Read The Drowning (Patrik Hedstrom and Erica Falck, Book 6) by Camilla Lackberg with Rakuten Kobo. Swedish crime sensation and No. 1 international bestseller, Camilla. The Drowning: A Novel [Camilla Lackberg] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. *Now updated with a teaser of The Lost Boy, coming in. The Drowning: A Novel [Camilla Lackberg] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. *Now updated with a teaser of The Lost Boy, coming in.
A little confusing in the beginning, many characters and many different strands to this story. Easier for me since I have read this series from the beginning so was at least familiar with many of the detectives and police officers. Erica and Patrick and their friends and families. This is a slow burner, a missing person case, a friend of Erica getting a book contract but also receiving threatening notes.
All parties involved claim not to know anything, are harboring secrets. Bits and pieces are A little confusing in the beginning, many characters and many different strands to this story. Easier for me since I have read this series from the beginning so was at least familiar with many of the detectives and police officers. Erica and Patrick and their friends and families.
This is a slow burner, a missing person case, a friend of Erica getting a book contract but also receiving threatening notes. All parties involved claim not to know anything, are harboring secrets. Bits and pieces are distributed here and there but the solution is elusive and the answer when it comes it both horrifying and incredible. Not until the very end did I figure this one out, exactly when I believe the author wanted me to.
Atmospheric, some really good characters and a mystery hard to solve. The ending is a cliffhanger, so now I await the next book. Καταπληκτική η Lackberg!Πρώτη μου επαφή με την συγγραφέα με αυτό το βιβλίο της τη Γοργόνα!
Είμαι γενικά λάτρης της Σουηδικής - Νορβηγικής αστυνομικής λογοτεχνίας, λατρεύω τις κρύες, χιονισμένες και σκοτεινές εικόνες του περιβάλλοντος που ταυτίζονται τόσο με τα στυγερά εγκλήματα που περιγράφονται. Ομολογώ ότι λάτρεψα τον τρόπο γραφής της και τη σύνδεση όλων των προσώπων μεταξύ τους. Δένοντας σιγά σιγά μικρολεπτομέρειες έφτασε σε ένα φινάλε που και να ήθελα δεν θα μπορούσα ποτέ να το φανταστώ!! Εξ Καταπληκτική η Lackberg!Πρώτη μου επαφή με την συγγραφέα με αυτό το βιβλίο της τη Γοργόνα! Είμαι γενικά λάτρης της Σουηδικής - Νορβηγικής αστυνομικής λογοτεχνίας, λατρεύω τις κρύες, χιονισμένες και σκοτεινές εικόνες του περιβάλλοντος που ταυτίζονται τόσο με τα στυγερά εγκλήματα που περιγράφονται. Ομολογώ ότι λάτρεψα τον τρόπο γραφής της και τη σύνδεση όλων των προσώπων μεταξύ τους.
Δένοντας σιγά σιγά μικρολεπτομέρειες έφτασε σε ένα φινάλε που και να ήθελα δεν θα μπορούσα ποτέ να το φανταστώ!! Βαθμολογία: ★★★ Νομίζω είναι το λιγότερο αγαπημένο μου της Lackberg μέχρι στιγμής. Η Ερίκα μου φάνηκε εκνευριστική έτσι όπως έχωνε τη μύτη της παντού και χωρίς να συνεργαστεί με τον Πάτρικ. Οι εμπλεκόμενοι στο μυστήριο μου φάνηκαν ακόμη πιο εκνευριστικοί, γιατί καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια του βιβλίου όλοι αρνιόντουσαν να αποκαλύψουν τα μυστικά τους και να συνεργαστούν με την αστυνομία. Κάτι που στο τέλος δικαιολογήθηκε φυσικά. Το τέλος δεν με ικανοποίησε ιδιαίτερα, μου φάνηκε υπερβολικό. Τρία αστέρια γι Βαθμολογία: ★★★ Νομίζω είναι το λιγότερο αγαπημένο μου της Lackberg μέχρι στιγμής.
Η Ερίκα μου φάνηκε εκνευριστική έτσι όπως έχωνε τη μύτη της παντού και χωρίς να συνεργαστεί με τον Πάτρικ. Οι εμπλεκόμενοι στο μυστήριο μου φάνηκαν ακόμη πιο εκνευριστικοί, γιατί καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια του βιβλίου όλοι αρνιόντουσαν να αποκαλύψουν τα μυστικά τους και να συνεργαστούν με την αστυνομία. Κάτι που στο τέλος δικαιολογήθηκε φυσικά.
Το τέλος δεν με ικανοποίησε ιδιαίτερα, μου φάνηκε υπερβολικό. Τρία αστέρια γιατί τους χαρακτήρες και τη μαγευτική Φιελμπάκα.
‘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 m ‘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’.
I've been a big fan of Camilla Lackberg's work since reading the first installment in the Patrik Hedstrom series. Nevertheless, I have to admit that her last two offerings, 'The Gallows Bird' and 'The Hidden Child', have disappointed slightly. The plots seemed to lack subtlety and the twists were fairly obvious. I am delighted to report, then, that 'The Drowning' is a definite return to form.
The mystery centres around Christian, Fjallbacka's enigmatic and brooding librarian/author. Eagle-eyed read I've been a big fan of Camilla Lackberg's work since reading the first installment in the Patrik Hedstrom series. Nevertheless, I have to admit that her last two offerings, 'The Gallows Bird' and 'The Hidden Child', have disappointed slightly. The plots seemed to lack subtlety and the twists were fairly obvious.
I am delighted to report, then, that 'The Drowning' is a definite return to form. The mystery centres around Christian, Fjallbacka's enigmatic and brooding librarian/author. Eagle-eyed readers will remember that we were introduced to Christian in 'The Hidden Child', where Lackberg made it very clear that he had some skeletons in his closet.
I remember feeling frustrated at the time that this loose end wasn't tied up at the end of that book and wondering why Lackberg had chosen to dedicate so much page space to this seemingly minor character, so I was happy to realise that his story was to continue. So we pick up the narrative as Christian's debut novel is being published and he is receiving anonymous poison-pen letters.
At the same time, detective Hedstrom is investigating the disappearance of one of Christian's best friends. But are the two matters connected? Much of this book represents business as usual for Camilla Lackberg. Chapters are interspersed with short 'flashbacks' to the past. Bumbling police boss Mellberg provides a source of hilarity as he inadvertently tries to sabotage his colleagues' best efforts to identify a perpetrator. The grizzly action is offset by cosy scenes of Patrik's home life, where Erica is pregnant with twins. And of course a large part of the detective work is carried out courtesy of nosy Erica, who snoops around into other people's business more than ever before while worrying about her lumps and bumps and eating too many pastries.
I always think of these books as the Erica Falck series rather than the Patrik Hedstrom series, as every time it is her off-the-record snooping that saves the day! To me she is the more interesting character, an oddity amongst a sea of miserable male middle-aged leads in these Scandinavian crime novels (not that I don't love them too!). I once read someone else (apologies if I have stolen your analogy) refer to her as the 'Bridget Jones of Scandinavian crime fiction' which is fairly accurate!
The reviewer in question probably did not intend that to be a compliment but I find her quite refreshing. Lackberg seems to have a keen understanding of human nature and an acute eye for what makes people tick, and this pervades 'The Drowning' as its real strength. Even the most insignificant onlooker is brought to life and the reader is given a real sense of everybody's personality. You get the sense that you can relate to every single character to some degree or see something of them in real-life acquaintances. Unlike in the previous two books, I did not see the solution to the mystery coming AT ALL, it was completely unpredictable but not far-fetched.
And just when you think it's all wrapped up another BOMBSHELL is dropped that will ensure you return to Patrik Hedstrom number 7! I would definitely recommend this book to any fans of crime fiction, but with one caveat; it's definitely better to start from the beginning if you haven't read any others in this series. Unlike other crime fiction series where the majority of the books stand alone and don't have to be read in any particular order, these are far more enjoyable if you get to know the characters from scratch. Camilla Lackberg keeps surprising me with just how bad she's capable of being. With each new book in this series I'm positive she's reached the limit but she just keeps raising the bar! This is really one long plot contrivance after another populated with the biggest cast of stereotypes I think I've ever seen in a police procedural/cozy mystery. For the record I didn't think it was possible to write a good story in those two genres at the same time and it turns out I was right but that hasn't sto Camilla Lackberg keeps surprising me with just how bad she's capable of being.
With each new book in this series I'm positive she's reached the limit but she just keeps raising the bar! This is really one long plot contrivance after another populated with the biggest cast of stereotypes I think I've ever seen in a police procedural/cozy mystery. For the record I didn't think it was possible to write a good story in those two genres at the same time and it turns out I was right but that hasn't stopped Lackberg from trying.
For those who've been spared from reading this deeply disappointing series let me bring you up to speed as painlessly as possible. The action takes place in Fjallbacka, a Swedish resort town, where Patrick, a detective on the local police force, lives with his wife Ericka who's a nonfiction writer.
Well she was a nonfiction writer now she's primarily around to be in the various stages of pregnancy. This time she's having twins.
Our heroes are surrounded by the biggest group of idiots this side of an IKEA. I categorically refuse to remember all their names. Playing for Patrick's team is the lazy police officer, the lesbian police officer, the new guy who gets all the crappy chores, and the insanely stupid captain who never does anything right! Ericka has to make due with her sister, the battered wife, and her daughter, the terrible toddler who throws tantrums. This time around everyone is trying to solve the case of the missing man.
The missing man has been missing for three months. Remember that. It's important.
The missing man's poor wife keeps showing up at the police station asking why the police are doing nothing to find him. Its really annoying the police the way she keeps expecting them to do their job. They talk about how annoying she is. Finally Patrick goes over to the missing man's house. To search it. Which he hasn't done yet.
After three months. That's what we're dealing with here. So Patrick is 'looking' for the missing man and meanwhile Ericka is 'helping' the moody author launch his book. The moody author has written the most amazing book ever and everyone loves this book so much. But the moody author is moody and doesn't care. The moody author's wife is very upset that he's so moody. They fight about how moody he is a lot while their children try to kill each other in the background.
There is never a scene in which the children are not trying to murder each other. Then we have high school has been and number two.
High school has been is a high school has been who hates his wife and has lots of affairs. His wife loves wine in a box and her daughters. But mostly wine in a box. She really, really loves wine in a box.
They fight a lot. We never see their daughters. He has affairs. She drinks wine in a box. Number two is an okay schlub who's wife is dying. It is very, very sad that his wife is dying.
He's a schlub but he's okay. The police have a lot of meetings and the captain says 'I'm an idiot! Why haven't you solved this yet! I'm so stupid!' And the police role their eyes because their captain is so dumb!
They 'investigate' the high school has been, the moody author, and the schlub. Then there are italicized chapters where a little boy is neglected by his horrible family. Who could this little boy be!? The high school has been, the schlub, and the moody author are all getting threatening letters.
Who's threatening them!? In a surprise reveal it turns out the high school has been, the schlub and the missing man were all friends in high school! Who would have known!? Maybe they did something really bad in high school that someone is now threatening them about!!?!?!?!?!?!?
Then everyone starts dying/getting horribly hurt and in the amazing finale we learn it was all because of a plot contrivance V.C. Andrews would be ashamed of.
Fiction - Espionage
I'm seriously finished with these books. Lackberg does literally no research on methodology, psychology or forensics and still insists on trying to write some kind of gritty, brutal, mentally scarring story and she fills it with equally poorly drawn characters who are there entirely to fill the kind of prescribed societal roles that were gross stereotypes in the 80's much less now. I am convinced that something is getting lost in the translation, the dialogue suffers most of all but improving that isn't going to help these pedestrian plots that are straight out of a Nancy Drew reboot reject pile. Adios Fjallbacka! It's a mood piece. Although you catch up with Patrik and his wife and most of their extended families in the wider sense, and also with Annika and numerous other work related mates- it isn't their story that dominates.
It's the sick mind of the boy whose thoughts appear between- within the sections printed in italics. This was a book I read over weeks, although I didn't list it right away. It was easily taken up and put down. I felt no urgency whatsoever, and truth be known, didn't know if I woul It's a mood piece.
Although you catch up with Patrik and his wife and most of their extended families in the wider sense, and also with Annika and numerous other work related mates- it isn't their story that dominates. It's the sick mind of the boy whose thoughts appear between- within the sections printed in italics. This was a book I read over weeks, although I didn't list it right away.
It was easily taken up and put down. I felt no urgency whatsoever, and truth be known, didn't know if I would finish. The entire thing.
What kept me going was not the plot, but the characterizations of Erika and the conversations that so contain a Swedish cognition/paradigm. It's hard to describe. But there exists a placement mood, apart from the 'sick' perp plot. Camilla Lackberg just grabs that morose (to me), minimalist to stark, drinking and depression as a near universalist constant. Nails that emotional distance that colors her place and especially her language. Her people believe in less is less- do not have any surety of faith or in admiration for logic, IMHO.
And much of their spirit and cognition is either placed in the present or in backward to the past looking views. So that aspect is what kept me going on this one- to a point where I enjoyed most of it. It's a skill and a mood. The facts of the story here; that Erika, Anna, and Cecilia and some others mentioned too- have all decided to further the race! In Erika's case by two, on top of it.
Actually, I don't remember so many pregnancies in one book outside of chick. That signifies a stable hope coupled with good intent for energy and future. Doubly so here, as Lackberg's children as soon as they take their first breathes are in majority nasty, bad intent noise bombs and dominatingly beastly selfish. And a sizable portion are also evil from infancy. I knew the culprit before page 200. And guessed the state and method of his acting out. But Erika and Anna actually proceeding to put one foot in front of the other and dare to aspire and hope daily- that made the book for me.
One last thought. This is probably the last Lackberg I read- as I see no more on the horizon. But honestly, after reading her bunch? I think she has a strong inkling, no more than an inkling, a firm perception herself cognitively- that all men are basically just like Erik in this one. She consistently has this same model or a more drunken twin as regulars times two or three in all her works.
And they all have greater chum relationships than they have wives or partners for chats or leisure hours spent. She describes them sublimely so she must know about this. Hope I'm wrong, but I doubt it. The biggest shock factor in Lackberg's books for me is that the police are waiting around for months actively keeping one of their three current cases open. And that they spent hours and hours of travel to ask a few questions and otherwise have no more than that are their plates.
I know that there are only 1000 people in this town, but come on! How do they parse that with the police employed for so little. And yet all those suicides!
As here, as well. This book started out slow and rather disappointing, but when I hit the 1/4 mark I could not get enough. I so wanted to know the ending, but at the same time I hated it to end. I went right away to my library web page to find another one of hers. (I loved the first book I read of this series and I think this one was even better.) They only have this one which was so annoying. I will have to ask for more through loan or buy some which I rarely do because my library is huge.
It was odd they only h This book started out slow and rather disappointing, but when I hit the 1/4 mark I could not get enough. I so wanted to know the ending, but at the same time I hated it to end.
I went right away to my library web page to find another one of hers. (I loved the first book I read of this series and I think this one was even better.) They only have this one which was so annoying. I will have to ask for more through loan or buy some which I rarely do because my library is huge. It was odd they only have this book from this author.
Loved the characters. Had such an empathy for the guy the book centered on. A good book makes me cry and this one did. The ending was astounding, though I had figured it may end as it did. I was never sure of it and was kept guessing between several scenarios. Even the ending was slightly twisted and could be slightly tweaked in another direction? ( I may think too much.) The book seems to have the 'wrong' title until the end and I finally understood why it had that title.
I have read a lot of good books this year that garner 5.+ and this one will most likely be in the top 3. The plot and story were really entertaining, I read without problem always eager to solve the mystery and with that tension that is perfect in crime books.
However I got annoyed by the amount that characters the author decides to describe when they are not crucial for the story, I ended up confusing who was the son of who and targeting the characters that were actually relevant. SPOILER I was also annoyed at the end of the book when the author decided to give patrick a heart attack, crash the ca The plot and story were really entertaining, I read without problem always eager to solve the mystery and with that tension that is perfect in crime books. However I got annoyed by the amount that characters the author decides to describe when they are not crucial for the story, I ended up confusing who was the son of who and targeting the characters that were actually relevant. SPOILER I was also annoyed at the end of the book when the author decided to give patrick a heart attack, crash the car of the 2 pregnant women, with the car of Erik's wife, what was the point of all this? Why leave it there when it was absolutely unrelevant to the main plot?
Thriller
Also the Spanish translation was awfull.