Books Like...

"Someone to Watch Over Me" by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir revolves around lawyer Thora Gudmundsdottir who takes on a case involving a young man with Down Syndrome, Jakob, accused of starting a fire in a care facility for disabled individuals. As Thora delves deeper into the case, she uncovers layers of deception, hidden motives, and a complex web of relationships among the characters. The plot is intricately woven, blending elements of crime, mystery, and family drama set against the backdrop of Iceland's financial crisis. The writing style of the author is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged with constant revelations, well-developed characters, and a tightly structured narrative that ties all loose ends together in a believable manner.

'Tonight You're Dead' by Viveca Sten follows Detective Thomas Andreasson as he investigates a series of murders connected to a Swedish naval training camp from 30 years ago. The plot unfolds in two timelines, the 70s and present day events, with a thrilling criminal development leading to an unexpected end. The narrative skillfully combines elements of mystery, romance, and historical events, creating a captivating and emotionally engaging story.

'The Ice Lands' by Steinar Bragi is a creepy and bizarre story about two couples who go camping near Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland. The trip takes a strange turn when they get lost, encounter a mysterious elderly couple in a secluded house, and find themselves trapped in a bizarre and unsettling area with unexplainable phenomena. The writing style is described as fantastic, with strong and interesting character backstories that add depth to the eerie atmosphere of the plot.

"Still Waters" by Viveca Sten is a mystery novel set in Sandhamn, an island in the Stockholm archipelago. The story revolves around Detective Thomas Andreasson and his friend, lawyer Nora Linde, who get involved in solving a murder mystery when bodies start washing up on the shore. is praised for its sunny setting, engaging characters, and the sense of community in the small island village. While the murder investigation forms the central plot, the book also delves into the personal lives of the characters, adding depth to the narrative.

Death of a Nightingale by Lene Kaaberbol is a gripping Nordic noir novel that intertwines two storylines set in Denmark and Ukraine. The novel delves into the life of social worker Nina Borg, who becomes entangled in a complex plot involving a Ukrainian refugee, Natasha, accused of killing her husband. As Nina tries to protect Natasha's daughter, a manhunt ensues, revealing dark secrets and triggering multiple murders. The narrative skillfully weaves between past events in 1930s Ukraine during Stalin's regime and present-day Copenhagen, offering insights into historical tragedies and contemporary societal issues.

The book's suspenseful plot keeps readers on edge as they navigate through the intricate connections between the characters and the unfolding mysteries. Through accessible writing and frequent flashbacks, the authors provide a compelling portrayal of the characters' struggles, the harsh realities of history, and the complexities of human relationships. As the two storylines converge, Nina Borg's dedication to helping those in need is tested, leading to a thrilling and thought-provoking conclusion.

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.

When a flight crew member on a Sweden to New York flight finds a note in the bathroom stating there is a bomb on board, Fredrika Bergman and Alex Recht team together with members of the international security community to figure out how to keep the passengers alive. The pilot has been told he must keep the plane in the air and that two demands must be met by the Swedish and American governments. Analyst Fredrika Bergman, who has left the police and gone to work for the Justice department, returns to act as a liaison between former boss, Alex Recht, and Eden Lundell, a flamboyant agent with the security service's counter-terrorism unit. They have only a matter of hours to determine whether there really is a bomb aboard the plane. As the investigation proceeds, German intelligence reveals that the captain of Flight 573 has been ordered to fly his plane into the US Capitol building. The Americans plan to destroy the plane as soon as it enters US airspace, so the tension ratchets up even more.

Hostage takes Ohlsson's two central characters out of their normal police procedural world and puts them right into the middle of a developing incident of international terrorism. The pace is pounding, and the suspense is gripping. The book had a clever plot involving a plane hijack, the Swedish police, SAPO, and the Americans. The ending was handled a lot better than expected, and the story of the team and their relationships was fascinating.

'The Absent One' in the series 'Department Q' by Jussi Adler-Olsen follows Detective Carl Morck and his team as they investigate a cold case involving the brutal double murder of a brother and sister two decades earlier. The case leads them to a group of wealthy and powerful individuals who may have been involved in the crime. As the investigation progresses, they uncover dark secrets and connections to a homeless woman named Kimmie, who holds key information. The writing style is described as dark and atmospheric, with a focus on psychological depth and character development, especially in portraying the disturbing criminals and the complex dynamics within the investigative team.

'The Doll' by Yrsa Sigurdardottir in the 'Children's House' series revolves around a complex plot involving investigations into child abuse, possible murder cases, and the mysterious connection to a doll. The story follows the intertwined paths of detectives Huldar and Freyja as they navigate through a series of tragic events, unexpected twists, and personal struggles. The narrative is characterized by dark humor, well-developed characters, and a gripping writing style that keeps readers engaged until the gratifying finale where all subplots are seamlessly connected.

'Her Enemy' in the Maria Kallio series by Leena Lehtolainen follows the protagonist, Maria Kallio, as she transitions from being a police detective to practicing law. The plot involves Maria solving a murder case in a small Finnish village, where she navigates through close-knit families and their complex dynamics. The writing style of the book focuses on character development, intimate first-person narrative, and the spotlight it shines on Finnish social attitudes and customs.