Tempesta sul baltico. I primi casi dei misteri di Sandhamn

Sandhamn Murders #2

by Viveca Sten, Stefania Forlani (Translator)

La regata di Gotland, la più celebre competizione velica del Nordeuropa, è al via e l’emozione tra gli spettatori è grande. Con sorpresa di tutti, la barca favorita per la vittoria non riesce però a partire: pochi istanti prima che venga dato il segnale, un proiettile sparato da un fucile colpisce a morte Oscar Juliander, capo dell’equipaggio, nonché vicepresidente del Regio circolo nautico svedese. Forse il noto avvocato nascondeva qualche segreto scomodo? Tra il pubblico che si preparava ad assistere alla gara, l’ispettore Thomas Andreasson è testimone dell’omicidio. Mentre la lista dei sospetti si allunga, con l’aiuto di Nora indaga sulla rispettabile cerchia di nobili e altolocati proprietari di yacht e lussuose barche a vela che frequentano il prestigioso circolo velico dell’isola, un’élite avvelenata da infedeltà, corruzione e scandali, disposta a tutto pur di salvare le apparenze.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Thriller, Scandinavian Literature, Sweden, Nordic Noir

416 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

About the author

Viveca Sten made her author debut with crime novel Still Waters. It soon became a huge hit with both critics and readers and today the author has sold almost 3 million copies of her books worldwide.

In May 2014, her seventh novel, The Price of Power, was published in Sweden. It was hugely successful and Viveca cemented her place as one of the country’s most popular authors. Her Sandhamn Murder Series continues to top the best seller charts, not to mention the whopping success of the TV mini-series that is based on Viveca’s novels. An estimated 30 million people around the globe have been watching the adventures of Nora and Thomas unfold on the TV screen.

Today, Viveca lives in Stockholm with her husband and three children. During the summer months she leaves for Sandhamn to write and spend the holidays with her family. This year she has also been working on a cookbook that features stories from the Stockholm archipelago
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Reviews

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5* of five

Ya know what's frustrating? Like lips moving from Heaven to flapping at you frustrating? NOT BEING ABLE TO TELL YOU WHY THIS ISN'T A 4-STAR REVIEW. Because major, major spoilers would be required for me to do that.

Minor irks: Carina and Thomas are brought up and dropped in the space of a few sentences. I'd like more of that please. The partial resolution of Nora's marital woes is a good start, but this entry has next to no Nora-and-Thomas time and I missed it. The Eva subplot's resolution doesn't seem finished, somehow. It seems unlikely to be complete as it stands and it itches for that reason.

Something about these books and their lutefisk-and-cardamom atmosphere makes me crave a jalapeño cheeseburger. I guess that's an index of how very Swedish they are. And how cozy are they? So cozy I want to cruise the piers (I'd have to learn to time-travel, but that's just an added bonus) to recover from the wholesome.

So all in all, a good read and a series I can recommend to my smut-averse, violence-averse puzzle-solving friends.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Sandhamn series, and once again set on the Swedish archipelago that Swedes escape to in their summer houses. It starts with a big yacht race about to begin, but it soon becomes apparent that something has gone terribly wrong.
Some great characters in this series, Thomas the police officer and Nora his friend who is dealing with a marriage that is far from made in heaven.

[Eline Van Der Meulen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hogere kringen van Viveca Sten is het tweede deel uit de Sandhamn reeks. Het is aan te raden om het eerste deel Stille wateren eerst te lezen en dan pas aan dit boek te beginnen. Gezien er in Hogere kringen verwijzingen gemaakt worden naar dit eerste deel en feitelijk wordt ook het hele plot uit de doeken gedaan van Stille wateren, is het dus zeker goed om het eerste deel al gelezen te hebben. Hogere kringen bevat dezelfde twee hoofdpersonages als in het vorige boek en ook nu krijgt Thomas een zware zaak op zijn bord. Tijdens een zeilwedstrijd komt een gekende advocaat en een gerespecteerd lid van een zeilvereniging om het leven. Wie hem heeft gedood of wat het motief is, is lang onduidelijk en de politie tast volledig in het duister. Als er nadien nog een lid van dezelfde zeilclub sterft, komen er bewijzen naar voren dat de dood van de advocaat mogelijk te heeft met financieel gesjoemel. Het boek heeft datumnoteringen bovenaan en is opgebouwd uit niet al te lange hoofdstukken. Dat maakt het voor de lezer aangenaam om doorheen te gaan. Hogere kringen is net zoals zijn voorganger een toppertje onder de Scandinavische thrillers. Ik geef het dan ook graag 4 sterren.
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2024...

[Lucia Nieto Navarro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tenemos la segunda novela de esta serie, que pinta larga y buena.. aunque he de decir que esta segunda parte me ha parecido algo mas lenta y predecible que la primera.
En esta novela, tendremos a los personajes constantes de la historia anterior, y los que seguirá la trama que empezó, el inspector Thomas y la abogada Nora.
La trama en este caso para mi gusto fue menos atrayente y por eso se me ha hecho algo mas lenta, y es que el libro comienza con un asesinato en mitad de una carrera de vela, algo que en principio resulta muy curioso, quien mataria a alguien en mitad de una carrera?
Aun así, engancha, quieres saber que pasa, y aunque fue algo predecilbe la historia esta muy bien llevada y escrita. Los personajes nuevos que van apareciendo están bien estructurado y cada uno tiene su vida. Me gustan mucho los thrillers nórdicos, y quiero seguir con esta serie.
Recomendada para los amantes del thriller evidentemente, una novela agil que se lee en un suspiro.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in the Sandhamm murders, and takes place roughly a year after the first outing. I've read the book after seeing the series, and the book is far better - in part the story of Nora's marriage is far better done. For instance in the series, Nora's husband smacks her after she denys having an interest in Thomas. While spousal abuses is a no, Nora's denials to her husband ring false, espeically since she had kissed Thomas. The television series inclusion of a romantic spark between Thomas and Nora can be seen, and most likely was seen by some, as an excuse of the hit. In the book, the context of the smack is different. While Henrick might have a point in the argument, so does Nora. The hit is clearly wrong.

I still don't know how I feel about Nora. There is something about wishy about her. But in part I like that because it doesn't make her perfect. Enjoyable.

[Ceecee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ stars
I liked the setting of Sandhamm and that the case surrounded the Round Gotland Yacht race but I thought the reason for the deaths of Oscar Juliander and Martin Nyren were a bit weak. The character I got more of a sense of in the book is Nora Lind although there were times I wanted to shake her for letting her bully of a husband continue to call the shots. I was glad she finally stood up for herself towards the end of a book. The character of Thomas Andreasson remained a bit of an enigma but that’s quite intriguing.

[María Alejandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indecisa con esta valoración: entre 2 y 3. Comencé esta serie según fue publicada en español, tercero y cuarto y ahora otra editorial publica el primero y segundo. Cuando empecé a leer a Viveca Sten me encantó, estuve enganchadísima y me dije esta autora entra entre mis favoritos en la "novela negra nórdica". Pero estos primeros libros me han parecido soporíferos, me ha llevado varios días terminarlos sin mucho entusiasmo. El caso me ha parecido aburrido, no hay enganche, y creo que le doy las tres estrellas porque el culpable no era quien yo creía. De todas maneras espero que sigan publicando los siguientes de esta serie en español a ver si mis gustos han cambiado o solo ha sido un bajón. Una lástima ...

[Ken Fredette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another "Sandhamn Murders" mystery, "Closed Circles". It is the second after "Still Waters" by Viveca Sten. Revolving around sail boats, different Island's in the Stockholm Archipelago, and nasty characters. Thomas Andreasson is the Detective Inspector, Nora Linde is the lawyer of a bank and friend to Thomas since childhood. These are the main characters that Viveca utilizes in her stories. I should say that the protagonists are regular people, but the situations that they get into are unconscionable. I like Viveca's style of writing and can't wait for another book.

[Kristi Lamont · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know how sometimes you just want to wear your favorite yoga pants and sit on the couch and eat macaroni and cheese straight out of the pot and half a bag of chocolate chunk chocolate chip cookies while watching pleasant and pretty people on a cooking show? Sometimes I feel like that's essentially what I'm doing when reading predictable yet enjoyable books like the two so far in Ms Sten's Sandhamn series. For murder mysteries with a hefty side helping of marital dissension, they're oddly comforting. It's that whole Sweden thing, isn't it?

[Vera Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of the Sandhamn murder series was a fast read, engrossing, engaging, believable. The two main characters are Thomas, a homicide detective, and his best friend, Nora, who helps him solve cases. Set in Sweden, one can almost smell the sea air of the archipelago.

[Daniela Daneva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Изключително мудно и бавно върви сюжета.
Много от нещата които се случват, в последствие не намират място в историята. Вероятно в някоя от следващите части, може би. Но честно, изобщо не съм заинтригувана до там, че да искам да разбера.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The assassination of a prominent yacht club member at a prominent event finds Thomas and Margit leading the investigation. Thomas asks his friend and banking attorney Nora, of Sandhamn, to help interpret some financial matters. Nora, who recently inherited an estate, finds herself at odds with her husband regarding its disposal. Her husband's depiction reminds me of a former boyfriend who can't cut the umbilical cord attaching himself to his mother. I didn't have this one figured out, possibly because my reading continues to be distracted because of present COVID-19 concerns. I did not think this installment worked quite as well as the first for me; however, I plan to continue reading it. (3.5 stars)

[Clarabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toujours un bonheur de s'évader sur les terres nordiques ! Cette série m'enchante livre après livre : contrairement à Camilla Lackberg, les personnages de Viveca Sten vivent leurs vies en parallèle. Nora et Thomas sont de simples amis d'enfance. Lui mène ses enquêtes, tandis qu'elle se démène avec ses déboires conjugaux. C'est plus qu'un roman policier, on s'invite aussi chez nos héros et c'est bigrement bon.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am on board for this Swedish murder mystery series! I’m pleased as punch that I can get them on krndle urnlimited for the time being. I have a free trial to devour a bunch of them, especially since this one and hopefully others come with complementary audio listening. I feel the need to move quickly. armazon has given me the shaft recently via prime video. Last month all the seasons of Magnum P.I. were free but now this month they all cost extra, so no more Magnum P.I. for me please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I mourn the loss of tom selleck in his tiny shorts.

Well anyway, back to the resort islands of Sweden in summertime! We got a yacht club murder to investigate here. High profile murder occurs at the same time as a yacht race, as the starter pistol goes off.

Naturally, all the wealthy friends of the deceased are beside themselves. Also they are suspects. We readers have the chance to grab ourselves a martini, a sherry, a couple canapés, step into our preppy boat shoes and get to work solving the case with our protagonists Thomas and Nora.

Art dealers, social climbing wives, bankers, lawyers... These suspects are so pampered and protected, it may be possible this case gets closed without catching the killer!

And Sweden’s top crime unit is challenged by horrifying setbacks! Lack of air conditioning in their vehicles, head colds, bad-tasting coffee, pre-packaged sandwiches!! The horror!

Seriously, I lowkey love these books. I learn something new every time. Firstly, it seems that Sweden only experiences 150 murders per YEAR! Really? Ok, 150 violent deaths is still a lot, but compared to USA crime rates.... yeah.

Also during this book, I had to look up the exchange rates for krona to dollars. Nora and her husband get into some serious arguments about whether to sell the big ol house that Nora has inherited, and they’re talking million krona, three or four million krona, and I found myself thinking “whoa lady! What are you waiting for! Sell it!” But actually a million krona is like a hundred thousand dollars so not as ginormously life changing as I originally thought, and confirmed my decision yes her husband is an absolute asshole.

The whodunnit twist was an interesting surprise I guess. Myself the reader gets duped again. And I got myself feeling sympathetic for the sad rich people who weren’t allowed to be their “true selves”. They’re trapped in their golden cages wwwaaaahhh. Please hand them another martini and a handful of krona so they can wipe their tears.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Still Waters last year, I was really looking forward to picking up Closed Circles, the second in the series set on Sandhamn island, the summer retreat of Sweden’s wealthier residents. The setting sounds idyllic with beautiful views and blue waters – just the type of place I would like a holiday home…that is if I could afford it – and people didn’t keep getting murdered.

The murders destroy the island’s calm and make the resident’s anxious. Last’s summers murder were, they were sure, an anomaly. Now there are more. And worse, they are targeting the have’s vs. the have nots, respected members of the community. It is also a closed community, one with plenty of secrets that they don’t want to share with the detective in charge, Thomas.

Thankfully, he’s dedicated and dogged and unlikely to give up. He’s also really likeable and pretty well balanced, avoiding the many stereotypes of dysfunctional police officers with family issues and drinking problems. Whilst not everything in his life is perfect, he handles it like a grown up – and manages to set it aside when working on the case. His best friend Nora is equally as likeable and became much more of a “real” person to me in this book.

A lawyer at a bank, she spends her summers on Sandhamn so it makes perfect sense for Thomas to ask for her help on the case. They don’t, however, like the blurb suggests, team up. Instead, she is on the periphery of the investigation – though does help it come to it’s conclusion. I could have felt cheated by this if I hadn’t been so caught up in Nora’s own story, which runs parallel to the investigation and isn’t crime related at all but very personal.

This might have been a distraction but wasn’t at all, a testament I think to how well both characters were developed and how well written (and translated) the book was. It had a good pace and a good plot – simple but with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until close to the end and, as a result, I liked it a lot.

The only downside to it is that it might not make much sense if you haven’t read the first book, the events of which very much drive Nora in this one. I am not sure it can stand on it’s own without being confusing. So, my overall recommendation? Well worth a read (after you’ve read Still Waters!).

[Natasha Niezgoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay then! I enjoyed book 2 so much more than the first, so I'm glad I kept moving forward with this series.

The plot of this murder mystery is your typical "who done it" crime. There's despection, lies, scandal, affairs, murder obviously, and greed. There's enough hype to keep your interest from a crime perspective, but it's really the development of Thomas and Nora that drew me in further.

I felt like with the close of book 1 I was just getting to know them. And in this "episode" I now feel emotionally connected to the two main characters. I learned more about their personal moral compasses, what each of them is striving for in life, what they are both missing and longing for, and what empassions them.

I will say, the book ended oddly. But I am realizing that transitions aren't Sten's greatest strength. So I'm gonna read the third book and see if this dynamic duo keeps their momentum. Maybe Nora can finally join the police force - she helps out Thomas enough to already be an honorary member ;)

[Covadonga Diaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

No me enganchó,.Abarca demasiado: crímenes, finanzas, alta sociedad, patentes, regatas... y hasta un toque de homofobia y violencia doméstica. Los personajes que dan continuidad a la serie son secundarios y están poco trabajados.

[Dahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jako dobar krimić. Nije čudno što na koricama piše „Švedska Agatha Christie.“ „Najuži krug“ Vivece Sten sličan je romanima kraljice krimića. Radnja romana smještena je u izoliranu zajednicu, tako da detektiv istražuje manji krug osumnjičenih. U ovom romanu, arhipelag Sandhamn napučen je malom, ali usko povezanom zajednicom koja krije mnoge tajne. Glavni likovi dolaze iz različitih društvenih sfera i Sten je majstorski ušla u njihove odnose, raščlanila psihološka stanja glavnih i sporednih likova, uranjajući čitatelja u kompleksne veze prožete strahom, ljubomorom, osvetom... Sporedni likovi su jako zanimljivi i nisu pisani samo da popune stranice i budu statični već svaka osoba na svoj način dodatno unosi realizam priči i daje dubinu zapletu romana. Ipak, za razliku od Agathe, koja ima fantastične detektive Poirota i gospođicu Marple, Sten ima Thomasa Andreassona koji me se nije posebno dojmio. Zapravo, na polovini romana detektivu se gubi svaki trag, a priču i razrješenje misterije donosi jedan drugi sporedni lik, Nora Linde, odvjetnica koja trenutno proživljava dramu u svome braku nakon što dobije u nasljedstvo staru švedsku kuću.
Thomas Andreasson se uopće nije pokazao kao glava priče niti kao sposoban detektiv. Nekako se sve riješilo samo od sebe. Kako god, napetost raste iz poglavlja u poglavlje, a tko je ubojica ne da se naslutiti do samog kraja, kao kod Agathe. Sve u svemu, ako volite nordijske krimiće smještene u male zajednice u kojoj svako krije tajne, ovo je pravi roman za vas.

[Debbie Robson · Rating 3 out of 5]

As readers of my reviews will know, I can’t help pondering on the differences between tv series/movies/ and books. To complicate things further in regards to the Sandhamn Murders series of books, not only is there a TV series (7 seasons) based on the book and filmed in the archipelago but there is also another tv series, The Crime, which is loosely based on Sten’s first two books and it is set in a beautiful coastal area of Poland called Hel Peninsula. It is one of my favourite shows with a very different but somehow enigmatic leading man.
“It is a beautiful day for a regatta - until one of Sandhamn Island’s most prestigious residents, Oscar Juliander, is killed aboard his sailing yacht. In the Swedish tv series the incident is viewed from Nora’s house where she is having a party. In the book Closed Circles, Police Detective Andreasson’s team must work out how he was killed and from what boat. In The Crime the murder occurs during a famous horse race on the beach which is my favourite version of the murder.
After the death of her neighbour, Signe Brand, in Still Waters, Nora has now inherited Signe’s beautiful house. And as a result she is in conflict with her husband Henrik. He wants to sell and she wants to keep the house and possibly rent it out. Nora becomes involved in the murder investigation discussing with Thomas what a bankruptcy lawyer does. She had also met the murder victim. Nora offers to look at Oscar Juliander’s legal work to see if there is anything untoward. A diverting read.

[Arjen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hogere kringen, het tweede deel van de Sandhamn-serie van Viveca Sten is een nadere introductie met de verschillende hoofdpersonen uit de serie. Vooral Thomas, maar ook zijn directe collega's en jeugdvriendin Nore. En eigenlijk is de (ietwat trage) ontwikkeling van die karakters en hun leven interessanter dan de moordzaak die centraal staat in het boek.

Want die moordzaak speelt zich af in de high society van Zweden, rond de zeilwedstrijden en het bestuur van de KSSS (de Koninklijke Zweedse Jacht Club). En hoewel het verhaal best aardig in elkaar zit, wordt het nergens spannend of opzienbarend. Het is in mijn ogen meer een drager voor het verhaal over de hoofdpersonen die we in deel 1 al hadden leren kennen, in plaats van dat je dit boek vooral vanwege het spannende moordverhaal pakt.

Drie aarzelende sterren, waaruit je zou kunnen concluderen dat het geen goede boeken zijn, maar dat valt gerust mee. Ik denk dat vrij veel mensen deze serie met plezier zouden lezen.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was recommended by my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. They both had the books and I borrowed them. After the first book, I really was curious about the rest of the series and I enjoyed this second book a lot! I definitely plan on reading the other books in this series.

Full review can be found at BiteIntoBooks

For people who love mystery/crime books, this is definitely a lovely series to read. The characters are enjoyable, the cases are fun to read. The book is easy to get through and the setting is, in my opinion, beautiful! Around the coast somewhere in Sweden, lovely! I will definitely continue reading this series by Viveca Sten.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oikein leppoisaa lukemista tämä sarjan toinenkin osa, pidin. Hiukkasen huomasin kyllä ärsyyntyväni siitä, ettei Nora meinannut saada pidettyä puoliaan suhteessa mieheensä, Henrikiin, vaan antoi tämän kävellä noinkin paljon itsensä yli!
Tämän sarjan lukemista täytyy jatkaa.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second offering from Viveca Sten starring Thomas Andreason and Nora Linde did not disappoint. The plotting was well done (an influential and rich man is murdered at the helm of his yacht on race day) and concluded satisfactorily. What I like most about these Swedish mysteries is the ambience of the Swedish towns and islands. I also enjoy catching up with Thomas' and Nora's lives. Thomas is haunted by the death of his child and the end of his marriage, while Nora is grappling with her husband's prejudice and overbearing pride. The personal stories almost overshadow the mysteries, but I like that.
I'll continue to read this series if only to see what happens to Nora's marriage.

[Tanja Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

En lagom underhållande deckare tecknad mot en vacker skärgårdstablå. Det som är mest intressant är bevittna är undergången till Nora och Henriks äktenskap. Däremellan blir också nån höjdare skjuten i en segeltävling och efter diverse nystanden och felsteg dyker en nog så osannolik mördare upp. Ger mersmak, underligt nog.

[Aylavella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novela entretenida, aunque es previsible, adiviné al asesino bastante pronto, pero aún así me ha gustado reencontrarme con los protagonistas y me ha tenido entretenida un par de días.

[Lis Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a year later, the summer after the events in Still Waters, and an important yacht race is happening at Sandhamn. Thomas is a spectator, a guest on the marine police boat he once captained, when the starting gun fires--and the prominent lawyer, commanding a yacht favored to win, collapses to the deck of his yacht.

It wasn't the starting gun that killed him, of course, but someone used the starting gun as cover for the sound of t was the rifle they used to shoot Oscar Juliander.

Juliander was successful, prominent, a major figure in the yacht club, and well-liked. He was especially liked by women, and had, in addition to a well-connected wife who looked the other way, a string of ex-lovers whom he'd managed to part with on reasonably friendly terms. He also had a lifestyle that seems not to have been adequately supported by the income the police can identify--yet there is no untoward debt, either. Where is the money coming from?

Thomas, Margit, and the rest of their team have potential motives, but no one they can connect to them who doesn't have a good alibi for the time of the shooting. What's going on?

Thomas's friend Nora, a bank lawyer, helps them track down some potentially critical evidence regarding finances. Thomas is dogged and persistent, even has this confusing case drags on, and another murder occurs that appears to be directly connected. It's complicated, interesting, and compelling.

Meanwhile, both Thomas and Nora have problems in their personal lives. For Thomas, Carina is a sweet, charming girl who does really love him--but he's finding he doesn't love her. The age difference doesn't have to be a relationship killer, but for Thomas, Carina's youth is too great a difference. He's been enjoying her cheerful vitality in a way that he increasingly feels has been exploitative, and it's now just making him feel old. For Nora, of course, it's her husband, Henrik, who might have learned something from her near-death the previous year, but apparently didn't. Things are deteriorating, and maybe, maybe, Nora is starting to recognize what she really needs to do.

What puzzles me in the story is that Margit, who is Thomas's older, more experienced partner, has so little presence. More so than in the first book, when she was of course supposed to be on vacation, but why does Thomas seem to be running this investigation? It's not an inability to write strong characters, and maybe we'll see more of Margit in future books.

Overall, a very good, satisfying mystery. Recommended.

I bought this audiobook.

[Антоанета · Rating 3 out of 5]

Отново се срещаме с възможностите на детектив Томас Андреасон и убийство (а) на остров Сандхамн. Този път историята ми се стори малко по-интересна от първата част, макар да продължавам да мисля, че авторката пише мудно и протяжно с доста пълнеж и излишни неща.
В тази част е убит виден адвокат в същия момент, в който е даден старт на регата на остров Сандхамн. Всички действащи лица са сноби, богати и влиятелни, но никой не може да се посочи като извършител, независимо че убийството става пред очите на всички. Томас и този път се заема със случая, но отново доста голяма полицейска работа свършва Нура Линде, неговата приятелка от детинство, която работи в банковия сектор. И макар в крайна сметка убиецът да няма нищо общо с всичко изровено за жертвата, то е изровено благодарение на Нура, което говори за слаби детективи, които нямат представа от полицейско разследване.
Точно и затова тази поредица ми е много слаба в сравнение с останалите шведски трилъри - тук сякаш детективите са някакви бездарници и са смешни в сравнение с великите детективи от други книги.
Отделно отново има доста лична драма, този път фокусът е върху разпадащия се брак на Нура и подозирам, че в следващите части съвсем ще приключи. А и това, че Томас не се задържа с една жена, ме кара да мисля дали няма някъде напред авторката да ги събере?!

[Tõnu Laanemäe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Milline halb kriminull, mis tõestas, et kõik mis tuleb Skandinaaviast, täpsemalt Rootsist, pole puhas kuld. Nõrk motiiv ja palju kahtlasi selgitusi a la nagu küsimusele"Kuskohast relva saite?" umbes selline vastus (täpselt ei viitsi tsiteerida) "Riiast tõin, sealt ju nii lihtne osta." Ühesõnaga mõttetu ja absoluutselt ei vastanud ootustele, niigi raske lugemisele pühenduda, kuna võitled töökoorma ja olelusvõitlusest tuleneva stressiga, lisaks veel loominguline kriis ja siis kui tahad kvaliteetselt aega raisata satud sellise mõttetu raamatu ohvriks. Asi oli nii amatöörlik kohati, et kujutasin tegelaskujudena ette sinises teksasärgis ja sinistes jeansides purjekingades Marko Matveret ja Vanana (kes on loomulikult tema ülemus) Jaan Rekkorit (vahelduva eduga kadunud Kalju Komissarovit). Naispeaosatäitjad olid suvalised blondiin ja brünett. Purjetamine oli teemas sees muide.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I got involved in this series or even found Sten but I adore her writing. I've been really into the Police type murder mysteries lately and it is largely part due to Sten. I love her characters, the world and how she goes about teasing the murder. I also love that even though we get snippets of different POVs (some the murderer, others are people involved such as loved ones) we are mostly kept in the dark of what is happening beyond what the police know/find out.

Another thing I really enjoy about these books is the subplot of Nora. It isn't crazy drama or romance. I like getting to know Nora and her family and even the branching out of Thomas too. The characters are pretty well rounded and that is one of the big reasons I keep coming back to Sten. I highly recommend this series to anyone that wants a good murder mystery.

On to the third book!

[Elina Mäkitalo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kirja oli ihan okei. Eniten häiritsi että kirjassa ei oikein tapahtunut mitään. Ei ollut kovastikaan jutun penkomista ja rikostutkintaa, ei ollut kauheasti mitään muutakaan ja loppuratkaisukin jäi vähän laimeaksi selityksineen. Loppu oli mielestäni liian helppo ja jännitys ja sellainen tarttuvuus jäi uupumaan. Ei oikein itsekään jaksanut edes arvailla tekijää kun sitä melko vähän pohdittiin. Tuntui että itse paikkaan ja sellaiseen muuhun epäoleelliseen kiinnitettiin enemmän huomiota kuin itse tapahtumiin ja tapauksen ratkaisuun.