The Killing Tide by Lin Anderson
When three bodies are found on a wrecked ship in the Orkney Isles, forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod is brought in to investigate.
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 . . .
About the author.
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.
Review
’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!
