Overview

Driftnet opens with the discovery of a young woman’s body washed ashore in Shetland. As forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod becomes involved, the investigation uncovers a case shaped by isolation, secrecy and long held tensions within the island community. What begins as a local tragedy quickly reveals wider consequences.

Writing & Voice

We found Anderson’s writing steady and assured. The prose is clear and purposeful, allowing the procedural detail to sit comfortably alongside atmosphere. The tone is calm rather than sensational, which suits both the setting and the seriousness of the crime.

Content & Perspective

The novel balances forensic investigation with the lived reality of a close knit island. We follow Rhona’s professional insight while also seeing how suspicion and grief ripple through families and neighbours. The setting is not decorative but shapes every decision and delay.

Themes

Driftnet explores isolation, belonging and the cost of silence. It looks at how communities protect themselves and what happens when protection turns into concealment. The book also returns to questions of responsibility, both personal and collective.

What Worked

• A strong sense of place rooted in Shetland life.
• Careful procedural detail without slowing the story.
• A grounded central character in Rhona MacLeod.

Minor Quibbles

• The pacing is deliberate rather than fast.
• Some secondary characters remain lightly sketched.

Final Thoughts

Calm, thoughtful, and grounded, Driftnet stood out to us for its strong island setting and its care for people and place as much as the crime itself.

Rating: ★★★★ / 5