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Embla Nyström #3
Snow Drift
One winter night, 28-year-old Detective Inspector Embla Nyström receives a phone call that sends her reeling. It’s been fifteen years since Embla’s best friend disappeared from a nightclub in Gothenburg, but Embla recognizes her voice immediately, though the call quickly disconnects. Lollo is still alive. But before Embla can dive into the case, she gets another phone call, this time from her cousin. A man has been found shot to death in one of the guest houses he and his wife manage in rural Sweden.
When Embla arrives on the scene, she receives another shock. The dead man is Milo Stavic, a well-known gang member and one of the men she saw with Lollo the night she disappeared. And, as Embla soon learns, the same night that Milo was shot in bed, his brother Luca was also killed. Why, after all these years, is someone targeting the Stavic brothers, and where is the third brother? With help from a handsome local detective and his poorly trained Belgian shepherd, Embla launches an investigation into the three Stavic brothers, hoping it will bring her closer to finally finding Lollo and putting an end to her terrible nightmares.
When Embla arrives on the scene, she receives another shock. The dead man is Milo Stavic, a well-known gang member and one of the men she saw with Lollo the night she disappeared. And, as Embla soon learns, the same night that Milo was shot in bed, his brother Luca was also killed. Why, after all these years, is someone targeting the Stavic brothers, and where is the third brother? With help from a handsome local detective and his poorly trained Belgian shepherd, Embla launches an investigation into the three Stavic brothers, hoping it will bring her closer to finally finding Lollo and putting an end to her terrible nightmares.
257 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2018
422 people are currently reading
3417 people want to read
About the author
Helene Tursten
53 books944 followersHelene Tursten (born in Gothenburg in 1954) is a Swedish writer of crime fiction. The main character in her stories is Detective Inspector Irene Huss. Before becoming an author, Tursten worked as a nurse and then a dentist, but was forced to leave due to illness. During her illness she worked as a translator of medical articles.
Series:
* Irene Huss
Series:
* Irene Huss
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
January 14, 2021
“Snowdrift” is a satisfying murder mystery set in the Swedish frozen backdrop. Detective Inspector, and ex-boxer, Embla Nystrom inadvertently gets caught up in a gang member death. The dead man is familiar to Embla: he threatened to kill her when she was 15 as she witnessed her best friend being kidnapped by his brothers.
The dead man leads to other mysterious deaths. Embla teams up with a local policeman along with her boss at Violent Crimes in unraveling the connections of the dead men.
This is the third in a series, yet it’s the first I’ve read. Although I wasn’t “wowed” by this, I am encouraged to check out her earlier work. It was a bit slow, and I did guess much of it, yet it was worthwhile. Author Helene Tursten has a dedicated following and I do enjoy those Nordic noir stories. Tursten’s translator, Marlaine Delargy did a fine job.
The dead man leads to other mysterious deaths. Embla teams up with a local policeman along with her boss at Violent Crimes in unraveling the connections of the dead men.
This is the third in a series, yet it’s the first I’ve read. Although I wasn’t “wowed” by this, I am encouraged to check out her earlier work. It was a bit slow, and I did guess much of it, yet it was worthwhile. Author Helene Tursten has a dedicated following and I do enjoy those Nordic noir stories. Tursten’s translator, Marlaine Delargy did a fine job.
December 22, 2020
As a teen, Embla watched, terrified, as her best friend Lollo was carried off by three dangerous men and was never seen again. Nearly 15 years later, Embla, who is now a Detective Inspector in the Violent Crimes Unit of the Swedish police, is still haunted by nightmares of that night and is shocked when she receives a call from a voice she recognizes as her friend. The call is quickly ended, leaving Embla wondering...
Eight days later, Embla is visiting her uncle in Dalsland with a young friend when a distant cousin calls asking her to come to the guesthouse he and his wife run in Herremark--it seems one of his guests was murdered during the night. When Embla investigates, she discovers the victim is a man she recognizes as a powerful gangster boss--and one of the men involved in Lollo's disappearance.
On the same night a young man was stabbed at a party lodge nearby and Embla becomes involved in that investigation too, hoping the party goers might have seen something that could help with her own murder investigation. She begins working with young and handsome Inspector Olle Tillman of the Amal police on both cases. Hmm, are sparks flying??
This is my first taste of Helene Tursten's writing; she was recommended to me by a GR friend. It wasn't a problem to jump into the third book in this Nordic noir series as most of the background was lightly filled in. It is a well-written police procedural with an intriguing mystery, interesting characters and picaresque Nordic settings. I will definitely look for more from this author.
Eight days later, Embla is visiting her uncle in Dalsland with a young friend when a distant cousin calls asking her to come to the guesthouse he and his wife run in Herremark--it seems one of his guests was murdered during the night. When Embla investigates, she discovers the victim is a man she recognizes as a powerful gangster boss--and one of the men involved in Lollo's disappearance.
On the same night a young man was stabbed at a party lodge nearby and Embla becomes involved in that investigation too, hoping the party goers might have seen something that could help with her own murder investigation. She begins working with young and handsome Inspector Olle Tillman of the Amal police on both cases. Hmm, are sparks flying??
This is my first taste of Helene Tursten's writing; she was recommended to me by a GR friend. It wasn't a problem to jump into the third book in this Nordic noir series as most of the background was lightly filled in. It is a well-written police procedural with an intriguing mystery, interesting characters and picaresque Nordic settings. I will definitely look for more from this author.
November 11, 2020
Embla was with a friend 14 years ago when her friend Lollo was abducted. Since that traumatic time, she has become a cop, and had nightmares about the abductors threatening her. She recognizes a murder victim as one of the abductors, and is shocked to get a random call from her friend who vanished and was presumed dead. Where has Lollo been? Is she somehow involved with a gang of evil Eastern European men who deal in weapons and other unsavory pursuits? There is plenty of excitement and adventure for Embla, including a new love interest, a police dog handler. Helene Tursten is one of my favorite Nordic Noir authors, and the translator is the fabulous Marlaine Delargy, so if you are in the mood for a police procedural set in snowy Sweden, I think you will like Snowdrift. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
May 26, 2022
I did read the first of these Embla Nystrom books a few years ago but didn't pick up the second. This third book has good tempo and pretty much demands to be read in one sitting as there is tension over some pretty bad characters and what their next threat might entail. You would think Embla might be able to enjoy some time off, but the worst of criminals have a way of popping up where she is. Her quick thinking and experience saves the day while working with a fellow cop, one who happens to be handsome. A close friend in her youth had gone missing and is now identified as the wife of a big time loser so things get ugly. Intense action included...above and beyond the usual police procedural. And then there is the cold ice and snow of Sweden.
November 30, 2020
This book is translated from Swedish and is third in the series about inspector Embla Nystrom. Unfortunately, I haven’t read the previous stories but this book can be read as a standalone. The background history is given where necessary.
Embla who works as a police detective in Gothenburg is taking her spring break with her uncle and the 9-year-old son of her ex in her uncle’s cabin in Dalsland in a remote part of South Sweden. There she receives a phone call from a remote cousin who owns a bungalow park. One of his guests is found shot through the head in his bed. She’s surprised when she recognises the victim as Milo Stavic, a notorious Gothenburg crime boss who was also involved in the disappearance of her friend Lollo, 14 years earlier when they were teenagers. It doesn’t take long to discover that one of Milo’s brothers is shot in a car park the same day and that the other brother has vanished in Croatia 2 weeks earlier. Around the time of Milo’s murder, there was a stabbing at a party of a bandy team (sort of ice-hockey) a few kilometres down the road. Embla strikes up a friendship with Olle, the local policeman who investigates this crime. Strangely enough, none of the victim’s friends seems to be willing to talk to the police about the stabbing.
I’ve read the whole ‘Erlendur’-series by now and think that I’ve found a new Scandinavian favourite. Embla is certainly a more engaging character. She is a real bad-ass cop; tough, strong and clever but with a great heart. She still has a great relationship with the son of her ex-partner. She’s also helpful, she rushes to this cousin’s bungalow park even though she’s on vacation and helps Olle out with his case. I hope he’s a stayer because he found the way to my heart and I’m a fan of his brave police-dog-in training as well.
Embla is also an avid hunter and hunting is an everyday part of the life of many remotely living people in Sweden and other countries. I’m not a fan of hunting but through lack of big predators certain cute animals can become pests. Hunting for food is also something else than for sports. Of course, if we all go out hunting for food, nature will be void of animals very quickly. I find this a difficult moral dilemma because the wild animals certainly have a far better life than those we breed for food. I’ve tried being a vegetarian for a few years but in the end, I did miss eating certain dishes and I caved. Embla eats some mouth-watering recipes in her cousin’s restaurant as well. I got hungry while I read this.
A special mention is about the weather that plays a role of its own in this story.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley and SOHO Press and this is my honest review of it.
Embla who works as a police detective in Gothenburg is taking her spring break with her uncle and the 9-year-old son of her ex in her uncle’s cabin in Dalsland in a remote part of South Sweden. There she receives a phone call from a remote cousin who owns a bungalow park. One of his guests is found shot through the head in his bed. She’s surprised when she recognises the victim as Milo Stavic, a notorious Gothenburg crime boss who was also involved in the disappearance of her friend Lollo, 14 years earlier when they were teenagers. It doesn’t take long to discover that one of Milo’s brothers is shot in a car park the same day and that the other brother has vanished in Croatia 2 weeks earlier. Around the time of Milo’s murder, there was a stabbing at a party of a bandy team (sort of ice-hockey) a few kilometres down the road. Embla strikes up a friendship with Olle, the local policeman who investigates this crime. Strangely enough, none of the victim’s friends seems to be willing to talk to the police about the stabbing.
I’ve read the whole ‘Erlendur’-series by now and think that I’ve found a new Scandinavian favourite. Embla is certainly a more engaging character. She is a real bad-ass cop; tough, strong and clever but with a great heart. She still has a great relationship with the son of her ex-partner. She’s also helpful, she rushes to this cousin’s bungalow park even though she’s on vacation and helps Olle out with his case. I hope he’s a stayer because he found the way to my heart and I’m a fan of his brave police-dog-in training as well.
Embla is also an avid hunter and hunting is an everyday part of the life of many remotely living people in Sweden and other countries. I’m not a fan of hunting but through lack of big predators certain cute animals can become pests. Hunting for food is also something else than for sports. Of course, if we all go out hunting for food, nature will be void of animals very quickly. I find this a difficult moral dilemma because the wild animals certainly have a far better life than those we breed for food. I’ve tried being a vegetarian for a few years but in the end, I did miss eating certain dishes and I caved. Embla eats some mouth-watering recipes in her cousin’s restaurant as well. I got hungry while I read this.
A special mention is about the weather that plays a role of its own in this story.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley and SOHO Press and this is my honest review of it.
February 21, 2021
Fourteen years ago, Asa (Embla) Nyström saw her best friend Lollo abducted in a Gothenburg nightclub, and was threatened not to say anything by a gangster. While on holiday, visiting her uncle, Embla receives a phone call from someone she thinks is Lollo and then she is called to a local hotel, where a guest has shot to death. Turns out it is the gangster, who threatened her. A handsome local policemen shows up and pulls his gun on her, not realizing her fighting skills. They investigate the death together as well as a local teenage stabbing death, which happened the same night. As it turns out, someone has moved on the gangster's family and business. Good Swedish noir, and I was reminded a bit of Robert Parker's love of food in Tursten's writing. Will definitely find another book from this series.
January 25, 2021
“Snowdrift” immediately pulls readers into the story as a shadowy figure zips his leather jacket and adjusts his night-vision glasses. Then, through the cold and the muck, the menacing shadow approaches; the girl screams, “I’m coming, Lollo!” And, Embla wakes from her recurring nightmare. From there, things just get more complicated.
Embla Nyström is part of the Västra Götaland County Bureau of Investigation’s Mobile Unit, known as VGM, and the story unfolds mostly from her point of view. A relative owns a country resort, and a guest has been shot, and Embla takes a “vacation trip” to help with the investigation. Of course that is not the only murder, and seemingly separate crimes suddenly become very complex and intricately intertwined.
The plot advances through conversations between characters, allowing readers to discover what some know but others do not. The Investigation proceeds in a careful manner, but things do not always go as smoothly as people think they should. Interesting relationships between characters are exposed, and there is no accounting for what some people will do. There are family entanglements, conflicting reports, and shocking revelations from the past.
“Snowdrift” has plenty of action and the narrative is full of fresh questions that keep readers turning the pages. This is book three the “Embla Nyström Investigations” series, but new readers can easily follow along; each character is briefly introduced, and previous relationships are seamlessly folded into the present storyline. I received a review copy of “Snowdrift” from Helene Tursten Random House Publishing, and Soho Crime. The book proceeds in a careful, systematic way with a slow accumulation of facts, and then unexpectedly takes readers somewhere else.
Embla Nyström is part of the Västra Götaland County Bureau of Investigation’s Mobile Unit, known as VGM, and the story unfolds mostly from her point of view. A relative owns a country resort, and a guest has been shot, and Embla takes a “vacation trip” to help with the investigation. Of course that is not the only murder, and seemingly separate crimes suddenly become very complex and intricately intertwined.
The plot advances through conversations between characters, allowing readers to discover what some know but others do not. The Investigation proceeds in a careful manner, but things do not always go as smoothly as people think they should. Interesting relationships between characters are exposed, and there is no accounting for what some people will do. There are family entanglements, conflicting reports, and shocking revelations from the past.
“Snowdrift” has plenty of action and the narrative is full of fresh questions that keep readers turning the pages. This is book three the “Embla Nyström Investigations” series, but new readers can easily follow along; each character is briefly introduced, and previous relationships are seamlessly folded into the present storyline. I received a review copy of “Snowdrift” from Helene Tursten Random House Publishing, and Soho Crime. The book proceeds in a careful, systematic way with a slow accumulation of facts, and then unexpectedly takes readers somewhere else.
December 15, 2020
Snowdrift is a pretty mediocre nordic noir. The characters are rather flat and some of the storylines just kind of putter out. I’m not sure why a second murder unrelated to the primary murder needed to be introduced, it didn’t really serve a purpose. Also, I was rather uninterested in the gang politics and I could see the twist with Lollo a mile way. Snowdrift kept me entertained, but it certainly isn’t one of my favorite nordic noir’s that I’ve read. I did enjoy the food descriptions though!
September 14, 2025
3.25 stars
December 8, 2020
Helene Tursten is skilled at crafting mysteries that keep you wanting more. I love her Detective Inspector Irene Huss series, but for some reason after reading three books in this new series, I can't seem to warm up to Embla Nyström. I think it is partly due to the fact that this younger woman keeps everyone at a distance and has a tendency to look down on anyone who doesn't eat as healthy as she does. Lighten up, Embla! For whatever reason, I can't quite put my finger on why she leaves me cold. (But I certainly appreciate Tursten keeping us informed about Irene Huss who works in the same unit.)
What I can put my finger on is that Snowdrift needed some tightening up by fifty pages or so-- and that the twist at the end which is supposed to be a shocker didn't surprise me at all. Not every book in a series can be a barnburner, and for me, Snowdrift was decidedly flat. Combine that with the fact that I can't get enthused about Embla, and I have doubts about continuing with this series.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
What I can put my finger on is that Snowdrift needed some tightening up by fifty pages or so-- and that the twist at the end which is supposed to be a shocker didn't surprise me at all. Not every book in a series can be a barnburner, and for me, Snowdrift was decidedly flat. Combine that with the fact that I can't get enthused about Embla, and I have doubts about continuing with this series.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
April 23, 2020
Although Snödrev is in Swedish I read an English translation of it and it was called Snowdrift to be published 3 September 2020. I like the way Helene Tursten has developed to keep us excited when she talks about Embla and Lollo. Friends from the beginning then Lollo is kidnapped with Embla seeing it happen and was threaten by one of the Stavic brothers. Years later Embla is having nightmares about it, yet she is now a police officer. Embla talks with her old boss Göran about it when she gets a call from Lollo 15 years later. As it happens all the Stavic brothers have been killed and when Milo is killed it happened in one of Embla's aunts and uncles holiday cottages where they brought Embla in and she calls her old boss and tells him. Olle Tillman is a police officer with his dog Tore which becomes Embla's new beau (Olle not Tore) after a misunderstanding. This book has many other scenes and scenarios which add to the story and make it worth your while to read it. I liked the tension between Embla and Olle until they changed their toons. Lollo was found to change her story also, so now they know, or do they.
May 12, 2020
Fourteen years ago, Detective Inspector Embla Nystrom witnessed the abduction of her best friend, Lollo. At the time they were just fourteen years old. Now, fourteen years later, Embla receives a phone call and she immediately recognizes the voice as that of her friend. Before she can try to find Lollo, she receives another call from a relative who owns a holiday get-away. He tells her that a guest has been murdered and asks her if she can investigate.
When she does, she is shocked to discover she knows the man - the head of one of Sweden's most notorious crime families and the man who threatened her at her friend's abduction. Not long after, the body of his brother is found and the last brother is missing. Embla is determined to find out who is behind the crime not only in the hopes of preventing a possible gang war but that it will lead her to her friend.
Snowdrift by Swedish author Helene Tursten is not quite as bleak as most Scandanavian crime fiction I have read but it is just as compelling. That is not to say there isn't some violence but it doesn't take over the story. The plot is well-developed and Embla is a complex and likeable protagonist. This is the first book I've read by author Helene Tursten but, although there a few mentions of actions in past books, it works well as a standalone. I would not hesitate to read more by this author and recommend it highly.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Soho Crime for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
When she does, she is shocked to discover she knows the man - the head of one of Sweden's most notorious crime families and the man who threatened her at her friend's abduction. Not long after, the body of his brother is found and the last brother is missing. Embla is determined to find out who is behind the crime not only in the hopes of preventing a possible gang war but that it will lead her to her friend.
Snowdrift by Swedish author Helene Tursten is not quite as bleak as most Scandanavian crime fiction I have read but it is just as compelling. That is not to say there isn't some violence but it doesn't take over the story. The plot is well-developed and Embla is a complex and likeable protagonist. This is the first book I've read by author Helene Tursten but, although there a few mentions of actions in past books, it works well as a standalone. I would not hesitate to read more by this author and recommend it highly.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Soho Crime for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
May 8, 2022
I DNF. The book moves so slow with a huge cast of characters that I had a hard time keeping straight. After 200 pages of very slow, too descriptive writing, I gave up. This book is for those readers who enjoy a very slow burn. Not my style.
May 9, 2021
A well written book but ultimately disappointing. I much prefer stand alone books as opposed to books in a series that waste the finale to set the scene for another book.
September 23, 2020
I always look forward to a new book by a favorite author and even though I enjoyed the read, I must admit I was a little disappointed in the story line.
A voice from Embla's past reawakens memories she has tried to suppress and plunges her into the underworld of gangs, illegal drugs, human trafficking and mafia bosses. Her journey will lead her to an answer better left hidden, but in the end the truth has a way of finding a way out. All in all, not a bad read and one I would make note of for those cold, snowy December days when this book is due out.
Enjoy!
A voice from Embla's past reawakens memories she has tried to suppress and plunges her into the underworld of gangs, illegal drugs, human trafficking and mafia bosses. Her journey will lead her to an answer better left hidden, but in the end the truth has a way of finding a way out. All in all, not a bad read and one I would make note of for those cold, snowy December days when this book is due out.
Enjoy!
November 27, 2021
This book was good, but not great, in my opinion. Typically Scandinavian crime fiction is a bit more dark, but this one was a little more bland than I had been expecting. I was hoping for a lot more action and gore. The main plot dealing with gang violence turned me off a bit; I just don’t find it fascinating. It’s still a wonderful read, with a strong female protagonist who needs no help from men. She’s a badass detective and I loved reading from her point of view. I really enjoyed the snowy atmosphere, as well. Helene did an excellent job painting a vivid picture. This book is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. If slow-burn, crime procedurals are what you fancy, then this series will be right up your alley!
April 3, 2021
Snowdrift - Helene Tursten
I, being one of those quirky fellows, that really enjoy police thrillers, murder mysteries, and other crime fiction from the Western European countries – especially Ireland, England, and Scotland. I have wandered off the beaten path a bit to include Swedish novels of this genre. This would come along thanks to the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, Henning Mankell, and Camilla Lackberg. Sweden definitely has some fine writers out their and I would find no list complete without Helene Tursten, and Snowdrift is definitely one of these writers, IMHO.
Snowdrift is definitely an interesting read, or write, depending on how you look at things. Elements of the book are constantly evolving, but as in many PP’s., details must painstakingly be explored and explained. There is a very suspicious automobile accident in which the driver is dead. There is another man found shot and this must be explained. The two are found to be brothers, but where is the third brother? Did he disappear? Is he dead? Is he hiding in plain sight? They are all found to be somewhat involved in criminal enterprises, which is not surprising due to how close to Croatia the story occurs. And, then a woman appears with the only problem being that this is about 140 pages into the book.
And, I must admit that I was really not that keen on the book until this point. But, at this point, the book really takes off and weaves a wonderful story. I was glad that I kept with Snowdrift. It was a very fun read and all that happens - happens for a good reason. Due to the time that it took for me to become hooked on the book, I will give it a 3-star review, but many will find it much better than that.
I, being one of those quirky fellows, that really enjoy police thrillers, murder mysteries, and other crime fiction from the Western European countries – especially Ireland, England, and Scotland. I have wandered off the beaten path a bit to include Swedish novels of this genre. This would come along thanks to the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, Henning Mankell, and Camilla Lackberg. Sweden definitely has some fine writers out their and I would find no list complete without Helene Tursten, and Snowdrift is definitely one of these writers, IMHO.
Snowdrift is definitely an interesting read, or write, depending on how you look at things. Elements of the book are constantly evolving, but as in many PP’s., details must painstakingly be explored and explained. There is a very suspicious automobile accident in which the driver is dead. There is another man found shot and this must be explained. The two are found to be brothers, but where is the third brother? Did he disappear? Is he dead? Is he hiding in plain sight? They are all found to be somewhat involved in criminal enterprises, which is not surprising due to how close to Croatia the story occurs. And, then a woman appears with the only problem being that this is about 140 pages into the book.
And, I must admit that I was really not that keen on the book until this point. But, at this point, the book really takes off and weaves a wonderful story. I was glad that I kept with Snowdrift. It was a very fun read and all that happens - happens for a good reason. Due to the time that it took for me to become hooked on the book, I will give it a 3-star review, but many will find it much better than that.
August 21, 2021
“Snowdrift” begins with Detective Inspector Embla Nystrom investigating the murder of a gang member at a guest cottage in rural Sweden. Turns out that Embla is quite familiar with the victim: he threatened to kill her after she witnessed the kidnapping of her best friend by this gangster and his brothers. She dives into the investigation, hoping it will also lead her to find out what happened to her friend, who remains missing after 14 years.
I found this Nordic noir to be passable, but it could have been so much better. A second unrelated murder mystery is added to the mix and serves no useful purpose other than adding pages. There are many secondary characters and detailed descriptions of food. Frankly, Embla is not all that likeable and she’s a food snob who looks down on people who eat too many carbs or drink alcohol. On a related note, I was mildly irritated when she repeatedly describes items as being “as big as an American cupcake.” Perhaps it’s a Swedish phrase or something is lost in the translation.
I found this Nordic noir to be passable, but it could have been so much better. A second unrelated murder mystery is added to the mix and serves no useful purpose other than adding pages. There are many secondary characters and detailed descriptions of food. Frankly, Embla is not all that likeable and she’s a food snob who looks down on people who eat too many carbs or drink alcohol. On a related note, I was mildly irritated when she repeatedly describes items as being “as big as an American cupcake.” Perhaps it’s a Swedish phrase or something is lost in the translation.
March 28, 2021
Interesting enough to read to find out what happened, but not interesting enough to seek out the other ones in the series.
April 2, 2021
Not as exciting as the previous entries in the series, but I like Embla. She has just the right combination of smarts, imitative and humility to make her seem real.
February 8, 2021
Snow Drift, Helen Tursten. Swedish Detective Inspector Embla Nyström #3. December 2020. iBook pre ordered....
Still missing Irene Huss but Embla is growing on me book by book and this is a good read....again. And delighted that Irene, Fredrik and Tommy are back near the end. Good characters and storyline. Absolutely love reading this author!
Embla is staying with her uncle with her ex boyfriend’s young son for a hunt. Embla had a mysterious phone call and she thought it was Lollo! Before she can do anything. Her uncle gets a call from his cousin that a man has been found shot to death in one of the guest houses he and his wife manage in rural Sweden. It is nearby so Embla goes to check it out and recognizes the body as the big mob boss Milo Stavic that threatened her and left her with nightmares 15 years ago when Lollo disappeared. She calls her boss and she and Gören are busy working on what appears to be an execution. As things unravel there appears to have been a stabbing of a teenager the same night and Embla and the new policeman in the region Olle and his police dog in training Thor, work on interviewing the teenagers present the night of the stabbing, while waiting for forensics in the cabin where the boss Milo Stavic was murdered. Gören gets news that Milo’s brother Luca was killed in Gothenburg on the same night as his brother! An execution! The third brother is searched for and in many Skype conversations between Gothenburg and Split Croatia Gören and Embla discover the third brother has been missing for over two weeks. Then also are told that his wife and three kids have disappeared......
Gören and Embla work well together and Tommy and his team of Irene, Frederik and others assist with the tracing and tracking of others and events in Gothenburg, with things crossing over. Eventually they discover more details and some things are solved but then just as they make discoveries, more disappear. A map was discovered in the cabin leading Embla and Olle with Thor go to a remote cabin to see if they can piece together what Milo was doing out in the country. The gun battle that happens is amazing reading !!!! Once both Olle and Embla have removed from their injuries, in Gothenburg things are starting to make sense and slowing things fit into place...meanwhile Olle and Embla plan a weekend.......
A very very good read.......again from Helene Tursten. She always leaves a door open for me....yes, please.
Still missing Irene Huss but Embla is growing on me book by book and this is a good read....again. And delighted that Irene, Fredrik and Tommy are back near the end. Good characters and storyline. Absolutely love reading this author!
Embla is staying with her uncle with her ex boyfriend’s young son for a hunt. Embla had a mysterious phone call and she thought it was Lollo! Before she can do anything. Her uncle gets a call from his cousin that a man has been found shot to death in one of the guest houses he and his wife manage in rural Sweden. It is nearby so Embla goes to check it out and recognizes the body as the big mob boss Milo Stavic that threatened her and left her with nightmares 15 years ago when Lollo disappeared. She calls her boss and she and Gören are busy working on what appears to be an execution. As things unravel there appears to have been a stabbing of a teenager the same night and Embla and the new policeman in the region Olle and his police dog in training Thor, work on interviewing the teenagers present the night of the stabbing, while waiting for forensics in the cabin where the boss Milo Stavic was murdered. Gören gets news that Milo’s brother Luca was killed in Gothenburg on the same night as his brother! An execution! The third brother is searched for and in many Skype conversations between Gothenburg and Split Croatia Gören and Embla discover the third brother has been missing for over two weeks. Then also are told that his wife and three kids have disappeared......
Gören and Embla work well together and Tommy and his team of Irene, Frederik and others assist with the tracing and tracking of others and events in Gothenburg, with things crossing over. Eventually they discover more details and some things are solved but then just as they make discoveries, more disappear. A map was discovered in the cabin leading Embla and Olle with Thor go to a remote cabin to see if they can piece together what Milo was doing out in the country. The gun battle that happens is amazing reading !!!! Once both Olle and Embla have removed from their injuries, in Gothenburg things are starting to make sense and slowing things fit into place...meanwhile Olle and Embla plan a weekend.......
A very very good read.......again from Helene Tursten. She always leaves a door open for me....yes, please.
July 6, 2023
2.5 Sterne.
Ich finde das Buch an sich gut geschrieben, es ließ sich schön und schnell herunterlesen. Die Charaktere insbesondere Embla, Olle und Göran waren mir auf Anhieb sympathisch und die Interaktionen zwischen den dreien mochte ich.
Als Thriller hat mich das Buch aber nicht überzeugt, da ich den Plot (Lolle wurde nicht entführt, sie hat die Morde mitzuverantworten und eine Affäre mit Jiri) von Anfang an durchschaut habe und es daher leider kaum einen unerwarteten Plottwist für mich gab.
Ich finde das Buch an sich gut geschrieben, es ließ sich schön und schnell herunterlesen. Die Charaktere insbesondere Embla, Olle und Göran waren mir auf Anhieb sympathisch und die Interaktionen zwischen den dreien mochte ich.
Als Thriller hat mich das Buch aber nicht überzeugt, da ich den Plot (Lolle wurde nicht entführt, sie hat die Morde mitzuverantworten und eine Affäre mit Jiri) von Anfang an durchschaut habe und es daher leider kaum einen unerwarteten Plottwist für mich gab.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2021
3.5. Some gaps in the narrative that were abruptly resolved as the mystery of the killing of three mafia brothers unfolded. Interesting protagonist in Embla Nystrom. I will probably read an earlier book to discover more about this character.
December 26, 2021
I usually don't enjoy murder mysteries featuring organized crime as I don't care about the victim(s) and hate reading about gang wars or in-fighting amongst gangsters - yuck!
That said there was a lot more going on in this book and I hope there is a future for Embla and Olle (and Tore, too).
Solid police procedural with a satisfying resolution and a surprise ending.
That said there was a lot more going on in this book and I hope there is a future for Embla and Olle (and Tore, too).
Solid police procedural with a satisfying resolution and a surprise ending.
April 4, 2022
I picked up this one not knowing that this was the third in a series. I didn’t care: I could not put it down; I was making plans to borrow the first and second books from the library, and then I got to the ending and what could have been a 4-star read disappointed me beyond belief.
January 14, 2022
Ehhh… this book had SO many characters, it made it really hard to follow along.
February 4, 2025
It was okay! If you like procedural crime dramas you would like it, but it has wayyyy too many characters. It was hard to keep track of them all! I don’t think I would go out of my way to read another one of her books.
January 9, 2021
First of many
I took a chance on this book,and it paid out big time. Liked the characters the setting a nd the fast moving story line. It certainly was action packed and had just that hint of romance that peaks your interest. The main characters are very much a reflection of the current times. Looking forward to the next in this series.
I took a chance on this book,and it paid out big time. Liked the characters the setting a nd the fast moving story line. It certainly was action packed and had just that hint of romance that peaks your interest. The main characters are very much a reflection of the current times. Looking forward to the next in this series.
May 18, 2021
I liked this third book in the series a bit more than the first two. And for the first time there's a little crossover which includes characters from the author's Irene Huss series.
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