The Killing Tide: A Dark and Gripping Crime Novel Set on Scotland's Orkney Islands

Lin Anderson

Aug 2021 · Rhona Macleod Book 16 · Pan Macmillan

About this ebook

'A cracking story told at breakneck speed' – Scotland on Sunday

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 . . .

Ratings and reviews

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 16! 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.

wonderful book. It manage to take in different world. Killing tides is that thriller which truly manage to take your mind to different tides. All emotions connected together. Honesty & dishonesty both shown in perfect way.

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, which takes place annually in Stirling.