What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
19 days and 11:28:14
15 copies available
U.S. only
Berit Gardner #3
The Woman Who Wouldn't Die Quietly: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26Win a free print copy of this book!
19 days and 11:28:14
15 copies available
U.S. only
When DCI Ian Ahmed agrees—reluctantly—to convalesce on a remote island in the Stockholm archipelago, he expects nothing more than bitter winds, silence, and boredom. But just across the bay, a sleek, modern house stirs to life. Staff arrive in dark clothing, cleaning and prepping with military precision. And then Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzén appears—legend of the art world, notorious matriarch, and, as Ian soon learns, a woman used to bending the world to her will. She's come to the island to celebrate her eightieth birthday, dragging her fractious, resentful family with her—and inviting Ian and his enigmatic hostess, Berit Gardner, along for the ride.
But before the candles are blown out, Margrethe is dead—fallen from the cliff into the frigid sea during a stormy night. Accident? Suicide? Ian is certain it was murder. Trapped in a landscape of muted colors and long, creeping shadows, he and Berit begin to unravel the toxic family secrets festering behind Margrethe's imposing legacy. As winter deepens and the ice seals the island in silence, the question echoes who stood to gain the most from the matriarch's fall? And how long will the killer wait before striking again?
But before the candles are blown out, Margrethe is dead—fallen from the cliff into the frigid sea during a stormy night. Accident? Suicide? Ian is certain it was murder. Trapped in a landscape of muted colors and long, creeping shadows, he and Berit begin to unravel the toxic family secrets festering behind Margrethe's imposing legacy. As winter deepens and the ice seals the island in silence, the question echoes who stood to gain the most from the matriarch's fall? And how long will the killer wait before striking again?
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 25, 2026
About the author
Katarina Bivald
9 books920 followersKatarina Bivald is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend and The Murders in Great Diddling.
She grew up working part-time in a bookshop and lives in Sweden outside Stockholm with her books and her dog.
She grew up working part-time in a bookshop and lives in Sweden outside Stockholm with her books and her dog.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The mystery writer Berit Gardner is away from her home in Cornwall and her sojourn in Lyon. She’s back in her native Sweden, on an island in the Stockholm archipelago, in the tiny cottage built and expanded by her grandparents and parents. She has a long to-do list to repair and maintain the cottage, but her plans didn’t include hosting her old friend DS Ian Ahmed, whom she met back in her first case of meddling in a police investigation back in Great Diddling. In scenes a little reminiscent of the movie Rear Window, Ahmed is recuperating from a broken leg, sleeping on a daybed in the living room and entertaining himself watching nature—and other island neighbors—through binoculars.
It’s a glorious fall, and Berit announces that she plans to stay in the cottage through the winter. One of the small mysteries of the book is why she has made this decision. It certainly worries Ahmed, who will need to return to England in just a couple of weeks, and all the neighbors harp on how lonely she will be—though Berit has never shown any signs of needing much company.
Both Berit and Ian are intrigued by the nearby island estate of Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzen, the well-known art patron and owner of three galleries. There is a large, modern, vertiginous mansion on the island, as well as some smaller buildings, and the mansion is suddenly a hive of activity, with work crews and delivery people back and forth in boats. One boat seems to be heading their way, and it contains Margrethe, coming to introduce herself and invite them to her 80th birthday dinner with her son Wilhelm and his wife Elisabeth, her daughter Louise, her stepson Simon, grandchildren Carl-Wilhelm and Ebba, and family lawyer.
The dinner is a horror, with family conflict raging around the table, seemingly instigated by the imperious and hyper-critical Margrethe. At the end of the dinner, before Berit and Ian have had a chance to row themselves out of the war zone, there is a terrible death—as so often seems to happen around Berit. Accident or murder is the key question, with the family insisting on accident and the local cop shop keeping an open mind but leaning that way, too. This is the opening of Berit’s latest amateur investigation, which is greeted by local police detective, Sven, with as much mixed exasperation and admiration as Ian felt back in Great Diddling, two books ago, when it was his investigation Berit stuck her nose in. There is more horror to come before Berit solves the case—and I’m not talking about just the horror of the times Berit is forced to socialize with neighbors over the holidays.
This is my favorite of the three Berit Gardner books. The setting is so well drawn that nature and the elements form another character—a mercurial one. Berit’s solitude and introspection reveal her character to the reader much more. And the mystery is an intriguing one. With so few physical clues, it’s Berit’s delving into the family’s relationships that will be the only way to figure out what happened on that nearby island.
It’s a glorious fall, and Berit announces that she plans to stay in the cottage through the winter. One of the small mysteries of the book is why she has made this decision. It certainly worries Ahmed, who will need to return to England in just a couple of weeks, and all the neighbors harp on how lonely she will be—though Berit has never shown any signs of needing much company.
Both Berit and Ian are intrigued by the nearby island estate of Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzen, the well-known art patron and owner of three galleries. There is a large, modern, vertiginous mansion on the island, as well as some smaller buildings, and the mansion is suddenly a hive of activity, with work crews and delivery people back and forth in boats. One boat seems to be heading their way, and it contains Margrethe, coming to introduce herself and invite them to her 80th birthday dinner with her son Wilhelm and his wife Elisabeth, her daughter Louise, her stepson Simon, grandchildren Carl-Wilhelm and Ebba, and family lawyer.
The dinner is a horror, with family conflict raging around the table, seemingly instigated by the imperious and hyper-critical Margrethe. At the end of the dinner, before Berit and Ian have had a chance to row themselves out of the war zone, there is a terrible death—as so often seems to happen around Berit. Accident or murder is the key question, with the family insisting on accident and the local cop shop keeping an open mind but leaning that way, too. This is the opening of Berit’s latest amateur investigation, which is greeted by local police detective, Sven, with as much mixed exasperation and admiration as Ian felt back in Great Diddling, two books ago, when it was his investigation Berit stuck her nose in. There is more horror to come before Berit solves the case—and I’m not talking about just the horror of the times Berit is forced to socialize with neighbors over the holidays.
This is my favorite of the three Berit Gardner books. The setting is so well drawn that nature and the elements form another character—a mercurial one. Berit’s solitude and introspection reveal her character to the reader much more. And the mystery is an intriguing one. With so few physical clues, it’s Berit’s delving into the family’s relationships that will be the only way to figure out what happened on that nearby island.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Katarina Bivald is one of the more interesting new writers I can think of. Three books in, she’s changing up her own village cozy formula, and taking her main character, writer Berit Gardner, to the wilds of Sweden. While the first two books are set in the British and the French countrysides, respectively, in this one Bivald takes her character to her native Sweden. Berit is staying at her grandparent’s cottage on a remote island that is only accessible by boat, and when the water freezes, not at all. As the book opens, she has a houseguest – DCI Ian Ahmed, encountered in the first novel, The Murders in Great Diddling.
Ahmed is recovering from a leg injury on Berit’s living room day bed, and keeping a close watch on the neighbors, who live in a towering modern monstrosity across the bay. As he’s putting away his binoculars one morning, the owner of the monstrosity appears and invites him and Berit (who is off on a walk) to her birthday party that evening. Reluctantly, the two agree to attend. Berit “dresses up” for the occasion in a new Nordic sweater, but she finds a formal family group assembled at the house for the matriarch’s birthday. They also find an incredibly uncomfortable and tense atmosphere, with simmering hatred and resentment on full display, much of it directed at the matriarch herself, Margarethe.
Later, when Margarethe is dispatched (perhaps the only obvious element in this otherwise unpredictable novel), Berit and Ian are sure it’s no accident though that’s the theory the police embrace full on. When there’s another death a few months later, Berit is more than convinced that not only are the two deaths linked, but both of them are murders. The investigative path she takes to arrive at a solution is a slightly belabored and slow one.
While the first two books were quintessentially classic village cozies, this book could not be more Swedish, with Berit choosing to spend the winter alone in her isolated cottage, ruminating on her mortality. She’s moved by the memories of her grandparents as she ruminates but also top of mind are the two deaths, which she continues to investigate despite the protests of both Ian and the local Detective in charge of the case, who is named, of course, Sven.
The tone is quite different from the first two books and feels like it’s a book by a writer trying to find solid footing in the crime fiction universe she’s chosen to inhabit. Bivald is an original thinker and a wonderful writer. Her prose is lovely and she’s great at delineating memorable characters. Margarethe’s daughter, Louise, is an especially memorable heartbreaker. However, this book is a bit leaden, while the first two frothed and sparkled. It may be the setting, so I was delighted to see that the next book finds Berit back in Great Diddling, investigating a death at a wedding. I will continue to embrace books by Bivald as she is both unpredictable and original, a unique and rare combination in any writer.
Ahmed is recovering from a leg injury on Berit’s living room day bed, and keeping a close watch on the neighbors, who live in a towering modern monstrosity across the bay. As he’s putting away his binoculars one morning, the owner of the monstrosity appears and invites him and Berit (who is off on a walk) to her birthday party that evening. Reluctantly, the two agree to attend. Berit “dresses up” for the occasion in a new Nordic sweater, but she finds a formal family group assembled at the house for the matriarch’s birthday. They also find an incredibly uncomfortable and tense atmosphere, with simmering hatred and resentment on full display, much of it directed at the matriarch herself, Margarethe.
Later, when Margarethe is dispatched (perhaps the only obvious element in this otherwise unpredictable novel), Berit and Ian are sure it’s no accident though that’s the theory the police embrace full on. When there’s another death a few months later, Berit is more than convinced that not only are the two deaths linked, but both of them are murders. The investigative path she takes to arrive at a solution is a slightly belabored and slow one.
While the first two books were quintessentially classic village cozies, this book could not be more Swedish, with Berit choosing to spend the winter alone in her isolated cottage, ruminating on her mortality. She’s moved by the memories of her grandparents as she ruminates but also top of mind are the two deaths, which she continues to investigate despite the protests of both Ian and the local Detective in charge of the case, who is named, of course, Sven.
The tone is quite different from the first two books and feels like it’s a book by a writer trying to find solid footing in the crime fiction universe she’s chosen to inhabit. Bivald is an original thinker and a wonderful writer. Her prose is lovely and she’s great at delineating memorable characters. Margarethe’s daughter, Louise, is an especially memorable heartbreaker. However, this book is a bit leaden, while the first two frothed and sparkled. It may be the setting, so I was delighted to see that the next book finds Berit back in Great Diddling, investigating a death at a wedding. I will continue to embrace books by Bivald as she is both unpredictable and original, a unique and rare combination in any writer.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Katarina Bivald’s The Woman Who Wouldn’t Die Quietly proves that nothing says “happy birthday” quite like a rich, resentful family, a raging storm, and a body at the bottom of a cliff. Poisoned Pen Press, thank you so much for the gifted book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Who stood to gain the most from the matriarch’s fall?”
DCI Ian Ahmed is supposed to be resting his broken leg at Berit Gardner’s remote cottage in the Stockholm archipelago. Instead, he spends his recovery watching the neighbors through binoculars, which honestly feels like a perfectly reasonable hobby when you’re trapped on an island with very little to do.
Across the water sits an enormous modern house belonging to Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzén, a powerful art-world matriarch who has gathered her family together for her eightieth birthday. Berit and Ian reluctantly attend the dinner, and it doesn’t take long to realize this family has enough anger, secrets, and old grudges to fill several islands.
Margrethe is demanding, cruel, and clearly not winning any Mother of the Year awards. When she falls from a cliff before the evening is over, her family seems awfully eager to call it an accident. Ian and Berit aren’t buying it.
I really liked Berit and Ian together. Ian may be the actual detective, but Berit follows her instincts wherever they lead, occasionally ignoring common sense and everyone telling her to stop. She’s observant, stubborn, deeply private, and far more complicated than I expected. Her decision to remain alone at the cottage through the Swedish winter also adds another mystery quietly simmering underneath the murder investigation.
The isolated setting was one of my favorite parts. The freezing water, darkening days, and approaching ice made the whole story feel closed in, as though the islands were slowly trapping everyone with their secrets. This is more of a thoughtful, character-driven mystery than a race-through-it thriller, but I enjoyed watching each family relationship crack open.
The ending managed to surprise me, which earns major points because I suspected nearly everyone—including people who probably weren’t even near the cliff.
I’d hand this to readers who love atmospheric whodunits, prickly amateur sleuths, wealthy families behaving terribly, and mysteries that take their time revealing what everyone is hiding.
Would you attend a birthday dinner with a family that clearly hates one another—or would you suddenly remember you left the oven on?
#TheWomanWhoWouldntDieQuietly #KatarinaBivald #BeritGardner #MysteryBooks #MysteryThriller #ScandinavianMystery #PoisonedPenPress
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Who stood to gain the most from the matriarch’s fall?”
DCI Ian Ahmed is supposed to be resting his broken leg at Berit Gardner’s remote cottage in the Stockholm archipelago. Instead, he spends his recovery watching the neighbors through binoculars, which honestly feels like a perfectly reasonable hobby when you’re trapped on an island with very little to do.
Across the water sits an enormous modern house belonging to Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzén, a powerful art-world matriarch who has gathered her family together for her eightieth birthday. Berit and Ian reluctantly attend the dinner, and it doesn’t take long to realize this family has enough anger, secrets, and old grudges to fill several islands.
Margrethe is demanding, cruel, and clearly not winning any Mother of the Year awards. When she falls from a cliff before the evening is over, her family seems awfully eager to call it an accident. Ian and Berit aren’t buying it.
I really liked Berit and Ian together. Ian may be the actual detective, but Berit follows her instincts wherever they lead, occasionally ignoring common sense and everyone telling her to stop. She’s observant, stubborn, deeply private, and far more complicated than I expected. Her decision to remain alone at the cottage through the Swedish winter also adds another mystery quietly simmering underneath the murder investigation.
The isolated setting was one of my favorite parts. The freezing water, darkening days, and approaching ice made the whole story feel closed in, as though the islands were slowly trapping everyone with their secrets. This is more of a thoughtful, character-driven mystery than a race-through-it thriller, but I enjoyed watching each family relationship crack open.
The ending managed to surprise me, which earns major points because I suspected nearly everyone—including people who probably weren’t even near the cliff.
I’d hand this to readers who love atmospheric whodunits, prickly amateur sleuths, wealthy families behaving terribly, and mysteries that take their time revealing what everyone is hiding.
Would you attend a birthday dinner with a family that clearly hates one another—or would you suddenly remember you left the oven on?
#TheWomanWhoWouldntDieQuietly #KatarinaBivald #BeritGardner #MysteryBooks #MysteryThriller #ScandinavianMystery #PoisonedPenPress
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
One matriarch. One powerful family. And one very suspicious fall.
Set across the Stockholm Archipelago islands, we are introduced to crime writer Berit, who is staying in her family cottage on one of the islands, and her friend Ian, an English detective chief inspector visiting her from England.
When Berit and Ian accept an invitation to the home of Art world matriarch Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzén for her 80th birthday, they quickly accept. As they cross to her island, they experience more than just dinner! Her children, grandchildren and family friends are also present and it seems that no one likes anyone …
After plenty of awkward moments during each course, Margrethe takes a stroll on finishing her meal, only to fall to her death from a cliff. Was this an awful accident or something more sinister? If she was murdered, are they safe or will the killer strike again?
Berit and Ian, alongside Swedish Detective Sven, try to figure out what happened on the evening of the death. Toxic family secrets come undone and every member of the family becomes a suspect, with each individual benefiting from the matriarchs death.
There are lots of interesting themes within this story. There is the police and private investigation, family drama and Berit questioning her own mortality which greatly influences her decision making. There is also the influence of the adverse weather and harsh environment which gives a claustrophobic element to the story and interestingly, each chapter starts with the days temperature to show the change in season which I loved! 🌡️
Another strong theme is that of family inheritance. On one hand, we have Berit in her dilapidated but much loved cottage left by her grandparents compared with the Cullberg-Franzen’s and their multimillion pound island, fancy architectural home and art galleries. But as this book shows, money does not bring happiness or independence and I know which world I would rather be in! *cottage life please!*
Complex characters, environment and a ‘whodunnit’ style story, with an unexpected ending, this is the first book of Katarina Bivald I have read and I enjoyed it.
Thank you to Netgallery, Poisoned Pen Press and Katarina Bivald for the ARC copy of this book!
One matriarch. One powerful family. And one very suspicious fall.
Set across the Stockholm Archipelago islands, we are introduced to crime writer Berit, who is staying in her family cottage on one of the islands, and her friend Ian, an English detective chief inspector visiting her from England.
When Berit and Ian accept an invitation to the home of Art world matriarch Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzén for her 80th birthday, they quickly accept. As they cross to her island, they experience more than just dinner! Her children, grandchildren and family friends are also present and it seems that no one likes anyone …
After plenty of awkward moments during each course, Margrethe takes a stroll on finishing her meal, only to fall to her death from a cliff. Was this an awful accident or something more sinister? If she was murdered, are they safe or will the killer strike again?
Berit and Ian, alongside Swedish Detective Sven, try to figure out what happened on the evening of the death. Toxic family secrets come undone and every member of the family becomes a suspect, with each individual benefiting from the matriarchs death.
There are lots of interesting themes within this story. There is the police and private investigation, family drama and Berit questioning her own mortality which greatly influences her decision making. There is also the influence of the adverse weather and harsh environment which gives a claustrophobic element to the story and interestingly, each chapter starts with the days temperature to show the change in season which I loved! 🌡️
Another strong theme is that of family inheritance. On one hand, we have Berit in her dilapidated but much loved cottage left by her grandparents compared with the Cullberg-Franzen’s and their multimillion pound island, fancy architectural home and art galleries. But as this book shows, money does not bring happiness or independence and I know which world I would rather be in! *cottage life please!*
Complex characters, environment and a ‘whodunnit’ style story, with an unexpected ending, this is the first book of Katarina Bivald I have read and I enjoyed it.
Thank you to Netgallery, Poisoned Pen Press and Katarina Bivald for the ARC copy of this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.
This was my first Katarina Bivald mystery, and it definitely won't be my last. While this is the third book in the series, I had no trouble jumping in, and now I want to go back and read the first two. The story follows mystery writer Berit Gardner as she spends the winter at her grandparents' isolated cottage on a small Swedish island. When she and her friend, DCI Ian Ahmed, attend the birthday celebration of a wealthy family matriarch, the evening ends in tragedy after the guest of honor falls to her death. Although the police believe it was an accident, Berit and Ian aren't convinced, especially after another death occurs months later.
The setting was one of my favorite parts of the book. The frozen islands, harsh winter weather, and isolated cottages created a quiet, atmospheric backdrop that made the mystery feel even more immersive. I could easily picture the landscape, and it added a unique feel compared to the typical village mystery. I also enjoyed the complicated family dynamics. Every family member seemed to have their own secrets, grudges, and motives, making it difficult to know who could be trusted. The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, and I liked that the focus was just as much on the characters as it was on solving the crime.
This is definitely a slower-paced mystery than many thrillers I read. Berit's reflections on life and family take up a fair amount of the story, so if you're looking for nonstop action, this may not be the right fit. Personally, I found some of those quieter moments slowed the pacing, but they also gave Berit more depth as a character. The ending surprised me, and I appreciated that the solution felt well-earned rather than relying on shock value.
The Woman Who Wouldn't Die Quietly is an atmospheric, character-driven mystery with an intriguing setting, dysfunctional family drama, and a classic whodunit feel. If you enjoy slower mysteries with memorable characters and beautiful settings, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
This was my first Katarina Bivald mystery, and it definitely won't be my last. While this is the third book in the series, I had no trouble jumping in, and now I want to go back and read the first two. The story follows mystery writer Berit Gardner as she spends the winter at her grandparents' isolated cottage on a small Swedish island. When she and her friend, DCI Ian Ahmed, attend the birthday celebration of a wealthy family matriarch, the evening ends in tragedy after the guest of honor falls to her death. Although the police believe it was an accident, Berit and Ian aren't convinced, especially after another death occurs months later.
The setting was one of my favorite parts of the book. The frozen islands, harsh winter weather, and isolated cottages created a quiet, atmospheric backdrop that made the mystery feel even more immersive. I could easily picture the landscape, and it added a unique feel compared to the typical village mystery. I also enjoyed the complicated family dynamics. Every family member seemed to have their own secrets, grudges, and motives, making it difficult to know who could be trusted. The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, and I liked that the focus was just as much on the characters as it was on solving the crime.
This is definitely a slower-paced mystery than many thrillers I read. Berit's reflections on life and family take up a fair amount of the story, so if you're looking for nonstop action, this may not be the right fit. Personally, I found some of those quieter moments slowed the pacing, but they also gave Berit more depth as a character. The ending surprised me, and I appreciated that the solution felt well-earned rather than relying on shock value.
The Woman Who Wouldn't Die Quietly is an atmospheric, character-driven mystery with an intriguing setting, dysfunctional family drama, and a classic whodunit feel. If you enjoy slower mysteries with memorable characters and beautiful settings, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Berit Gardner is a Swedish novelist. She’s decided to visit her family’s cabin on an island in the Stockholm Archipelago for the winter. It’s extremely rustic – there’s not even an indoor toilet. When her sort of friend Detective Ian Ahmed suffers a broken leg, she invites him to stay with her to recover. There’s not a lot to do; Berit goes on a walk around the island daily while Ian uses his binoculars to watch birds and the goings-on at the house across the strait. It’s a monstrous place, obviously the home of an extremely wealthy woman. After a few days of watching her, Ian sees activity – people cleaning the house for a party, it appears – soon followed by the owner herself, Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzen, taking the speedboat across the water to invite him and Breit to her birthday party the following day.
It’s a very private party with just Margrethe’s two children, their families, and her step-grandson (the grandson of her favorite husband, not the one who was the father of her children). It’s clear she despises them, and they’re not very fond of her. She mentions wanting to talk to Ian later about being threatened before walking out to talk to her daughter. Moments later there’s a scream as she falls to her death. It’s initially ruled an accident, but Ian and Berit are suspicious. Everyone had reason to want Margrethe dead – except the person who has an iron-clad alibi in the form of Ian and Berit. So who dunnit?
This is the third book featuring Berit, and I’ve loved each of them. There’s something about Berit and her attitude that I adore. Her confidence, the way she views things - it’s hard for me to describe. I wouldn’t describe this as a cozy, but it’s like a cozy in that the lives of the main characters are as important as the main ‘who dunnit’ plot.
Highly recommended. I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.
It’s a very private party with just Margrethe’s two children, their families, and her step-grandson (the grandson of her favorite husband, not the one who was the father of her children). It’s clear she despises them, and they’re not very fond of her. She mentions wanting to talk to Ian later about being threatened before walking out to talk to her daughter. Moments later there’s a scream as she falls to her death. It’s initially ruled an accident, but Ian and Berit are suspicious. Everyone had reason to want Margrethe dead – except the person who has an iron-clad alibi in the form of Ian and Berit. So who dunnit?
This is the third book featuring Berit, and I’ve loved each of them. There’s something about Berit and her attitude that I adore. Her confidence, the way she views things - it’s hard for me to describe. I wouldn’t describe this as a cozy, but it’s like a cozy in that the lives of the main characters are as important as the main ‘who dunnit’ plot.
Highly recommended. I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
English-Swedish author Berit Gardner has lived in England for decades, but, for reasons of her own, returns to her grandmother’s cottage on the beautiful but daunting Ängsö in the Stockholm Archipelago for the fall and winter. Joining her is Detective Chief Inspector Ian Ahmed of the Devon and Cornwall Police, whom we met in the first book in this series, The Murders in Great Diddling. Something is seriously bothering Berit, but she won’t say what.
What isn’t a secret is what happens at the tiny island next to Ängsö. The owner of island, Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzén, insists that Berit and Ian attend her 80th birthday party the following night. Margrethe is the cruel, controlling head of an art-gallery empire that she built from scratch, and she’s just as cruel and controlling to her family. To say that this party involving family members who hate one other is tense would be an understatement. On the very night of Margrethe’s party, she tumbles to her death. Swedish police declare it an unfortunate accident. Berit and Ian know better. And readers will love following their investigation in this humorous, extremely clever cozy mystery. Highly recommended.
The Woman Who Wouldn’t Die Quietly’s author Katarina Bivald is herself a Swedish author. After portraying Berit’s life in Cornwall and then at a workshop in Lyon, how much fun must it have been to have brought Berit back to Sweden! (Unlike Berit, Bivald lives just outside of Stockholm all of the time.)
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
What isn’t a secret is what happens at the tiny island next to Ängsö. The owner of island, Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzén, insists that Berit and Ian attend her 80th birthday party the following night. Margrethe is the cruel, controlling head of an art-gallery empire that she built from scratch, and she’s just as cruel and controlling to her family. To say that this party involving family members who hate one other is tense would be an understatement. On the very night of Margrethe’s party, she tumbles to her death. Swedish police declare it an unfortunate accident. Berit and Ian know better. And readers will love following their investigation in this humorous, extremely clever cozy mystery. Highly recommended.
The Woman Who Wouldn’t Die Quietly’s author Katarina Bivald is herself a Swedish author. After portraying Berit’s life in Cornwall and then at a workshop in Lyon, how much fun must it have been to have brought Berit back to Sweden! (Unlike Berit, Bivald lives just outside of Stockholm all of the time.)
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the third entry in Katarina Bivald’s Berit Gardner series. Berit is a Swedish writer who lives in England, but in this book she decides to spend the winter at her cottage in Sweden. She and her friend, DCI Ian Ahmed, are invited to dinner by local celebrity Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzén, where they are witnesses to a tense family dinner and then a shocking murder.
Bivald’s books are a slow burn but are well worth the read. Berit is a clever character to read, and Bivald weaves a mystery that will keep you guessing. Not only did Berit have to untangle a murder, but she was also dealing with personal issues and pondering her own mortality.
This book felt like a Nordic mystery with a twist. It had a wintry, dark setting and explored a family under the thumb of a domineering matriarch. Berit was investigating a family who had lost their mother and their complicated relationships with her, while Berit was examining her own relationship with her mother.
The story was a bit darker than Just Another Dead Author, the second book in the series, but I love the genre, and Bivald didn’t disappoint when it comes to smart plotting, character development, and a mystery that will keep you guessing.
Berit is similar to a real person with relatable feelings, rather than a character who knows everything. Berit is super clever and observant, but she is also more realistic with her emotions, or the emotions she tries to hide.
Ever since I read Just Another Dead Author, Bivald has become one of my favorite authors, and her books are a must-read. Her descriptions of the archipelago were vivid and atmospheric, and I hope there will be another book in the series!
Rating 4.5
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Bivald’s books are a slow burn but are well worth the read. Berit is a clever character to read, and Bivald weaves a mystery that will keep you guessing. Not only did Berit have to untangle a murder, but she was also dealing with personal issues and pondering her own mortality.
This book felt like a Nordic mystery with a twist. It had a wintry, dark setting and explored a family under the thumb of a domineering matriarch. Berit was investigating a family who had lost their mother and their complicated relationships with her, while Berit was examining her own relationship with her mother.
The story was a bit darker than Just Another Dead Author, the second book in the series, but I love the genre, and Bivald didn’t disappoint when it comes to smart plotting, character development, and a mystery that will keep you guessing.
Berit is similar to a real person with relatable feelings, rather than a character who knows everything. Berit is super clever and observant, but she is also more realistic with her emotions, or the emotions she tries to hide.
Ever since I read Just Another Dead Author, Bivald has become one of my favorite authors, and her books are a must-read. Her descriptions of the archipelago were vivid and atmospheric, and I hope there will be another book in the series!
Rating 4.5
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Katarina Bivald has, once again, written about her Swedish author, Berit Gardner; and the detective who has worked with her on previous cases, Ian Ahmed. This time, The Woman Who Wouldn't Die Quietly is set in Berit’s (and the author’s) native country, Sweden. To be more precise, it’s set on a tiny island in the Stockholm archipelago, where the author’s great-grandparents bought a cottage, now home to Bivald’s parents.
The action takes place from October to March, with Ian initially visiting Berit while he recovers from a broken leg. A neighbour, Margrethe, on a nearby island invites them both to her eightieth birthday party, but doesn’t survive to the end of the evening. Did Margrethe fall or was she pushed? If the latter, who did it? Her family – all present at the party – are highly dysfunctional and the animosities are obvious at the party.
The pace is slower than in Bivald’s previous Berit Gardner books, echoing the long dark Swedish winter. I was going to write “bleak” there, by force of habit, but that wouldn’t be correct. Bivald’s winter isn’t bleak. It’s dark, certainly; and it’s snow-, ice- and frost-filled; but the winter seems more like a thickness that envelopes the world, reducing both sound and visibility and making people think more, rather than relying upon external stimuli. We are privy to Berit’s thoughts as she turns fifty-three, the age at which her mother died. Berit has always been convinced that she, too, would die at the same age. All this makes the book quite introspective. The absence of Berit’s former PA, Sally, also reduces the humour and action.
The book is undoubtedly well-written and, presumably, invokes the mood that the author intended, but, although I enjoyed the plot, I missed the joy and fun that was in the previous books in the series.
The action takes place from October to March, with Ian initially visiting Berit while he recovers from a broken leg. A neighbour, Margrethe, on a nearby island invites them both to her eightieth birthday party, but doesn’t survive to the end of the evening. Did Margrethe fall or was she pushed? If the latter, who did it? Her family – all present at the party – are highly dysfunctional and the animosities are obvious at the party.
The pace is slower than in Bivald’s previous Berit Gardner books, echoing the long dark Swedish winter. I was going to write “bleak” there, by force of habit, but that wouldn’t be correct. Bivald’s winter isn’t bleak. It’s dark, certainly; and it’s snow-, ice- and frost-filled; but the winter seems more like a thickness that envelopes the world, reducing both sound and visibility and making people think more, rather than relying upon external stimuli. We are privy to Berit’s thoughts as she turns fifty-three, the age at which her mother died. Berit has always been convinced that she, too, would die at the same age. All this makes the book quite introspective. The absence of Berit’s former PA, Sally, also reduces the humour and action.
The book is undoubtedly well-written and, presumably, invokes the mood that the author intended, but, although I enjoyed the plot, I missed the joy and fun that was in the previous books in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, author Katarina Bivald and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.
This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone as well. It is a slow read, focusing more on Berit's personality and what drives her to live and solve the mystery of the deaths occuring on a neighboring island belonging to a rich family.
The elements of nature are a big part of the story, their description pulling you in and making you feel like you are there, on that island with Berit in her isolation. The book is more character driven than a fast paced thriller, Berit being more of a Sherlock Holmes personality in her stubborness on finding answers to her questions.
The plot takes months to reach a conclusion, starting in late autumn, festering with mysteries and deaths during winter. Nature and mystery seem to become one as we live on Berit's island and get to know more of her inner-personality and past.
Even so, at times it felt too slow or Berit too headstrong in investigating her own way, even while knowing she might be in danger. If you are looking for more of a character-driven story in your murder mystery, this is the book for you, especially if you start it during a cold winter day, with a cup of tea in a warm room.
This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone as well. It is a slow read, focusing more on Berit's personality and what drives her to live and solve the mystery of the deaths occuring on a neighboring island belonging to a rich family.
The elements of nature are a big part of the story, their description pulling you in and making you feel like you are there, on that island with Berit in her isolation. The book is more character driven than a fast paced thriller, Berit being more of a Sherlock Holmes personality in her stubborness on finding answers to her questions.
The plot takes months to reach a conclusion, starting in late autumn, festering with mysteries and deaths during winter. Nature and mystery seem to become one as we live on Berit's island and get to know more of her inner-personality and past.
Even so, at times it felt too slow or Berit too headstrong in investigating her own way, even while knowing she might be in danger. If you are looking for more of a character-driven story in your murder mystery, this is the book for you, especially if you start it during a cold winter day, with a cup of tea in a warm room.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I definitely need to go back and read the first two books because if this one is any indication, I’m missing out.
This was such a fun ride from beginning to end. The isolated Swedish island setting was everything. It was atmospheric, quiet, a little eerie, and the perfect backdrop for a mystery. I could almost feel the cold coming off the pages.
I loved that this wasn’t just a whodunit. The family dynamics were so messy, everyone had secrets, and every time I thought I had someone figured out, I’d change my mind. The investigation kept me guessing without feeling overcomplicated, and I was completely invested in finding out what really happened.
Berit and Ian made such a great team. Their friendship felt natural, and I really enjoyed following them as they slowly unraveled the truth. I also loved how the story took its time to let the setting and characters breathe instead of rushing from clue to clue.
By the end, I was already looking up the first two books because I wasn’t ready to leave these characters behind. If you love cozy mysteries with gorgeous settings, complicated families, and a mystery that keeps you turning the pages, I can’t recommend this one enough.
Such a fantastic read, and now I have two more books to binge. That sounds like a win to me.
This was such a fun ride from beginning to end. The isolated Swedish island setting was everything. It was atmospheric, quiet, a little eerie, and the perfect backdrop for a mystery. I could almost feel the cold coming off the pages.
I loved that this wasn’t just a whodunit. The family dynamics were so messy, everyone had secrets, and every time I thought I had someone figured out, I’d change my mind. The investigation kept me guessing without feeling overcomplicated, and I was completely invested in finding out what really happened.
Berit and Ian made such a great team. Their friendship felt natural, and I really enjoyed following them as they slowly unraveled the truth. I also loved how the story took its time to let the setting and characters breathe instead of rushing from clue to clue.
By the end, I was already looking up the first two books because I wasn’t ready to leave these characters behind. If you love cozy mysteries with gorgeous settings, complicated families, and a mystery that keeps you turning the pages, I can’t recommend this one enough.
Such a fantastic read, and now I have two more books to binge. That sounds like a win to me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Woman Who Wouldn’t Die Quietly by Katarina Bivald
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Woman Who Wouldn’t Die Quietly is a character-driven mystery set on an intriguing remote island with plenty of family drama and a classic whodunit storyline. A unique and engrossing mystery that combines mystery, wit, and complex characters to form a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzén has spent her entire life running her family as ruthlessly as she’s run the family business. For her eightieth birthday, she invites her entire family to a remote island to celebrate. During the celebration, she falls to her death. Ian Ahmed is certain it was murder. Stuck in a wintery setting, he and novelist Berit Gardner aim to untangle the family secrets behind Margrethe's legacy.
The Woman Who Wouldn’t Die Quietly is clever and entertaining mystery with an interesting plot, well-written characters, and lots of twists and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end. The mysterious moments combined with more lighthearted ones work to make the story both suspenseful and humorous. Overall, an entertaining story that’s perfect for cozy mystery fans!
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Woman Who Wouldn’t Die Quietly is a character-driven mystery set on an intriguing remote island with plenty of family drama and a classic whodunit storyline. A unique and engrossing mystery that combines mystery, wit, and complex characters to form a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Margrethe Cullenberg-Franzén has spent her entire life running her family as ruthlessly as she’s run the family business. For her eightieth birthday, she invites her entire family to a remote island to celebrate. During the celebration, she falls to her death. Ian Ahmed is certain it was murder. Stuck in a wintery setting, he and novelist Berit Gardner aim to untangle the family secrets behind Margrethe's legacy.
The Woman Who Wouldn’t Die Quietly is clever and entertaining mystery with an interesting plot, well-written characters, and lots of twists and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end. The mysterious moments combined with more lighthearted ones work to make the story both suspenseful and humorous. Overall, an entertaining story that’s perfect for cozy mystery fans!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Woman Who Wouldn’t Die Quietly by Katarina Bivald is the third book in the Berit Gardner mystery series, and this installment takes Berit to her family’s island in Stockholm. She’s hosting DCI Ian Ahmen as he recovers from a broken leg, and the quiet winter isolation sets the perfect stage for a new mystery. Things take a turn when Ian and Berit are invited to a neighboring island to celebrate the 80th birthday of the family matriarch. It doesn’t take long to sense the family tension and resentment in the room.
Before the night ends, the matriarch, Margrethe, is dead. Ian initially leads the investigation, but Berit soon steps in, navigating a complicated and emotionally fraught family to uncover what really happened. The mystery is complex, and I loved the wintry island setting and the sense of isolation it created. I had no idea how the case would unravel or who was responsible, but the ending came together in a very satisfying way. This continues to be a series I enjoy following, and this book is another strong entry.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
Before the night ends, the matriarch, Margrethe, is dead. Ian initially leads the investigation, but Berit soon steps in, navigating a complicated and emotionally fraught family to uncover what really happened. The mystery is complex, and I loved the wintry island setting and the sense of isolation it created. I had no idea how the case would unravel or who was responsible, but the ending came together in a very satisfying way. This continues to be a series I enjoy following, and this book is another strong entry.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
July 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Some books pull you in with relentless twists, while others win you over with their characters. This one managed to do both.
The mystery kept me guessing without feeling overcomplicated, and I loved how the story slowly unravelled instead of rushing to the big reveals. There were plenty of moments where I thought I’d worked everything out, only to realise I was completely off track.
What really stood out, though, was the cast of characters. They felt layered and believable, adding warmth and humour to a story that also explored some darker themes. That balance made it an easy book to settle into, even when the stakes were high.
The pacing dipped slightly in a few places, which is the only reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, but I was invested from beginning to end and genuinely looked forward to picking it up each night.
If you’re after a mystery that’s equal parts intriguing, witty and character-driven, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.
Some books pull you in with relentless twists, while others win you over with their characters. This one managed to do both.
The mystery kept me guessing without feeling overcomplicated, and I loved how the story slowly unravelled instead of rushing to the big reveals. There were plenty of moments where I thought I’d worked everything out, only to realise I was completely off track.
What really stood out, though, was the cast of characters. They felt layered and believable, adding warmth and humour to a story that also explored some darker themes. That balance made it an easy book to settle into, even when the stakes were high.
The pacing dipped slightly in a few places, which is the only reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, but I was invested from beginning to end and genuinely looked forward to picking it up each night.
If you’re after a mystery that’s equal parts intriguing, witty and character-driven, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.
July 31, 2026
This is the second book in the Berit Gardner series by Katarina Bivald that I’ve read and I really enjoyed them both. Berit is an author, who happens to be pretty good at solving murders as well. She befriends Ian, a DCI in Cornwall, and in this installment Berit is helping him out while he’s mending his broken leg. They have retreated to a summer cabin on the Stockholm Archipelago and have nothing much to do but spy on their neighbors. When one of the neighbors invites them for dinner, they accept, and then proceed to be subjected to some of the worst behavior you could imagine. This family dinner is so full of hate, that it’s no surprise when Margrethe, the matriarch, confides to Ian that she’s afraid someone wants her dead. And then, before the evening is over, she lies dead below the overlook, lying on the rocks. This was a real thinker, and both Berit and Ian took us through the intricate workings of their process. I enjoyed the bleak setting, the side stories, and the absolute miserable behavior of the family members. 4 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted eARC!
I’ve been craving classic whodunnits lately and this delivered on everything I wanted in a mystery! Isolated house on an island, dysfunctional rich family with a controlling matriarch, and a whole lot of suspicion when the bodies start dropping. I didn’t realize this was the third in a series but the author does a great job of bringing in the context from prior books while also making this a great standalone, so I never felt like I was missing anything critical to the story. But now I’m definitely planning to check out the earlier books because I loved Ian and Berit as a duo and as their own characters! If you want a classic, Christie-esque mystery in the modern day in an immersive setting, I would highly recommend picking this up!
I’ve been craving classic whodunnits lately and this delivered on everything I wanted in a mystery! Isolated house on an island, dysfunctional rich family with a controlling matriarch, and a whole lot of suspicion when the bodies start dropping. I didn’t realize this was the third in a series but the author does a great job of bringing in the context from prior books while also making this a great standalone, so I never felt like I was missing anything critical to the story. But now I’m definitely planning to check out the earlier books because I loved Ian and Berit as a duo and as their own characters! If you want a classic, Christie-esque mystery in the modern day in an immersive setting, I would highly recommend picking this up!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 stars
For fans of Scandinavian mysteries -- this one isn't dark so much as monochromatic. Author Bergit is holed up in an old family cabin on an isolated island in Sweden. Her friend Ian, a British detective inspector, is staying with her while he recuperates from a broken leg.
They are at a dinner at a neighbor's home when a mysterious death occurs. The family matriarch, strong and overbearing and at odds with her entire family, winds up dead after a fall off a cliff. The two can't help but investigate, along with the local detective Sven.
The Scandinavian mysteries I have read are a little bloodless for me, scant emotion, not much character development, very understated. But this was interesting and well-plotted and quirky.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For fans of Scandinavian mysteries -- this one isn't dark so much as monochromatic. Author Bergit is holed up in an old family cabin on an isolated island in Sweden. Her friend Ian, a British detective inspector, is staying with her while he recuperates from a broken leg.
They are at a dinner at a neighbor's home when a mysterious death occurs. The family matriarch, strong and overbearing and at odds with her entire family, winds up dead after a fall off a cliff. The two can't help but investigate, along with the local detective Sven.
The Scandinavian mysteries I have read are a little bloodless for me, scant emotion, not much character development, very understated. But this was interesting and well-plotted and quirky.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first book by Katarina Bivald, and it definitely made me curious to read more from her. Even though this is the third book in the series, I never felt lost.
The setting was easily my favorite part. A remote Swedish island in the middle of winter created such an atmospheric backdrop for this mystery. I also loved the dysfunctional family dynamics because it seemed like everyone had a motive, which kept me guessing.
This is definitely a slower, more character-driven mystery than the thrillers I usually pick up, but I enjoyed taking my time with it. The ending surprised me, and I thought the mystery came together in a satisfying way.
If you enjoy atmospheric whodunits with memorable settings and complicated family drama, I'd recommend giving this one a try.
The setting was easily my favorite part. A remote Swedish island in the middle of winter created such an atmospheric backdrop for this mystery. I also loved the dysfunctional family dynamics because it seemed like everyone had a motive, which kept me guessing.
This is definitely a slower, more character-driven mystery than the thrillers I usually pick up, but I enjoyed taking my time with it. The ending surprised me, and I thought the mystery came together in a satisfying way.
If you enjoy atmospheric whodunits with memorable settings and complicated family drama, I'd recommend giving this one a try.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Press for the eARC.
On Margrethe's 80th birthday the whole family celebrates on a remote island. Not the best idea when there's so.much animosity amongst them. They're quite a nasty bunch, but none as nasty as the birthday girl ...
When she ends up falling from a cliff, Ian and Berit, both unwilling guests, immediately believe one of the family pushed Margrethe, but who?, it's a fairly large cast.
This was a great read, with a surprise ending. I really liked Berit and Ian and quite empathized with Berit's wish to be alone. But I believe she would be even happier if she got a dog. She would enjoy her long, solitary walks so much more!
On Margrethe's 80th birthday the whole family celebrates on a remote island. Not the best idea when there's so.much animosity amongst them. They're quite a nasty bunch, but none as nasty as the birthday girl ...
When she ends up falling from a cliff, Ian and Berit, both unwilling guests, immediately believe one of the family pushed Margrethe, but who?, it's a fairly large cast.
This was a great read, with a surprise ending. I really liked Berit and Ian and quite empathized with Berit's wish to be alone. But I believe she would be even happier if she got a dog. She would enjoy her long, solitary walks so much more!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book. It is the first one that I've read by this author and it won't be the last. I found it to be a very interesting read as I don't read a lot of books set in this part of the world. I love that the murdered character was a matriarch that was not well loved by her family, who are not a particularly lovely bunch. She ends up meeting a nasty end and two guests, both somewhat unwilling, believe that her death was caused by a family member. The thing is, it's a large family. I thought that this was an enjoyable read with a twist ending. I recommend it.
July 14, 2026
Detective Ian has broken his leg and goes to visit his friend, author Berit, on the Swedish archipelago. They are invited to a dinner for her neighbor, the elderly but still powerful Margrethe. There, Margrethe dies, after hinting she fears for her life. Ian and Berit can’t help but investigate.
I enjoyed the setting in Sweden very much, and the mystery was interesting. Perhaps if I’d read the other books in the series I would have felt better connected to the characters, but Berit especially is an enigma. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
I enjoyed the setting in Sweden very much, and the mystery was interesting. Perhaps if I’d read the other books in the series I would have felt better connected to the characters, but Berit especially is an enigma. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much, NetGalley, for the eARC!
I had high expectations for this book since I love a good mystery novel. Unfortunately, it felt very slow-paced for me, as there wasn’t much dialogue and the story moved slowly overall. Typically, a thriller keeps me hooked, but this one didn’t quite do that for me.
That said, I did enjoy the complexity of the characters; it kept me guessing who could have done it.
Overall, I’d rate it 2.5/5 stars. It just wasn’t my type of book.
I had high expectations for this book since I love a good mystery novel. Unfortunately, it felt very slow-paced for me, as there wasn’t much dialogue and the story moved slowly overall. Typically, a thriller keeps me hooked, but this one didn’t quite do that for me.
That said, I did enjoy the complexity of the characters; it kept me guessing who could have done it.
Overall, I’d rate it 2.5/5 stars. It just wasn’t my type of book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Berit is having a dark night of the soul on a remote island in her native Sweden when she and a convalescing DCI Ahmed become wrapped up in a death of a member of a rich and dysfunctional family. This book offers a heavy dose of introspection from Berit as she contemplates growing older, outliving your parents, and living between two worlds.
NetGalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
NetGalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I seldom read international authors but this book was riveting! Set in the cold of winter on an island in Sweden we find a female author and an English policeman who had a broken leg. They attend a family dinner on the island next to them and there is a death. But is it murder?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love every book Katharine Bivald has written. Her books are amazing. I love this book that is set in the Stockholm Archipelago and I’ve actually been there. Fabulous!
Great story.
Great story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The third installment in the cozy Berit Gardner Swedish mystery series is a great read and can stand alone.
Inspector Ian Ahmed of the Cornwall Devonshire Police is on the tiny Swedish island of Ängsö recovering from a broken leg and staying at his friend’s Berit’s cottage who has preceded him as she sorts her recently decreased grandmother’s things. Invited to art gallery owner Margrethe Cullberg-Franzén’s 80th birthday party Ian and Berit find the atmosphere tense and when Margrethe is found death at the bottom of a cliff the police believe it was an accident but Berit and Ian are not so sure. What then ensues is an investigation and a big reveal ala Hercule Poirot! I won’t reveal how the title fits the story - you have to read the book to appreciate the irony.
The book is divided by months with air and water temperatures given for each day or chapter. It starts in October and ends in February with an epilogue around Easter. Loved those temperatures. Since this was my first book in the series I enjoyed both Berit and Ian. They are different personalities but are engaging and perfect foils for each other.
This book is perfect for cozy mystery lovers.
My thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for granting me access to this ARC.
Inspector Ian Ahmed of the Cornwall Devonshire Police is on the tiny Swedish island of Ängsö recovering from a broken leg and staying at his friend’s Berit’s cottage who has preceded him as she sorts her recently decreased grandmother’s things. Invited to art gallery owner Margrethe Cullberg-Franzén’s 80th birthday party Ian and Berit find the atmosphere tense and when Margrethe is found death at the bottom of a cliff the police believe it was an accident but Berit and Ian are not so sure. What then ensues is an investigation and a big reveal ala Hercule Poirot! I won’t reveal how the title fits the story - you have to read the book to appreciate the irony.
The book is divided by months with air and water temperatures given for each day or chapter. It starts in October and ends in February with an epilogue around Easter. Loved those temperatures. Since this was my first book in the series I enjoyed both Berit and Ian. They are different personalities but are engaging and perfect foils for each other.
This book is perfect for cozy mystery lovers.
My thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for granting me access to this ARC.
July 30, 2026
Disclaimer: I started this series by reading the 2nd book and until now, I still haven’t read the first one!🫣
When I read book 2, I was frustrated with Berit on why she recklessly threw herself into the investigation without any regard for her own safety. But reading this 3rd book made me understand her better. Ian, being a detective and an officer of the law said it best: “Berit didn’t follow any rules in her hunt for the truth. In her world, the ends justified the means.” It turns out that Berit has been dealing with some personal issues all this time which explains why she behaves this way. This 3rd installment is also darker compared to the previous book and with more emphasis on one’s mortality and legacy. It’s a complex topic that will have you questioning your own purpose in life. It’s thought provoking for sure and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent reading this. The resolution of this whodunnit was slow going, with lots of introspection to arrive at the conclusion. I usually don’t like this but with the author’s atmospheric writing, I found myself fully appreciating it. After all, not everything should be fast and furious, right? Overall, this was a good mystery and I would definitely continue reading the series.
When I read book 2, I was frustrated with Berit on why she recklessly threw herself into the investigation without any regard for her own safety. But reading this 3rd book made me understand her better. Ian, being a detective and an officer of the law said it best: “Berit didn’t follow any rules in her hunt for the truth. In her world, the ends justified the means.” It turns out that Berit has been dealing with some personal issues all this time which explains why she behaves this way. This 3rd installment is also darker compared to the previous book and with more emphasis on one’s mortality and legacy. It’s a complex topic that will have you questioning your own purpose in life. It’s thought provoking for sure and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent reading this. The resolution of this whodunnit was slow going, with lots of introspection to arrive at the conclusion. I usually don’t like this but with the author’s atmospheric writing, I found myself fully appreciating it. After all, not everything should be fast and furious, right? Overall, this was a good mystery and I would definitely continue reading the series.
July 28, 2026
I am a big fan of Scandinavian murder mysteries and this did not disappoint! The two main character, a policeman recovering from injury and an introverted writer who seems to solve murders by accident have their own relational story line that weaves through whodunit set in a big house on a remote lake, with a rich family that appears too dysfunctional to even have a conversation. There are more motives and lies than there are mourners for the victim, who, while the matriarch of the family, could hardly be called “missed.” The character development was surprisingly good for characters with few redeeming qualities as people—the reader hates them, but they know enough about them to hate them for specific reasons. The plot was well thought out and it was not an obvious ending, which I appreciated (sometimes murder mysteries can be formulaic and this was not!).
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews