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ACQUITTAL?
Umeå, Northern Sweden: Willmar Björkman has been incarcerated for five years after being found guilty on a murder charge; albeit unjustly convicted according to his claims. From the very start, he has adamantly maintained that he is innocent of the crime. Detectives Lars and Elin are hired to find new evidence that casts doubt upon the validity of the guilty verdict so that a retrial of his case can be requested. Is that even possible now that so much time has passed? The two detectives start asking around to dig up some new information, but find themselves facing a wall of silence - nobody seems interested in reopening the case. In fact, they themselves are uncertain if Willmar is even innocent at all. But then the coincidences begin to pile up and ultimately the investigation spins completely out of control...
ACQUITTAL? is the fifth, standalone book from Christer Tholin’s Stockholm Sleuth Series.
ACQUITTAL? is the fifth, standalone book from Christer Tholin’s Stockholm Sleuth Series.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2021
53 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Christer Tholin
23 books385 followersThe 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 15, 2021
I enjoyed the characters in this book. The action is good and constant. My reason for not giving a 5 star rating is that the end came rather abruptly and almost out of nowhere. This mystery had all the right aspects of a good read just until the ending. I hope the author will be able to give us a chance to solve the crime, or at least introduce the possible culprit earlier in the mix so that the ending won't be quite so "tacked on".
I would read another as the author's style is engaging, and the main characters are worth getting to know.
I would read another as the author's style is engaging, and the main characters are worth getting to know.
July 2, 2021
Excellent!!
Once again, I enjoyed reading an entire book with believable characters and plots and subplots, all with NO typos. Looking forward to the next one.
Once again, I enjoyed reading an entire book with believable characters and plots and subplots, all with NO typos. Looking forward to the next one.
October 8, 2020
Ich habe mich sehr über den Titel "FREISPRUCH?: Ein Schweden-Krimi" (Die Stockholm Detektive 5) von Christer Tholin gefreut, welcher mir direkt vom Autor zur Verfügung gestellt wurde. Vielen lieben Dank an dieser Stelle für das kostenlose Rezensionsexemplar, es versteht sich natürlich von selbst, dass dadurch meine Meinung zum Buch in keiner Art und Weise beeinflusst wird.
Nachdem ich bereits ein Buch von Christer Tholin lesen durfte, welches mir gut gefiel, war ich auf seinen aktuellen Thriller mehr als gespannt und startete neugierig und auch ein wenig erwartungsvoll zu lesen. Dieses Buch kann unabhängig von seinen Vorgängern gelesen werden.
Der Leser begleitet in diesem Thriller die Detektive Lars und Elin dabei, wie sie einen alten Fall aufrollen, in der Annahme, dass es möglich sei, dass ein Inhaftierter, Willmar Björkman, seit fünf Jahren zu Unrecht im Gefängnis sitzt. Was ist damals wirklich geschehen und sagt Björkman wirklich die Wahrheit? Denn er beteuert immer wieder, dass er nicht Derjenige sei, der für den Mordfall von damals verantwortlich sei. Während die Ermittler immer mehr graben und graben, ahnen sie nicht, in was für eine Gefahr sie sich damit bringen...
Christer Tholin schreibt sein Buch aus den Sichtweisen mehrerer Protagonisten in der dritten Person im Präteritum, was mir einen guten Überblick über die Personenkonstellation und Gesamtsituation der Geschichte verschafft. Hier erfahre ich einiges aus der Perspektive der Ermittler, die mir beide schnell sympathisch sind, wie auch dem Täter selbst. Der Wechsel ist sehr erfrischend und unterhaltsam. Anfänglich hätte ich diesen Thriller eher noch als Kriminalroman betitelt und eingestuft, geht es doch viel um Recherche und Ermittlungen, doch gen Ende des Buches spitzt sich die Lage noch mal ordentlich zu, was mir einen erhöhten Puls beschert und wodurch das Buch seinem Namen alle Ehre macht. Hier bietet der Autor seinen Lesern einen richtigen Showdown!
Die Grundidee dieses Thrillers ist sicher keine neue, jedoch wurde sie sehr gut umgesetzt. Die Kapitel halten sich in angenehmer Länge und tragen mich somit gut und schnell durch das Werk, doch auch der flotte Schreibstil, der sehr bildhaft, flüssig und einnehmend ist, trägt sein Übriges dazu. Ansprechend und gelungen finde ich, dass Christer Tholin hier ein aktuelles Thema aufgreift und einarbeitet, um das sich die Welt gerade dreht. Somit sorgt er dafür, dass das Buch noch authentischer und realistischer auf mich wirkt.
"FREISPRUCH?: Ein Schweden-Krimi" schenkt mir spannende und ansprechende Lesestunde mit liebenswerten Charakteren, die füreinander einstehen und ein gutes Team bilden. Außerdem wird mir die schwedische Atmosphäre einverleibt, was ich gelungen finde. Somit tauche ich quasi in eine andere Welt, zumindest eine andere Mentalität, ab. Ich vergebe daher eine klare Lese- und Kaufempfehlung und 5 gelungene, volle Sterne *****
Nachdem ich bereits ein Buch von Christer Tholin lesen durfte, welches mir gut gefiel, war ich auf seinen aktuellen Thriller mehr als gespannt und startete neugierig und auch ein wenig erwartungsvoll zu lesen. Dieses Buch kann unabhängig von seinen Vorgängern gelesen werden.
Der Leser begleitet in diesem Thriller die Detektive Lars und Elin dabei, wie sie einen alten Fall aufrollen, in der Annahme, dass es möglich sei, dass ein Inhaftierter, Willmar Björkman, seit fünf Jahren zu Unrecht im Gefängnis sitzt. Was ist damals wirklich geschehen und sagt Björkman wirklich die Wahrheit? Denn er beteuert immer wieder, dass er nicht Derjenige sei, der für den Mordfall von damals verantwortlich sei. Während die Ermittler immer mehr graben und graben, ahnen sie nicht, in was für eine Gefahr sie sich damit bringen...
Christer Tholin schreibt sein Buch aus den Sichtweisen mehrerer Protagonisten in der dritten Person im Präteritum, was mir einen guten Überblick über die Personenkonstellation und Gesamtsituation der Geschichte verschafft. Hier erfahre ich einiges aus der Perspektive der Ermittler, die mir beide schnell sympathisch sind, wie auch dem Täter selbst. Der Wechsel ist sehr erfrischend und unterhaltsam. Anfänglich hätte ich diesen Thriller eher noch als Kriminalroman betitelt und eingestuft, geht es doch viel um Recherche und Ermittlungen, doch gen Ende des Buches spitzt sich die Lage noch mal ordentlich zu, was mir einen erhöhten Puls beschert und wodurch das Buch seinem Namen alle Ehre macht. Hier bietet der Autor seinen Lesern einen richtigen Showdown!
Die Grundidee dieses Thrillers ist sicher keine neue, jedoch wurde sie sehr gut umgesetzt. Die Kapitel halten sich in angenehmer Länge und tragen mich somit gut und schnell durch das Werk, doch auch der flotte Schreibstil, der sehr bildhaft, flüssig und einnehmend ist, trägt sein Übriges dazu. Ansprechend und gelungen finde ich, dass Christer Tholin hier ein aktuelles Thema aufgreift und einarbeitet, um das sich die Welt gerade dreht. Somit sorgt er dafür, dass das Buch noch authentischer und realistischer auf mich wirkt.
"FREISPRUCH?: Ein Schweden-Krimi" schenkt mir spannende und ansprechende Lesestunde mit liebenswerten Charakteren, die füreinander einstehen und ein gutes Team bilden. Außerdem wird mir die schwedische Atmosphäre einverleibt, was ich gelungen finde. Somit tauche ich quasi in eine andere Welt, zumindest eine andere Mentalität, ab. Ich vergebe daher eine klare Lese- und Kaufempfehlung und 5 gelungene, volle Sterne *****
March 8, 2021
Feel the cold, feel the suspense: cracker jack whodunit!😊
4.5🌟 stars
This was my first venture in reading one of Christer Tholin's detective thrillers and it really hit the mark for me. I loved the Swedish setting and private investigators Elin and Lars. We get to know a bit about their private lives and their misgivings about the new virus sweeping the globe in early 2020, but their and the story's focus remains squarely on the investigation of a five year old murder case. This story is not Swedish noir; it's less graphic (although there is some violence) and the investigator main protagonists are regular, well-adjusted people.
Occasionally the language is a little formal or stilted, but that may be a translation issue and did not hinder my enjoyment. These two colleagues obviously enjoy working together: no work rivalry here. And they work well together and obviously really care about each other as friends. Of course, that does not prevent them from facing danger. The last half of the book has a number of heart-pumping moments as they risk their lives trying to determine whether a convicted killer was framed and, if so, why? It only becomes clear late (almost too late for Elin and Lars!) in the story. I loved the partnership and the journey to a satisfying wrap-up of their case. And, in the meantime, COVID looms in the wings🙁.
I will be looking for more in this series as I enjoyed it so much and just can't seem to resist well-plotted stories with a Swedish setting and flavor.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
4.5🌟 stars
This was my first venture in reading one of Christer Tholin's detective thrillers and it really hit the mark for me. I loved the Swedish setting and private investigators Elin and Lars. We get to know a bit about their private lives and their misgivings about the new virus sweeping the globe in early 2020, but their and the story's focus remains squarely on the investigation of a five year old murder case. This story is not Swedish noir; it's less graphic (although there is some violence) and the investigator main protagonists are regular, well-adjusted people.
Occasionally the language is a little formal or stilted, but that may be a translation issue and did not hinder my enjoyment. These two colleagues obviously enjoy working together: no work rivalry here. And they work well together and obviously really care about each other as friends. Of course, that does not prevent them from facing danger. The last half of the book has a number of heart-pumping moments as they risk their lives trying to determine whether a convicted killer was framed and, if so, why? It only becomes clear late (almost too late for Elin and Lars!) in the story. I loved the partnership and the journey to a satisfying wrap-up of their case. And, in the meantime, COVID looms in the wings🙁.
I will be looking for more in this series as I enjoyed it so much and just can't seem to resist well-plotted stories with a Swedish setting and flavor.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 24, 2025
Christer Tholin’s Acquittal is a gripping Swedish crime novel and the fifth book in the Stockholm Sleuth Series, though it can be read as a standalone. The story follows Willmar Björkman, a man convicted of murder five years ago. Despite his sentence, he has always insisted on his innocence. Now, with newly acquired funds, he is determined to reopen the case and prove himself innocent.
Private investigators Lars and Elin take on the challenge. The victim—a 34-year-old woman—was married to a police officer and was brutally beaten to death. A sum of money allegedly disappeared from the crime scene, adding another layer of mystery to the case.
Lars, meanwhile, struggles with his personal life. His dedication to detective work has put a strain on his marriage, as his wife worries about the dangers of his job. She wishes for him to take on a safer role, but Lars refuses to walk away from his passion. However, when she is diagnosed with cancer, the two find a way back to each other.
The case takes Lars and Elin to a small town near Umeå, where they must dig deep into old evidence and uncover hidden truths. But with so many unanswered questions, even they aren’t sure if Willmar is truly innocent. Can they crack the case and uncover the real killer?
Christer Tholin crafts a compelling mystery filled with unexpected twists. The well-developed characters, vivid setting, and fast-paced storytelling make this novel a must-read for crime fiction fans. From start to finish, Acquittal keeps readers on edge, eager to discover the truth.
Private investigators Lars and Elin take on the challenge. The victim—a 34-year-old woman—was married to a police officer and was brutally beaten to death. A sum of money allegedly disappeared from the crime scene, adding another layer of mystery to the case.
Lars, meanwhile, struggles with his personal life. His dedication to detective work has put a strain on his marriage, as his wife worries about the dangers of his job. She wishes for him to take on a safer role, but Lars refuses to walk away from his passion. However, when she is diagnosed with cancer, the two find a way back to each other.
The case takes Lars and Elin to a small town near Umeå, where they must dig deep into old evidence and uncover hidden truths. But with so many unanswered questions, even they aren’t sure if Willmar is truly innocent. Can they crack the case and uncover the real killer?
Christer Tholin crafts a compelling mystery filled with unexpected twists. The well-developed characters, vivid setting, and fast-paced storytelling make this novel a must-read for crime fiction fans. From start to finish, Acquittal keeps readers on edge, eager to discover the truth.
April 18, 2021
Really 4.5 stars, only because of a slow start, but once it gets moving the reader is engrossed in an enjoyable mystery about a Swedish PI team hired by an attorney who was hired by a guy who maintains he was wrongly convicted of murder (what convict doesn't?). The team of Elin and Lars from the Secure Assist Private Detective Agency are engaged in reopening a five-year-old investigation where they must travel to a small northern Sweden town away from the familiarity of Stockholm. The small-town residents are less than cooperative along with a dicey police investigator...if I say more I'll be giving stuff away. Twists and turns are woven into this smartly written mystery that once it gets moving is a pageturner. Good interaction between the main characters who have a great working relationship...fortunately for them. I think this book may have been translated from Swedish to English so some of the translation is more literal than how we would actually phrase things, but read this anyway and don't get hung up on that because this is a good story. I'll be reading more from this author.
March 31, 2021
This story was slow to start, but eventually the plot sped up to an exciting finish. I enjoy the characters of Elin and Lars, plus the secondary characters of Tobias, Maja and Lars' family. Although Elin didn't seem to be educated as a law enforcement officer, her on-the-job training seemed to have been successful. I appreciate that the author acknowledged the COVID-19 pandemic. But as the rest of the world had to come to a standstill in 2020, will Secure Assist Private Detective Agency's activities have to stop too? I look forward to the next book in the Stockholm Series, but as it may take a while to be published, in the meantime I will go back and read the author's older books. Thank you to Kindle Unlimited which has allowed subscribers like me a chance to discover new authors I normally would have missed.
March 2, 2021
This intriguing story of investigators Lars and Elin finds them in Norrland, not far from the Arctic Circle. Life is different there than in Stockholm, presenting different challenges. Their quest is to reinvestigate a five year old murder case. The victim is not well-liked, the incarcerated perpetrator changes his story with every utterance, and police complicity seems a real possibility. As the story unfolds, we learn about life in this remote area as Lars and Elin pursue the truth while dealing with personal situations that are all too familiar to many readers. Add in the beginning of the COVID-19 spread, and we have fascinating reading.
The story is tightly constructed, leading the reader to keep turning those pages!
FYI: I received an Advanced Reader Copy.
The story is tightly constructed, leading the reader to keep turning those pages!
FYI: I received an Advanced Reader Copy.
March 2, 2021
Lars and Elin work together well as partners in the police force in Stockholm. They’ve been asked to look into the case of Willmar who has been in prison for 5 years for the murder of Berit. The crime occurred in the rural area near the city of Umea north of Stockholm. As if a case this old is not hard enough, Willmar is easy to dislike. He is not helpful with giving a full account of the questions they need to ask about the evidence used to convict him. The neighbors of the victim are hesitant to answer their questions as well. Then a log hauler runs Elin off the road. Now it appears that the murderer is likely free and still in the area. This one kept me reading long after my bedtime and trying to guess who did murder Berit.
May 1, 2021
Okay
I almost quit reading this book about one tenth of the way in. The writing seemed quite trite, I couldn't get into the characters and the plot seemed plodding in its efforts to get going. Too many declarative, descriptive sentences with nothing breaking it up. I stuck with it, however, as I love Nordic Noir and everything improved. I ended up liking the main characters and the story was interesting. The book needs a good editor. It could use more color, depth and sense of place. Saying the walls of the prison were green or that Elin's hotel bathroom had towels that matched the color scheme or that someone had black hair means nothing nor adds anything to the reader's picture. There was too much fluff filler like that.
I almost quit reading this book about one tenth of the way in. The writing seemed quite trite, I couldn't get into the characters and the plot seemed plodding in its efforts to get going. Too many declarative, descriptive sentences with nothing breaking it up. I stuck with it, however, as I love Nordic Noir and everything improved. I ended up liking the main characters and the story was interesting. The book needs a good editor. It could use more color, depth and sense of place. Saying the walls of the prison were green or that Elin's hotel bathroom had towels that matched the color scheme or that someone had black hair means nothing nor adds anything to the reader's picture. There was too much fluff filler like that.
March 3, 2021
ACQUITTAL? is the 5th standalone book from Christer Tholin’s Stockholm Sleuth Series.
Detectives Lars and Elin are hired to find new evidence in a 5-year old murder case. The person convicted for this crime hopes to get a retrial and be acquitted. But he is not being very cooperative himself, and no one seems to be willing to testify…
This is a well-crafted crime novel with a lot of suspense and surprising twists and turns.
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
Detectives Lars and Elin are hired to find new evidence in a 5-year old murder case. The person convicted for this crime hopes to get a retrial and be acquitted. But he is not being very cooperative himself, and no one seems to be willing to testify…
This is a well-crafted crime novel with a lot of suspense and surprising twists and turns.
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
March 18, 2021
The action and suspense in this book will hold your attention while Elin and Lars investigate whether convicted murder Wilmar really killed Berit and stole money from her.
Elin and Lars are diligent in finding and interrogating witnesses and possible suspects leading them to be targeted by the real killer.
The story kept me reading and on the edge of my seat when the team gets into danger. I heartily recommend this book to mystery book lovers.
Thanks for a great plot and interesting characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Elin and Lars are diligent in finding and interrogating witnesses and possible suspects leading them to be targeted by the real killer.
The story kept me reading and on the edge of my seat when the team gets into danger. I heartily recommend this book to mystery book lovers.
Thanks for a great plot and interesting characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
March 28, 2021
Secure Assist has a new assignment. William Bjorkman is in prison for a murder he says he didn't do. He has been there for five years and has maintained he is innocent. Edvard isn't so sure he is innocent, he has a past of minor offenses and got caught in inconsistencies during the trial. The woman was beaten to death and was married to a police officer. They find some interesting information about the victim and her husband. But is it enough to appeal the conviction? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
March 15, 2021
ACQUITTAL?: A Swedish Crime Novel (Stockholm Sleuth Series Book 5) by Christer Tholin is an awesome story to read. This is book number five in this awesome story written by a brand new author for me to read I highly recommend this story to everyone.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
December 19, 2023
final of 5 part series
I found all 5 books of this series to be gripping. Charactor development was good. Tobias’s change was good. Plots were well developed and scary, especially in book 5.
I found all 5 books of this series to be gripping. Charactor development was good. Tobias’s change was good. Plots were well developed and scary, especially in book 5.
March 2, 2021
Loving this book. Finding it thought provoking and highly entertaining to the mind.
March 12, 2021
great book. had me hooked from the beginning. highly recommend
March 26, 2021
3.5 stars. An easy read.
March 27, 2021
He has been charged for a crime he says he did not commit. The search is one to see if there is evidence of this. Is there any evidence? Is he really innocent? See what they will find
April 28, 2021
Great start
I was really engrossed in this book but alas the author seemed to jump straight to the finish line. I was intrigued them confused, still am!
I was really engrossed in this book but alas the author seemed to jump straight to the finish line. I was intrigued them confused, still am!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews