Vanished?

by Christer Tholin, Doreen Zeitvogel (Translator)

She: a very hot 30 something Swedish woman. He: a native of Berlin, on vacation in rural Sweden, seeking solace for his broken heart. They meet. He finds her irresistible. But before their relationship can get off the ground, she vanishes mysteriously, having apparently been abducted. So Martin sets out to rescue Liv from her captors, with the aid of two Swedish detectives in a race against time – and across Sweden. In so doing, Martin and his intrepid detective duo put their very lives on the line.

VANISHED? is the first book in the Stockholm Sleuth Series and where we meet the two private investigators, Elin and Lars. If you like fast action and surprising twists, then you'll love Christer Tholin's Swedish crime novels.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Swedish Literature

323 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2018

About the author

The author grew up in the North of Germany, Schleswig-Holstein. Today, he lives together with his family in Stockholm, Sweden, where he works as management consultant.
 
Already for ages he has been a great fan of crime stories and therefore, had the desire to write his own crime story with the characters acting in Sweden. This crime-fiction is now available under the title "Vanished?".
The crime novel starts at a slower pace - like Martin's holidays, but the tension goes up more and more. It comes to a number of surprising turns giving new impulses to the story. Apart from that, the lovely country Sweden is described with the view of a foreigner.

Reviews

[Susan Baker]

Recently divorced German attorney Martin travels to Sweden for a brief respite from his law practice in hopes the vacation will help him recover emotionally from the separation from his now ex-wife and child. Upon arrival in the general area of the vacation house he has rented, he becomes lost and stops to ask for directions, which immediately characterizes him as a male secure in his manhood. Martin meets an attractive women who, it turns out, is a close neighbor. After settling in, he drives to town for provisions and runs into the neighbor, Liv, again. They enjoy a conversation and, in the end, she invites him for coffee the following day. When he shows up the next day, Liv has disappeared. It appears from the premises that a struggle has taken place. After further examination of the house, Martin reports the disappearance to the police who seem little inclined to look into the matter. Thereafter begins an unexpected journey into a complicated scenario for Martin who takes on the search for the missing woman. His inability to speak Swedish causes Martin to have to resort to hiring an investigative firm, which assigns an investigator, Lars and a young assistant, Elin, who soon becomes Lars’ sidekick. Together, Martin, Lars, and Elin proceed to use their intellect, the Internet ,and good old footwork to get to the bottom of the mystery which is full of complications the reader would not anticipate.

This first novel is well-plotted with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The main characters are well developed. Since I’ve been to Sweden, I enjoyed reading Tholin’s description of the setting, which, to my mind was accurate. Also, I learned a lot about what research is available on the Internet to assist in an investigation such as this. Christer Tholin is off to a good start with this detective series. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Swedish mysteries. I look forward to reading the next one.

[Ken Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really made sense to me because I have a daughter that is living in Austria and had to learn German. Although, that's were it ends with the story. Christer makes it sound like nothing was out of the ordinary at first but Martin and Liv had a small meeting of the extraordinary kind. He lent her money and it was to be paid back the next day. That's where the story begins and it has three changes to it where each time it is resolved it becomes different. I liked the story because of the changes and feel that it was believable, even with the extra characters that were involved. They made it even better. It was a love story with murders to spice it up. It was a great read and I will recommend it without reservation.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A recently divorced German man rents a vacation home in Sweden and quickly finds himself caught up in the disappearance of an attractive Swedish woman. Unfortunately, the author decided to write this book in English instead of German or Swedish. It feels like it was written by someone whose mother tongue isn’t English. Also unfortunate is that neither the plot or characters captured my attention.

[Les · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am probably being really generous with 2 stars. This is a dumb book that is written at an elementary school reading level with adult themes. The plot is preposterous. The Dialogue is juvenile and silly.

[Eileen Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin, an attorney in Berlin, decides to take a holiday in Sweden to help him get over his recent divorce. What could be better than two weeks of solitude in a summer house well away from the beaten track. However, almost immediately after arriving, Martin meets, Liv, a Swedish lady, quite by accident and takes a liking to her. She invites him to join her for tea the following day, but when Martin arrives there is no sign of her. Finding her door unlocked, he checks inside the house, where he finds chairs have been overturned in what appears to have been a struggle. Though he informs the police, they don't appear to be interested and Martin is loathe to leave it there. What he decides to do next leads him into danger, yet he is determined find out the truth about what had happened to Liv. To say anymore here would spoil the plot for future readers,

This is a terrific story, which grabbed me from the start. The author has portrayed the characters well and included so many twists and turns that no matter how hard I tried I couldn't come up with 'whodunit'. There was a point when I thought the story was over, mystery solved, but it wasn't, there was more to come. If you are looking for a crime story to keep you guessing, then this is the one for you. Don't miss it.

[Pat Kahn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a book I would recommend although I see that it got quite a few very favorable reviews. The writing seemed very amateurish, even childish, although this could be the translation. People were not very realistic. Also entirely too much detail repeated over and over. I really don't care that route 214 runs into 65 or whatever. Perhaps things like that would be overlooked if only once or twice but it was constant. Will not read any further books.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable enough

The writing is pretty amateurish but the storyline kept me interested. It’s the kind of story with many threads that in this case seemed to be revealed one after the other rather than hinted at throughout the story. I think it would have benefited from a few early chapters that revealed a bit more about some of the later twists in the novel.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the plot line was interesting the author belabored the dialogue again and again and again. There was no heat between the main characters, the relationships were hollow, and the heroine as a mother was really empty. I would rate the book as just average.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free teaser to a series of Swedish police procedures from Christer Tholin. This Kindle file contains portions of Vanished?, Secrets?, and Murder? and leaves you invested and wanting more. Christer Tholin is an author I will follow. He writes a tense, fast-paced story with characters you want to be involved with.
Lars and Kalle are Swedish police, Martin is a lawyer from Berlin, visiting Sweden to get over a love gone wrong. Liv is an irresistible Swedish woman. With these men, we travel across Sweden in an attempt to rescue Liz.
Reviewed on October 27, 2019, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile. BookBub, and GootlePlay. Not available at Barnes & Noble or Kobo.

[Rick Molitor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting thriller

I found this to be a very good thriller. The characters were interesting and unique. The story moves a a fast pace. It keeps you guessing as to who was doing what. It is nice to have a good story to go with the detective aspect.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept my attention from the first page to the last

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin is an attorney in Berlin and has recently finalized his divorce. He decides to go on vacation in Sweden to help get over the divorce. He happens to run into a beautiful lady, Liv a couple times and he invites him over to her house for tea. But when he gets there she is gone and it is clear that there was a struggle involved.

Martin tries to go to the police but it seems that they don’t really care about Liv. Martin then decides to investigate himself. The only problem is that he doesn’t speak Swedish and ends up hiring Lard and Elin to look into the disappearance of Liv.

This is a great introduction to a new Swedish mystery series. There is so much happening that you will be kept guessing at what is really going on. It was so easy to get into this story. Martin is trying to get over his divorce even though him and his wife have been apart for two years. His meetings with Liv started innocently enough but he finds himself in trouble soon enough.

I really enjoyed Elin. She is trying to become an investigator and this is a great case to get her feet wet. She quickly shines in her role. I really enjoyed this story. I think it is a great start to a new Swedish mystery and can’t wait to see what is going to happen to Lars and Elin next.

I received Vanished from Silver Dagger Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Martin decides to take a vacation at a summer home in Sweden just to get away for a couple of weeks after his divorce is final. He runs into Liv a couple of times and she invites him over for coffee. When he arrives, she's not home and things look a little suspicious. He's afraid that something has happened to her but no one will listen to him so he takes it upon himself to find her. 

That's when he hires Lars and Elin. Their investigation turns up some interesting information. But will they find Liv?

There are many twists in Vanished? as well as action and romance. I don't usually care much for in depth descriptions of places but in this case I did because my grandma was Swedish. Martin is visiting Sweden and the author's descriptions are good enough that it was almost like I was there. 

If you like a suspenseful crime mystery, you can't go wrong with Vanished?

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Martin was on his first trip to Sweden since his divorce and separation from his daughter. On the first day, he meets a beautiful woman named Liv. The next day, when they agree to meet, she vanishes.

This seemed interesting to me. The character ruminates a lot, often thinking thoughts out loud, which was not bad, but it just didn’t make for very interesting reading. The guy didn’t really strike me as the detective type to be honest. In fact, he goes through the missing case like checking off groceries—remedial and ordinary. The writing was okay, but not too engaging. As you read on, the story gets a little more complicated and judicial.

An okay read.

[P.J. Roscoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never read this kind of genre before I began with an open mind, however, it did become difficult to get into the story as many sentences did not need to be there and did not help the story in any way. Skip past all that and there is a really good, strong story within it that kept me interested. There are core characters who we follow within the novel and Elin became the most dominant one which I'm a little unsure of as surely, Martin should be the main focus? If you can ignore the pointless sentences, and get down to the nitty gritty of the story then it's a good read.

[Frances Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a first novel, I say well done Mr. Tholin! The characters are well-developed and the scene descriptions are detailed and excellent, leaving the reader to feel that they are traveling through Sweden on this adventure with Martin, the main character, as a brief respite turns into something other than relaxing! Lots of twists and turns keeps the reader guessing. There may have been a few translation issues, hence the 4 stars. All and all an exciting read!

[Gary Van Cott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book. A bit different. I was surprised to discover that the two people who were the main characters in this book are not the primary characters in the series, but that the two detectives that helped them are. I thought the translation was a bit odd, especially in the early portion of the book which had several words that I think had just been made up

[Michele M Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpredictable

I found this book quite entertaining. The story line is different and kept my interest. The characters are well fleshed out and interesting. Can't wait to read the next book.

[Jill Stirling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite good. Fairly predictable. Translation a bit pedestrian. A German lawyer get caught up inadvertently in power struggle that involves a Swedish family, the Russians, the police and a private detective.

[Barbara Fusi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Fascinating

An easy read. A novel with not one but two interesting crimes. Quite a lot of data about Sweden including.Stockholm. I didn't realize it was the Venice of the North.

I am looking forward to the second novel in the series.

[Ann Lombardi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-done!

An entertaining read. A series in the offing? Lars and Elin seem to have a future together! Good translation, too.

[Nadine Vansant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read. Don't think you know everything after a number of pages, because you don't. Persons dissapears, are kidnapped, get themselves blown up etc etc. But: all's well that ends well....

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot, good description of Sweden.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story line

Fast paced, kept me interested. Will read the next book in the series. I already know Martin won't be in it, but I hope Lars is.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanished?: A Swedish Crime Novel (Stockholm Sleuth Series) by Christer Tholin

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉This book delivers an intense and gripping thriller set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Sweden. From the very first page, the story pulls the reader into a world of danger, deception, and high-stakes suspense.

👉Martin, a Berlin attorney recovering from a painful divorce, arrives in rural Sweden seeking peace and solitude. What should have been a quiet escape takes a shocking turn when he meets Liv, a captivating Swedish woman whose presence feels like a fresh start. Their connection is instant, but before anything can unfold, Liv disappears without a trace. Signs of a struggle suggest foul play, but when Martin alerts the authorities, their indifference leaves him with no choice but to uncover the truth on his own.

👉Determined to find Liv, Martin teams up with private investigators Elin and Lars. Their search takes them deep into a complex web of secrets, where nothing is as it seems. Every step forward brings new dangers, unexpected twists, and shocking revelations. As the tension escalates, the trio must risk everything to unravel the mystery before it is too late.

👉Christer Tholin masterfully crafts an atmospheric and fast-paced thriller filled with compelling characters, intricate storytelling, and a relentless sense of urgency. The vivid descriptions of Sweden enhance the experience, making the setting feel as immersive as the plot itself. With unpredictable turns and an electrifying pace, Vanished? keeps the reader engaged until the very last page.

Happy reading 😁 😁

#bookreview

[Philip Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christer Tholin's debut, "Vanished," is a captivating Swedish mystery that instantly draws readers into a compelling investigation into a missing person case. Divorced German attorney Martin, seeking solace in a rented Swedish vacation home, unexpectedly finds himself thrust into a perplexing scenario when his attractive neighbour, Liv, vanishes after their first coffee invitation.

Tholin masterfully crafts a well-plotted narrative, brimming with unforeseen twists and turns, which keeps readers thoroughly engrossed. Martin's linguistic challenges force him to hire an investigative firm, introducing the sharp-witted Lars and his resourceful assistant, Elin. Their combined intellect and relentless legwork drive a truly unpredictable search.

The novel excels in its vivid and accurate depiction of the Swedish setting, immersing readers in the local atmosphere. While some may find parts of the latter half slightly predictable and wish for deeper development of the investigative duo, Martin and Liv are compellingly drawn. "Vanished" is a remarkably immersive and well-written mystery that makes for an unputdownable read. For fans of Swedish mysteries, this promising series starter is highly recommended.

[Selena Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book, and wow, what a ride! The story follows Martin, who is on vacation in Sweden when he meets Liv, a stunning and intriguing woman. They hit it off, but when he goes to see her the next day, she’s gone. Her house shows clear signs of a struggle, and from there, things get intense.

This was a fantastic mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. The pacing was just right never too slow, never rushed. I also really loved the descriptions of Sweden. The author did such a great job painting the setting that I could almost feel the cold air and see the beautiful landscapes. It made the whole story feel even more immersive.

What I really enjoyed was how the plot kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something unexpected happened. And that ending? Totally took me by surprise! It’s the kind of twist that makes you sit there for a minute, just thinking about everything.

If you love crime mysteries with great atmosphere, suspense, and a bit of romance, this one is definitely worth picking up. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, gripping story!

[Thaddeus Sterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a free teaser for a series of Swedish police procedurals by Christer Tholin, and honestly, I’m hooked! This Kindle sample includes parts of *Vanished?*, *Secrets?*, and *Murder?*, and it does exactly what a teaser should—it pulls you in and leaves you wanting more.

Tholin has a great writing style. The story moves fast, the tension keeps building, and the characters feel real. Lars and Kalle are dedicated Swedish cops, and then there’s Martin, a lawyer from Berlin who’s trying to move on from a bad breakup. And of course, there’s Liv, a fascinating Swedish woman who adds another layer to the story. Together, these characters take you on a journey across Sweden, all in a desperate effort to rescue Liz.

Even though I only got a taste of the series, I can already tell that Christer Tholin is an author worth following. His storytelling keeps you engaged, and the mix of mystery, action, and intriguing characters makes for a gripping read. I’ll definitely be picking up the full books!

[Oliva Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanished? by Christer Tholin is a gripping crime thriller that hooks you from the start. It’s not just a mystery it also gives readers a glimpse into Sweden, making it feel like a mix of a detective novel and a travelogue. The story revolves around Martin, a German lawyer who, after a painful divorce, escapes to Sweden for some peace. But when he befriends a woman named Liv and she suddenly vanishes, he’s thrown into a dangerous situation. Unable to speak Swedish, he hires Lars, a private investigator, and his ambitious young assistant, Elin. Their investigation takes a dark turn when Martin himself is kidnapped, and the stakes only get higher from there.

The pacing is excellent, with enough twists to keep you hooked. Tholin does a great job balancing action and character development, though Lars and Elin could have been explored a bit more. That said, their dynamic is interesting, and since this is part of a series, I expect we’ll get to know them better in later books. If you enjoy crime thrillers with an international setting, this one is definitely worth picking up!

[Karen Cerny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanished? grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. Christer Tholin masterfully weaves a story of mystery and suspense set in the hauntingly serene backdrop of rural Sweden. The novel follows Martin, a Berlin-based lawyer trying to heal from a broken marriage, only to stumble into a chilling disappearance that pulls him into danger.

What I loved most was the atmosphere. Tholin builds tension slowly, layering emotional realism with small, disturbing clues. The initial charm of the Swedish countryside soon gives way to unease, and when Liv goes missing, you're as bewildered as Martin—and just as hooked. The police's apathy is frustratingly real, which makes Martin’s decision to dig deeper all the more compelling.

This isn’t just a mystery—it’s a psychological unraveling. With solid pacing, rich prose, and a believable protagonist, Vanished? feels like a Scandinavian noir wrapped in a cozy thriller. Highly recommended for fans of slow-burn suspense with sharp edges.