The Killing Tide cover art

The Killing Tide

A Dark and Gripping Crime Novel Set on Scotland's Orkney Islands

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The Killing Tide

By: Lin Anderson
Narrated by: Sally Armstrong
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About this listen

An abandoned ship sweeps ashore in the Orkney Isles – and a global conspiracy unfurls. The Killing Tide is the sixteenth book in Lin Anderson's forensic crime series featuring Rhona MacLeod.

'One of the most satisfying characters in modern crime fiction' – Daily Mail


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?

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 – one 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 . . .

'Enthralling' – The Guardian

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

'The best Scottish crime series since Rebus' – Daily Record


The Killing Tide is the sixteenth book in the Rhona MacLeod series by Lin Anderson. It is followed by The Wild Coast.

Readers love The Killing Tide:

'Gritty, menacing and unputdownable'
'Instantly I was glued to this mystery, couldn’t turn the pages fast enough'
'Roll on the next book in the series'

Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Martina Cole and Silent Witness.

Crime Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Scotland

Critic reviews

As always Lin Anderson provides a big fat colourful mystery (Mark Sanderson, The Times)
A cracking story told at breakneck speed
Forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod has become one of the most satisfying characters in modern crime fiction — honourable, inquisitive and yet plagued by doubts and, sometimes, fears
A cast of characters who feel like old friends (The Sunday Times on None But the Dead)
Lin Anderson is one of Scotland’s national treasures – don’t be fooled by comparisons, her writing is unique, bringing warmth and depth to even the seediest parts of Glasgow (Stuart MacBride, author of the Logan McRae series)
Vivid and atmospheric . . . enthralling
Greenock-born Anderson’s work is sharper than a pathologist’s scalpel. One of the best Scottish crime series since Rebus (Shari Low, Daily Record)
A real page-turner (Ian Rankin, author of the Inspector Rebus series, on The Party House)
All stars
Most relevant
I LOVE THE RHONA MC SERIES I HAVE PURCHASED EVERY ONE FROM AUDIBLE I LIVE NOW IN GREENOCK BUT HAVE LIVED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND WHILE I KNOW ARTISTIC LICENCE IS ALLOWED I WANT TO PULL YOU UP ON A POINT IN THIS BOOK SUNNY GOVAN IS NOT IN THE EAST END OF GLASGOW LOL LOL APART FROM THAT AND ME ACTUALLY BEING BROUGHT UP IN EAST KILBRIDE AND THE ONLY 2 SCHOOLS 1 CATHOLIC 1 NON DINOMINATION ( SPELLED WRONG) WAS IN THE AREA OF THE MURRAY ST LOUISE AND HEATHERY KNOWNE . I AM NOW ON THE LAST BOOK IN THE SERIES THANK YOU FOR GREAT STORIES AND A GREAT NARRATOR

MS LIN ANDERSON

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Lots to enjoy about this book. All our favourite characters are back, and some new ones join them.
The premise is original and interesting. The murders are quite gruesome but well handled and not dwelt on.

Another great outing for our favourite characters

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This author reeeally doesn't like English people - all lazy caricatures: evil, corrupt, incompetent etc

Anglophobia is distracting

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