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Rhona MacLeod #10
The Special Dead
When Mark is invited back to Leila's flat and ordered to strip, he expects the experience of his life. Waking later to find Leila gone, he opens the wrong door and finds he's entered a nightmare; behind the swaying Barbie dolls that hang from the ceiling is the body of the girl he just had sex with. Rhona Macleod's investigation reveals the red silk cord used to hang Leila to be a cingulum, a Wiccan artifact used in sex magick. Sketches of sexual partners hidden in the dolls provide a link to nine men, but who are they? As the investigation continues, it looks likely that other witches will be targeted too. Also investigating is newly demoted DS Michael McNab, eager to stay sober and redeem himself with Rhona, but the case threatens his resolve. Soon McNab realizes Freya may hold the key to identifying the men linked to the dolls, but the Nine will do anything to keep their identities a secret.
436 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2015
73 people are currently reading
309 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 71 reviews
October 19, 2022
This extremely exciting book is the 10th volume of the ever getting better "Rhona MacLeod" thriller series by Lin Anderson.
Storytelling is excellent, all characters, including the demoted DS Michael McNab, are now very believable and lifelike, and the atmosphere, places and surroundings in Glasgow, and elsewhere, come like the other aspects very much alive within this superb thriller.
At the end of the book, you'll notice some very useful Notes and Acknowledgements, all explained in a clear fashion by the author.
This book contains various aspects of life, with naturally murders but also the use of Witchcraft, the Wiccan occult, and the paranormal, and all these factors are wonderfully intertwined throughout this great thriller.
It starts off with a certain Mark Howitt who's invited by Leila Hardy, the 1st Witch, to have sex with him at her flat, but while having sex Mark's brain is fuelled with alcohol and cocaine, so much so that while having intercourse he passes out, and during his unconsciousness Leila is getting murdered, which is later on followed in the story by Shannon, the 2nd Witch, in the bath at her home.
When Mark discovers Leila's body his life is in turmoil, never to be the same again, and from the witch Leila's part and her Wiccan occult, her Book of Shadows will play a significant part within this thriller, and so a lot to investigate for DI Bill Wilson, assisted by DS Michael McNab and DS Janice Clark, Professor of Psychology, Magnus Pirie, and last but not least forensic scientist, Dr Rhona MacLeod.
What is to follow is an astonishing and suspenseful book, where power of mighty people versus witches' Witchcraft will be the main ingredient, and that will continue in a most satisfactory fashion throughout this thriller, right until the murder attempt on the 3rd Witch, Freya Devine, where especially DS Michael McNab and also Leila's brother, Danny, will do anything just to save Freya from a burning library and making it possible to arrest the person possible for this murder attempt and solve this crime, but the other half of the crime investigation will go up in smoke and with that the names of the Nine, but the paranormal will take care of that later on to some persons, as for the rest of the Nine, who knows it will be used for later on.
Very much recommended, for this is a marvellous addition to this gripping series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Special Witchy Case"!
Storytelling is excellent, all characters, including the demoted DS Michael McNab, are now very believable and lifelike, and the atmosphere, places and surroundings in Glasgow, and elsewhere, come like the other aspects very much alive within this superb thriller.
At the end of the book, you'll notice some very useful Notes and Acknowledgements, all explained in a clear fashion by the author.
This book contains various aspects of life, with naturally murders but also the use of Witchcraft, the Wiccan occult, and the paranormal, and all these factors are wonderfully intertwined throughout this great thriller.
It starts off with a certain Mark Howitt who's invited by Leila Hardy, the 1st Witch, to have sex with him at her flat, but while having sex Mark's brain is fuelled with alcohol and cocaine, so much so that while having intercourse he passes out, and during his unconsciousness Leila is getting murdered, which is later on followed in the story by Shannon, the 2nd Witch, in the bath at her home.
When Mark discovers Leila's body his life is in turmoil, never to be the same again, and from the witch Leila's part and her Wiccan occult, her Book of Shadows will play a significant part within this thriller, and so a lot to investigate for DI Bill Wilson, assisted by DS Michael McNab and DS Janice Clark, Professor of Psychology, Magnus Pirie, and last but not least forensic scientist, Dr Rhona MacLeod.
What is to follow is an astonishing and suspenseful book, where power of mighty people versus witches' Witchcraft will be the main ingredient, and that will continue in a most satisfactory fashion throughout this thriller, right until the murder attempt on the 3rd Witch, Freya Devine, where especially DS Michael McNab and also Leila's brother, Danny, will do anything just to save Freya from a burning library and making it possible to arrest the person possible for this murder attempt and solve this crime, but the other half of the crime investigation will go up in smoke and with that the names of the Nine, but the paranormal will take care of that later on to some persons, as for the rest of the Nine, who knows it will be used for later on.
Very much recommended, for this is a marvellous addition to this gripping series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Special Witchy Case"!
August 28, 2020
I love Lin Anderson and the more I read of this series the more invested I become.
I love the banter and relations between McNab and Rhona and I love the intricacy of the cases in her books.
Having visited Scotland a lot I find it easy to invision in my mind whats going on and where they are.
This was such a good book and I was drawn in after the first chapter. I guessed who had done it before the which I never know is a good or a bad thing.
The only thing I wanted more of from this one was a more fast pased ending, a more secure answer to the case and a better ending.
I felt it got to a point and the ending was rushed so there was no concrere ending in my opinion which is why I only gave it a 4.
Would highly recommend this series though and cannot wait to read my next one.
I love the banter and relations between McNab and Rhona and I love the intricacy of the cases in her books.
Having visited Scotland a lot I find it easy to invision in my mind whats going on and where they are.
This was such a good book and I was drawn in after the first chapter. I guessed who had done it before the which I never know is a good or a bad thing.
The only thing I wanted more of from this one was a more fast pased ending, a more secure answer to the case and a better ending.
I felt it got to a point and the ending was rushed so there was no concrere ending in my opinion which is why I only gave it a 4.
Would highly recommend this series though and cannot wait to read my next one.
October 6, 2015
The Special Dead – Addictive as Crack
Lin Anderson has created a crime thriller series around forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod that is as addictive as crack. Unlike other Glasgow based crime novels; we are made to think a little, which is always a good thing. Anderson’s writing style and prose is stunning, she is descriptive without going in to too much detail and boring the reader, her writing is soothing while drawing you further in to the story. Lin Anderson is yet another example of the excellent Scottish writing of the moment and Val McDermid has a worthy challenger for her crown, as Queen of Scottish Crime Fiction.
The book is the Friday night rite of passage of the young, go to pub, boy meets girl, boy gets lucky, gets to fill his boots even if things are kinkier than he is used too. While the sex is great and he has no memory of much of the night, when he wakes the girl is no longer next to him. As he tries to sneak out he is opening doors to find the exit, when he discovers the object of his Friday night lust. Unfortunately she is dead, in a room full of dolls suspended from the ceiling and she owns a very scary black cat with green eyes.
What follows is a complex investigation that brings Rhona MacLeod back working with the newly demoted Detective Sergeant Michael McNab is an investigation in to the truth. Both would be entering a world they know nothing about as everything hinges around Wicca and their religion and practices. While at the same time people higher up the Police chain of command are worried that McNab may put his foot in things during the investigation.
We also see the complicated lives of both Rhona MacLeod and Michael McNab are intertwined however much they try to break their bonds and move on. Both are dependent on each other for the truth to be served and come out, especially as they are up against powers unknown. Both Rhona, as a scientist, and McNab as detective, are also sceptical of Wicca and Witches but need to overcome this to be able to solve the crimes.
The Special Dead has a wonderful pace throughout the book that you just do not want to break, as you read on you are drawn in further and want to know what is happening. This crime thriller was one of the most gripping that I have read in a while and cannot wait to read more of Lin Anderson’s work. This is one author who is going places, get aboard and enjoy the ride.
Lin Anderson has created a crime thriller series around forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod that is as addictive as crack. Unlike other Glasgow based crime novels; we are made to think a little, which is always a good thing. Anderson’s writing style and prose is stunning, she is descriptive without going in to too much detail and boring the reader, her writing is soothing while drawing you further in to the story. Lin Anderson is yet another example of the excellent Scottish writing of the moment and Val McDermid has a worthy challenger for her crown, as Queen of Scottish Crime Fiction.
The book is the Friday night rite of passage of the young, go to pub, boy meets girl, boy gets lucky, gets to fill his boots even if things are kinkier than he is used too. While the sex is great and he has no memory of much of the night, when he wakes the girl is no longer next to him. As he tries to sneak out he is opening doors to find the exit, when he discovers the object of his Friday night lust. Unfortunately she is dead, in a room full of dolls suspended from the ceiling and she owns a very scary black cat with green eyes.
What follows is a complex investigation that brings Rhona MacLeod back working with the newly demoted Detective Sergeant Michael McNab is an investigation in to the truth. Both would be entering a world they know nothing about as everything hinges around Wicca and their religion and practices. While at the same time people higher up the Police chain of command are worried that McNab may put his foot in things during the investigation.
We also see the complicated lives of both Rhona MacLeod and Michael McNab are intertwined however much they try to break their bonds and move on. Both are dependent on each other for the truth to be served and come out, especially as they are up against powers unknown. Both Rhona, as a scientist, and McNab as detective, are also sceptical of Wicca and Witches but need to overcome this to be able to solve the crimes.
The Special Dead has a wonderful pace throughout the book that you just do not want to break, as you read on you are drawn in further and want to know what is happening. This crime thriller was one of the most gripping that I have read in a while and cannot wait to read more of Lin Anderson’s work. This is one author who is going places, get aboard and enjoy the ride.
October 30, 2015
Lin Anderson is a gifted author whose writing continues to develop and grow with each novel she produces. She hails from Scotland and is a leading exponent of the "Tartan Noir" crime thirller genre, and was instrumental in establishing the Bloody Scotland Crime Writers' Festival. Her most recent novel, The Special Dead, tells a gripping story firmly set in Glasgow, Scotland. It is already the tenth book featuring Anderon's character, the forensic scientist, Rhona MacLeod.
I loved the setting of this book because, if you are familiar with Glasgow, you can imagine the physical progress of the characters around the city. The descriptions are vivid. The story is also quite distinctive in style. It begins when a young Scottish banker meets a beautiful red haired girl in bar, they go back to her flat where they have sex. Next morning, when he wakes up from his drunken stupor, he finds the girl dead. He was so drunk he cannot even be sure if he killed her or not.
An investigation follows that leads the recently demoted DS Michael McNab and Rhona MacLeod into the complicated mystery and the shady characters that emerge. They discover the woman is into WICCA (witchcraft). Before they work out if her death was suicide or murder, her friend, who is also involved in WICCA dies. Then the barman, who last saw the two women with the banker, is murdered and his eyes are scooped out. The investigators have to find out more about witchcraft. They need to find out what the significance is of the Fergus Collection in Glasgow University, which both witches had access to, and of the doll's in 3 rows of nine and the mysterious nine paying for magick sex. They have to work together to solve the case before somebody else becomes the next victim of a crazed killer.
I really enjoyed this book. It is exciting and intruiging. One of the best by Lin Anderson to date. If you enjoy a really good murder mystery, I highly recommend The Special Dead by Lin Anderson.
Valerie Penny
I loved the setting of this book because, if you are familiar with Glasgow, you can imagine the physical progress of the characters around the city. The descriptions are vivid. The story is also quite distinctive in style. It begins when a young Scottish banker meets a beautiful red haired girl in bar, they go back to her flat where they have sex. Next morning, when he wakes up from his drunken stupor, he finds the girl dead. He was so drunk he cannot even be sure if he killed her or not.
An investigation follows that leads the recently demoted DS Michael McNab and Rhona MacLeod into the complicated mystery and the shady characters that emerge. They discover the woman is into WICCA (witchcraft). Before they work out if her death was suicide or murder, her friend, who is also involved in WICCA dies. Then the barman, who last saw the two women with the banker, is murdered and his eyes are scooped out. The investigators have to find out more about witchcraft. They need to find out what the significance is of the Fergus Collection in Glasgow University, which both witches had access to, and of the doll's in 3 rows of nine and the mysterious nine paying for magick sex. They have to work together to solve the case before somebody else becomes the next victim of a crazed killer.
I really enjoyed this book. It is exciting and intruiging. One of the best by Lin Anderson to date. If you enjoy a really good murder mystery, I highly recommend The Special Dead by Lin Anderson.
Valerie Penny
May 2, 2025
They drink even more coffee than in Ann Cleeves, which I didn’t think was possible, but McNab mainlining two double espressos seems so extreme to me. But maybe I live a very sheltered life? I enjoyed this one, the theme of witchcraft was interesting, not necessarily twisty but it kept me going. Although, when elements of the supernatural creep in I wonder if it undermines the logical nature of a who done it.
November 3, 2015
I adore Lin Anderson's Rhona series. I always know that I am going to have a complex, engaging, suspenseful read with a myriad of twists. And so this panned out with the Special Dead. I found myself in Glasgow with Rhona and DS McNab at the gruesome hanging of Leila, a young witch. So an investigation on Wicca and its adherents locally begins.
The bodies pile up and it appears that there is a powerful group of men who have engaged in sexual magick with Leila who will do anything to prevent being discovered. There is a awkwardness between Rhona and the DS which mostly gets ironed out thankfully. This means they work remarkably well together to uncover the culprits. It is great to see their relationship and their characters both evolving and developing as the series continues.
The complex case nears the end with a fire in a part of Glasgow University's library that endangers lives. Some kind of justice does occur, although the nature of that justice is not necessarily via the judicial system. It was great to see DS McNab begin what appears to be a long term relationship he is happy in, long may this continue as he deserves it! Anyway, the Special Dead, a gripping, intelligent and compelling read. You are in the hands of a masterful writer.
The bodies pile up and it appears that there is a powerful group of men who have engaged in sexual magick with Leila who will do anything to prevent being discovered. There is a awkwardness between Rhona and the DS which mostly gets ironed out thankfully. This means they work remarkably well together to uncover the culprits. It is great to see their relationship and their characters both evolving and developing as the series continues.
The complex case nears the end with a fire in a part of Glasgow University's library that endangers lives. Some kind of justice does occur, although the nature of that justice is not necessarily via the judicial system. It was great to see DS McNab begin what appears to be a long term relationship he is happy in, long may this continue as he deserves it! Anyway, the Special Dead, a gripping, intelligent and compelling read. You are in the hands of a masterful writer.
May 6, 2017
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My Review:
Note: this book was sent to me as a review copy by the Author herself in exchange for an honest review.
I found out about The Special Dead via Twitter… that’s not a surprise haha. And since I love Murder Mysteries I was instantly intrigued when I read the synopsis of this book.
When I saw the book cover though I was really drawn to it and the physical copy looks super good the cover is super clear and so lovely to look at. And I can really say that this would be a book that would grab my attention if I see it in a bookstore.
The synopsis was quite straight forward it was clear and not vague at all. Since there are some books that give synopsis that you’ll get nothing out of it whatsoever and the synopsis on this book gives a good flow on what will go on the book and what you’ll look forward to.
The book was satisfying in a Moderate way, not that amazingly breathtaking and not that dull or boring. The story is still the same as any mainstream murder mystery. With finding the victim and trying to find the murderer up until the last chapter of the book. The beginning of the book was quite interesting for me since Leila (the victim) did some sort of weird ritual while having sex with a guy… which you’ll soon understand why she did that… she’s a witch. (not in a literal sense more like a hobby type of witch) but when I reached the middle part of the book I sorta lost my interest, not sure why though but it took me forever to get pass the middle chapters. The book though had some romantic aspects in it but it didn’t seem to work for the book’s plot and it didn’t work for me. The detective’s investigation on the case interests me but the reoccurring romantic or cheesy parts lost my interest. Which is weird cause I’m usually not picky on what happens on these types of books but for some reason it just didn’t feel right on this book. And I’m still quite confused though this is the first Rhona McLeod book that I’ve read but it seems like McNab was the main character and not McLeod. And book got me quite worked up actually. So I’m guessing that the characters in this book had a case on the last book (book before this one) and if you’re like me (reading this series for the first time) you won’t understand what was so serious about that case and why it keeps popping up in their conversations. It would’ve been much better if it was part of a series but you can still read it and feel like it was a standalone novel. Anyways I did enjoy the book besides the frustrating things that happened in the book it was still fun in a way and it was like watching Criminal Minds in book form.
✅Dialogues: The dialogues here were okay for me, but I’m not quite sure for readers who are starting to get into reading novels. Some words and terminologies on this book are quite deep and highfalutin. If you don’t have a dictionary you won’t get the conversation they’re having and this goes on until the end of the book. It would’ve gone smoothly if the author used much more reader friendly words.
✅Characters: I like McNab’s character. He drinks coffee… a lot. Much like me if I feel like in a caffeine mood. I like how persistent his character is in solving the case. And how charming he is at some point. But my issue with the characters is that McNab seems to overshadow McLeod’s character and that really annoys me characters specially the main ones should have a balance in those aspects. So maybe I would’ve like McLeod’s character if McNab didn’t like steal the spotlight in the Rhona McLeod novel.
✅Plot: the plot was great. A girl is found dead in her flat, detectives do their best to find the murderer, the body count of murdered people rises, and the killer may or may not have escaped the authorities *wink*
✅Flow of the story: Good. The transition from one character’s POV to another was smooth and besides the issue on romantic parts, everything was peachy.
✅Detailing: was exquisite, everything that was being spoke of like meals and such had specific descriptions so you can imagine it with ease.
The ending though was really… really… reeeeaaaallllyyy. Dissatisfying for me it was a cliffhanger and stuff. I just didn’t like it. But maybe you will. Remember we’re entitled to our own opinions and it really depends on the reader if you would like or not.
Quite good story. Something to pick up on a Murder Mystery reading mood.
My Review:
Note: this book was sent to me as a review copy by the Author herself in exchange for an honest review.
I found out about The Special Dead via Twitter… that’s not a surprise haha. And since I love Murder Mysteries I was instantly intrigued when I read the synopsis of this book.
When I saw the book cover though I was really drawn to it and the physical copy looks super good the cover is super clear and so lovely to look at. And I can really say that this would be a book that would grab my attention if I see it in a bookstore.
The synopsis was quite straight forward it was clear and not vague at all. Since there are some books that give synopsis that you’ll get nothing out of it whatsoever and the synopsis on this book gives a good flow on what will go on the book and what you’ll look forward to.
The book was satisfying in a Moderate way, not that amazingly breathtaking and not that dull or boring. The story is still the same as any mainstream murder mystery. With finding the victim and trying to find the murderer up until the last chapter of the book. The beginning of the book was quite interesting for me since Leila (the victim) did some sort of weird ritual while having sex with a guy… which you’ll soon understand why she did that… she’s a witch. (not in a literal sense more like a hobby type of witch) but when I reached the middle part of the book I sorta lost my interest, not sure why though but it took me forever to get pass the middle chapters. The book though had some romantic aspects in it but it didn’t seem to work for the book’s plot and it didn’t work for me. The detective’s investigation on the case interests me but the reoccurring romantic or cheesy parts lost my interest. Which is weird cause I’m usually not picky on what happens on these types of books but for some reason it just didn’t feel right on this book. And I’m still quite confused though this is the first Rhona McLeod book that I’ve read but it seems like McNab was the main character and not McLeod. And book got me quite worked up actually. So I’m guessing that the characters in this book had a case on the last book (book before this one) and if you’re like me (reading this series for the first time) you won’t understand what was so serious about that case and why it keeps popping up in their conversations. It would’ve been much better if it was part of a series but you can still read it and feel like it was a standalone novel. Anyways I did enjoy the book besides the frustrating things that happened in the book it was still fun in a way and it was like watching Criminal Minds in book form.
✅Dialogues: The dialogues here were okay for me, but I’m not quite sure for readers who are starting to get into reading novels. Some words and terminologies on this book are quite deep and highfalutin. If you don’t have a dictionary you won’t get the conversation they’re having and this goes on until the end of the book. It would’ve gone smoothly if the author used much more reader friendly words.
✅Characters: I like McNab’s character. He drinks coffee… a lot. Much like me if I feel like in a caffeine mood. I like how persistent his character is in solving the case. And how charming he is at some point. But my issue with the characters is that McNab seems to overshadow McLeod’s character and that really annoys me characters specially the main ones should have a balance in those aspects. So maybe I would’ve like McLeod’s character if McNab didn’t like steal the spotlight in the Rhona McLeod novel.
✅Plot: the plot was great. A girl is found dead in her flat, detectives do their best to find the murderer, the body count of murdered people rises, and the killer may or may not have escaped the authorities *wink*
✅Flow of the story: Good. The transition from one character’s POV to another was smooth and besides the issue on romantic parts, everything was peachy.
✅Detailing: was exquisite, everything that was being spoke of like meals and such had specific descriptions so you can imagine it with ease.
The ending though was really… really… reeeeaaaallllyyy. Dissatisfying for me it was a cliffhanger and stuff. I just didn’t like it. But maybe you will. Remember we’re entitled to our own opinions and it really depends on the reader if you would like or not.
Quite good story. Something to pick up on a Murder Mystery reading mood.
August 16, 2025
4 stars.
Continuing my investigative journey with Rhona MacLeod, working my way through a series that I'm so glad to have discovered earlier this year! The books are getting longer but I'm finding it is well balanced with an increase in the proportion of the story that is dedicated to the recurring characters rather than the present investigation, which I'm liking as I'm getting more invested in! Also each of the investigations have a different theme, some of which I like more than others. In a way, that's why to me this is a 4 star series as opposed to a 5, because I have 5 star series where I like most of the theme of the investigations themselves, whereas this series often has spirituality ones that I'm less invested in. This was one of the latter type, but I did still overall enjoy it all the same.
Continuing my investigative journey with Rhona MacLeod, working my way through a series that I'm so glad to have discovered earlier this year! The books are getting longer but I'm finding it is well balanced with an increase in the proportion of the story that is dedicated to the recurring characters rather than the present investigation, which I'm liking as I'm getting more invested in! Also each of the investigations have a different theme, some of which I like more than others. In a way, that's why to me this is a 4 star series as opposed to a 5, because I have 5 star series where I like most of the theme of the investigations themselves, whereas this series often has spirituality ones that I'm less invested in. This was one of the latter type, but I did still overall enjoy it all the same.
March 9, 2021
I am working my way through this series. I like her writing and can depend on an enjoyable read.
July 21, 2021
Definitely one of my favourite crime writers. None of the csi crap that you get on TV but a good solid crime case. I like how it's left messy just like life
June 8, 2022
Part of a series but I enjoyed it on its own
April 27, 2016
This review can also be found on www.crimepieces.com
A long overdue introduction to Lin Anderson and her well regarded forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod came in the tenth outing of the series, The Special Dead. It pairs Rhona with newly demoted DS Michael McNab to investigate the ancient practice of Wicca and those that adhere to its teachings. A sensitive subject matter where preconceptions abound and a world which is new to both Rhona and McNab.
When well-heeled Edinburgh banker Mark Howitt travels to Glasgow for a weekend on the town with his friend, Jeff, he seems to have struck lucky when the stunning Leila takes him home and orders him to strip. When he wakes the next morning and finds her gone from the bed he opts for a quick escape. Stumbling into the wrong room he is confronted by a sickening scene; behind rows of plastic dolls swaying as they hang from the ceiling he sees the stripped body of the girl he spent the night with. Lost in a cloud of alcohol and cocaine infused excess, his instincts tell him to run. Could he possibly have had a hand in her death or has he simply been fitted up as the fall guy whose DNA is all over the crime scene?
Rhona immediately suspects ritualistic overtones and involves the scholarly forensic psychologist Professor Magnus Pirie, a man who is the antithesis of McNab and whom the wider team are reluctant to accept. When Magnus identifies the red plaited silk cord which the victim was hung from as a cingulum, a Wiccan artefact used in sex magick, it seems that his knowledge could provide the much needed breakthrough. When further discoveries seem to support that theory the first task for the investigative team is to conquer their own scepticism.
In the eyes of the mass media and a large section of society, Wicca still conjures up images of black magic and devil worship and this includes DS McNab who find himself a little outside of his comfort zone. The author has clearly taken considerable time in researching her subject matter and tackles some of the most misunderstood beliefs and delivers a non-judgemental and unbiased portrayal of just what the practice entails. Whilst I would not normally have considered reading a novel surrounding Wicca, Anderson won me over with just how eloquently she pointed out that every perpetrator has what they regard as a rational reason for their actions and to make headway on any investigation efforts need to be made to try to comprehend a crime no matter how bizarre.
Anderson treats her readers with intelligence and raises some important questions about the future of policing most notably with McNab’s feeling of inadequacy when so much of the investigative process now is dominated by the importance of forensics and technology. He finds himself questioning his input and just what value his “instinct, intuition and years of experience can offer” in the course of a modern-day investigation. The role of forensic psychologists is also put into perspective and Anderson considers how suspicious the rank and file officers can be when a forensic psychologist is introduced, often interpreting it as a sign of lost confidence in their abilities.
Anderson’s forensic insight brings an undoubted gravitas to her writing and she offers readers something different, combining the rigours of forensic knowledge with the characters who drive an investigation forward. The undoubted strength in her work is in making forensics both accessible to her audience and recognising that forensics insights alone only afford a partial glimpse into any story. Admittedly I did feel the ending was a little overplayed and questioned McNab’s close contact with witness Freya, but there was more than enough to draw me back to the work of Lin Anderson. The author does a brilliant job of bringing Glasgow alive, and portrays a city whose inhabitants are proud of their reputation as the second city of Scotland known for its characters and individuality against a view of Edinburgh as perhaps a little more stand-offish and overly gentrified.
Combining the forensic rigour with distinctive regional flavour and a team of realistically flawed characters there is more than enough to guarantee that I will return to Rhona MacLeod.
A long overdue introduction to Lin Anderson and her well regarded forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod came in the tenth outing of the series, The Special Dead. It pairs Rhona with newly demoted DS Michael McNab to investigate the ancient practice of Wicca and those that adhere to its teachings. A sensitive subject matter where preconceptions abound and a world which is new to both Rhona and McNab.
When well-heeled Edinburgh banker Mark Howitt travels to Glasgow for a weekend on the town with his friend, Jeff, he seems to have struck lucky when the stunning Leila takes him home and orders him to strip. When he wakes the next morning and finds her gone from the bed he opts for a quick escape. Stumbling into the wrong room he is confronted by a sickening scene; behind rows of plastic dolls swaying as they hang from the ceiling he sees the stripped body of the girl he spent the night with. Lost in a cloud of alcohol and cocaine infused excess, his instincts tell him to run. Could he possibly have had a hand in her death or has he simply been fitted up as the fall guy whose DNA is all over the crime scene?
Rhona immediately suspects ritualistic overtones and involves the scholarly forensic psychologist Professor Magnus Pirie, a man who is the antithesis of McNab and whom the wider team are reluctant to accept. When Magnus identifies the red plaited silk cord which the victim was hung from as a cingulum, a Wiccan artefact used in sex magick, it seems that his knowledge could provide the much needed breakthrough. When further discoveries seem to support that theory the first task for the investigative team is to conquer their own scepticism.
In the eyes of the mass media and a large section of society, Wicca still conjures up images of black magic and devil worship and this includes DS McNab who find himself a little outside of his comfort zone. The author has clearly taken considerable time in researching her subject matter and tackles some of the most misunderstood beliefs and delivers a non-judgemental and unbiased portrayal of just what the practice entails. Whilst I would not normally have considered reading a novel surrounding Wicca, Anderson won me over with just how eloquently she pointed out that every perpetrator has what they regard as a rational reason for their actions and to make headway on any investigation efforts need to be made to try to comprehend a crime no matter how bizarre.
Anderson treats her readers with intelligence and raises some important questions about the future of policing most notably with McNab’s feeling of inadequacy when so much of the investigative process now is dominated by the importance of forensics and technology. He finds himself questioning his input and just what value his “instinct, intuition and years of experience can offer” in the course of a modern-day investigation. The role of forensic psychologists is also put into perspective and Anderson considers how suspicious the rank and file officers can be when a forensic psychologist is introduced, often interpreting it as a sign of lost confidence in their abilities.
Anderson’s forensic insight brings an undoubted gravitas to her writing and she offers readers something different, combining the rigours of forensic knowledge with the characters who drive an investigation forward. The undoubted strength in her work is in making forensics both accessible to her audience and recognising that forensics insights alone only afford a partial glimpse into any story. Admittedly I did feel the ending was a little overplayed and questioned McNab’s close contact with witness Freya, but there was more than enough to draw me back to the work of Lin Anderson. The author does a brilliant job of bringing Glasgow alive, and portrays a city whose inhabitants are proud of their reputation as the second city of Scotland known for its characters and individuality against a view of Edinburgh as perhaps a little more stand-offish and overly gentrified.
Combining the forensic rigour with distinctive regional flavour and a team of realistically flawed characters there is more than enough to guarantee that I will return to Rhona MacLeod.
June 14, 2016
I think this is possibly my favourite Rhona MacLeod story so far. It comes after the Stonewarrior case and we find DS Mcnab recently demoted and with a distinct coolness between him and Rhona. This case opens with the death of a beautiful young woman who is found hanging in a room along with a number of dolls. The previous night she had taken a young Edinburgh banker back to her flat for sex. He wakes in the morning with only the vaguest of recollections of what happened. On discovering her body he is terrified and makes a hasty exit. The investigation which follows leads Rhona and the now sober Mcnab into a complex murder mystery and soon there is another murder connected to the case. As the young woman had been a follower of Wicca they find themselves drawn into a mysterious situation. To complicate matters further it appears that a senior Police Officer is somehow involved. However with their usual persistence they uncover a secret involving a group of highly influential men who are involved in ‘sex magick’ The final chapters cleverly tie up all the various strands in a tense and dramatic ending. I thoroughly enjoyed the contrast between the modern forensic science and the art of Wicca – and if you think it doesn’t work... The characters grow and develop with each book and the marvellous setting of Glasgow gives it an added gritty realism. Gripping from the start I would highly recommend this book.
January 6, 2019
This is the first novel of Lin Anderson's that I've read. It came to my attention via enthusiastic reviews on Twitter from authors I follow. What I hadn't realized was that it was the 10th book in a series. Not a series in the sense of one continuous storyline (e.g. Game of Thrones) but a series based around the main character, in this case, forensics specialist Rhona MacLeod. While I guess each MacLeod novel is more or less a standalone, this one constantly referenced a past case -- probably the events of book 9 in the series? It was a bit frustrating on that front and I often wondered if I should maybe stop reading this one and read the 9th book instead. I even debated maybe starting from the very beginning with book 1, but couldn't find it as an epub from the Kobo store, so that wasn't an option.
Anyway, I did enjoy the story, and will likely read more in the series.
Anyway, I did enjoy the story, and will likely read more in the series.
August 3, 2019
This started off strongly and I enjoyed the chapters from Mark's perspective. The wicca elements took up more and more space as the plot developed, which was unfortunate from my perspective, as I didn't feel the sympathy for them the author presumably intended. The whole 'sexual magick' thing was ridiculous (and is it really even wiccan?) and the plot got more and more bogged down as people kept secrets and then revealed them to some people but not others. The ending was an anticlimax in that the 'nine' either didn't really exist as the police had been led to believe or got away with it. I didn't like Freya - McNab can do better.
February 4, 2024
I've read a few from this series now and while I don't really like them all that much, they are quick, easy reads. They are, however, pretty predictable and the plots rely on characters not telling each other things for no reason. The main character Rhona often withholds information from the police investigation, which is infuriating and would surely lose her her job fairly quickly. Another thing I have noticed in each book are a few mistakes/typos and inaccuracies, which I don't think there is any excuse for with larger publishing companies, and this does tend to put me off a bit. In this book, the fallacy that "most witches were burned" is thrown about again (only a small percentage of people murdered during the witch trials are thought to have been burned alive in Scotland, the majority were strangled). Also, the vast vast majority of "witches" murdered were completely innocent of any type of witchcraft or Wicca, which isn't addressed at all in this book and felt like a poor oversight. Instead the women (actual practicing Wiccans) in this book are compared to those in the past who were killed for their beliefs, which isn't accurate at all and I think diminishes the actual true history of the witch hunts and trials in Scotland.
December 4, 2021
This is the 10th book in the series featuring forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod.
The story begins when 2 men go out for a drink, they try and pick up a couple of girls, then one of the men gets invited back to the girl’s place for sex. The next morning he finds her dead in a room with 9 hanging Barbie dolls. Not being able to remember what happened the night before, he decides to do the dishonourable thing and runs away. This story follows the twists and turns as he tries to hide from the situation he found himself in as Rhona and her colleagues try to unravel the events and the person responsible tries to evade capture.
This was a good pacy read, and made me feel inclined to read the previous books in the series.
The story begins when 2 men go out for a drink, they try and pick up a couple of girls, then one of the men gets invited back to the girl’s place for sex. The next morning he finds her dead in a room with 9 hanging Barbie dolls. Not being able to remember what happened the night before, he decides to do the dishonourable thing and runs away. This story follows the twists and turns as he tries to hide from the situation he found himself in as Rhona and her colleagues try to unravel the events and the person responsible tries to evade capture.
This was a good pacy read, and made me feel inclined to read the previous books in the series.
September 12, 2024
Another outstanding Rhona MacLeod series novel. Great from start to finish. Lin Anderson has the knack of holding your attention on subjects that you may not have hitherto had an interest in. This time it’s witchcraft and the occult, which I have had a certain antipathy towards but the author had me hooked from the first page. Anderson clearly researches her subjects well and this shows in her writing. The usual cast of characters are all there in this book too, which adds to the interest. These are people you care about and want to know what happens to next. I’m already looking forward to ordering the next book in the series from my local library.
June 10, 2017
Entertaining but slightly strained plot.
That said, the fact that this is the ninth and last of the Rhona McLeod novels I've binge-read since March, having so enjoyed re-reading book #9 that I bought #11, says much about Lin Anderson's ability to involve the reader in the development of Rhona's relationships with Sean and McNab. The writing has gone from strength to strength and the forensic detail is ever-fascinating without ever sounding forced.
That said, the fact that this is the ninth and last of the Rhona McLeod novels I've binge-read since March, having so enjoyed re-reading book #9 that I bought #11, says much about Lin Anderson's ability to involve the reader in the development of Rhona's relationships with Sean and McNab. The writing has gone from strength to strength and the forensic detail is ever-fascinating without ever sounding forced.
December 2, 2018
This is the second book of Anderson's I have read, and in a short time frame. Not the usual genre I follow, but her books do hold my attention. This book is no exception. If you enjoy murder mystery and the occult this is a book to read. I like the way it draws the reader in so you need to know what happens next. There is a connection with each of the characters so the energy heightens as you get to the end. In this book Nemis is unleashed...or is it just coincidence?
May 26, 2021
I love Lin Anderson books, the detail in which she writes about forensic practice and victims is spellbinding. Where she gets the ideas from amazes me and this book is no exception. An innocent drink with a friend turns into a nightmare scenario.
Thankfully Rhône’s personal life is starting to settle down but I wonder how long it will last? Personally I would dump the Irishman and go for the Orcadian.
Thankfully Rhône’s personal life is starting to settle down but I wonder how long it will last? Personally I would dump the Irishman and go for the Orcadian.
February 16, 2023
This was a very interesting book for me as it involved Wiccan/witchcraft.
A young man is on a night out in Glasgow and cheats on his girlfriend [no surprise there], but he cheats with a practicing Wicca witch who has been providing sex magikc to men in power.
This does not bode well for either of them.
Leila's Book of Shadows does exact some revenge but more is required and McNab and Wilson want to pursue the investigation to a proper conclusion.
A young man is on a night out in Glasgow and cheats on his girlfriend [no surprise there], but he cheats with a practicing Wicca witch who has been providing sex magikc to men in power.
This does not bode well for either of them.
Leila's Book of Shadows does exact some revenge but more is required and McNab and Wilson want to pursue the investigation to a proper conclusion.
January 21, 2018
This was my second Rhona MacLeod novel and although am not reading in order that did not put me off or make it hard to follow. The crimes are always a bit 'diffrent' which I like and this one involved Wicca and the Occult, lots of dark Satanic Black Magic. It flowed easy and as always a few twists. Another recommended read.
May 5, 2020
It's an interesting story, with believable characters and an intriguing insight into Wiccan beliefs. I get the feeling that Freya will continue to put an appearance in the subsequent novels in the series. The main characters, DS McNab and his colleague Rhona MacLeod, the forensic investigator, work well together and undoubtedly have a complex enough relationship to keep things interesting.
June 13, 2022
My first Lin Anderson book - maybe would have enjoyed it more if I had read the series ( not sure how it arrived on my shelf ) .
I liked the characters and the gritty nature of the story was right up my street . Not sure I warmed to the characters ( maybe as unaware of back story / relations in previous books)
Overall well written but ending seemed a bit rushed
I liked the characters and the gritty nature of the story was right up my street . Not sure I warmed to the characters ( maybe as unaware of back story / relations in previous books)
Overall well written but ending seemed a bit rushed
April 16, 2023
This Rhona MacLeod book features witches and the occult, and at first glance didn't look like it would be of interest to me. But after the first couple of chapters, I was hooked.
McNab has stopped drinking, and has cleaned up his act generally. And it looks like he might have a new lady friend...
I suspect that this series will be one that I read aloud to Maggee and Lutrecia.
McNab has stopped drinking, and has cleaned up his act generally. And it looks like he might have a new lady friend...
I suspect that this series will be one that I read aloud to Maggee and Lutrecia.
July 6, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable crime thriller with the unusual plot involving the Wiccan religion. I’m certainly looking forward to reading more in this series set in Scotland. Interesting and flawed main characters and an intriguing premise which gave an insight into Wicca.
January 6, 2023
I enjoy this series but haven’t read them in order. This book was a bit slow in parts in my opinion but by the middle, I couldn’t put it down. I was a bit disappointed with the ending; it just seemed so sudden and without any real resolution.
December 14, 2023
This time Rhona McNab and the crew will deal with the Wican...will McNab find love, will Rhona go back to Sean (please no) .... plus a death of two witches will lead to a group who were using them for their own purposes. This one is very interesting and very different. Loved it.
July 24, 2017
Pretty predictable. Definitely not convinced this series is worth pursuing.
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