Description

Book Synopsis

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

The sins of the dead are all consuming . . .

While illegally street racing in the underground tunnels of Glasgow, four Harley-Davidson riders make a horrifying discovery: a dead man left in the darkness, hands together on his chest as if peacefully laid to rest. The cause of death is unclear, the only clues being a half glass of red wine and a partially eaten chunk of bread by his side that echo the ancient religious practice of sin-eating.

Called to the scene, forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod is perplexed by the lack of evidence. But when another body is found near her own flat, laid out in a similar manner, she fears a forensically aware killer stalks the city and is marking the victims with their unique signature. Even more worryingly, the killer appears to be using skills they may have learned while attending her forensic science lectures at Glasgow University.

There are signs that Rhona is being targeted, that the killer is playing with her and the police, drawing them into a deadly race against time, before the sin-eater’s next victim is chosen . . .

Sins of the Dead is the thrilling thirteenth book in Lin Anderson’s forensic crime series featuring Rhona MacLeod, followed by Time for the Dead.



Trade Review
The best Scottish crime series since Rebus * Daily Record *
Shades of The Wicker Man, with a touch of Agatha Christie. Superb * Daily Mail *
The bleak landscape is beautifully described, giving this popular series a new lease of life * Sunday Times *
Hugely imaginative and exciting -- James Grieve (Emeritus Professor of Forensic Pathology)
Brilliant book by a brilliant crime writer. True forensics at its very best -- Lorna Dawson, CBE (Principal Soil Scientist, James Hutton Institute & Professor, RGU)
This book will keep you guessing to the end * People's Friend *
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. Lin’s Rhona MacLeod is a complex and compelling heroine who just gets better with every outing -- Stuart MacBride
They don’t call Lin Anderson the Queen of Tartan Noir for nothing! [She] is an expert at atmospheric narrative and with one swoop of her pen her prose will chill you to the bone * chaptersinmylife *
Anderson is a master storyteller, filling her novels with engaging characters, clever, compelling, contemporary plotlines and a beautifully descriptive prose that belies the death and darkness of her powerful, pulsating crime mysteries * Blackpool Gazette *
Overall, this is a cracking five star read that is both dark and complex. Heartily recommended . Go on, treat yourself, you know you want to . . . * Love and Deadly *

Sins of the Dead

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    £9.49

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    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Mon 6 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Lin Anderson

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      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

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      Publisher: Pan Macmillan
      Publication Date: 21/03/2019
      ISBN13: 9781509866205, 978-1509866205
      ISBN10: 1509866205

      Description

      Book Synopsis

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

      The sins of the dead are all consuming . . .

      While illegally street racing in the underground tunnels of Glasgow, four Harley-Davidson riders make a horrifying discovery: a dead man left in the darkness, hands together on his chest as if peacefully laid to rest. The cause of death is unclear, the only clues being a half glass of red wine and a partially eaten chunk of bread by his side that echo the ancient religious practice of sin-eating.

      Called to the scene, forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod is perplexed by the lack of evidence. But when another body is found near her own flat, laid out in a similar manner, she fears a forensically aware killer stalks the city and is marking the victims with their unique signature. Even more worryingly, the killer appears to be using skills they may have learned while attending her forensic science lectures at Glasgow University.

      There are signs that Rhona is being targeted, that the killer is playing with her and the police, drawing them into a deadly race against time, before the sin-eater’s next victim is chosen . . .

      Sins of the Dead is the thrilling thirteenth book in Lin Anderson’s forensic crime series featuring Rhona MacLeod, followed by Time for the Dead.



      Trade Review
      The best Scottish crime series since Rebus * Daily Record *
      Shades of The Wicker Man, with a touch of Agatha Christie. Superb * Daily Mail *
      The bleak landscape is beautifully described, giving this popular series a new lease of life * Sunday Times *
      Hugely imaginative and exciting -- James Grieve (Emeritus Professor of Forensic Pathology)
      Brilliant book by a brilliant crime writer. True forensics at its very best -- Lorna Dawson, CBE (Principal Soil Scientist, James Hutton Institute & Professor, RGU)
      This book will keep you guessing to the end * People's Friend *
      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. Lin’s Rhona MacLeod is a complex and compelling heroine who just gets better with every outing -- Stuart MacBride
      They don’t call Lin Anderson the Queen of Tartan Noir for nothing! [She] is an expert at atmospheric narrative and with one swoop of her pen her prose will chill you to the bone * chaptersinmylife *
      Anderson is a master storyteller, filling her novels with engaging characters, clever, compelling, contemporary plotlines and a beautifully descriptive prose that belies the death and darkness of her powerful, pulsating crime mysteries * Blackpool Gazette *
      Overall, this is a cracking five star read that is both dark and complex. Heartily recommended . Go on, treat yourself, you know you want to . . . * Love and Deadly *

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