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Ilka Jensen #1
The Undertaker's Daughter
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Already widowed by the age of forty, Ilka Nichols Jensen, a school portrait photographer, leads a modest, regimented, and uneventful life in Copenhagen. Until unexpected news rocks her quiet existence: Her father--who walked out suddenly and inexplicably on the family more than three decades ago--has died. And he's left her something in his will: his funeral home. In Racine, Wisconsin.
Clinging to this last shred of communication from the father she hasn't heard from since childhood, Ilka makes an uncharacteristically rash decision and jumps on a plane to Wisconsin. Desperate for a connection to the parent she never really knew, she plans to visit the funeral home and go through her father's things--hoping for some insight into his new life in America--before preparing the business for a quick sale.
But when she stumbles on an unsolved murder, and a killer who seems to still be very much alive, the undertaker's daughter realizes she might be in over her head . . .
Already widowed by the age of forty, Ilka Nichols Jensen, a school portrait photographer, leads a modest, regimented, and uneventful life in Copenhagen. Until unexpected news rocks her quiet existence: Her father--who walked out suddenly and inexplicably on the family more than three decades ago--has died. And he's left her something in his will: his funeral home. In Racine, Wisconsin.
Clinging to this last shred of communication from the father she hasn't heard from since childhood, Ilka makes an uncharacteristically rash decision and jumps on a plane to Wisconsin. Desperate for a connection to the parent she never really knew, she plans to visit the funeral home and go through her father's things--hoping for some insight into his new life in America--before preparing the business for a quick sale.
But when she stumbles on an unsolved murder, and a killer who seems to still be very much alive, the undertaker's daughter realizes she might be in over her head . . .
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2016
437 people are currently reading
6525 people want to read
About the author
Sara Blaedel
36 books2,037 followersSara Blaedel is the author of the #1 international bestselling series featuring Detective Louise Rick. Her books are published in thirty-seven countries. In 2014 Sara was voted Denmark’s most popular novelist for the fourth time. She is also a recipient of the Golden Laurel, Denmark’s most prestigious literary award.
In 2016 she published the first book "The Undertakers Daughter" in a new trilogy set in Racine, Wisconsin:
Already widowed by the age of forty, Ilka Nichols Jensen, a school portrait photographer, leads a modest, regimented, and uneventful life in Copenhagen. Until unexpected news rocks her quiet existence: Her father–who walked out suddenly and inexplicably on the family more than three decades ago–has died. And he’s left her something in his will: his funeral home. In Racine, Wisconsin.
In 2016 she published the first book "The Undertakers Daughter" in a new trilogy set in Racine, Wisconsin:
Already widowed by the age of forty, Ilka Nichols Jensen, a school portrait photographer, leads a modest, regimented, and uneventful life in Copenhagen. Until unexpected news rocks her quiet existence: Her father–who walked out suddenly and inexplicably on the family more than three decades ago–has died. And he’s left her something in his will: his funeral home. In Racine, Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 456 reviews
February 17, 2018
A very strange and different read from this Nordic author. Ilka leaves Denmark for Racine, Wisconsin, of all places, when she inherits and undertaking business from the father who left her and her mother when she was only seven. Hoping to learn more about her father and his life, she arrives to find a business seriously in debt and an unsolved murder.
Not quite sure what to make of this one, it is very different from her previous books. I liked Iklas character but the writing and atmosphere is very bland. The storyline somewhat scattered and at times confusing. The setting was novel and certainly leads to new areas of interest, much could have been made from this, but I didn't feel this was taken to advantage. Ultimately, I liked it but didn't love it, wanted more and found the way it was written confusing.
One question....Do they really sell coffins at Costco?
ARC from Netgalley.
Not quite sure what to make of this one, it is very different from her previous books. I liked Iklas character but the writing and atmosphere is very bland. The storyline somewhat scattered and at times confusing. The setting was novel and certainly leads to new areas of interest, much could have been made from this, but I didn't feel this was taken to advantage. Ultimately, I liked it but didn't love it, wanted more and found the way it was written confusing.
One question....Do they really sell coffins at Costco?
ARC from Netgalley.
November 5, 2017
Seriously? This is the queen of Danish crime fiction? Well, that's hugely disappointing. And to think I was so excited to see her new book available on Netgalley, thought finally this is the time I discover Blaedel for myself. The book itself is a overwhelmingly underwhelming story of a 40 year old woman who comes from Copenhagen to Racine USA to inherit her estranged and now dead father's funeral business. One, that despite not knowing much about and despite being in a severe debt, she decides to take on anyway. One of the bodies found ends up being part of a criminal investigation, but that part of the story is so small, it's barely enough to qualify this as a crime fiction, it's more of a drama with some crime. The protagonist is not particularly likeable and lacks any sort of charisma, she makes inexplicable decisions, relaxes by casual sex with random men and occasionally ponders how much her native country is more sophisticated in so many ways, which, of course, it is. But for a reader it's difficult to care about Ilka at all or much of anyone in this book for that matter. Scandinavian fiction is known for a sort of understated matter of fact narration, but here it somehow translated into dispassionate and flat. Readable enough, but not much to recommend itself. Would have been just good enough, but the author felt the need to slap an absolutely ridiculous and completely unnecessary To Be Continued ending on it, literally last minute sort of thing that doesn't add up logistically, not to mention why would you want to spend more time with this lackluster bunch. Not a complete waste of time, but close to it, mostly just a let down based on any preconceived expectations. Nothing regal or royalty worthy about this blandness. Thanks Netgalley.
August 30, 2020
This was tagged as a mystery but it is really a drama centered around Ilka, who comes from Copenhagen to inherit her estranged father's funeral business. There is some mystery as to his second wife and their 2 daughters (her 2 half sisters), but not really delved into. There are questions arising as to why her father left her this business after ignoring all her letters and any attempts at contact, with the business itself in trouble with the IRS and in serious debt.
Unfortunately, Ilka is not that interesting or deep. Maybe something got lost in the translation that could explain more of what goes on behind her actions. The undertaking business was well researched and provided a lot of information that I'm sure I probably didn't ever really want to know. The mystery of who beat a homeless man, who years before was accused of killing a very popular town girl, could be the mystery that the beginning of this series alludes to, but it was a very small backstory.
I doubt I would continue with anything further in this series. It just didn't hook me and I kind of didn't care by the end.
Unfortunately, Ilka is not that interesting or deep. Maybe something got lost in the translation that could explain more of what goes on behind her actions. The undertaking business was well researched and provided a lot of information that I'm sure I probably didn't ever really want to know. The mystery of who beat a homeless man, who years before was accused of killing a very popular town girl, could be the mystery that the beginning of this series alludes to, but it was a very small backstory.
I doubt I would continue with anything further in this series. It just didn't hook me and I kind of didn't care by the end.
February 6, 2018
The Undertaker's Daughter is definitely something completely different from what I had expected when it comes to a Sara Blaedel book. For one thing, it did not feel like a thriller, more a mystery book. And, despite the serious subject did the book feel a lot more humorous than I had expected. You know the sad kind of humor when everything goes wrong, but in a funny kind of way. Like in this book when Ilka is out shopping for a coffin when the coffin that ass ordered wouldn't be delivered because of debts.
The book is, despite the lack of suspense still good. I breezed through the book and I found the book fascinating to read when it came to the difference between funerals in the United States and in Scandinavia. This is a book that does not answer all the questions, there is a cliffhanger in the end and I will definitely read the next book to know what will happen to the funeral home, and to find out more about Sister Eileen who seems very mysterious.
As for the unsolved murder, this is actually the books weakest point in my opinion. It's not like Ilka does much to solve the cold case, it's more that everything happens around the dead body that is found. Ilka is more a bystander than an active solver of the murder.
The best part of this book is definitely everything concerning the funeral home, Ilka trying to get to grips with her father's legacy and it will be interesting to read the next book to see what happens next.
I want to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
The book is, despite the lack of suspense still good. I breezed through the book and I found the book fascinating to read when it came to the difference between funerals in the United States and in Scandinavia. This is a book that does not answer all the questions, there is a cliffhanger in the end and I will definitely read the next book to know what will happen to the funeral home, and to find out more about Sister Eileen who seems very mysterious.
As for the unsolved murder, this is actually the books weakest point in my opinion. It's not like Ilka does much to solve the cold case, it's more that everything happens around the dead body that is found. Ilka is more a bystander than an active solver of the murder.
The best part of this book is definitely everything concerning the funeral home, Ilka trying to get to grips with her father's legacy and it will be interesting to read the next book to see what happens next.
I want to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
February 6, 2018
I hadn't read very many pages of The Undertaker's Daughter before I began forming an intense dislike for Ilka, the main character. She must be a prime case of arrested development: her mother knows Ilka's father better than Ilka ever will, but she hares off to Wisconsin like a bratty teenager because her mother couldn't possibly know anything. She's full of plans on what she's going to do once she gets there, but what does she actually do? Locks herself in her room, ignoring everyone all the next day, and when the person on the other side of the door finally gives up and shoves papers underneath, does she read them? Heavens no. She just signs them and shoves them back. Big mistake for the forty-year-old teenager.
She can't make up her mind what she's going to do. Is she going to go back to Copenhagen? Is she going to stay? Is she going to sell the business? Is she going to run it herself? I think the final straw for me was when she had a complete mess on her hands yet showed more interest in a date with someone she hooked up with on Tinder. My list of things that annoyed me about Ilka could go on for a day or two.
With my strong adverse reaction to the main character, you'd think I wouldn't have enough of my brain cells left to pay attention to the mystery. The mystery surrounding the cold case and the corpse in the cooler would have been far more engaging if the book hadn't been mired in page after page centering on the whiny Ilka. This is the start of a new series and ends on a cliffhanger. I don't think I need to tell you whether or not I'll continue with it. If you give The Undertaker's Daughter a try, I certainly hope you get much better mileage.
She can't make up her mind what she's going to do. Is she going to go back to Copenhagen? Is she going to stay? Is she going to sell the business? Is she going to run it herself? I think the final straw for me was when she had a complete mess on her hands yet showed more interest in a date with someone she hooked up with on Tinder. My list of things that annoyed me about Ilka could go on for a day or two.
With my strong adverse reaction to the main character, you'd think I wouldn't have enough of my brain cells left to pay attention to the mystery. The mystery surrounding the cold case and the corpse in the cooler would have been far more engaging if the book hadn't been mired in page after page centering on the whiny Ilka. This is the start of a new series and ends on a cliffhanger. I don't think I need to tell you whether or not I'll continue with it. If you give The Undertaker's Daughter a try, I certainly hope you get much better mileage.
April 14, 2020
Left to my own devices there's a reasonable probability I wouldn't ever have picked this book up. This is not in any way a reflection of the author, but more that mass market thrillers aren't really my preferred choice of reading material. However, I won the follow-up - Her Father's Secret - in a recent Goodreads Giveaway (THANK YOU Grand Central Publishing!!!), and since this book ends on a cliffhanger, and the 2nd book continues from that EXACT same moment, I figured it would be prudent to begin with Book 1.
For the record, this was my first Sara Blaedel so I don't know if it's a fairly typical example of her writing, or a complete outlier, but I do know that I enjoyed it immensely.
So, what's going on with this one? Well, it's a strange book and not easy to pin down. It isn't really a mystery, or a thriller, well, not in any traditional sense, but it becomes increasingly engrossing the deeper you delve, and there are certainly some genuinely creepy moments. Then again, the novel is predominantly set in a funeral home, which is more than a little freaky by default, so it's not exactly difficult to ratchet up the tension. Especially at night, with bodies in the refrigerated storage units, empty coffins lying around the workshop, and strange sounds emanating from the preparation room. See? I'm on edge just writing that! Anyway, pervasive creepiness aside, this is definitely an unusual plot but, by the end, I was thoroughly hooked; to the point where I immediately started reading the 2nd book!
Okay, so if it's not really a mystery/thriller, what is it? Well, it's essentially the story of a 40 year old widowed Danish woman, Ilka, who is basically trying to make sense of, and come to terms with, her funeral director father fleeing Copenhagen some 33 years earlier, with no explanation to Ilka or her mother. Paul Jensen emigrated to Racine, Illinois, a town seemingly on its very last legs, to eventually establish another funeral home, and start a new family. Now, Ilka discovers her errant father has left the debt-ridden Racine funeral home to her, and she becomes torn between trying to do what's best for her father's former colleagues, Artie Sorvino and nun, Sister Eileen O’Connor, while simultaneously 'honouring' her father's wishes and memory, while trying not to saddle herself with a lifetime's worth of debt. Buckle up! This is going to be a bumpy ride!
Ilka is an intriguing personality. Intensely damaged, fiercely independent, with a proclivity to at least attempt to do the right thing wherever possible. Although she has limited memories of her dad, people are fond of letting her know that she shares many of his more positive traits. Her journey of discovery into the seemingly cut-throat world of the US funeral business is utterly fascinating. Indeed, the book is a rather damning indictment of the US brand of capitalism, and how it translates to towns like Racine, and one of the worst healthcare systems in the West (if you're poor, that is). Having only ever lived in countries with decent free healthcare, it is incredibly difficult to wrap one's head around the fact that characters in this tale are bankrupting themselves to pay medical bills. Sara Blaedel obviously felt strongly enough about this subject to highlight it in no uncertain terms. But I digress...
I should probably counter by saying that while the book does centre on death (two murders, countless funerals, and no weddings), it isn't all doom and gloom. There are moments of actual levity dotted throughout. Every character is believably formed, and Artie especially keeps you on your toes throughout.
Overall, this is a fast, intriguing, and rather addictive read. I'm more than a little excited to continue the adventures of Ilka Jensen.
For the record, this was my first Sara Blaedel so I don't know if it's a fairly typical example of her writing, or a complete outlier, but I do know that I enjoyed it immensely.
So, what's going on with this one? Well, it's a strange book and not easy to pin down. It isn't really a mystery, or a thriller, well, not in any traditional sense, but it becomes increasingly engrossing the deeper you delve, and there are certainly some genuinely creepy moments. Then again, the novel is predominantly set in a funeral home, which is more than a little freaky by default, so it's not exactly difficult to ratchet up the tension. Especially at night, with bodies in the refrigerated storage units, empty coffins lying around the workshop, and strange sounds emanating from the preparation room. See? I'm on edge just writing that! Anyway, pervasive creepiness aside, this is definitely an unusual plot but, by the end, I was thoroughly hooked; to the point where I immediately started reading the 2nd book!
Okay, so if it's not really a mystery/thriller, what is it? Well, it's essentially the story of a 40 year old widowed Danish woman, Ilka, who is basically trying to make sense of, and come to terms with, her funeral director father fleeing Copenhagen some 33 years earlier, with no explanation to Ilka or her mother. Paul Jensen emigrated to Racine, Illinois, a town seemingly on its very last legs, to eventually establish another funeral home, and start a new family. Now, Ilka discovers her errant father has left the debt-ridden Racine funeral home to her, and she becomes torn between trying to do what's best for her father's former colleagues, Artie Sorvino and nun, Sister Eileen O’Connor, while simultaneously 'honouring' her father's wishes and memory, while trying not to saddle herself with a lifetime's worth of debt. Buckle up! This is going to be a bumpy ride!
Ilka is an intriguing personality. Intensely damaged, fiercely independent, with a proclivity to at least attempt to do the right thing wherever possible. Although she has limited memories of her dad, people are fond of letting her know that she shares many of his more positive traits. Her journey of discovery into the seemingly cut-throat world of the US funeral business is utterly fascinating. Indeed, the book is a rather damning indictment of the US brand of capitalism, and how it translates to towns like Racine, and one of the worst healthcare systems in the West (if you're poor, that is). Having only ever lived in countries with decent free healthcare, it is incredibly difficult to wrap one's head around the fact that characters in this tale are bankrupting themselves to pay medical bills. Sara Blaedel obviously felt strongly enough about this subject to highlight it in no uncertain terms. But I digress...
I should probably counter by saying that while the book does centre on death (two murders, countless funerals, and no weddings), it isn't all doom and gloom. There are moments of actual levity dotted throughout. Every character is believably formed, and Artie especially keeps you on your toes throughout.
Overall, this is a fast, intriguing, and rather addictive read. I'm more than a little excited to continue the adventures of Ilka Jensen.
February 12, 2018
Ilka leaves her home country of Denmark and heads to Wisconsin, where the father she never really knew bequeathed her his funeral home. She's dumbfounded and overwhelmed as all this new responsibility is laid upon her. While trying to make her way through learning more about her father, trying to run a business she stupidly takes control over by not reading paperwork she signs arbitrarily and dealing with dead bodies left and right, she could very well lose her sanity in the process.
I've heard SO much about Sara Blaedel and her ability to draw readers into her dark thrillers so I was beyond excited to receive a copy of the first in her new series. She writes in a way that makes it easy for the reader to fly through the pages. I think for this particular book I was expecting something darker and more thrillery. What I got, however, was a small town mystery that seemed more a secondary story line to Ilka's character study and background. Blaedel takes us on Ilka's journey with a kind of Murphy's law humorous appeal which was the highlight for me. Although I never thought I'd be interested in the funeral business, it was quite interesting to read about the difference between US and Danish funerals and the processes laid within.
Although the book didn't put the murder mystery as the front runner of the book and there was a lack of suspense, it was such an easy read that I flew through the pages. Once I reconciled the fact that this was more about Ilka and setting up for the rest of the books in the series, I found myself enjoying her journey. Now that the groundwork has been laid, I look forward to seeing how Ilka transverses her way through future "cases" and the legacy she has been bestowed. The somewhat cliffhanger of an ending.... to be continued indeed.
Thanks so much to Grand Central Publishing for this copy in return for my honest opinion.
I've heard SO much about Sara Blaedel and her ability to draw readers into her dark thrillers so I was beyond excited to receive a copy of the first in her new series. She writes in a way that makes it easy for the reader to fly through the pages. I think for this particular book I was expecting something darker and more thrillery. What I got, however, was a small town mystery that seemed more a secondary story line to Ilka's character study and background. Blaedel takes us on Ilka's journey with a kind of Murphy's law humorous appeal which was the highlight for me. Although I never thought I'd be interested in the funeral business, it was quite interesting to read about the difference between US and Danish funerals and the processes laid within.
Although the book didn't put the murder mystery as the front runner of the book and there was a lack of suspense, it was such an easy read that I flew through the pages. Once I reconciled the fact that this was more about Ilka and setting up for the rest of the books in the series, I found myself enjoying her journey. Now that the groundwork has been laid, I look forward to seeing how Ilka transverses her way through future "cases" and the legacy she has been bestowed. The somewhat cliffhanger of an ending.... to be continued indeed.
Thanks so much to Grand Central Publishing for this copy in return for my honest opinion.
August 5, 2021
3.5 stars for me. It was a bit diffrent read but it was enjoyable. A little mystery and loads of family drama. I'm interested in continuing on with the series
July 26, 2017
I received an advanced readers copy from Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Ilka Jensen was a Dutch school photographer in Copenhagen when she was summoned to Racine, Wisconsin to deal with her newly deceased father's estate and funeral business, which was in financial shambles. When a unidentified body is brought to the funeral home, it appears to the police as an unsolved murder. The crime itself was more of the back story to this first novel in a series by Blaedel, whom I normally love, but I found myself skipping chapters. The story focused more on how Ilka was dealing with her own demons with her past, her father and his other family, and taking over the new business. Unfortunately I was bored to "death". Sorry....couldn't resist.
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February 5, 2018The first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors!
Forty-year-old Ilka Nichols Jensen travels from Denmark to Racine, Wisconsin, USA, when her estranged father dies and leaves her his business -- a funeral home. Ilka's life as a widow in Copenhagen was nice and peaceful, she took school portraits for a living, and her mom and partner were close by. A nice, uncomplicated life. She's quite shocked when she finds out that the father who had abandoned them when she was 7 years old had made a new life in Racine. So what is she to do? She travels to Racine and finds not only a funeral business on the brink of bankruptcy, but a decades old murder mystery. The bodies keep on coming to the funeral home and Ilka finds herself in the middle of a huge mess. At first just eager to sort things and return home, she comes intent on discovering more about her father and the art of undertaking.
I really enjoyed this departure from the Louise Rick series for a couple of reasons. For one thing, I've always been secretly fascinated by the whole funeral business and actually considered whether to train in Mortuary Science so that I could work in one (before I found out how "family" controlled that the whole business actually is -- well, aside from the big conglomerates.) So I found the details absolutely fascinating as I believe it is both an art and a science to care for the dead and a ministry to attend to the families. I found the author's note explaining why she wrote this book quite illuminating and very easy to understand why she decided to write about this topic. Secondly, I loved the main character -- Ilka. What an unusual woman and an atypical protagonist. She's strong but sensitive, and I can't wait to learn more about her. Sure she has her personal demons, and coming to the USA where things were so different for her was quite a feat. I assume she's staying on at the funeral home and am eager to see how she assimilates in this unfamiliar territory.
So - it is not your typical Blaedel suspense thriller or police procedural, but there is a mystery and lots of intrigue. I'm sure the secondary characters will be developed further as well. And I can't wait to see what happens next as the book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the e-book ARC of this to read and review.
Forty-year-old Ilka Nichols Jensen travels from Denmark to Racine, Wisconsin, USA, when her estranged father dies and leaves her his business -- a funeral home. Ilka's life as a widow in Copenhagen was nice and peaceful, she took school portraits for a living, and her mom and partner were close by. A nice, uncomplicated life. She's quite shocked when she finds out that the father who had abandoned them when she was 7 years old had made a new life in Racine. So what is she to do? She travels to Racine and finds not only a funeral business on the brink of bankruptcy, but a decades old murder mystery. The bodies keep on coming to the funeral home and Ilka finds herself in the middle of a huge mess. At first just eager to sort things and return home, she comes intent on discovering more about her father and the art of undertaking.
I really enjoyed this departure from the Louise Rick series for a couple of reasons. For one thing, I've always been secretly fascinated by the whole funeral business and actually considered whether to train in Mortuary Science so that I could work in one (before I found out how "family" controlled that the whole business actually is -- well, aside from the big conglomerates.) So I found the details absolutely fascinating as I believe it is both an art and a science to care for the dead and a ministry to attend to the families. I found the author's note explaining why she wrote this book quite illuminating and very easy to understand why she decided to write about this topic. Secondly, I loved the main character -- Ilka. What an unusual woman and an atypical protagonist. She's strong but sensitive, and I can't wait to learn more about her. Sure she has her personal demons, and coming to the USA where things were so different for her was quite a feat. I assume she's staying on at the funeral home and am eager to see how she assimilates in this unfamiliar territory.
So - it is not your typical Blaedel suspense thriller or police procedural, but there is a mystery and lots of intrigue. I'm sure the secondary characters will be developed further as well. And I can't wait to see what happens next as the book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the e-book ARC of this to read and review.
May 15, 2023
Apparently, this is a first in a new series, yet to be developed past book one. I hadn’t realized it until I got to the very last page of the book. Should I spoil it by telling you the words I read? No, I just think I will share how I felt. Here is me at the end of the book, “Seriously? This is the queen of Danish crime fiction? Well, this is hugely disappointing.” There were a few more, not so happy words which I mumbled, but I will keep them to myself.
The story was underwhelming, frustrating, and just plain odd. I wanted answers. I got none – except maybe who killed Mike and why. If you decide to read this one, you will soon find out about Mike. This story was a dispassionate and flat narration. There was nothing regal or royalty worthy about this blandness. I have no interest in following the main character, Ilke Jensen…so I guess you know how I felt about this book and any future ones which feature Ilke. But, if you are a fan of Sara Blaedel (‘The Forgotten Girls’ was an International Best Seller), give this one a try. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts.
The story was underwhelming, frustrating, and just plain odd. I wanted answers. I got none – except maybe who killed Mike and why. If you decide to read this one, you will soon find out about Mike. This story was a dispassionate and flat narration. There was nothing regal or royalty worthy about this blandness. I have no interest in following the main character, Ilke Jensen…so I guess you know how I felt about this book and any future ones which feature Ilke. But, if you are a fan of Sara Blaedel (‘The Forgotten Girls’ was an International Best Seller), give this one a try. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts.
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June 11, 2017Rating/review to come!! So so excited about this new series from Blaedel!!
March 23, 2021
2.5 stars
Although this novel has an interesting plot and a unique idea for a story, it was an overall boring read.
Even in the novel's most suspenseful moments, I didn't feel as if I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation. I wasn't continuously wondering what was going to happen because there just didn't feel like there was a sense of direction in the story.
I may continue to read this series for closure but I won't go into it with high expectations because I feel like this novel could have been easily left as a standalone.
Although this novel has an interesting plot and a unique idea for a story, it was an overall boring read.
Even in the novel's most suspenseful moments, I didn't feel as if I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation. I wasn't continuously wondering what was going to happen because there just didn't feel like there was a sense of direction in the story.
I may continue to read this series for closure but I won't go into it with high expectations because I feel like this novel could have been easily left as a standalone.
February 22, 2019
The Undertaker’s Daughter is the first book I’ve read by Danish crime writer Sara Blaedel. Ilka is in Denmark when she receives news that her father, whom she hasn’t seen or heard from since she was a young girl, has passed away in America. Ilka travels to the US with hopes of getting to know more about who her father was. There, she discovers that her father has left her his debt ridden, in trouble with the IRS, funeral home business. While attempting to save the business, Ilka comes across a mystery involving the murder of an unknown body that she is called to pick up.
From the title and premise, I was expecting this to be a suspense thriller, but it is really more of slower paced family drama with some light mystery. That said, I enjoyed reading about how Ilka deals with all of the disasters that she is confronted with, and how she adjusts to her new role as funeral home director. The unsolved murder plot line takes a back seat here, as in unfolds almost separately from Ilka’s story. I love that this series features a strong, independent, middle aged female heroine. It is feminist in the sense that Ilka does what she wants when she wants, and is cautious in taking advice or pressure from others. Most of the other characters are questionable, and I’m still not sure who is trustworthy. This, along with the cliff hanger ending, will have me picking up the next book in the series!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
From the title and premise, I was expecting this to be a suspense thriller, but it is really more of slower paced family drama with some light mystery. That said, I enjoyed reading about how Ilka deals with all of the disasters that she is confronted with, and how she adjusts to her new role as funeral home director. The unsolved murder plot line takes a back seat here, as in unfolds almost separately from Ilka’s story. I love that this series features a strong, independent, middle aged female heroine. It is feminist in the sense that Ilka does what she wants when she wants, and is cautious in taking advice or pressure from others. Most of the other characters are questionable, and I’m still not sure who is trustworthy. This, along with the cliff hanger ending, will have me picking up the next book in the series!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2018
This was just not the book for me. There was no thrill, no suspense and the "mystery" wasn't really the focus of the story, it was just playing out in the background. I would say this is more of a mild drama, maybe even humor. I'm not sure if its because this is a translated novel but the writing felt very drawn out and unexciting and i rolled my eyes at the main character constantly, she seemed completely preposterous. a 40 year old woman, who hasn't seen her dad in 30 years comes to America from Denmark to go through his things and ends up owning his funeral home business because she signed paperwork without reading it or asking questions....really lady? So she is thrown into this business with no real experience and chaos ensues. She spends the whole time comparing how odd funerals are in America as opposed to Denmark but all i can wonder is how she's so completely comfortable driving around, trying to run this business and sleeping with strangers for stress relief when this is her first time ever in America...she doesn't feel like a foreigner at all, nor does she act like a grown woman. She was seemingly in a constant struggle with everything but we never get any real answers as to what the problems with the business are and why everyone is so shady. To make this even more difficult the author abruptly ends the story with a to be continued...yup. Luckily this was a very quick read so i guess i didnt waste too much time.
November 10, 2018
3.5 stars. In Denmark, Ilka is a 40 year old widow who has a dependable job as a school portrait photographer. Over 30 years ago, her father ran a funeral home before he up and left the family wallowing in debt. She learns he has died in America and she is determined to go through his personal effects. So Ilka journeys to Racine, Wisconsin where she finds out he had established another funeral home and left it to her, although it is heavily in debt too. One of the bodies at the funeral home is a young man who was beaten to death and Ilka becomes caught up in his story.
I didn't really get into this story until almost half way through the book. At that stage, Ilka started to snap out of her disinterest in the funeral home and began taking charge. I started to like her.
This is my first Sara Blaedel novel and I want more. I know this is the first book in a trilogy and I can see several ways the story can develop. How did her father get in such debt? Is she going to pursue a relationship with one of the characters we've already met? What is Sister Eileen's story? Will Ilka learn more about her half-sisters? My rating could have rounded up or down with this book and I would like to see the characters fleshed out more.
I didn't really get into this story until almost half way through the book. At that stage, Ilka started to snap out of her disinterest in the funeral home and began taking charge. I started to like her.
This is my first Sara Blaedel novel and I want more. I know this is the first book in a trilogy and I can see several ways the story can develop. How did her father get in such debt? Is she going to pursue a relationship with one of the characters we've already met? What is Sister Eileen's story? Will Ilka learn more about her half-sisters? My rating could have rounded up or down with this book and I would like to see the characters fleshed out more.
May 31, 2021
Ilka isa lahkus pere juurest enam kui 30 aastat tagasi ja kadus. Nüüd on mees aga surnud ja Ilka saab ootamatu kõne Ameerikast, sest tema testamendis on Ilka nimi sees. Palju aastaid peas keerelnud küsimuses panevad Ilka ema vastseisust hoolimata Ameerikasse sõitma, lootuses vastuseid saada. Ootamatult saab aga Ilkast isa matusebüroo omanik ja vastuste asemel tekib küsimusi ainult juurde.
No kõlab paljutõotavalt, eksole ? Võib olla oleksin pidanud rohkem vaatama GR hinnet, mis on 3.15 ja no mu silmis see ka rohkem väärt ei ole. Samas on uskumatu, et selle raamatu on kirjutanud üks Taani kuulsamaid krimikirjanike.
Kui mõelda, et see raamat on sarja esimene, siis sarja kohapeal on ta ehk oluline, sest on nö taustalugu Ilka (ja ta isa) elusse, aga mu meelest oleks lühemalt ka saanud, sest sarja esimene osa peaks olema põnev, et lugejad ka selle teise ja kolmanda kätte võtaksid .. Veab neil, et ma ei saa pooleli jätta ei üksikuid raamatuid ega ka seeriaid. Lootust annab, et teise osa hinne on veidi kõrgem 🤞🏻
Ilka sõitis Ameerikasse. Kirjutas kogemata alla paberitele, millega võttis üle isa matusebüroo. Ta ei lugenud neid läbi, sest oli isa tuppa isa asjade keskele sattudes kergelt endast väljas, sest peas keerlesid küsimused, miks isa nad maha jättis ja enam ühendust ei võtnud jne. Matusebüroo on suurtes võlgades ja seal toimuvad mõned kummalised ja ootamatud sündmused. Isa kirjade hulgast tuleb ka üht ja teist välja, aga esimeses osas ei saa lugeja mitte ühtegi vastust.
Kui sarja lugeda plaanis on, eks siis peaks vast selle esimese ikka läbi lugema, aga muidu soovitada ma seda küll väga ei saa.
Vahepeal ei saa ma ise ka aru, kuidas ma raamatuid hindan. Ma üldiselt alla 3⭐️ ei annagi, aga ma ei teagi, äkki oleks see raamat hoopis 2⭐️ väärt, eriti kui ma nüüd läbi lugesin, mis ma just kirjutasin.
No kõlab paljutõotavalt, eksole ? Võib olla oleksin pidanud rohkem vaatama GR hinnet, mis on 3.15 ja no mu silmis see ka rohkem väärt ei ole. Samas on uskumatu, et selle raamatu on kirjutanud üks Taani kuulsamaid krimikirjanike.
Kui mõelda, et see raamat on sarja esimene, siis sarja kohapeal on ta ehk oluline, sest on nö taustalugu Ilka (ja ta isa) elusse, aga mu meelest oleks lühemalt ka saanud, sest sarja esimene osa peaks olema põnev, et lugejad ka selle teise ja kolmanda kätte võtaksid .. Veab neil, et ma ei saa pooleli jätta ei üksikuid raamatuid ega ka seeriaid. Lootust annab, et teise osa hinne on veidi kõrgem 🤞🏻
Ilka sõitis Ameerikasse. Kirjutas kogemata alla paberitele, millega võttis üle isa matusebüroo. Ta ei lugenud neid läbi, sest oli isa tuppa isa asjade keskele sattudes kergelt endast väljas, sest peas keerlesid küsimused, miks isa nad maha jättis ja enam ühendust ei võtnud jne. Matusebüroo on suurtes võlgades ja seal toimuvad mõned kummalised ja ootamatud sündmused. Isa kirjade hulgast tuleb ka üht ja teist välja, aga esimeses osas ei saa lugeja mitte ühtegi vastust.
Kui sarja lugeda plaanis on, eks siis peaks vast selle esimese ikka läbi lugema, aga muidu soovitada ma seda küll väga ei saa.
Vahepeal ei saa ma ise ka aru, kuidas ma raamatuid hindan. Ma üldiselt alla 3⭐️ ei annagi, aga ma ei teagi, äkki oleks see raamat hoopis 2⭐️ väärt, eriti kui ma nüüd läbi lugesin, mis ma just kirjutasin.
December 16, 2017
Racine Wisconsin is very close to where I live, a hop and a throw. I was blown away with her story about Ilka and her father hitting the road and divorcing her mother. I could see everything that happened and she explained herself pretty well. However every time she changed her mind something happened to change it back. I was impressed at how well she handled most situations with her, we do it this way in Denmark. Everything worked out with finding out who did what to whom except for the last letter Ilka got. We will find out in the next book.
June 20, 2020
Ilka's father leaves her his funeral home business in America. She travels from Denmark to see what she inherited.
Her father left her and her mother over twenty years earlier. She just wanted to get to know what he was like, by taking over his business.
A nun helper was locked in a cold room, bodies disappeared, the IRS wanted money. A whole host of things, plus blackmail. To be continued in the next book.
This was the first book in the Ilka Jensen Series
I love this authors style of writing. Always a page turner.
Her father left her and her mother over twenty years earlier. She just wanted to get to know what he was like, by taking over his business.
A nun helper was locked in a cold room, bodies disappeared, the IRS wanted money. A whole host of things, plus blackmail. To be continued in the next book.
This was the first book in the Ilka Jensen Series
I love this authors style of writing. Always a page turner.
February 14, 2018
Sara Blaedel has been called Denmark's 'Queen of Crime'. I've enjoyed her Louise Rick mysteries. Blaedel herself has moved to the US, and her newest novel mirrors that move.
In The Undertaker's Daughter, Dane Ilka Jensen inherits a funeral home from the father she hasn't seen in over thirty years. It's in Wisconsin, but she decides to travel to the US - perhaps she will learn more about her long absent father.
The book is set in and around the funeral home and funeral practices. This was a decidedly different setting, one that opens up lots of possible avenues for plotting. I was initially drawn to Ilka as she arrived in Wisconsin, but that changed a few chapters in. I allowed for cultural shock, but viewed her thoughts, actions and reactions odd in many situations. The two employees of the funeral home treat her badly and chastise her for not immediately jumping in and conducting business right away. She does, and I found it a bit of a stretch. The same with her non-reaction to their attitudes. I can't believe that the funeral business in Racine would operate in the manner depicted, but hey, who knows. Ilka discovers Tinder and finds some sexual outlets, but I found this part of her character felt forced and I never really bought it.
There is a murder of course, but I found it weak as was the investigation into it. Every supporting character seems quite enigmatic and I found the non-answers grew tiresome after awhile.
I had not realized that this was the first book in a planned series and found the ending rather abrupt and unsatisfying. It literally ends with the words..."To be continued." I'm not sure if this was written in Danish and then translated? It just didn't flow and felt very awkward, both in language and plotting. Sad to say, but this one was just okay for me.
In The Undertaker's Daughter, Dane Ilka Jensen inherits a funeral home from the father she hasn't seen in over thirty years. It's in Wisconsin, but she decides to travel to the US - perhaps she will learn more about her long absent father.
The book is set in and around the funeral home and funeral practices. This was a decidedly different setting, one that opens up lots of possible avenues for plotting. I was initially drawn to Ilka as she arrived in Wisconsin, but that changed a few chapters in. I allowed for cultural shock, but viewed her thoughts, actions and reactions odd in many situations. The two employees of the funeral home treat her badly and chastise her for not immediately jumping in and conducting business right away. She does, and I found it a bit of a stretch. The same with her non-reaction to their attitudes. I can't believe that the funeral business in Racine would operate in the manner depicted, but hey, who knows. Ilka discovers Tinder and finds some sexual outlets, but I found this part of her character felt forced and I never really bought it.
There is a murder of course, but I found it weak as was the investigation into it. Every supporting character seems quite enigmatic and I found the non-answers grew tiresome after awhile.
I had not realized that this was the first book in a planned series and found the ending rather abrupt and unsatisfying. It literally ends with the words..."To be continued." I'm not sure if this was written in Danish and then translated? It just didn't flow and felt very awkward, both in language and plotting. Sad to say, but this one was just okay for me.
December 10, 2017
Blaedel introduces us to a new character, Ilke Jensen, living in Denmark, keeping up with her late husband's school photography business. A young widow, whose father left for America early on leaving her mother to handle the funeral business he ran.
When she must go to America when he dies to handle his affairs, she discovers he was also in the funeral business in Racine, Wisconsin. Now she must clear his debts and decide if she will sell or not. And it is obvious her step-mother and half sisters want nothing to do with the funeral home or her.
And when the dead won't stay where they belong, the mystery deepens. With no one to trust or lean on and in a foreign country as well, Ilke is having second thoughts on even being in the U.S.
This should be a good new series. Ilke is straightforward. To the point. I like that. Now I have to wait for the next one. And there most certainly will be a next one!
Netgalley/Grand Central Publishing Feb. 06, 2018
When she must go to America when he dies to handle his affairs, she discovers he was also in the funeral business in Racine, Wisconsin. Now she must clear his debts and decide if she will sell or not. And it is obvious her step-mother and half sisters want nothing to do with the funeral home or her.
And when the dead won't stay where they belong, the mystery deepens. With no one to trust or lean on and in a foreign country as well, Ilke is having second thoughts on even being in the U.S.
This should be a good new series. Ilke is straightforward. To the point. I like that. Now I have to wait for the next one. And there most certainly will be a next one!
Netgalley/Grand Central Publishing Feb. 06, 2018
October 5, 2024
Fornøjelig læsning.
November 19, 2017
Rigtig fin bog skrevet af Danmarks krimidronnoning. Det er det første, jeg har læst af Sara, og jeg kan godt lide hendes skrivestil og den gode fortælling. Jeg var godt underholdt!
November 7, 2017
Sara Blaedel takes a break from her Louise Rick series by bringing Denamrk to the U. S., and also introduces a new character.
Ilka Jensen finds herself the owner of her late father's funeral home in Racine, Wisconsin. While trying to decide to keep the business or not, Ilka finds herself pulled into a murder with ties to a long ago tragedy and secrets galore.
A character driven story line and an awesome beginning to this promising new series.
Must add to your to read list!
Ilka Jensen finds herself the owner of her late father's funeral home in Racine, Wisconsin. While trying to decide to keep the business or not, Ilka finds herself pulled into a murder with ties to a long ago tragedy and secrets galore.
A character driven story line and an awesome beginning to this promising new series.
Must add to your to read list!
March 14, 2018
This is a new series from Danish crime fiction writer Sara Blaedel which had me very excited. I love that it’s an entirely different kind of character, a woman who inherits a funeral home. I’m surprised actually that more crime fiction writers don't write about this somewhat creepy and macabre world—at least none I'm familiar with. This new series isn’t set in Blaedel’s native Denmark but in Racine, Wisconsin so I was eager to see how she tackled the U.S. small town setting.
It’s slower-paced story than her Louise Rick series but that shouldn’t deter anyone. Ilka Nichols Jensen is a young widow who works as a school portrait photographer. She learns her estranged father has died and left her a funeral home in Racine, a town she’s never been to but interestingly, has a big Danish population. Despite her mother’s misgivings, Ilka goes to Racine. She wants closure but she’s also curious about the man she barely knew. I enjoyed learning about the complexities of running a funeral home alongside Ilka as she found herself thrust into the middle of it with no training whatsoever.
There is an intriguing twelve-year-old unsolved murder mystery of a young local woman but it takes a backseat to Ilka’s emotional journey. She’s not only trying to keep a beleaguered funeral home afloat, but she must contend with the fact that her father had an entire life and family she knew nothing about. I found myself rooting for Ilka to find her footing in this tight-knit community and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
It’s slower-paced story than her Louise Rick series but that shouldn’t deter anyone. Ilka Nichols Jensen is a young widow who works as a school portrait photographer. She learns her estranged father has died and left her a funeral home in Racine, a town she’s never been to but interestingly, has a big Danish population. Despite her mother’s misgivings, Ilka goes to Racine. She wants closure but she’s also curious about the man she barely knew. I enjoyed learning about the complexities of running a funeral home alongside Ilka as she found herself thrust into the middle of it with no training whatsoever.
There is an intriguing twelve-year-old unsolved murder mystery of a young local woman but it takes a backseat to Ilka’s emotional journey. She’s not only trying to keep a beleaguered funeral home afloat, but she must contend with the fact that her father had an entire life and family she knew nothing about. I found myself rooting for Ilka to find her footing in this tight-knit community and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
November 13, 2017
2 and 1 / 2 stars
At age forty, Ilka inherits her father’s funeral business in Racine, Wisconsin. She travels from Copenhagen to take over the business.
Although Ilka has some good memories of her childhood and her father when she was a young girl, he did abandon her mother and Ilka when she was seven-years old.
However, Ilka doesn’t like herself very well. She sleeps around with unknown men to “release stress.” There was too much of this in the book. It was a major determent to my liking the book. I couldn’t get past that.
It’s not a bad mystery – but it wasn’t my style. The writing I felt was uneven, as was the plot. It wasn’t really a mystery, either. I would class the book more as adult fiction – with a warning label about the gratuitous sex.
I want to thank NetGalley and Hatchett Book Group/Grand Central Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.
At age forty, Ilka inherits her father’s funeral business in Racine, Wisconsin. She travels from Copenhagen to take over the business.
Although Ilka has some good memories of her childhood and her father when she was a young girl, he did abandon her mother and Ilka when she was seven-years old.
However, Ilka doesn’t like herself very well. She sleeps around with unknown men to “release stress.” There was too much of this in the book. It was a major determent to my liking the book. I couldn’t get past that.
It’s not a bad mystery – but it wasn’t my style. The writing I felt was uneven, as was the plot. It wasn’t really a mystery, either. I would class the book more as adult fiction – with a warning label about the gratuitous sex.
I want to thank NetGalley and Hatchett Book Group/Grand Central Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read.
October 19, 2020
Min fars hemlighet handlar om Ilka som jobbar som skolfotograf i Danmark. Hon får plötsligt ärva sin fars begravningsbyrå i USA, dit han flyttat 30 år tidigare utan att nånsin höra av sig igen. Ilka åker dit fast besluten om att ta reda på varför han övergav dem. Det visar sig att begravningsbyrån är både skuldsatt och konkurshotad och att pappan gift om sig och att hon har två halvsystrar. Men varför pappan lämnade Danmark förblir ett mysterium. Ilka försöker reda upp situationen men ställs inför flera märkliga situationer och svåra beslut.
Boken är bra och ibland även spännande, men inget som fångar mig jättemycket. Detta ska bli en trilogi och bokens sista ord är: fortsättning följer. Jag tycker bättre om när böcker har ett avslut även om det kommer en fortsättning. Jag är inte säker på om jag kommer läsa nästa del. Betyg 3 av 5📚Tack för recensionsexemplar @bokforlagetpolaris
Ett plus till författaren för gedigen research, det gör berättelsen mycket trovärdig.
Boken är bra och ibland även spännande, men inget som fångar mig jättemycket. Detta ska bli en trilogi och bokens sista ord är: fortsättning följer. Jag tycker bättre om när böcker har ett avslut även om det kommer en fortsättning. Jag är inte säker på om jag kommer läsa nästa del. Betyg 3 av 5📚Tack för recensionsexemplar @bokforlagetpolaris
Ett plus till författaren för gedigen research, det gör berättelsen mycket trovärdig.
June 29, 2016
Sara Blædel har længe været min yndlingsforfatter fordi Louise Rick-bøgerne alle har været så spændende at jeg næsten ikke kunne lægge dem fra mig. Jeg må her ærligt indrømme at jeg IKKE blev skuffet selvom det er en helt anden type krimi end jeg er vant til. Jeg ELSKER at der her er mere fokus på de pårørende og følelser mere end fokus på decideret opklaring af et mord. Elskede "bedemandens datter" og hold nu OP hvor jeg glæder mig til efterfølgeren og se hvad der sker med Ilka, Artie, Søster og bedemandsforretningen!
PS. Er der nogen der ved om man seriøst laminerer dødsannoncer og bruger som bogmærker i Racine - og om de der charms også findes??? :-)
PS. Er der nogen der ved om man seriøst laminerer dødsannoncer og bruger som bogmærker i Racine - og om de der charms også findes??? :-)
October 24, 2018
This is a poorly written book with a somewhat offensive plot that ends on a cliffhanger. Most of the book is about how messed up the US funeral system is, which was not a topic that I was that interested in. The main character is somewhat cold and takes advantage of others.
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