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jlburns's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
kcfromaustcrime's review
2.0
DEADLY CODE is the 3rd book in the Dr Rhona Macleod series, a series, which up until now I've really enjoyed, but for some reason this one didn't work. Mind you, terrific sense of place, very atmospheric what with Macleod off in the remote Scottish Isles battling the evil menace of a cult of Scottish extremists. Or I think that's what they were. The big problem was that the plot was a bit too silly at points. Not that the idea of extremists of any kind is a bad concept, but not where there needs to be so much coincidence and frankly, a whole heap of heavy lifting to get Macleod into the action, get her to the various locations, and keep her involved. And the resolution is one of those extreme leaps of science that, sure, could happen. But hasn't as yet. And I kind of like my crime fiction to stay away from the realms of speculative / science fiction. Having said that, my main problem with this book was the enormous leaps of coincidence and a certain feeling of convenience about the whole thing that meant it didn't work. Onwards to the next in the series for this reader. (I understand there's 6 of them now).
xvicesx's review
3.0
I suppose it was an end that I should have seen coming. A little bit too much of coincidences for me but then again, I see about as many in real life so who am I to judge? It's alright for an afternoon filler. I've just taken a ridiculous time reading this because it was one of the poor books which had the misfortune of being in my bag for times when I waited between lectures.
chadjames312's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
anetq's review against another edition
4.0
Larger themes are at play in this, such as genetic manipulation, extreme and global politics - and it spices up this crime novel, making it a bit more than the usual "evil killer on the loose". In that sense it reminds me a bit of [a:Sjöwall & Wahlöö|14555794|Sjöwall & Wahlöö|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] - also there a bit more Scotland and island mentality in the story - as Rhona goes off to Skye... Also she comes off a bit more likable then in the first books in the series.
iainkelly_writing's review against another edition
2.0
3rd in the Rhona MacLeod series, and the weakest entry so far. The writing is up to the usual high standard, and the cast of regular characters remain strong. But the plot was too far-fetched for me, bordering on science fiction with human cloning and gene editing mixed in with racist American-Scots and drug runners on the Isle of Skye! And there were too many coincidences holding the plot together, with people conveniently interconnecting with each other and people just happening to turn up in the same places at the same time - Scotland is a small country, but it's not that small! Still, the series and characters still have enough going for them that future books will be worth reading.
caitlind14's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sheilakay's review against another edition
3.0
New ( to me) mystery series featuring forensic scientist Rhonda MacLeod. Loved the mood of gloomy Scotland portrayed here, as well as the author’s slightly humorous depiction of Southern California. ( So interesting to see how people from other countries view Americans! … love of guns and perfect white teeth and extremist views to boot.) I plan to read another in the series, as this one was promising, with its twists and great sense of place.
audreyintheheadphones's review against another edition
3.0
Writing a mystery series strongly based in one particular place, where the place itself is a character, is an art. Doubly so when you take the detective out of that place and do a book set somewhere else.
While the Rhoda MacLeod books are usually set in a very vibrant and convincing Glasgow, in this one the Hebrides are every bit a living, breathing character in their own right, and their loneliness helps ramp up the tension in the book.
The Los Angeles bits didn't work nearly so well. :)
While the Rhoda MacLeod books are usually set in a very vibrant and convincing Glasgow, in this one the Hebrides are every bit a living, breathing character in their own right, and their loneliness helps ramp up the tension in the book.
The Los Angeles bits didn't work nearly so well. :)
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