Unwanted by Kristina Ohlsson is a Swedish crime novel featuring a tale of child abduction and murder. The plot revolves around the investigation led by a team of police characters, including Fredrika Bergman and Alex Recht. The story unfolds with a sense of psychological insight into the investigators, their personal lives, and the unfolding violence, keeping readers engaged with its compelling narrative. The book delves into the complexities of the case as the investigators race against time to solve the mystery while dealing with unexpected twists and turns.

Characters:

The characters are complex and well-developed, each bringing unique backgrounds and perspectives to the investigation, though some are perceived as unlikable.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is gripping and multifaceted, utilizing multiple perspectives to delve into character depth while maintaining a clear and engaging flow.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around the abduction and murder of a young girl from a train, unfolding a complex investigation involving multiple child disappearances that is intricately linked to the past of the mothers involved.

Setting:

Set in Sweden, the story's atmosphere is imbued with a sense of gloom, enhancing the thriller's dark themes.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally brisk and engaging, though there are moments where it slows to explore character development.

He lay quite still in his bed and looked up at the ceiling, where a fly was moving. He had never been much good at darkness and rest. It was as though his defenses were stripped away the moment the su...

Notes:

The book features a missing child, Lilian, who disappears from a train while her mother steps off briefly.

The investigation team is led by Alex Recht, who has a storied reputation in the police force.

Fredrika Bergman, a civilian recruit, plays a critical role in the investigation despite facing skepticism from her male colleagues.

The story highlights themes of domestic abuse and psychological insights into the investigators' lives.

Kristina Ohlsson, the author, has a background in political science and worked in security services, influencing her writing.

The book follows a police procedural structure with multiple perspectives, enhancing character development.

'Unwanted' refers to the chilling message found scrawled on the victims, linking them together in the investigation.

The narrative contrasts the traditional male-dominated police culture with a modern, educated female investigator.

The plot incorporates social commentary on violence and the complexities of family dynamics.

This is Ohlsson's debut novel, and she has published several more books since its release.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes content warnings for child abduction, murder, and psychological trauma associated with domestic issues.

From The Publisher:

In the middle of a rainy Swedish summer, a little girl is abducted from a crowded train. To Inspector Alex Recht of the Stockholm police, this looks like a classic custody row.

But none of the evidence adds up and young Investigative Analyst Fredrika Bergman is convinced the case is far more complex than her boss is prepared to admit. When the missing child is found dead with the word UNWANTED scribbled on her forehead, they're now on the trail of a ruthless murderer.

Will Alex and Fredrika manage to put aside their differences and work together to find the killer, before it's too late?

Ratings (1)

It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (3):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (2)

1 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

It Was OK

2 months

A young girl is kidnapped on a train and it's race against time to find her again, at the same time you follow a very disturbing capture/captive "relationship" that your not sure what it has to do with the little girl. It was very readable and a decent start Ron series. Intruging enough to pick up the next book but wasn't the greatest crime/suspense novel I've read but interesting enough to read.

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Unwanted?

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Unwanted

Kristina Ohlsson, Sarah Death

Book 1 in the series:Fredrika Bergman and Alex Recht