Viveca Sten's Sandhamn Series

Sometimes, the location plays a big role in how much I like a book.  Viveca Sten's Sandhamn series features Sandhamn Island, part of the Stockholm Archipelago.   I read Still Waters a couple of years ago and was impressed with the characters and the setting.

The island's population is only about 120 islanders, but each summer the population explodes with tourists and those who keep summer homes on the island.

Recently, NetGalley offered the third book in the series (so far, I think only three books in the series have been translated), and I realized I'd missed the second book.  I found Closed Circles offered by Kindle Unlimited.  :)

I was happy to renew my acquaintance of Nora Linde and her friend Thomas Andreasson.  Closed Circle has two major story lines going on. One deals with Nora and her husband and a disagreement about a house that Nora inherited; another deals with Thomas and the murder of a bankruptcy lawyer that takes place at the beginning of a famous regatta.  

Nora and Thomas' friendship allows Nora to discuss her dilemma with Thomas, and Thomas feels comfortable asking Nora, a lawyer, for information about what is involved in bankruptcy law.  

The characters are engaging, very human, imperfect, and believable.  The plot isn't quite as believable, but that didn't interfere with my enjoyment.

Kindle Unlimited.

Police Procedural.  2016.  Print length:  466 pages.  

And then on to the third translated book in the series--Guiltless.  The previous two books have taken place during the summer season when Sandhamn is crowded with tourists and summer people.  Guiltless is set during the winter, and the island is largely deserted except for the 120 or so people who live there year round. 

Nora Linde has taken her two boys to Sandhamn during their school break.  The problems in her marriage that have been building in the earlier books have come to a head, and although Nora has not mentioned anything to her sons, she needs this time away to evaluate her situation.

The boys settle in happily--until making a gruesome discovery.   

The book moves back and forth between present and distant past.  You know that the story from the past has influenced the current situation, but it is difficult to determine exactly how.  Nora's childhood friend, police detective Thomas Andreasson and his partner, are on the case.  

Although each of the books in the Sandhamn series can be read as stand-alones, there are interesting over-arching story lines that connect each book.  

I'm happy that there are more books in the series to be translated, but I hate having to wait!

I may check out the television series based on the books, but I already have so many images of the characters in my head--it might be difficult to adjust.

NetGalley/Amazon Crossing

Crime/Police Procedural.  May 23, 2017.  Print version:  370 pages.