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Avril Dahl #2

Cold Legacy

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A Killer Lurks in Stockholm’s Shadows—And So Does an FBI Agent with Nothing Left to Lose

FBI Agent Avril Dahl thought she could leave her past behind. But when a prominent CEO is murdered in Stockholm, her fragile peace is shattered. Known for her relentless pursuit of justice, Avril is recruited to infiltrate an eco-activist group suspected of turning to violence—and agrees, hoping to find a new purpose in the shadows.

Drawn into the group’s world of radical activism, Avril is torn between her duty and a dark fascination with their cause. The line between ally and enemy blurs, and as the body count rises, so do the stakes. With loyalties shifting around her, Avril realizes that uncovering the truth might not just end her career—it could destroy everything she’s come to care about.

In Cold Legacy, readers journey into Scandinavia’s hidden underworld in a suspense-filled exploration of loyalty, deception, and the fine line between justice and revenge.

This gripping tale pushes one woman to confront her darkest instincts—or risk becoming the very thing she hunts.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2025

1088 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

L.T. Ryan

161 books1,437 followers
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.

Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.

BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game

BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)

BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal

BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)

Social Media Links

Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...

Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.

Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.

Social Media Links

Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...

Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com

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5 stars
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297 (29%)
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69 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
1,299 reviews16 followers
May 9, 2025
The characters are well-developed and very relatable. Tense, exciting moments. The story is impeccable. Where will Avril and Krister go from here? Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Peter Fleming.
471 reviews6 followers
August 15, 2025
Avril is still in Stockholm and her future is uncertain. Some in the FBI want her to return and resume her work at the Behavioral Analysis Unit, but she doesn’t believe Assistant Director Nolan Trent would welcome her with open arms. This is not her only option though as friend since childhood Krister has told her she would always be welcome at Stockholm Serious Crimes Unit. She’s undecided, but more importantly, feeling empty following the Frost Killer case. Capturing the serial killer who murdered her mother became the focus of her life, an all-consuming obsession that took over her personality. All she is left with is a big void, indecision and the rest of her life to start living. Here the authors have done a terrific job in capturing Avril’s mental state and concerns, but also a sense of the need for regeneration, to begin to open up and live again.

A prominent energy industrialist has been murdered by a car bomb, believed to be planted by an activist group Terra Nova. The Swedish Security Service SÄPO need somebody to go undercover and infiltrate the organisation; Avril has no experience but is an unknown, only recently returning to Sweden, so there is less chance of her being identified. Avril agrees to take on the assignment and to the delight of avid readers everywhere her cover is working in a bookshop. The question the reader must pose is this the exploitation of a young woman in a difficult place mentally or an act of free will. She certainly discovers that all undercover work comes at some personal cost.

The plot follows Avril as she tries to gather evidence and prevent an audacious attempt at an even bigger strike. There is a great sense of urgency built up from the slow beginning, as Avril imbeds and ingratiates herself in the group, to an all-out race against time finale. The organisation is built up on a cell basis, so capturing a close knit slightly claustrophobic feel, plus not all members of her cell take to her or believe her back story. For Avril danger is always there in the background; her survival requires her to sow seeds of doubt of her own and play a dirty game. For the reader there are thrills, tension and a nice piece of deception to enjoy.

This is a thriller that focuses on major concerns of the time, it couldn’t have a more contemporary feel if it tried to. It also manages to pose the difficult questions which lifts it above many all-action thrillers. Across the West activism is on the rise, be it environmental or political. Public protest is nothing new, but some there is an impetus towards direct action, some of it violent. The conundrum ‘one man’s freedom fighter is another man’s terrorist’ is being reframed to encompass modern direct action. At what point does legitimate protest become terrorism and what linguistic knots will some tie themselves up in with their self-justification.

The cell which Avril penetrates is well imagined with distinct characters ranging from the intense to the outright deranged, not to forget the criminally exploitative and what better front to operate behind. Often those who join with the best of intentions are exploited, and just as with cults, society’s misfits are the easiest to capture with a sense of belonging and a good cause to back. This is excellent thoughtful writing operating withing the story structure that adds credibility but doesn’t detract from the entertainment or flow.

The setting for the story is Stockholm, which is well described, but it lacks the little flourishes that give the city and its inhabitants' way of life a personality of their own. For me the feel was a little generic, this could be set in any major city in Northern Europe.

Intelligent eco-thriller that doesn’t skimp on action.
1,251 reviews
May 15, 2025
Biba Pearce teamed with T L Ryan is an explosive combination and book two of the Avril Dahl series is just as exciting as book one.
Avril Dahl was rudderless, she had worked in the FBI' Behavioural Analysis Unit and helped catch their most prolific serial killer, a killer who had murdered over fifty women including her own mother, she was now back in her late father's home in Stockholm, the home where she grew up, did she want to go back to the USA to work with a boss who didn't like her or did she want to stay on home ground and build a new life.
Stockholm became more appealing when she discovered that her best friend from childhood, Krister Jansson, was still living next door and working for the Stockholm Serious Crime Unit. The decision was practically made for Avril when Krister's unit needed someone unknown to infiltrate an eco activist group, known as terra Nova, who had just upped their game by blowing up the CEO of a prominent oil company, Avril was the obvious choice.
A plan was put into action, Avril was given a new identity and after getting herself arrested at a demonstration she was in.
Being undercover in a group didn't come easy to Avril, she wasn't a mixer, Eric, the leader was quite charismatic but deep, Gaia, a scientist, a bit aloof, Fang was the muscle, Runa was sweet and impressionable but the one that worried Avril was Rook, a talented hacker who didn't trust her, could he break her elaborate cover ?
Avril is compelled to do things that are completely alien to her, she crossed boundaries, the body count starts to rise, what was the big event on the horizon, would Avril be in time to warn Krister, what was the strange attraction to the group leader.
This is a great story full of suspense that had me reading far into the night, I look forward to the next book.......could there be romance on the cards for Avril and Krister, I do hope so 😉.
I receives a free copy of this book and my review is totally voluntary.
218 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2025
Still legally active, but mentally a former FBI agent, Avril Dahl is still in Stockholm, where she grew up, and doesn’t really plan to return to work in DC. While her main force in the last 10 years of her life, the identification of and the catching of the serial killer who killed over 50 women around the world, including her mother, is now incarcerated and dying of cancer, Avril doesn’t really want to return to the FBI world. She finds she is much freer and happier staying in her deceased father’s home, especially since she lives next door to her childhood best friend, Krister Jansson. But, Avril is restless; now bored not chasing bad guys. Krister, as an investigative detective in Stockholm’s Serious Crime Unit, wants her to come work with them but she has to earn her way into the unit. When the CEO of a huge oil corporation is literally blown up with a car bomb, Krister is called to the scene to solve the crime. When arriving, he find that the Swedish Security Service is on the scene - probable terrorism due to an eco-activist group. Avril has been trained by the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit and just happens to be available. Going undercover as a fellow terrorist in the suspected environmental group, Avril is drawn deeply into the radicalism, lies, extortion, and murderous intent to support the “cause.” This is a thrilling adventure tied to the present day. You are immersed with Avril in a plot going crazy since she is living two lives and you don’t know where she will be going next. Are these bad people? Or are they simply “nutcases” who have a belief that must be adhered to by the rest of the word? Was there a cliff-hanger in the last paragraph, or not .... Looking forward to the next in this series.
Profile Image for Robert Browning.
226 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2025
“Fast Paced and Different!”
This is the second book in this series with Avril Dahl and
FBI agent Avril Dahl remained in Stockholm undecided on what her next step is, return to the USA and her FBI job in Washington, or remain in her hometown in
Taby east of Stockholm?
The decision is made for her when a prominent CEO is murdered when she is persuaded and recruited by the police believing her FBI skills and her relentless pursuit for justice will save the day and lives.
Avril infiltrates a violent eco-activist terrorist group and is quickly drawn into a radical activism with her own beliefs being to be torn between their causes and her duty.
As she gets deeper into the group not only does she gets tested to prove herself things also starts mudding her own beliefs and as she delves deeper into the Scandinavia’s underworld the stakes increase as do her loyalties and are torn putting her own career in jeopardy .
Stakes rise as do the bodies and the fine line between justice and revenge become entangled and Avril has to be careful she doesn’t destroy everything she cares and believes in!
“What a great novel and thoroughly enjoyable!”
Profile Image for CR1017.
96 reviews
May 19, 2025
I received an advance review copy (ARC) & I am leaving this voluntary, honest review.


Cold Legacy is the second in the series featuring FBI agent, Avril Dahl.
At the start of the book we find Avril still in Sweden, involved in some sort of protest, and she is arrested.
This is part of a police operation, and it's soon revealed that Avril has decided to remain in Sweden and has been recruited to work with her childhood friend, Krister, investigating the death of an important oil company executive.
Avril becomes involved with a new eco-terrorist faction going by the name Terra Nova. Avril is planted at the protest depicted in the opening of the book, and slowly gains the friendship and trust of most of the members of the local cell.
With each interaction between Avril and the members of Terra Nova, she begins to find her real life and emotions blurring the line between her undercover identity and her real life.
The story is full of suspense and intrigue and moments when you're certain Avril will be caught in a lie, and it keeps you hooked just wondering what new task will she be asked to do to prove her loyalty to the group, and just how far is she willing to go?
Profile Image for Treva Parkins.
35 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2025
I loved this next installment of the Avril Dahl series. Avril is relentless and accepts the challenge of going undercover to stop a terrorist group even though she's never been undercover before. She's incredible when faced with the possibility of being discovered and refuses to give up to catch head of the group and prevent a colossal tragedy even though her life is in grave danger. There was constant action and suspense & I couldn't wait to get to the end while at the same time I didn't want it to end. A new hero emerges and is it possible that Avril will be able to open herself up to the possibility of a romantic relationship. I can't wait to find out in the next book in the series. A must read!!
Profile Image for Martin Pingree.
1,011 reviews14 followers
May 28, 2025
FBI Agent Avril Dahl returns to her native Sweden seeking peace and a fresh start. But when an old friend in the police force asks for her help consulting on a case involving a violent radical group, Avril can’t resist the pull of the job she left behind.

What begins as a temporary favor quickly turns into a full-throttle investigation, as Avril dives headfirst into a deadly game of cat and mouse. With each new lead, the stakes grow higher—and the bodies keep piling up.

Packed with rich characters, relentless action, and layers of intrigue, this expertly crafted thriller will have you hooked from the first page to the last. Murder, mayhem, and a heroine you’ll root for at every turn—this is crime fiction at its finest. A must-read for fans of gripping international thrillers!
Profile Image for Gail.
561 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2025
Fast-paced, suspenseful thriller!

In this gripping narrative, Avril, an undercover police operative, embarks on a high-stakes mission to uncover the true identity of Odin, the enigmatic leader of the clandestine organization Terra Nova. The story is a masterful blend of suspense and intrigue, featuring a complex plot with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. For those who crave adrenaline-pumping action and sophisticated storytelling, this book offers an immersive experience that promises to captivate and surprise at every chapter. The intricate narrative weaves together elements of mystery, espionage, and tension, making it an exceptional read for fans of thrilling contemporary fiction. Happy reading! ☺️
1,273 reviews
May 12, 2025
Cold Legacy by Biba Pearce is book 2 in the Avril Dahl series. Avril is at a crossroads after the successful conclusion of the Frost Killer case. Will she return to the US to the FBI Behavioural Analysis Unit or will she stay in Stockholm and apply to the Serious Crime Unit. When a case comes up where they need someone to go undercover, her decision is made. There is a big void after her 10 year hunt for the murderer of her mother and 50 other women. She goes undercover and joins an environmental activist group. The deaths are mounting. This is a tense read, as there is a race against time to find out who the person is behind the group so that more violence and death is prevented. Avril is very much a loner and has little in the way of social skills. She has only one friend, Krister, her next-door neighbour and a detective. A read I thoroughly enjoyed.
Profile Image for Jean .
664 reviews21 followers
May 13, 2025
I received Cold Legacy as an Advanced Reader Copy. However, the review below is not influenced or dependent upon that or anything else; it is my own freely given opinion.

Cold Legacy is an excellent read. I wish the next book in the series was available! The main character, Avril, continues to be an interesting character. There is increasing tension in every chapter. The danger builds chapter by chapter as Avril faces one challenge after another. One of the things I liked best about the book is the way it illustrates the risk and uncertainty undercover agents face.
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,883 reviews13 followers
May 14, 2025
Unforgettable characters

This is the second series collaboration between Biba Pearce and L. T. Ryan. Each is thrilling and filled with unforgettable characters but other than that, the two couldn't be more different. This talented duo set their complex plots in the real world with writing so vivid you leave feeling as if you have seen the action unfold not just read static words on a page. Avril Dahl has got to be one of my all-time favorite protagonist. So if you haven't met her yet, now's the time!
205 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2025
Another great book by Biba Pearce full of twists and turns.
This story follows FBI Agent Avril Dahl who is sent to Stockholm is recruited to infiltrate an eco-activist group suspected of turning to violence. What follows is fast and edge of your seat paced crime story as Avril is torn between loyalty to do her duty and the people she has become to know in the group.
Highly recommend for a riveting read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Carol.
334 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2025
I enjoyed this excellent , compelling modern day thriller. Avril (FBI Special Agent) now goes undercover in Sweden and becomes Astrid Dahlstrom, an activist in a radical eco-terrorist group. I like Avril, who is socially awkward with no friends and who is plunged into risky situations. She becomes a law breaker. I loved the dynamics of the individual members of the terrorist group and how they all interacted. Highly recommended.
95 reviews
May 16, 2025
A fantastic story! This one will keep you up all night! I found this book to have a perfectly planned and so well written plot that it kept me turning the pages right from the first to the very last! While learning more about who Avril, in Stockholm, really is, the twists and turns in this tale kept me glued to the book. For me, this is high crime thriller at its best. I highly recommend. Definitely 5 stars from me!
520 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2025
So, book two in this thrilling series set in Sweden. This one is very, very good, and as other readers have noted it’s full of twists and turns all the way through till the biggest twist at the end. I loved every word. Cannot wait for the next one to see what’s going to happen next. Highly recommended.
275 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2025
A thrilling fast paced adventure with fantastic well written characters.  An American FBI agent on hiatus back at her family home in Stockholm makes for a fresh change from the usual US setting that so many authors favour. I highly recommend this series.  I can't wait to find out what will be in-store for Avril next.
427 reviews8 followers
June 9, 2025
CC1

This was an excellent follow-up to first book . April goes undercover and tries to stop the terrorists attack. But not knowing she is being duped . But between her and Krister they figure it out. But Echo gets away. So we shall see if he shows up later down the line. 10 stars plus !!!! Thanks, Carl Clause


237 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2025
One of my favorite authors

This book is a bit unusual, I think because of the setting in Sweden. The book took a bit to get used to, parts of it feel unrealistic. Maybe again because of Sweden doing things differently. But the story was great. I've grown to like the main character and also Kristen. The book kept me interested until the last page.
236 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2025
A political group wants to bomb a Summit meeting

A former agent gets caught up in a group that wants to bomb and kill hundreds of politicians, but they are the means to an end. It's A race to find out who the group is and what group they want to bomb. It's a busy story with a lot of confusion on the part of everyone!
206 reviews
May 28, 2025
maximum suspense

This book is full of page after page of suspense! I could not put the book down. It was so good each chapter made you want to turn to the next.

I’m sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did!
1 review
June 3, 2025
Swedish eco-terrorists Terra Nova are determined to cause chaos to achieve their objectives. Meanwhile, Avril goes undercover, risking her life to penetrate the group.
Can she survive long enough to succeed and who is the Mysterious Odin? This could be the best thriller you will read this year!
Profile Image for Susan Clair Holt.
1,362 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2025
Cold Legacy

Now that April has found her mother's killer she is at loose ends. Stockholm was to be temporary to settle her father's estate but with her best friend backing her up she goes undercover to stop a mass murder. In the end she's home and her best friend may become more.
29 reviews
June 10, 2025
Above average detective thriller

Enjoying this series. Well constructed plot and characters with complex personal histories. The final solution to the Frost Killer mystery and clever linkage with the Dalton Savage books. Looking forward to reading the third book in the series.
Profile Image for Niki R Barber.
55 reviews
May 13, 2025
thrilling! fast paced, good characters, lots of action. I enjoyed this 2nd book in the series, looking forward to the next installment
310 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2025
Avril infiltrates a terrorist cell to uncover killers. Who knew where this new role would lead? Great book!
97 reviews
July 11, 2025
Excellent Read

Very good storyline with plenty of twists and turns. Can’t wait for another story
from this gifted author. Great read!
Profile Image for Lewis Weinstein.
Author 13 books610 followers
July 28, 2025
This is one of the best counter-terrorism books I have ever read ... the action was continuous ... the tension built ... and the resolution believable and satisfying
14 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2025
must read gripping to last page

This book was such a good. Read right to the end it kept me going,amazing writer x

I cannot wait to read the next adventure .
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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