Nattankare (Nachtschatten) is the fifth installment in Kristina Ohlsson's August Strindberg series, once again taking readers back to the small coastal community of Hovenäset. The story revolves around August Strindberg, whose search for long-buried family secrets leads him to Switzerland.
Meanwhile, on a freezing night on the island of Guleskär, a frightened woman is seen desperately fleeing into the darkness. Maria, August's fiancé, and her colleagues from the local police office (a caravan) are investigating this new case. And amidst all of this, everyone is trying to prepare for Maria and August's upcoming wedding.
Like the previous books in the series, Nattankare is not a psychological thriller, but it is an engaging and atmospheric crime novel. The true strength of this series lies in its recurring cast of characters—not only August and Maria, but also the many residents of Hovenäset, who have become just as important to the reading experience. Life in this small Swedish village moves at a slower pace, and Ohlsson captures its unique atmosphere beautifully, making it a place I always enjoy returning to.
While the mysteries surrounding both the criminal investigation and August's family provide a steady sense of suspense, the character relationships and the familiar setting remain the heart of the story. The balance between crime, personal drama, and small-town life is what makes this series so enjoyable for me.
I always look forward to returning to Hovenäset and spending time with August Strindberg and the rest of the cast. Kristina Ohlsson has once again delivered an entertaining addition to the series, and I'm already looking forward to continuing with the next book.