Camilla Lackberg out did herself in her first book Ice Princess. I didn't think she could write more books that were that interesting, but she has. I didn't want to like The Stonecutter after reading The Keeper of Lost Causes, but I do. Cannot put it down. Let me warn you, it is translated by an Englishman and you can tell. That's ok as it adds to the intelligent story line the author creates. Unlike The Keeper of Lost Causes, this is a mystery; a closed room mystery set in Fjallbacka, Sweden, like the rest of her translated novels.
Erica has just had baby Maja 2 months ago and is suffering from post-pardum depression. She's is not as big a character in this book as in the others. (Too bad...) So, the book centers around Patrik, Erica's husband, the police detective. Again, like The Boy In the Suitcase, this book centers around a child. That makes it alittle harder to read at first. That is why I didn't want to like it, but as usual, Ms. Lackberg puts another curve into the story to hook you in.
There is a tie in from book 1 and 2 with Erica's sister. In The Stonecutter, the interaction seems forced. So far, she has had 2 entries in the book and no real interaction with the plot. It is like Lackberg is wedging the information into the novel for the benefit of those who read the previous novels. It just doesn't fit right. Book 2 had the best character development, whereas the story/plot takes the higher priority in this novel.
There is a historical thread to the story, in Fjallbacka, in the early 1920s. At the beginning of every chapter, you are treated to alittle more information. I'm sure it ties into the story somehow. Also, the author picks a character, Morgan, who has Ausperger's syndrome to put in the novel. How the police detectives and his family deal with him is interesting. She also gives a good definition of what specifically the syndrome is. I have not encountered a character like this in many years, if every. Again, very intelligently done.
Well, the book is set in fall and the one of the police detectives, Goste, is lamentling not being able to play golf. He calls fall the worst season in Sweden as a result. He can remember the glory of the summer, but it's too rainy to be out on the course. It's not yet winter when he is dulled by the cold weather.
As the story progresses the past story line and the present story line begin to merge. The incidents with the ashes and the babies bridge the time gap and give the reader the continuity to make the connections. The last 100 pages of this novel are a roller coaster. The story has a surprise ending. You just have to figure out who done it!
The next book will be about Erica's sister, Anna. Hmm... I was right!
Main Characters - partial list
Present Day-
Kaj, Monica (wife) and Morgan live next to Lilian, Stig, Niclas Florin, Charlotte (wife), Albin and Sara (dec.)
Arne and Asta (wife) Antonsson Niclas's estranged parents also living in Fjallbacka
Patrik Hedstrom and Martin investigators; Ernst and Gosta investigators, Annika receptionist; Mellberg police chief
1924-
Agnes, Anders
No comments:
Post a Comment