Drowning [Rilegato]

`The hidden child' was such a huge success by the author Camilla Lackberg, that much anticipation and expectation proceeded it with standards raised high, so that `the drowning' was met by many adoring fans and harsh critics. After seeing Camilla Lackberg on the UK television show `the TV book club' on channel 4, I already felt as a consequence of this very familiar with the author before I began to read her work and open the pages of the eagerly awaited new crime novel. But it did not prepare me for the overwhelming shock that I received and experienced, with a most outstanding book. Reading `the drowning' was like learning a new meaning for crime-writing that was taken to a whole new level, with a slick storyline, heart-pounding tense drama and truly inspired characters. The prologue containing a description of a man's death instantly captures your attention, with the story then taking off at full speed; leading you on a journey into the unknown that is full of mystery and unanswered questions. It contains flashbacks that help to structure the complex storyline, so that each current event ties in with a past event making chronological sense. The question of finding the killer makes it as readable as an Agatha Christie novel but one with an added modern twist, blood and most of all authenticity within our century. The cliffhanger ending left me gripping the edge of my seat with tension and much interest, which afterwards made me want to go back and re-read it again. The psychological twist and strong mystery elements made this book such a winner and one of the most exciting and gripping reads within this genre to date. I chose to read the paperback version rather than listen to the audio version narrated by Eamon Riley, as I felt that it would certainly be more realistic with the use of detailed description, settings and the author's use of language that ultimately brings it to life. This is a tale that certainly keeps you guessing as you become more emotionally entwined within the characters lives. The hidden secrets will leave you guessing right up to the very end, with your mind being taken on a rollercoaster of a ride that is truly chilling. Much was expected of the author as anticipation ran high with this new work; therefore it was fantastic when here you can be contented with the product of another masterpiece that exceeds all expectations. I predict great things for an author who has already proved herself to be a stead fast bestseller, with the most engaging storylines within the crime genre and who has totally surpassed herself once more in the form of `the drowning'.

This is one of the best Camilla Lackberg book. I love all of her books, but this one stands out. It suits those who like to read crime thriller that contain lots of psychological aspects and descriptions of how different people go about their daily lives. Unlike some crime thrillers that contain mostly of blood and gore and the bodies started pilling up faster than you can yawn, this book actually makes you feel connected to the various characters. Motives and actions are well explained, and doesn't make you question the logic of the storyline. Totally convincing. Highly entertaining book, highly recommended.

i've enjoyed this author's whole series of books. i don't adore them like i adore the Henning Menkell series. But they are good. However, the author intensifies some bad writing habits and these really bothered me. first, she let's the characters in on key pieces of evidence but keeps that from the reader. i've never seen another author do this and i don't like it. for example. she will say that the detectives listen to the witness's account but won't let you hear it. or the detectives read a letter of evidence but you don't get to read it too. i may not read book six i find this so irritating.

second, the author puts in terrible cliff hangers at the end of her books. these have nothing to do with the mystery which is fully resolved but have to do with the continued health and well being of the main characters. i also hate this. i don't metaphorically need a repeat of sherlock holmes going over the falls in each and every book!

so this may have been the last book for me and if those things are going to bother you, don't read it.

the plot concerns four male friends in this small swedish town who grew up together and committed some sort of atrocity back when they were teenagers. one of these men writes a book several decades later and this book brings back someone from their past who starts sending them threatening letters. this leads to the first murder which is what opens the book. he is found dead under the ice. and there are three more friends to go as to future murders. patrick and his wife plus his team of detectives investigate.