Search This Blog

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

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.

12 comments:

  1. I've seen these books and wondered about them. Probably read your review of the first book some time back. Anyway, nice to hear that these two are good reads. I'll think about including them in my TBR.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Even though they do have a contained story in each, this is one I'm glad to have started with the first in the series. Wish they would hurry with more translations. :)

      Delete
  2. Both of these sound really good, Jenclair. Hopefully more books will be translated soon in this series!

    There are certain settings that draw me to a book because of the location the book is set. Or at least give the book closer consideration to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like the characters. Even though Nora and Thomas are close friends from childhood, each has a separate plot arc. Sandhamn looks like such a beautiful place to live or visit. :)

      Delete
  3. I don't know how I've missed out on these books or this author, because I LOVE these kinds of reads, but I've now written her name down AND added them to my Goodreads list. I definitely want to read these. Thanks! :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sandham Island looks so lovely I bet I could live there year round and not want to leave, except maybe when all the tourists showed up :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've thought about what it would be like to live there year round, too. However much people appreciate the financial side of tourism, they must be grateful when summer ends. :)

      Delete
  5. This looks like an inviting place to visit in person and in the books reviewed. It is giving me the wanderlust.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is something about islands that calls to the imagination, and Sandhamn looks so beautiful. I've certainly enjoyed my bookish visits!

      Delete
  6. I want to check out this one! Right now we are watching the Fjallbacka Murder series - that is based on the Camilla Lackberg crime novels and I think I'm so into it more so because of the setting :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oooh--I really like Lackberg's series! Will have to check out the television version!

    ReplyDelete