The Mermaid – Detectives Von Klint and Berg Series Book #2

Author: Anki Edvinsson
Genre: Nordic Noir, Thriller, Crime Fiction
418 pages
Publisher: Originally published in Sweden by Norstedts, 2022
Published in the U.S. by Thomas & Mercer in collaboration with Amazon Crossing, 2024
Translator: Paul Norlen

Synopsis
Could the prime suspect in a murder be a victim, too?

The body of a homeless woman is found in the river, viciously beaten and with all her teeth removed. A young immigrant, the prime suspect in a recent spate of robberies in Umea, was seen running in the vicinity around the time the body was dumped. Trouble is, he hasn’t been seen since. When he does appear, in the the town square, he’s wearing an explosive vest and holding a detonator.

Called in to investigate, Detectives Charlotte von Kling and Per Berg have a complex web of leads to content with. But Per is preoccupied with a serious illness within the family, while Charlotte is struggling to make her peace with an old flame being assigned to their until while she navigates the early days of a new relationship. Despite the upheaval in their private lives, the duo must use all their focus to discover whether the two incidents are connected – and, if so, how.

Was the bomber responsible for the woman in the river? Or, is it possible he’s another victim in the case? With time running out, the pressure is on for Charlotte and Per to catch the killer and restore peace in a city fast spiraling out of control.

My review
The Mermaid by Anki Edvinsson is a standout Nordic Noir thriller and the 2nd installment in the Detectives von Klint and Berg series. The novel’s gripping prologue sets the tone for the entire book and the story delivers on its promise of a thrilling ride! Swedish author Edvinsson’s storytelling prowess shines through, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue that kept me turning the pages until the shocking and explosive conclusion.

When a series of thefts occur, some residents swiftly accuse a group of Middle Eastern refugees living in the town. Eight days later, one of the group is seen in the town square wearing a bomb vest and holding a detonator, seemingly confirming the city’s suspicions that there is a ‘terrorist’ among them. Edvinsson skillfully weaves in the backstory of not only these refugees but the lives of those they meet, their families, acquaintances, and the police investigators themselves.

Edvinsson paints a vivid portrayal of life in Umeå, highlighting a pervasive sense of misunderstanding from both perspectives. The city’s residents are wary of newcomers from a culture they struggle to comprehend, while immigrants are deeply affected by the traumas they have endured and the hostility they encounter. Edvinsson avoids simplifying the situation by portraying one side as right and the other as wrong; neither is entirely blameless. One gripping aspect of the narrative arises from the interactions and suspicions between these groups, set against the backdrop of a serial killing spree.

Overall, The Mermaid is a fast-paced and beautifully constructed Nordic Noir novel. Edvinsson adeptly plays with the reader’s expectations, introducing red herrings and numerous twists that feel organic. The eventual unmasking of the culprit is expertly executed, leading to a gripping finale as the race to prevent further tragedy unfolds. Upon beginning the novel, I was unaware that it was the second book in a series. I eagerly anticipate the third installment, though it may be some time as this one was recently translated into English.

My recommendation: read it!