The High Island by Lin Anderson: Scottish Crime Novel
The High Island by Lin Anderson introduces DI Erling Flett in a Scottish crime novel set on the Isle of Hoy. A grisly discovery in the peat draws the detective back to Orkney, where a family feud and his own past complicate the investigation.
At a glance
- Introduces DI Erling Flett in a new series by Lin Anderson, author of the Rhona MacLeod series.
- The investigation begins when remains of a young mother and baby are found in peat on the Isle of Hoy.
- The plot combines a local family feud with the detective's return to Orkney and unsettled personal history.
- The listing positions it for readers of Scottish crime fiction and names Val McDermid and Elly Griffiths as comparisons.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- A defined island setting and a murder investigation give the story a clear Scottish crime focus.
- The new lead detective is connected to the author's existing Rhona MacLeod series.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Publisher | Macmillan |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 30 July 2026 |
| Edition | Main Market |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 432 pages |
| Reading age | 18 years and up |
| ISBN-10 | 1035087308 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1035087303 |
| Dimensions | 16.13 x 3.68 x 24 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 650 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of Scottish crime fiction and police procedural mysteries.
- Fans of Lin Anderson seeking a new detective and series setting.
- Readers drawn to island settings, family feuds and investigations shaped by a detective's past.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a light or non-crime read. The listing presents a grisly discovery and a lethal family feud.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
61% 61% - 4 stars
28% 28% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback describes the novel as engaging and hard to put down, with praise for its writing, storyline and content. One customer particularly appreciated its depiction of Orkney. The favourable overall rating is encouraging, but ratings alone do not show how every reader will respond. The island setting and investigation are central to the book's premise, making the reported appeal most relevant to readers seeking character-led Scottish crime fiction.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the writing style and storyline.
- Feedback describes the book as engaging and enjoyable.
- A customer notes that it captures Orkney.
Frequently asked questions
What is The High Island about?
It follows DI Erling Flett as he investigates the remains of a young mother and baby discovered in peat on the Isle of Hoy. The case leads into a family feud and his own history in Orkney.
Is this part of a series?
The listing describes it as the start of the DI Erling Flett series, linked as an offshoot to Lin Anderson's Rhona MacLeod series.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 432 pages.
Who may enjoy this novel?
It is presented for readers of Scottish crime fiction, particularly fans of Val McDermid and Elly Griffiths.
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