Set in the wild landscape of Orkney, forensic scientist Rhona McLeod uncovers a tomb that contains a skeleton that is not an old as the surroundings are trying to convey.
When a second tomb is discovered, questions are asked as to how many more will be uncovered.
I really enjoyed this book. It had enough scientific detail such as the sand analysis to satisfy my science background. Coupled with the wonderful descriptions of Orkney's history and landscape. This was an new author to me , whom I will definitely read more from.

Forensic scientist Dr Rhona Macleod is just about to leave the island of Orkney when a pod of pilot whales becomes stranded on the sands at Skaill Bay on the west shore and she joins the volunteers who are trying to save them. Sadly there are only two survivors and as the other bodies are taken away, a decision is made to bury a newly born calf on the beach. The digger hits stone and soon a Viking burial cist is unearthed but the body found inside definitely died a lot more recently. DI Erling Flett and DS Jo Green from Kirkwall station start to investigate but soon rumours of an identity for the young man start to circulate. Fleet fears it could be a boy he was in sixth form with on the island and decides he has no choice but to hand over to DS Michael McNab from Glasgow. Soon a lot of old faces, including archaeologist Prof Colin Nelson, criminal psychologist Prof Magnus Pirie and Rhona are back working together on Orkney looking into a suspicious death, whilst Rhona’s assistant Chrissy McInsh makes a startling discovery back at their Glasgow lab, DS Janice Clark tries to find a missing boy’s family and investigative journalist Ava Clouston is back on the island where she grew up making connections via her true crime podcast. Then another body is found on the other side of the island, again with Viking overtones, and it looks like the killer is much closer than they realise. Can the combined efforts of all these great minds reach the truth?
Although the latest in an excellent series, it is perfectly easy to enjoy this book as a stand-alone. It’s very well written with storylines to pull the reader in and keep them glued to the pages from start to finish. The main characters are all very likable and also highly skilled in their jobs, and together they form a great team in this totally engrossing crime mystery story. One of my favourite series where I always learn something new and interesting too.

Having loved Lin’s previous book, The Whispers of the Dead, I am super excited to be reviewing the next Rhona MacLeod novel.

This time round, we find ourselves on the island of Orkney, a small community where it feels like everyone knows everyone and everything about each other too. So when one morning a set of beached whales need rescuing and the dig of the rescue operation unearths a human skeleton entombed in a stone crypt, once they realise the remains are not Viking, the local police team have a murder investigation on their hands. Is the victim (or the murderer!) from their own community and how could this have happened without someone realising that someone’s gone missing?

Forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod joins the investigation and working alongside the police, the body is soon identified and it isn’t long before the forensic work suggests the location of a second burial site.

This book has all your favourite characters from previous Rhona MacLeod books but it can 100% be read as a standalone book. It reads so well, with nice length chapters and I loved seeing all the aspects of the police work come together in trying to identify the killer.

I also really enjoyed the descriptions of the island and you will get such a good feeling for what life is like in more isolated communities like Orkney as you turn the pages. With talk of rich Viking heritage and beautiful, rugged landscape, I have to say the book has actually made me want to go and visit one day.

The Dead and the Dying begins with a very sad account of a pod of whales beaching in a bay in Orkney. Forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod is there on a visit, and so she finds herself at the heart of the action when later a human skeleton is unearthed in the same place. The deceased person appears to have been interred there much more recently than the Viking burials more commonly found in the area.

The Dead and the Dying takes place between the very different locations of Orkney and the West End of Glasgow, as Rhona works with various colleagues across both locations. When it becomes apparent that the victim may have been an old schoolmate of DI Flett in Orkney, DS McNab from Glasgow is brought in to lead the investigation, and struggles to adapt to the change in culture from the city. There is a large cast of people carrying out various tasks as the case edges towards resolution, and Lin Anderson must have an admirable system in place for remembering which of them has which pieces of the jigsaw at any given time.

Rhona MacLeod and her assistant, Chrissie, as well as the other scientists in the series, provide very safe hands for a murder investigation, and it's fascinating to read about the different techniques they use and the minuscule details which can open up an investigation. This is a credible, well-plotted, atmospheric addition to the series, as well as a chance to catch up with the lives of its cast.

A really good read. Dr Rhona MacLeod is visiting Orkney, when a pod of whales beaches. Unfortunately, despite many willing helper only two whales are refloated, of those left one is just a newborn calf and it is decided to bury the calf on the shore. Whilst digging a small grave for it the digger hits stone, it appears they have discovered a Viking kist tomb. The resident archeologist from UHI is grateful to be offered help from Rhona. However, there is a faint smell coming from the kist which alerts them to the fact the burial might not be that old.
An intriguing story set between Orkney and Glasgow with the realisation that there could be more burials and perhaps even one due now.
Although part of a series this reads perfectly as a stand alone, I have only read a couple of the Rhona MacLeod books. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

This is such a great series featuring Rhona and her entourage. Set again on the Orkney isles (second book this month set there which I've read), Rhona ends up involved in a case even though she is meant to be on holiday. Great descriptive writing about the places and the scenery there with plenty going on to keep the reader guessing. Having visited Orkney, I was there with each character along the streets, out at Skara Brae, on the ferry but fortunately not on a helicopter !! Looking forward to book 20 !!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review.

Once again I find myself gripped from the start by this newest addition to the Rhona Macleod series. Not only did I learn something new from reading this book, but add in the author's wonderful description of scenery and the feeling it invokes and this current crime has me wanting to read to the conclusion at one sitting.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher, Macmillan for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

@netgalley @macmillan

Another episode in the life of Rhona McLeod. I have read the whole series and know the characters. This story is set in Orkney and touches on the lives of some of the people investigating the crimes. I enjoyed the story but I am not sure where else the series can go without something major happening to the main characters.

Another great case for Rhona Macleod. Love this series and to see what they get up to next. Plenty of twists and turns and suspense to keep me hooked. Well rounded characters. Great writing style. Love the descriptions of places in Orkney.. Eagerly awaiting the next adventure.

Another great read from the author and a great addition to the Rhona Mac Leod series. Set mostly in Orkney, Rhona becomes involved when a body is discovered on sand dunes and her forensic skills are called to the investigation. The characters are interesting, as we catch up with Chrissie, Mc Nab and Magnus, although I do have a soft spot for Erling, my favourite. There is a good pace to the story and the descriptions of the landscape really had me feeling that I was right there with the characters. I really enjoyed this read and I would highly recommend the series to lovers of crime thrillers. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Intriguing and engrossing murder mystery set in Orkney featuring Rhona McLeod ,forensic scientist and her team from Glasgow.A great read.

It's always a cause for celebration when a new Rhona MacLeod book is announced and this is no exception. It opens with Rhona on Orkney visiting friends when a pod of pilot whales beaches. Rhona helps to float those that can be helped then whilst helping bury a dead calf whale she happens upon a cist that contains a modern skeleton rather than an ancient one. And we're off with another tale of who, when and why? The story is very intense and definitely has a lot of twists and surprises. Although most of the action takes place on mainland Orkney all the expected favourite characters are present, DS McNab, Erling, Magnus and Chrissie of course. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and just can't wait for the next. I learnt a bit about viking burials as well, a bonus I wasn't expecting. Recommended+++
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

A great new novel to the already fantastic series. I really love these books and wish there was a TV series as the characters, setting and plot is always strong and robust. Love the scene setting in this book. Crime involves a look at the history and heritage of the islands and there's lots of whales in the novel too which was a nice touch.

Recommended!

As a long-time follower of Lin Anderson’s Rhona MacLeod series, I came to The Dead and the Dying with high hopes that it would stand shoulder to shoulder with its predecessors. Having read every book in the series, I was eager to immerse myself once again in Rhona’s world.

There is so much to enjoy here. The storyline is engaging, and the evocative descriptions of Orkney are truly beautiful – Lin has a remarkable gift for transporting the reader to the heart of her settings. It was also a pleasure to reconnect with the familiar characters who have become like old friends over the course of the series.

As always, Lin captures events in a way that draws you in completely, making you feel a part of the plot. That ability to weave intrigue and atmosphere is one of her greatest strengths, and it shines through here too.

However, I have to admit that I found the ending somewhat disappointing. After such a strong build-up, I had hoped for a resolution that felt more satisfying and in keeping with the tension and complexity of the narrative.

That said, The Dead and the Dying is still a worthy addition to the series and one that fans will want to read for the setting, the characters, and the sense of being part of Rhona’s ongoing journey.

Excellent as could be expected. There is little doubt that Lin Anderson is one of the best writers in her field. Having read her books, it makes me want to visit those northernlynislqnds.

As a biology teacher with a long-standing love of forensic thrillers, The Dead and the Dying really hit the mark for me. This latest instalment in Lin Anderson’s Rhona MacLeod series is sharp, engaging, and clearly well-researched—especially when it comes to the forensic science, which I always appreciate.

Set in the hauntingly beautiful Orkney islands, the remote setting adds a fresh and atmospheric dimension to the plot. Rhona is, as ever, a strong and compelling lead—professional but human, and deeply committed to her work. The interplay between the setting, science, and the slow unravelling of the mystery kept me turning the pages.

A solid four stars—recommended for fans of forensic crime fiction who enjoy a clever, character-led investigation with a strong sense of place. I’ll definitely be keeping up with Rhona’s next case.

Enjoyed the whole idea of viking burial sites and the Orkney backdrop sounded magnificent, but I thought it was very repetitive going over and over the evidence. Thank you netgalley for the advance copy

The Dead and the Dying is the latest novel in the ever popular Scottish crime series, starring the fictional forensic scientist, Dr. Rhona MacLeod by Lin Anderson. And having read all of the series, I can safely say that The Dead and the Dying is my favourite book.
Our story begins when Rhona is volunteering to assist with rescue efforts after a recent storm and discovers a stone crypt. Despite initial suggestions that the grave is ancient in origin, she soon realises the grave is far more recent and a new and deadly case is opened. As always this is a fast-paced story, with several interconnecting storylines for our characters that are neatly interweaved together to create a tight, intriguing novel.
Now, you can read this book as a standalone but you will miss out on some of the fun and history between the characters so I’d suggest diving in at the start with ‘Driftnet’.

Another fantastic book by Lin Anderson, Rhona returns to the northern isles of Orkney in this chilling tale of Viking burials and modern day murder. Reading this makes me feel like I’m there on the islands with some great descriptions of the scenery and ever present weather. Loved this next instalment in Rhona’s journey and can’t wait for another.

The Dead and the Dying is the first book I’ve read by Lin Anderson. It’s actually part of the Rhona MacLeod series of books, but I managed to dip in and catch up.

I found the backdrop of Orkney and archaeological aspects of the book fascinating, as I also found the aspects of AI interesting.

The story moves along at a good pace between Orkney and Glasgow as the case is investigated. I particular found the fact that there were connections to past of the police and investigators also interesting.

It was good to discover an author who is new to me and I will certainly read more Rhona MacLeod books and will start at the beginning.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Pan Macmillan, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.