Driftnet [Paperback]

Lin Anderson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 16, 2003

A teenage boy is found mutilated and murdered in an apartment building. Forensic scientist Rhona Macleod is called to the scene, but her grim task is made even more unsettling by the boy’s remarkable resemblance to her—and the fact that she gave up a baby boy for adoption 17 years before. Racked with guilt, she sets out to find the boy’s killer and determine whether he is her long-lost son. In doing so, she immerses herself in the sinister world of an internet pedophile ring. Some very powerful men have a lot to lose if she succeeds, and everything to gain if she dies.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A cracking page-turner and impressive debut -- News of the World 20061126 [a] sexy new rival for old Rebus... -- The Scotsman 20051112 The gritty realism with which Anderson evokes her settings is one of the best things about this novel -- The Times 20061202 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, author of Cold Granite 20061202 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Lin Anderson began writing whilst working as a teacher, and now writes full time. Driftnet is her first novel. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Luath Press Ltd (August 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1842820346
• ISBN-13: 978-1842820346
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,992,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm the author of eight novels featuring forensic expert Dr Rhona MacLeod which have been translated into a number of languages. The series has been optioned for television and 'Final Cut' is currently being developed as a three parter. I am also a screenwriter. My first film 'Small Love' was shortlisted for a TAPS writer of the year award. My second film won a Scottish BAFTA for best fiction and also the Celtic Film Festival's Best Drama award.
'Dead Close' a short story contained in 2011 Best of British Crime Anthology is currently being made into a movie.
Other short stories have been published in anthologies such as the MacAllan 10 year collection and dramatised on BBC Radio 4.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I'd have liked three and half stars, June 22, 2011

By 

Bibi (London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Driftnet (Kindle Edition)

This was one of those books which I quite enjoyed whilst reading, but realised at the end it is somewhat lightweight. The writer missed so many chances to really build up the tension and the ending was particularly rushed.

It's a shame it is so poorly edited. I found the frequent grammatical errors, misuse of capitals and general typos distracting.

All that said, it's not a bad read for the money.

4.0 out of 5 stars A creditable first outing..., January 20, 2012

By 

FictionFan (Kirkintilloch, Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Driftnet (Kindle Edition)

This is the first outing for forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod and as a debut it shows a good deal of promise. The author writes with assurance and has created in Rhona a likeable and interesting lead character.

The plot is fairly standard crime/thriller fare - a paedophilia ring are grooming young boys over the internet and then blackmailing them into sex. When the abuse escalates to murder, Rhona and her colleagues are called on to investigate. Anderson writes well and keeps the pace swift making this an enjoyable page-turner. On the downside, there is heavy reliance on coincidence with the old device of the law enforcers becoming personally involved in the plot. The author also tries to create tension by skipping forward and then going back to explain, but she uses this device too often with the result that it becomes intrusive and an annoyance. I also felt that, though the story is based in Glasgow, there was no particular feel for the city - as compared, say, to Rankin's Edinburgh where the city plays a major role in the books; this book could as easily have been set in any city in the UK.

Despite these criticisms, this is a very readable and promising first novel and I will certainly go on to read the next in the series. Lin Anderson is considered to be one of the writers in the 'Tartan Noir' genre of crime fiction and, while on this showing she still has some way to go to rival the Rankins and McDermids of this world, I believe that with this book she has made a creditable entry into the field. Recommended.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No glitch service, October 20, 2011

By 

Book Lover (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Driftnet (Rhona MacLeod) (Paperback)

Obtained what I ordered, when it was promised, in the condition I expected. I would use this vendor without hesitation in the future.