The Drowning

July 6, 2015
Läckberg’s uneven sixth novel set in the Swedish town of Fjällbacka (after 2014’s The Hidden Child) opens promisingly enough with the baffling disappearance of family man Magnus Kjellner, in circumstances suggesting payback for some horrific long-past crime. Writer Erica Falck subsequently discovers that one of Magnus’s best friends, Christian Thydell—an overnight sensation with a debut novel that Erica helped edit—has been receiving threatening letters. Even pregnant with twins, Erica naturally can’t resist trying to investigate. Tension quickly mounts with flashbacks to the increasingly toxic childhood of a mystery boy, a foster child placed with a couple who no longer want him after they have a daughter of their own. Despite the book’s many strengths, including a rich community of characters, dramatic scenes of violence, and a haunting tone, the psychologically fishy plot fails to convince. A stunning cliffhanger climax suggests that next time around might be better. Agent: Joakim Hansson, Nordin Literary Agency (Sweden).

September 1, 2015

The small town of Fjallbacka has been anything but quiet recently. Librarian Christian Thydell's first book has all the critics raving; his friend, Magnus Kjellner, vanished three months earlier; and now it's revealed that Christian has been receiving threatening letters. The police haven't been able to solve Magnus's disappearance, and Det. Patrik Hedstrom is beginning to lose hope. Meanwhile, Patrik's wife, crime writer Erica Falck, who had helped Christian with his writing, probes the letters further. Once Magnus's body is discovered, other pieces fall into place linking these two seemingly unrelated mysteries and endangering other members of the community. VERDICT Despite the intriguing story line and premise, the excessive details hinder the buildup of page-turning suspense. Fans of the series (The Lost Boy; Fallen Angels) will want to pick up this title, but readers expecting an exciting crime thriller should keep looking. [See Prepub Alert, 6/21/15.]--Portia Kapraun, Monticello-Union Twp. P.L., IN

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