chadjames312's review
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.
hectaizani's review against another edition
4.0
The third novel in the Rhona MacLeod, Forensic Scientist series. I thought this book was the most contrived of the three. The severed foot in Scotland with its mysterious link to the exact part of California that Rhona just serendipitiously is scheduled to visit for a conference. I liked the characters of Esther and Spike and thought they were very well drawn up. Overall the story was very good and held my attention it was just a little too tidy, with all the clues fitting too neatly into place.
[http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/4068593/]
[http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/4068593/]
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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