming and the sinister repercussions add a chilling edge to what is, after all, a really compelling murder mystery. This story was particularly macabre and the isolated nature of the Orkney islands only adds to the brooding atmosphere of the investigation.
The characters, as always, are a great bunch, I'm equally at home with Rhona and Chrissy, as they use their forensic skills to make sense of the senseless, enjoying their utter professionalism in the face of great challenges, but laughing out loud with them at their banter over Chrissy's breakfast goodies. DS McNab and his investigative team add the necessary police procedural to the story but the complexity of the plots are lightened with snippets about McNab's complicated police and personal life. It is this authenticity of both characterisation, and plot, where the real magic of the stories lie and which continue to make this series so popular amongst crime readers.
I can't see this wonderful Scottish crime series finishing anytime soon as I am sure there are lots of readers, like me, who finish each story with a sense of satisfaction of a case well solved and who look forward eagerly to the next adventure for Rhona MacLeod.
This talented Scottish crime writer has certainly found her niche with this series and with each successive book the stories just get stronger, and more complicated. I especially enjoyed watching how this complex plot would play out amidst the world of global gaming and the sinister repercussions add a chilling edge to what is, after all, a really compelling murder mystery. This story was particularly macabre and the isolated nature of the Orkney islands only adds to the brooding atmosphere of the investigation.
The characters, as always, are a great bunch, I'm equally at home with Rhona and Chrissy, as they use their forensic skills to make sense of the senseless, enjoying their utter professionalism in the face of great challenges, but laughing out loud with them at their banter over Chrissy's breakfast goodies. DS McNab and his investigative team add the necessary police procedural to the story but the complexity of the plots are lightened with snippets about McNab's complicated police and personal life. It is this authenticity of both characterisation, and plot, where the real magic of the stories lie and which continue to make this series so popular amongst crime readers.
I can't see this wonderful Scottish crime series finishing anytime soon as I am sure there are lots of readers, like me, who finish each story with a sense of satisfaction of a case well solved and who look forward eagerly to the next adventure for Rhona MacLeod.
February 2, 2022
The Killing Tide features forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod investigating a mysterious abandoned ship which was swept ashore during a fierce storm in the Orkney Isles. When her team goes on board they find three bodies, recently deceased in violent circumstances. MacLeod’s study of the crime scene suggests that a sinister game was being played on board.
Meanwhile in Glasgow DS Michael McNab is called to a horrific incident where a young woman has been set on fire. As evidence arises that connects the two cases, the team grow increasingly concerned that the truth of what happened on the ship and in Glasgow hints at a wider conspiracy that stretches down to London and beyond to a global stage.
Ava Clouston, originally from Orkney but now a successful investigative journalist in London, is back in Orkney dealing with her young brother, who wants her to come back to help work the farm after their parents are killed. While there she can’t leave her job altogether and spends time looking into the ship, which may be connected with a company that offers wealthy and powerful people the opportunity to commit crimes such as rape and murder with complete impunity. Stuck in a place as remote as Orkney, she only slowly begins to realize she’s putting herself and others in danger.
The characters are interesting and there are lots of neat twists that seem to be there to mock the cliché’s of so many detective stories. In one case a London detective comes north and tries to force the investigation to be a matter for the Met rather than Police Scotland but it's not a squabble over jurisdiction. Some of the narrative is not what it seems, which I normally don't appreciate. In this case it’s not irritating; it’s refreshing and intriguing, as is the story behind the ghost ship. I will definitely look for more books by Lin Anderson. My library has only one audiobook (this one) so I’ll read the ebooks but I’ll miss the wonderful accents of the audiobook of The Killing Tide. The accents of the north are Scotland’s most euphonious and performer did a pretty good job.
Meanwhile in Glasgow DS Michael McNab is called to a horrific incident where a young woman has been set on fire. As evidence arises that connects the two cases, the team grow increasingly concerned that the truth of what happened on the ship and in Glasgow hints at a wider conspiracy that stretches down to London and beyond to a global stage.
Ava Clouston, originally from Orkney but now a successful investigative journalist in London, is back in Orkney dealing with her young brother, who wants her to come back to help work the farm after their parents are killed. While there she can’t leave her job altogether and spends time looking into the ship, which may be connected with a company that offers wealthy and powerful people the opportunity to commit crimes such as rape and murder with complete impunity. Stuck in a place as remote as Orkney, she only slowly begins to realize she’s putting herself and others in danger.
The characters are interesting and there are lots of neat twists that seem to be there to mock the cliché’s of so many detective stories. In one case a London detective comes north and tries to force the investigation to be a matter for the Met rather than Police Scotland but it's not a squabble over jurisdiction. Some of the narrative is not what it seems, which I normally don't appreciate. In this case it’s not irritating; it’s refreshing and intriguing, as is the story behind the ghost ship. I will definitely look for more books by Lin Anderson. My library has only one audiobook (this one) so I’ll read the ebooks but I’ll miss the wonderful accents of the audiobook of The Killing Tide. The accents of the north are Scotland’s most euphonious and performer did a pretty good job.
August 6, 2021
In The Killing Tide, forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod and her colleagues are presented with two cases: the arrival of a ‘ghost ship’ in the Orkneys with three dead bodies on board, and a woman found burned to death in a close in Glasgow. It soon becomes apparent that both cases are related to a shadowy organisation that offers those who can pay the opportunity to act out their most violent fantasies - and the people running the show won’t go down without a serious fight.
I am embarrassingly late to the Lin Anderson party - this is the 16th(!) book in the series. While the characters obviously have a lot of history behind them, this novel is easy to pick up without any prior knowledge. The author drops in relevant details where needed so you’re neither left playing catch-up nor overwhelmed with backstory. I’m now looking forward to sinking my teeth into the previous books.
By continually switching her focus between Rhona, DS Michael McNab, investigative journalist Ava Clouston and others, Anderson seamlessly balances fascinating details about forensic investigation with tense action scenes. McNab in particular finds himself in danger at several points throughout the book and my heart was in my mouth as I wondered if/how he was going to survive. Often, Anderson lets the reader in on important information before the detectives find it out, and my anticipation of the characters finding out what I already knew really kept me turning the pages!
Being a big fan of Val McDermid, Stuart MacBride and Ann Cleeves, I liked the Scottish setting of The Killing Tide - both the city and the island side. The storm that opens the book really creates an atmosphere and sense of menace, and I always find it interesting to read about life on the islands. I also enjoyed following the Glasgow contingent to their favourite haunts, getting to know them and seeing how they interacted with one another. There are many brilliant flashes of humour against the dark backdrop of violence and danger (a witness’s diabolical cat springs to mind!), which I loved.
The Killing Tide is gripping, smartly-plotted and fast-paced.
I am embarrassingly late to the Lin Anderson party - this is the 16th(!) book in the series. While the characters obviously have a lot of history behind them, this novel is easy to pick up without any prior knowledge. The author drops in relevant details where needed so you’re neither left playing catch-up nor overwhelmed with backstory. I’m now looking forward to sinking my teeth into the previous books.
By continually switching her focus between Rhona, DS Michael McNab, investigative journalist Ava Clouston and others, Anderson seamlessly balances fascinating details about forensic investigation with tense action scenes. McNab in particular finds himself in danger at several points throughout the book and my heart was in my mouth as I wondered if/how he was going to survive. Often, Anderson lets the reader in on important information before the detectives find it out, and my anticipation of the characters finding out what I already knew really kept me turning the pages!
Being a big fan of Val McDermid, Stuart MacBride and Ann Cleeves, I liked the Scottish setting of The Killing Tide - both the city and the island side. The storm that opens the book really creates an atmosphere and sense of menace, and I always find it interesting to read about life on the islands. I also enjoyed following the Glasgow contingent to their favourite haunts, getting to know them and seeing how they interacted with one another. There are many brilliant flashes of humour against the dark backdrop of violence and danger (a witness’s diabolical cat springs to mind!), which I loved.
The Killing Tide is gripping, smartly-plotted and fast-paced.
September 30, 2021
I LOVED THIS!
This is the first from Lin Anderson I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. I’m loving her characters, her writing style, and her settings – this story will hook you from the start.
This 16th in the Rhona MacLeod series can be read as a standalone, but there is a teensy bit of assumed knowledge when they reference other cases or characters. Still, that didn’t bog me too much and I flowed through this like the Orkney tide. (Sixteenth?! How have I not come across them before??)
The Killing Tide takes nefarious underground clubs, online gaming, entitlement, governmental cover ups. Stirs in a splash of Orkney, a cup of Glasgow, and a soupçon of London. Mixes thoroughly with the dead, and chills in the Scottish winter for a couple of hours – producing the best procedural you’ve read for ages.
Rhona MacLeod is quite a woman, and I’m glad she’s written with flaws and foibles. Her forensic assistant Chrissy is brilliant, adding that touch of humour that the Scots live by. DS McNab is your quintessential moody copper, hung up on his ex and going off-piste, adding grit and a little tiny bit of rebellion.
And Ms Anderson clearly demonstrates mistrust between Police Scotland and the Met (London’s Metropolitan Police), or perhaps more the derision that the Met seem to hold for other forces.
The Killing Tide takes you from Glasgow tenements to Orkney’s wild spaces, from Afghan restaurants to underground fight clubs, to the mean streets of London, following a cast of engaging characters absorbed in mysteries with very dangerous consequences…
Pick up The Killing Tide before you’re left ashore. It’ll definitely float your boat!
This is the first from Lin Anderson I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. I’m loving her characters, her writing style, and her settings – this story will hook you from the start.
This 16th in the Rhona MacLeod series can be read as a standalone, but there is a teensy bit of assumed knowledge when they reference other cases or characters. Still, that didn’t bog me too much and I flowed through this like the Orkney tide. (Sixteenth?! How have I not come across them before??)
The Killing Tide takes nefarious underground clubs, online gaming, entitlement, governmental cover ups. Stirs in a splash of Orkney, a cup of Glasgow, and a soupçon of London. Mixes thoroughly with the dead, and chills in the Scottish winter for a couple of hours – producing the best procedural you’ve read for ages.
Rhona MacLeod is quite a woman, and I’m glad she’s written with flaws and foibles. Her forensic assistant Chrissy is brilliant, adding that touch of humour that the Scots live by. DS McNab is your quintessential moody copper, hung up on his ex and going off-piste, adding grit and a little tiny bit of rebellion.
And Ms Anderson clearly demonstrates mistrust between Police Scotland and the Met (London’s Metropolitan Police), or perhaps more the derision that the Met seem to hold for other forces.
The Killing Tide takes you from Glasgow tenements to Orkney’s wild spaces, from Afghan restaurants to underground fight clubs, to the mean streets of London, following a cast of engaging characters absorbed in mysteries with very dangerous consequences…
Pick up The Killing Tide before you’re left ashore. It’ll definitely float your boat!
August 16, 2021
’The Killing Tide’ is a brilliantly compelling tale that hooked me from the first page! Sometimes I wonder how authors come up with ideas and this is definitely one of the - ghost ships, dark gaming, fights clubs and paying to fight to the death! Impressive eh. Plus, we get the beauty of Orkney as part of the story. Lin Anderson is one of my favourite authors and this book shows that she is at the top of her game.
During a severe storm, a ghost ship is run aground but when the coastguard enter they find three bodies and a weird arena on one of the floor! Rhona deduces that an interactive game was being played but was there another player that got away? When a woman is found back in Glasgow, after setting fire to herself, Rhona and McNab are called in to investigate. However, there are soon links between the two cases and the clues lead to a very dark road.
All the pieces for a great crime fiction novel are here - stop on science, a great relationship between all the main characters, a hint of romance, and a hugely imaginative plot. I devoured this book in one day as it riveting. I do love the combination of Rhona and McNab. One who is extremely professional, thoughtful and precise, one who is reckless, impulsive but yet fiercely loyal. Wonder who is who?! I enjoy both characters but I am drawn more to Rhona but that's probably a reflection of my personality.
This is once again a great outing for Rhona and McNab and I loved it! Let me know if you read it!
During a severe storm, a ghost ship is run aground but when the coastguard enter they find three bodies and a weird arena on one of the floor! Rhona deduces that an interactive game was being played but was there another player that got away? When a woman is found back in Glasgow, after setting fire to herself, Rhona and McNab are called in to investigate. However, there are soon links between the two cases and the clues lead to a very dark road.
All the pieces for a great crime fiction novel are here - stop on science, a great relationship between all the main characters, a hint of romance, and a hugely imaginative plot. I devoured this book in one day as it riveting. I do love the combination of Rhona and McNab. One who is extremely professional, thoughtful and precise, one who is reckless, impulsive but yet fiercely loyal. Wonder who is who?! I enjoy both characters but I am drawn more to Rhona but that's probably a reflection of my personality.
This is once again a great outing for Rhona and McNab and I loved it! Let me know if you read it!
August 12, 2021
I'm a massive fan of police crime dramas, both books & TV shows so this was right up my street.
This is the 16th book in the series but can easily be read as a stand alone although after finishing it I now want to go back and read all the others!
This book is exactly how I like my crime novels, intriguing, gritty and a bit dark! I found it a complex read, certainly one I had to take my time with which is no bad thing but I knew if I read it too quickly I'd lose track of what was happening.
The story was so well written with a really smart plot. It was really fast paced, at no point did it wander off course or leave you feeling bored. There was always something happening.
Coming into the series at such a late point meant that I had no background or insights into the characters and now I can't wait to find out more about them. Although Rhona appears to be the main protagonist she doesn't overpower the storyline as the rest of the team feature heavily throughout. Loved the character of DS McNab. Exactly how I'd picture a Scottish detective to be.
Overall if you like your crime dramas I would definitely recommend this. I think it would also make an amazing TV series especially set against the stunning location of Orkney (never been but the descriptions in the book make me really want to!)
🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me.
This is the 16th book in the series but can easily be read as a stand alone although after finishing it I now want to go back and read all the others!
This book is exactly how I like my crime novels, intriguing, gritty and a bit dark! I found it a complex read, certainly one I had to take my time with which is no bad thing but I knew if I read it too quickly I'd lose track of what was happening.
The story was so well written with a really smart plot. It was really fast paced, at no point did it wander off course or leave you feeling bored. There was always something happening.
Coming into the series at such a late point meant that I had no background or insights into the characters and now I can't wait to find out more about them. Although Rhona appears to be the main protagonist she doesn't overpower the storyline as the rest of the team feature heavily throughout. Loved the character of DS McNab. Exactly how I'd picture a Scottish detective to be.
Overall if you like your crime dramas I would definitely recommend this. I think it would also make an amazing TV series especially set against the stunning location of Orkney (never been but the descriptions in the book make me really want to!)
🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me.
February 27, 2022
The Killing Tide by Lin Anderson
This is the latest book in the Rhona McLeod series of books and yet again, it’s a series I’m reading in the wrong order!
I don’t think that you especially need to read these in order to understand the books. However, one of the best things about this series is the strong cast of characters, who you cannot help but feel invested in, so it would be handy to know their back stories and how they’ve progressed through the series.
The Killing Tide starts off in a storm-swept Orkney when a ‘Ghost Ship’ the MV Orla crashes against the cliffs. On inspection, there is no one alive on the ship (which has been transformed into a bizarre luxury live-gaming experience inside).
But there is a gruesome crime scene to be discovered inside in the gaming arena and a mystery to be solved in what kind of outfit runs such a macabre floating experience to the rich and often well-connected customers?
The Killing Tide sees the investigation switching from Orkney, to Glasgow and down to London, where the Met are seemingly both reticent to share with Police Scotland and eager to take hold of the evidence.
This is a great series, so much so, that I’m endeavouring to go back to Book 1 and ‘try’ and start reading these in order.
It misses out on five stars from me because I felt it was overly long and I started to lose a bit of enthusiasm towards the end.
Thanks to Pan MacMillan and Netgalley for the Arc.
This is the latest book in the Rhona McLeod series of books and yet again, it’s a series I’m reading in the wrong order!
I don’t think that you especially need to read these in order to understand the books. However, one of the best things about this series is the strong cast of characters, who you cannot help but feel invested in, so it would be handy to know their back stories and how they’ve progressed through the series.
The Killing Tide starts off in a storm-swept Orkney when a ‘Ghost Ship’ the MV Orla crashes against the cliffs. On inspection, there is no one alive on the ship (which has been transformed into a bizarre luxury live-gaming experience inside).
But there is a gruesome crime scene to be discovered inside in the gaming arena and a mystery to be solved in what kind of outfit runs such a macabre floating experience to the rich and often well-connected customers?
The Killing Tide sees the investigation switching from Orkney, to Glasgow and down to London, where the Met are seemingly both reticent to share with Police Scotland and eager to take hold of the evidence.
This is a great series, so much so, that I’m endeavouring to go back to Book 1 and ‘try’ and start reading these in order.
It misses out on five stars from me because I felt it was overly long and I started to lose a bit of enthusiasm towards the end.
Thanks to Pan MacMillan and Netgalley for the Arc.
August 21, 2021
THE KILLING TIDE by Lin Anderson is Book 16 in Ms. Anderson’s Rhona MacLeod series.
Our main character, Rhona MacLeod, is a forensic scientist in Glasgow, Scotland.
In THE KILLING TIDE, Rhona is called to investigate a crime scene on a mysterious ‘ghost ship’ in the Orkney Islands. Meanwhile, DS Michael McNab and partner DS Janice Clark are called out to a horrific scene where a young woman has been set on fire.
Are the two cases connected?
The locations in THE KILLING TIDE - Orkney, Glasgow and London - are well-detailed and very interesting. I like the detailed map of Orkney. (I love a good ‘sense of place’.)
The characters are like old friends - Rhona, assistant Chrissy, Sean, McNab, Angus Pirie - all very professional, interesting, realistic and likable (even McNab!).
The plot is tense and moves rapidly.
I am a huge fan of Ms. Anderson’s work, beginning with the first Rhona MacLeod title, DRIFTNET.
Ms. Anderson is also a founding member of the annual ‘Bloody Scotland’ crime writing festival.
A great title in this great series *****
Our main character, Rhona MacLeod, is a forensic scientist in Glasgow, Scotland.
In THE KILLING TIDE, Rhona is called to investigate a crime scene on a mysterious ‘ghost ship’ in the Orkney Islands. Meanwhile, DS Michael McNab and partner DS Janice Clark are called out to a horrific scene where a young woman has been set on fire.
Are the two cases connected?
The locations in THE KILLING TIDE - Orkney, Glasgow and London - are well-detailed and very interesting. I like the detailed map of Orkney. (I love a good ‘sense of place’.)
The characters are like old friends - Rhona, assistant Chrissy, Sean, McNab, Angus Pirie - all very professional, interesting, realistic and likable (even McNab!).
The plot is tense and moves rapidly.
I am a huge fan of Ms. Anderson’s work, beginning with the first Rhona MacLeod title, DRIFTNET.
Ms. Anderson is also a founding member of the annual ‘Bloody Scotland’ crime writing festival.
A great title in this great series *****
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