The Wild Coast by Lin Anderson
A remote shoreline. A lethal killer. As lone visitors disappear from the rural northwest of Scotland, campsites are becoming crime scenes.
When forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod is brought in to analyse a shallow grave on Scotland’s west coast she is disturbed by a bundle of twigs crafted into a stickman and left in the victim’s mouth.
Then when a young woman is reported missing from a nearby campsite with another figurine left in her van, it seems that someone is targeting wild campers. An idyllic coastline known for providing peace and serenity, now the area is a hunting ground.
As her investigation proceeds, Rhona is forced to reconsider her closed bonds. Reports of sexual assault offences by serving police officers are circling in Glasgow, which may include her trusted colleague DS Michael McNab. Could it be true or is someone looking to put him out of action?
All the while a young woman’s life is on the line and the clock is ticking…
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, and in 2022 she was shortlisted for the Crime Writers Association Dagger in the Library Award. Lin is the co-founder of the international crime writing festival Bloody Scotland, which takes place annually in Stirling.
Review
‘The Wild Coast’ is the 17th book in this brilliant series which follows the work and life of forensic scientist Dr Rhona Macleod! I adore this series and love returning to it time and time again. I always feel as if I am learning something whilst enjoying a fabulously plotted whodunit. This might be a well-established series but ‘The Wild Coast’ can easily be read as a standalone, although I do recommend the whole series wholeheartedly.
Rhona is on Skye at her old family croft when she is called over to Arisaig on a case, as remains have been found in a shallow grave near the Sands of Machair. It's is an idyllic spot but when a young girl goes missing she is found sitting near the remains. The victim is a young woman in a wet suit and seems to have been there for some time. What is more concerning is that another young woman goes missing and there is signs of a struggle in her tent. Is someone using this idyllic location as their perfect killing fields?
Back in Glasgow there are rumours that a police officer has been carrying out sexual assaults on young women whilst on nights out in the city. Of course, McNab gets caught up in it as he was unofficially working the area and becomes involved with a student one evening. Has McNab finally crossed the line…
Do you know what I have never understood why these books have never been turned into a TV show as I think they would be brilliant! They are always so engaging and compelling, complexly plotted and has an amazing cast of characters! I love Rhona and of course Chrissy, her assistant in the field and lab. They are both strong female characters that help promote a life in STEM. This book was no exception to the above ravings of this book blogger! I loved the dramatically beautiful landscape being tainted by a horrific crime, the juxtapositioning was spot on. I flew through this book when I first received it and devoured it in one sitting.
A great addition to the series! Let me know if you pick it up.
