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Scars of Silence
When two teenagers are found brutally murdered on the island of Lidingö , dressed in white tunics and wearing crowns of candles, former French police officer Maï a Rehn joins local Commissioner Aleksander Storm to unravel a mystery with a shockingly dark heart. The highly anticipated sequel to the international bestselling gothic mystery, Yule Island.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
5 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Johana Gustawsson
26 books204 followersBorn in 1978 in Marseille, France, and a graduate of Political Sciences, Johana Gustawsson was a journalist for television and French press. She now lives in London, England.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 21, 2025
Autumn, 2023. The body of a teenage boy is found in the forest on the island of Lidingö, bearing all the hallmarks of the murder of a young girl twenty-three years ago - right down to the corpse being clothed in the white tunic and candle headdress associated with Saint Lucia.
Commissioner Aleksander Storm is given the unenviable task of trying to solve the horrifying murder, and he is struggling to see how this can possibly be related to the one so long ago. His job is made doubly difficult when another teenage boy is murdered soon after, his body also dressed up like St Lucia.
French detective Maïa Rehn has fled to Lidingö to leave family tragedy behind. At a literary event on the island she meets Sophia Ackerman, whose grandson Gustav was found guilty of the notorious rape and murder of his girlfriend, Jenny, twenty-three years ago. Gusav later committed suicide, followed by his mother taking her own life too. Sophia always considered him guilty of the crime, unlike his mother, but now she is questioning if he might have been innocent. She asks Maïa to investigate on her behalf.
As Aleks searches for a murderer in the here and now, Maïa begins to delve into the past. The threads of their separate endeavours start to crossover, and they decide to work together. They gradually realise that all the deaths are connected by someone's quest for revenge...
Johana Gustawsson is one of my favourite crime authors, cleverly blending French and Scandi noir elements in one delicious package. And this book, the second in the Lidingö Mysteries series (but can be read a standalone), contains everything I have come to know and love about her writing.
Lidingö is a small, and deliciously claustrophobic, island community haunted by the brutal murder of a young girl dressed as Saint Lucia twenty-three years ago. Every year, when the annual celebration of Lucia comes around again, they cannot help but be reminded of the tragedy. Although the crime was considered an open and shut case, there are people here that know more about past events than they have shared, and when more murders happen amongst them their silence is eventually shattered.
The secrets that lurk here are gradually uncovered through the mutual efforts of Aleks and Maïa, whose narratives drive the story in equal measure. Although Maïa is no longer a serving officer, her investigative contributions add beautifully to the police procedural work of Aleks. They make an impressive double act, caught between their determination to get to the truth of a complicated mess of dark deeds here in Lidingö, and their own shares of personal heartache.
Characteristically of Gustawsson it is not easy to see how all the threads of the story relate to each other at first, but as they weave together you find yourself immersed in a tale that bleeds effortlessly between past and present, and echoes with dark undercurrents of folklore - something she always does with aplomb. The twists and turns are divine, and the whole piece thrums with rich and heartrending themes around the many facets of silence and how their impact leaves scars. I am particularly impressed with the way Gustawsson explores conspiracies of silence and consent when it comes to victims of sexual assault. She uses loss, grief, shame and guilt to great effect too, and examines the complex feelings of parents with powerful insight.
This book is nothing short of a dark and chilling noir masterpiece, best consumed whole. I loved it!
Commissioner Aleksander Storm is given the unenviable task of trying to solve the horrifying murder, and he is struggling to see how this can possibly be related to the one so long ago. His job is made doubly difficult when another teenage boy is murdered soon after, his body also dressed up like St Lucia.
French detective Maïa Rehn has fled to Lidingö to leave family tragedy behind. At a literary event on the island she meets Sophia Ackerman, whose grandson Gustav was found guilty of the notorious rape and murder of his girlfriend, Jenny, twenty-three years ago. Gusav later committed suicide, followed by his mother taking her own life too. Sophia always considered him guilty of the crime, unlike his mother, but now she is questioning if he might have been innocent. She asks Maïa to investigate on her behalf.
As Aleks searches for a murderer in the here and now, Maïa begins to delve into the past. The threads of their separate endeavours start to crossover, and they decide to work together. They gradually realise that all the deaths are connected by someone's quest for revenge...
Johana Gustawsson is one of my favourite crime authors, cleverly blending French and Scandi noir elements in one delicious package. And this book, the second in the Lidingö Mysteries series (but can be read a standalone), contains everything I have come to know and love about her writing.
Lidingö is a small, and deliciously claustrophobic, island community haunted by the brutal murder of a young girl dressed as Saint Lucia twenty-three years ago. Every year, when the annual celebration of Lucia comes around again, they cannot help but be reminded of the tragedy. Although the crime was considered an open and shut case, there are people here that know more about past events than they have shared, and when more murders happen amongst them their silence is eventually shattered.
The secrets that lurk here are gradually uncovered through the mutual efforts of Aleks and Maïa, whose narratives drive the story in equal measure. Although Maïa is no longer a serving officer, her investigative contributions add beautifully to the police procedural work of Aleks. They make an impressive double act, caught between their determination to get to the truth of a complicated mess of dark deeds here in Lidingö, and their own shares of personal heartache.
Characteristically of Gustawsson it is not easy to see how all the threads of the story relate to each other at first, but as they weave together you find yourself immersed in a tale that bleeds effortlessly between past and present, and echoes with dark undercurrents of folklore - something she always does with aplomb. The twists and turns are divine, and the whole piece thrums with rich and heartrending themes around the many facets of silence and how their impact leaves scars. I am particularly impressed with the way Gustawsson explores conspiracies of silence and consent when it comes to victims of sexual assault. She uses loss, grief, shame and guilt to great effect too, and examines the complex feelings of parents with powerful insight.
This book is nothing short of a dark and chilling noir masterpiece, best consumed whole. I loved it!
December 9, 2025
You are back on Lidingö and it’s as if you’ve never been away. In a dark and chilling story of grief, deception, rape, control, abuse, suicide, murder, revenge; how abusers, rapist deny or come to accept their guilt and how the victims coped at the time and afterward whether, how survivors are able to go on.
There is an important passage in this book between Maïa and Linga Holgersson that discusses why someone who is attacked reacts in a particular way this fact along with the other strong messages Scars of Silence gives – that sexual intercourse is only consensual when the woman says yes, that not only saying no but saying nothing means no; that children who are abused are not responsible. That no one ‘deserves it’. That no one ‘asks for it’ – it is the rapist and the abusers that are responsible. This should be shared widely and often with everyone but particularly with those who have been raped, those who make judgment at trial and lawmakers because it is beyond time that these truths be accepted.
I know and it is made clear in Scars of Silence that it is not every man. Still, it is the responsibility of every man – and those that educate and raise them – to ensure (whether unwittingly or not) that their actions, words and deeds do no harm, that they understand to commit or even to silently accept these deeds is wrong, that they have no right to commit or allow others to commit these despicable acts.
Maïa and Aleksander also have their own personal stories revealed as they interact with each other and with the other characters in this book. They are both law enforcement officers Aleksander is in charge of the investigation into the murder of two teenagers. Maïa is a police commissioner from France who has come to Lindingö to hopefully heal after a terrible loss and is asked by Sophia to look into an old crime that was very personal to her. The two investigations will bring Maïa and Aleksander together to find out what actually happened over two decades ago and how it is connected to these recent murders.
Maïa is a great character – of which there are quite a few in this story – who has an amazing ability to allow people the space and silence to open up and so bring to light things that had previously been overlooked, ignored or forgotten but that help Aleksander’s police investigation. Aleksander is a good policeman, a loving husband and father and is the perfect foil for Maïa’s private investigation. They work well together albeit unofficially, the skills both bring to these investigations are nicely matched and the way in which the author has written this multilayered story is exquisitely done.
Johana Gustawsson is an extraordinary writer she has written layer of upon layer of heartbreaking storylines that are skilfully told within the complex, compelling and powerful narrative of Scars of Silence. This book is not gratuitous there is no uncalled for or graphic violence. It is told by the two main characters Maïa and Aleksander and it holds your attention completely, totally there is not a moment when you want to stop reading.
The author has written a remarkable book and we must thank the translator, David Warriner, whose skilful work has made it possible for us to read Scars of Silence.
There is so much more to this book that I could say but the best way of finding this out is to read it and I encourage everyone to do so and I hope you will agree with me on how incredible Scars of Silence is.
There is an important passage in this book between Maïa and Linga Holgersson that discusses why someone who is attacked reacts in a particular way this fact along with the other strong messages Scars of Silence gives – that sexual intercourse is only consensual when the woman says yes, that not only saying no but saying nothing means no; that children who are abused are not responsible. That no one ‘deserves it’. That no one ‘asks for it’ – it is the rapist and the abusers that are responsible. This should be shared widely and often with everyone but particularly with those who have been raped, those who make judgment at trial and lawmakers because it is beyond time that these truths be accepted.
I know and it is made clear in Scars of Silence that it is not every man. Still, it is the responsibility of every man – and those that educate and raise them – to ensure (whether unwittingly or not) that their actions, words and deeds do no harm, that they understand to commit or even to silently accept these deeds is wrong, that they have no right to commit or allow others to commit these despicable acts.
Maïa and Aleksander also have their own personal stories revealed as they interact with each other and with the other characters in this book. They are both law enforcement officers Aleksander is in charge of the investigation into the murder of two teenagers. Maïa is a police commissioner from France who has come to Lindingö to hopefully heal after a terrible loss and is asked by Sophia to look into an old crime that was very personal to her. The two investigations will bring Maïa and Aleksander together to find out what actually happened over two decades ago and how it is connected to these recent murders.
Maïa is a great character – of which there are quite a few in this story – who has an amazing ability to allow people the space and silence to open up and so bring to light things that had previously been overlooked, ignored or forgotten but that help Aleksander’s police investigation. Aleksander is a good policeman, a loving husband and father and is the perfect foil for Maïa’s private investigation. They work well together albeit unofficially, the skills both bring to these investigations are nicely matched and the way in which the author has written this multilayered story is exquisitely done.
Johana Gustawsson is an extraordinary writer she has written layer of upon layer of heartbreaking storylines that are skilfully told within the complex, compelling and powerful narrative of Scars of Silence. This book is not gratuitous there is no uncalled for or graphic violence. It is told by the two main characters Maïa and Aleksander and it holds your attention completely, totally there is not a moment when you want to stop reading.
The author has written a remarkable book and we must thank the translator, David Warriner, whose skilful work has made it possible for us to read Scars of Silence.
There is so much more to this book that I could say but the best way of finding this out is to read it and I encourage everyone to do so and I hope you will agree with me on how incredible Scars of Silence is.
November 19, 2025
Whilst Scars of Silence is volume two of the Lidingö Mysteries, it can certainly be read as a stand alone story. Johana Gustawsson excels in providing enough back story that compliments the current plot.
There’s something wonderfully deceptive about Johana Gustawsson’s writing. You open one of her books expecting a solid crime thriller, and before you know it, she’s wrapped you in something far deeper, darker, and more emotionally charged than you ever anticipated. Scars of Silence is exactly that sort of novel; richly atmospheric, beautifully written, and absolutely impossible to put down.
Set on the island of Lidingö, the story gives off that unmistakable Nordic chill, the kind that creeps under your skin slowly. The author’s sense of place is extraordinary; you feel the darkness settling in, the quiet roads, the brooding forests. The novel is steeped in mood, and she uses that mood to full effect as the island reels from a pair of shocking, ritualistic murders.
In steps Maïa Rehn, a former police commissioner who has escaped Paris carrying more than her suitcase. She is such a wonderfully drawn character; damaged yet determined, thoughtful, and deeply human. Her partnership with Aleksander Storm is handled with subtlety, never overshadowing the heart of the mystery.
And, crikey, what a mystery it is. The author peels back the layers slowly, compassionately, and with a fierce sense of justice. She never sensationalises and writes with empathy for the people at the centre of the darkness. Those people have been forgotten, ignored, or silenced. She also asks uncomfortable questions about vengeance, truth, and the cost of looking the other way.
This is Nordic noir at its finest: atmospheric, thoughtful, and utterly compelling. Johana Gustawsson has a rare ability to make you feel the cold while she warms your heart with characters who stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Scars of Silence is chilling, yes, but also deeply moving, and told with a tenderness that makes it all the more powerful.
David Warriner's translation skills are wonderful, he seems to really understand this author, and brings her words to her English speaking fans magnificently.
A gripping, beautifully crafted novel that once again shows why Johana Gustawsson is in a league of her own.
There’s something wonderfully deceptive about Johana Gustawsson’s writing. You open one of her books expecting a solid crime thriller, and before you know it, she’s wrapped you in something far deeper, darker, and more emotionally charged than you ever anticipated. Scars of Silence is exactly that sort of novel; richly atmospheric, beautifully written, and absolutely impossible to put down.
Set on the island of Lidingö, the story gives off that unmistakable Nordic chill, the kind that creeps under your skin slowly. The author’s sense of place is extraordinary; you feel the darkness settling in, the quiet roads, the brooding forests. The novel is steeped in mood, and she uses that mood to full effect as the island reels from a pair of shocking, ritualistic murders.
In steps Maïa Rehn, a former police commissioner who has escaped Paris carrying more than her suitcase. She is such a wonderfully drawn character; damaged yet determined, thoughtful, and deeply human. Her partnership with Aleksander Storm is handled with subtlety, never overshadowing the heart of the mystery.
And, crikey, what a mystery it is. The author peels back the layers slowly, compassionately, and with a fierce sense of justice. She never sensationalises and writes with empathy for the people at the centre of the darkness. Those people have been forgotten, ignored, or silenced. She also asks uncomfortable questions about vengeance, truth, and the cost of looking the other way.
This is Nordic noir at its finest: atmospheric, thoughtful, and utterly compelling. Johana Gustawsson has a rare ability to make you feel the cold while she warms your heart with characters who stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Scars of Silence is chilling, yes, but also deeply moving, and told with a tenderness that makes it all the more powerful.
David Warriner's translation skills are wonderful, he seems to really understand this author, and brings her words to her English speaking fans magnificently.
A gripping, beautifully crafted novel that once again shows why Johana Gustawsson is in a league of her own.
November 25, 2025
I would define this novel a gothic thriller that is both heartbreaking and chilling. Gustawsson explores grief, revenge, and the weight of silence with incredible intensity. The story is full of secrets that slowly come to light, and each revelation adds to the tension.
I loved the main characters: they felt vivid, flawed, and strong, and their emotional journeys were deeply moving. Their grief and search for justice made me care about them from the very beginning. This was my first time reading Gustawsson, and I was impressed by how she creates such memorable personalities.
The atmosphere is unforgettable. Nature is described with haunting beauty, almost like another character in the book. The landscapes mirror the emotions of the protagonists, adding to the gothic tone.
The theme of revenge is powerful, but it is not only about punishment,it is also about healing and facing the past. The mix of sadness, suspense, and shocking secrets kept me hooked until the end.
Scars of Silence is a dark, emotional, and beautifully written thriller. It combines mystery with atmosphere and human depth. I’m glad this was my first meeting with Gustawsson, and I will definitely read more of her work.
I loved the main characters: they felt vivid, flawed, and strong, and their emotional journeys were deeply moving. Their grief and search for justice made me care about them from the very beginning. This was my first time reading Gustawsson, and I was impressed by how she creates such memorable personalities.
The atmosphere is unforgettable. Nature is described with haunting beauty, almost like another character in the book. The landscapes mirror the emotions of the protagonists, adding to the gothic tone.
The theme of revenge is powerful, but it is not only about punishment,it is also about healing and facing the past. The mix of sadness, suspense, and shocking secrets kept me hooked until the end.
Scars of Silence is a dark, emotional, and beautifully written thriller. It combines mystery with atmosphere and human depth. I’m glad this was my first meeting with Gustawsson, and I will definitely read more of her work.
November 24, 2025
This is a superb continuation to the series, as Yule Island was a fantastic read, and this book matches the vibes and excellent level of excitement as the previous book.
I absolutely loved the French connections in the book with the crossover between than and Scandinoir, creating this dark vibe with a plethora of details and a detective sleuthing through the worries feel. The author, once again, has been able to weave an intricate story through a significant level of details, creating characters with deep connections to the action, as well as underlying concerns that weave their way into the story. This creates levels of intricacy that make the book even more exciting. Plus, the two tales we start with converge and create this brilliant read that gives you twists and turns and such a dark tale to absorb. It was fantastic.
I absolutely loved the French connections in the book with the crossover between than and Scandinoir, creating this dark vibe with a plethora of details and a detective sleuthing through the worries feel. The author, once again, has been able to weave an intricate story through a significant level of details, creating characters with deep connections to the action, as well as underlying concerns that weave their way into the story. This creates levels of intricacy that make the book even more exciting. Plus, the two tales we start with converge and create this brilliant read that gives you twists and turns and such a dark tale to absorb. It was fantastic.
November 10, 2025
Scandi Noir is a relatively new genre to me but I love it, a dark and chilling story but so very well written.
The book is so atmospheric and the tension builds throughout the book, it’s impossible to put down.
Fast paced and really kept me guessing until the end, I loved this read.
#ScarsOfSilence #NordicNoir #Mystery #LidingöMysteries
#Consent #Revenge #BlogTour
@orendabooks
@johanagustawsson @randomthingstours
The book is so atmospheric and the tension builds throughout the book, it’s impossible to put down.
Fast paced and really kept me guessing until the end, I loved this read.
#ScarsOfSilence #NordicNoir #Mystery #LidingöMysteries
#Consent #Revenge #BlogTour
@orendabooks
@johanagustawsson @randomthingstours
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