It is difficult to maintain the essence of small places when they become popular, and the citizens of Sandhamn have made an effort to keep the Sandhamn traditions and coastlines from becoming lost to summer visitors. When the wealthy and arrogant Carsten Jonsson manages to flout the rules and traditions with his new summer house, islanders are not happy.
Jonsson has received anonymous threats and warnings, but when Jonsson's guest house burns down and an unidentified corpse is found inside, the situation escalates.
Thomas Andreasson isn't sure if it was an accident or a murder (the fire was arson, but was the death deliberate?), and Carsten Jonsson's arrogance isn't helping the investigation. Nora gets drawn into a dangerous situation as suspicions mount.
I would love to visit Sandhamn in person, but must make do with Sten's mysteries set on the beautiful Swedish island.
NetGalley
Mystery/Police Procedural. Oct. 22, 2019. Print length: 398 pages.
Katie suffers from PTSD and sometimes elements in her job as detective bring up memories and emotions she would like to avoid. Her recent post involves cold cases, but one of those cases comes back to life with a new murder.
I found the interruptions involving memories of her time in Afghanistan a little annoying, but understand the connection to her PTSD symptoms. The police procedural aspects also raised a few questions.
Interesting enough to keep reading, but didn't love it.
NetGalley/Bookoutre
Police Procedural. Oct. 21, 2019.
Sydney Lucerno never intended to return to Oriska, New York, but her mother's imminent death requires her to come home. Sydney left at seventeen after a stint in rehab--certain that if she didn't escape, she would be drawn back into old habits, former companions, and worse.
After attending college in California, Sydney turned her life around, but she is unable to avoid returning to Oriska when she gets the call that her mother is dying.
Things get more complicated. Within two days, her mother's long-time partner is also dead after a shootout with two others. Sydney discovers she has a sister that the wasn't aware of and for whom she feels responsible. The Sheriff has a vendetta against her and another old enemy has an axe to grind. Problems abound.
Sydney wants to protect Maude and get out of Dodge, but that is easier said than done.
NetGalley/Kensington Books
Mystery/Suspense. Oct. 29, 2019. Print length: 272 pages.
These are all new-to-me authors and each book sounds interesting enough to me. :)
ReplyDelete:) NetGalley is where I find new authors, but I've stayed with several series like Viveca Sten's Sandhamn mysteries.
Delete"In the Shadow of Power" sounds really good to me. Does it, do you think, work as a standalone or would I be better served reading an earlier book from the series first?
ReplyDeleteThe earlier books give background on Nora Linde and Thomas Andreasson, but since the plots are all completed in each book, they function as stand-alones.
DeleteMy library doesn't have any of Viveca Sten's books. How sad is that?
ReplyDeleteThat is a shame, but the books have only been translated in the last several years, I'm not surprised. The first ones are free if you have Kindle Unlimited.
DeleteJust curious: what are the police procedural aspects that bugged you in Her Last Whisper (if you can say without spoilers).
ReplyDeleteIn the Shadow of Power sounds great. I am hoping that Jonsson gets his comeuppance int he book. I will have to read it and find out!
There were several things in the police procedurals that bothered me--little things, but they didn't seem realistic. On the other hand, how would I know? :)
DeleteWe all want those who use their money and power without regard to others to get their comeuppance, don't we? ;)
The Viveca Sten book is available on Netgalley immediately and the Chase book has to be requested for. Looking forward to reading them both
ReplyDelete:) Hope you enjoy them, Mystica!
DeleteHer Last Whisper sounds like something I might like. The PTSD aspect interests me. One of these days I'll give Viveca Sten a try. :-)
ReplyDeleteViveca Stenn's Sandhamn books are very good!
DeleteI have the first book in Viveca Sten's series on my Kindle. I need to move it on up the pile!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed Viveca Stenn's series and her setting. I hope you do!
DeleteIn the shadow of power looks very interesting -- I'll have to look into the rest of the series!
ReplyDeleteIt is a good series with fleshed-out characters and suspenseful plots!
DeleteDread of Winter sounds like one I'd enjoy. Im trying not to start any new series books.
ReplyDeleteI did like Dread of Winter, and it is nice to find a good stand-alone and a new author. :)
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