Lin Anderson is a Scottish author and screenwriter, who is best known for her creation of the Rhona MacLeod series of forensic scientist crime novels. Raised by Scottish and Irish parents, Anderson's writing is influenced by her deep connection to Scottish literature and the Tartan Noir genre. She was born in Greenock, and her father was a CID detective, which exposed her to the world of crime at a young age. Anderson has lived in various parts of Scotland and spent five years working in the African bush. She holds degrees in mathematics and education from Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities, respectively, and worked as a mathematics and computing teacher before becoming a full-time writer.
Anderson's writing career began four years ago, and she has since achieved significant success. Her first film, Small Love, was broadcast on STV and nominated for the TAPS writer of the year award in 2001. Her African short stories have been published in the 10th Anniversary Macallan collection and broadcast on BBC Radio Four. Anderson's best-selling crime thriller novels, the Rhona MacLeod series, has been translated into many languages and gained international recognition. The series follows the work of forensic scientist Dr. Rhona MacLeod and her investigations into grisly crimes. The series consists of 17 novels and one novella, including titles such as Driftnet, Torch, Deadly Code, Dark Flight, Easy Kill, Final Cut, The Reborn, Picture Her Dead, Paths of the Dead, The Special Dead, None but the Dead, Follow the Dead, Sins of the Dead, Time for the Dead, The Innocent Dead, The Killing Tide, and The Wild Coast.
Anderson is also the founding member of the crime writing festival of Scotland- Bloody Scotland'. The festival has encouraged many crime writers from all across Scotland to take part in it and display their views and ideas on how to use the Tartan Noir form at its best. Additionally, Anderson has written a stand-alone psychological thriller, The Party House, and a second mystery thriller series featuring private investigator Patrick de Courvoisier, set in glamorous Cannes. She has also recently co-written with Donald McKay the initial book in a BLAZE DOG DETECTIVE series for children, The Magic Flag Mystery, and The Dinosaur Mystery.