3.5 stars.
A young man's bound and beaten body is found near a road, and it's shocking as the Swedish resort town of Åre is normally very peaceful. In fact, this is only the second murder in a long time, and Detective Inspectors Hanna Ahlander and Daniel Lindskog are assigned to the case. They have a strong rapport, balancing each others' skills and providing each other support. Hanna is still recovering from the wreck of her career in another jurisdiction, while Daniel is coping with the demands of a new baby and barely coping wife.

Meanwhile, we meet a young woman, Rebecka Ekvall, wife to a charismatic and abusive pastor of a cult that preaches and practices traditional values; i.e., misogyny (and no doubt other forms of bigotry).

Hanna and Daniel slowly piece together clues to identify the young man, Johan Andersson, a former Olympic skier now plumber, his home and work relationships. The pair gradually figure out that Johan and Rebeka's lives are somehow connected, and their investigation uncovers business-related arguments due to tight finances, gambling, loneliness, and revenge.

I have not read the first book in author Viveca Sten's Åremorden series, but did not find my enjoyment of this police procedural to be diminished as Sten provided just enough detail from that book to fill in gaps in my knowledge.

Sten does a great job of bringing the cold winter days of the area to life, as well as the desperation and fear that Rebecka is living with. Hanna is still struggling emotionally, but I gather she's improved as a detective since book one. The friendship between her and Daniel was welcome, as well as their personal struggles that kept them from always functioning at their best, giving the story a nice realism.

This was an engrossing story, and I am intrigued enough to continue reading this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and to AmazonCrossing for this ARC in exchange for my review.

*Netgalley ARC*

I have realized recently that I have a liking for crime and horror authors from Sweden, Norway, Switzerland area. Also interesting, I believe this authors daughter, Camilla, wrote another book I enjoyed, The Village.

Overall I was keen on this thriller. It kept me interested and the chapters were short.

I did feel like several great opportunities for some amazing twists were neglected however that would have made this much more enjoyable.

I’m unsure if I will read more from this author in future.

Thank you Netgalley. This was my first step in to Nordic noir fiction. I loved every minute! The multiple storyline/POV was very well done and really kept the story moving. Highly recommend if you like a good police procedural

In the second installment of the Åre Murders series, renowned Swedish crime writer Viveca Sten continues the story of Detective Inspector Hanna Ahlander. Hidden in Snow introduced us to Hanna after her personal and professional life in Stockholm fell apart, prompting her to temporarily move into her sister’s lodge in Åre, a ski resort. Hanna is still trying to tie up the loose ends of her failed relationship, but her ex refuses to let go of the apartment they bought together. However, property is the least of Hanna’s concerns.

Full review: https://westwordsreviews.wordpress.com/2024/01/29/hidden-in-shadows-viveca-sten-transl-marlaine-delargy/

As a long-time fan of Nordic Noir, I was excited to dive into this latest offering from a new author. But what I found was a refreshing departure from the usual gritty detectives and bleak landscapes. Hanna, the protagonist, is a breath of fresh air - a detective who is both tenacious and empathetic. The parallel storyline exploring the cult-like religion added a layer of psychological complexity that kept me guessing. What struck me most was how the author wove together themes of community, loyalty, and the power dynamics of relationships. The snowy Swedish setting was almost a character in itself, heightening the sense of isolation and vulnerability. I appreciated the thought-provoking questions the book raised about the nature of truth and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator. A standout read in the genre, and one that will appeal to fans of character-driven mysteries.

This is an atmospheric and absorbing read, set in a Swedish ski resort where two detectives are investigating a brutal and unusual murder case.

Johan Andersson was a talented skier, widely liked and with an effervescent personality. So who would want to leave him a battered and broken corpse? According to his wife, no one disliked the man, but this is clearly a crime with some deep feeling behind it...

Meanwhile, in a parallel storyline, we find out how Rebeka Ekvall, a pastor's young wife, is struggling to submit to the psychological and physical mistreatment she receives at the hands of her abusive husband. She and her parents belong to a patriarchal, cult-like Church that views a husband's authority as absolute. But, unbeknownst to her vile spouse, Rebeka has secrets of her own.

Sten's storytelling is smooth, and despite the fact that this is the second book in the series the reader never feels at a loss when following the plot. Recommended to those who enjoy a good police procedural and a chill that goes beyond wintry weather. It gets 3.5 stars.

Perhaps I am giving this five stars because I am so pleased Ms. Sten has another series after devouring the Sandhamn books, but I think it's more than that. This is the second in a new, and hopefully long, series featuring detective Hanna Ahlander, a relative newcomer to the area, although she had spent winter vacations there as a child. I am not saying one should always start mid series, (don't know how I missed the first one!), but it really worked perfectly well. I was pulled in and did not feel left out as one does sometimes in a series if you don't have the background. This was a wonderful book as a stand alone. Of course I instantly went back to consume the first one and yes, it certainly enriched all the characters to learn their back stories. But if I hadn't, I would still have read a damn good mystery with fascinating players set in a intriguing location. The only downside is now I have to wait for the next one. Thank you to both Viveca Sten and her translator Marlaine Delargy

Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Hidden in Shadows by Viveca Sten in exchange for an honest review. I happened to listen to the first book in the Sandhamm Murders series and I was hooked, read all ten books in a week and then read both in this series. I really love how Viveca Sten writes, how well she develops characters and the struggles they go through.

Thank you to the author, Amazon Crossing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second in a series, and the first book I've read by this author. Told in two parallel plot threads - that of course intersect, which is however not foreseeable for quite a bit of the story - this police procedural is very well written. The characters have depth, the setting is atmospheric and the crime a mystery until almost the end of the book. Set in snow-heavy winter, you can almost feel the cold reaching out through the pages, and the book reads quickly, at least for me, because I was eager to find out what happens. For those who like Scandinavian crime novels, this is a must-read!

Viveca Sten writes excellent mysteries and always enjoyed those in the Sandham series. This is the first I read in this series and think I will read others as it's a solid mystery featuring interesting characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Hanna and Daniel, investigators in Sweden, are back in their second mystery. where they investigate the murder of a former Olympic skier. Intertwined with their investigation, we learn Rebecka's story. She is a pastor's wife trapped in abusive relationship, but she also has secrets.

Sten does a good job introducing new readers to the characters. Some mysteries throw readers into the deep end and expect them to know who the characters are. However, she does a good job integrating what we learned in book one here. I do think the pacing is slow and a bit choppy, but this could just be a translation thing.

excellent second installment in this series. There were enough twists to keep me interested. The characters continue to be developed well. I look forward to more books by this author

As a longtime reader of this author, I had grown a little tired of her Sandhamn stories and enjoyed the first volume in this new series. This second effort is even better. Now that the characters have been established, we can go straight to the action. There seem to be two parallel lines that we know will intersect in some way. One is Daniel and Hanna’s investigation into the savage murder of a nice plumber. The other is the sad story of a young woman in a religious community who marries a prominent figure in her church. I loved the interactions between the characters, the nice blend of red herrings and actual baddies, as well as how well the plot is structured. I didn’t care for Ida, Daniel’s girlfriend who seems to be a symbol of the challenges that police officers face in their personal lives, but only sounds whiny. Other than that, I liked the balance between the procedural part and the domestic lives of the characters. It’s good to see Hanna getting over the heartbreak at the beginning of the series, and how she’s starting to shine. This is a very enjoyable procedural, with a solid plot. I’m looking forward to the next volume.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Amazon Crossing.

Hidden in Shadows by Viveca Sten was an entertaining and suspenseful police procedural.
The characters, plot, and description are amazing. I enjoyed reading it and found the story well written with just enough suspense to keep me reading.
The mystery is good, the setting is wonderful, and it's a great Nordic read.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

I've read several mysteries by Viveca Sten, and Hidden in Shadows is as compelling and striking as the other books by her I have read. Her ability to set up amazing and surprising plots and to skillfully and artfully develop characters is unparalleled among mystery writers. She also creates settings that keep readers intrigued and which are superlative Scandinavian noir surroundings.

During the week-long winter sports' holiday in Are, Sweden, we are introduced to Johann Anderson, a former Olympic skier who has just been murdered. Known for his effervescent personality, especially in the light of a career-ending injury, the search for his killer is compelling and followed by everyone in the community. A parallel plot line is that of young Rebecka Ekvall, who is a member, through her parents, of a cult-like church with strong patriarchal emphases. Her husband, Ole, who is a minister, is abusive, and Rebecka suffers physically and psychologically, but she tries to obey the tenets of god and the church. The two detectives who are featured in the search for the murderer are Hanna and Daniel, and their somewhat complicated relationship is also thoroughly developed. Johann's wife, 10 years older than he is, is also featured. The complications that involve all of these characters in one way or another are smoothly and skillfully developed, and putting the book down is a challenge. The ending is a surprise, and erupts in the way that only Sten's books can deliver. This book is a winner!

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book.

I'm absolutely loving this series. It's a Swedish series translated into English. The second book is just as good as the first book. It continues to follow Hanna after she left Stockholm PD and moved to Aré. Hanna and her partner Daniel must solve the murder of a man found beaten to death. Hanna is slowly getting her life back together after her boyfriend cheated on her and left her for another woman. Viveca Sten knows how to write a good thriller. This book will keep you interested from the very beginning. I can't wait to read the 3rd book in the series.

Than you to NetGalley, Viveca Sten, and AmazonCrossing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

🎖🎿Tragic in so many ways🙁

4.5🌟stars
Hidden in Shadows is a bit long but it kept me turning the pages so it really did not take long to finish. I loved the plot and the glimpses into the personal complications plaguing Hanna, Daniel and Anton (three of the police detectives investigating the murder of a well-known and well-liked former skier turned plumber). It's fascinating and incredible all of the secrets the police team turn up in just a week.

I thought I knew the killer but the author really surprised me. She also provided a great backdrop for this murder mystery in the north central part of Sweden in a numbingly cold February. And I liked the alternating time periods that track domestic abuse victim Rebecka versus the murder and its aftermath.

Much of the writing is simple declarative sentences and seemed somewhat basic for a novel geared at adult readers but it actually made for a quick read. Helped along by the shorter chapter format that I prefer as it keeps me moving through another chapter, and another, and another...
right through to the exciting end. That's definitely a recommendation from me.👍👍

Thanks to Amazon Crossing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Hidden in Shadows is the second book in this series. The book is a gripping police procedural, and I like all the members of the investigation team. However, so many of the potential suspects, as well as other side characters, are horrible. In their personal lives, Hanna has to deal with a cold, judgemental mother and Daniel an immature and demanding partner. The case is very interesting and holds your attention. However, some details are hard to read, such as the abuse a young pastor's wife goes through, as well as some other violent scenes. However, I still enjoyed the book overall and look forward to more in this series.

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Amazon Crossing, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

A Complex, Difficult, and Gripping Police Procedural

Anna Larrson is driving her seven-year-old son, Hugo, to Dived for slalom training. Hugo must relieve himself, so Anna stops in a wide part of the road. Hugo returns too quickly to the car and tells his mother that a hurt man is lying in the snow. Anna does not want to be late for the slalom training, but Hugo does not lie. Anna exits the car to see for herself. She finds a man with his hands bound behind him. His face is bloody. He has a severe wound to the back of his head. From here, a complex murder investigation starts.

This novel is the second in the Åre Murders series. The main storyline has two threads. The first is the investigation of Johan Andersson’s murder. The second thread tells the story of Rebecka Nordhammnar’s abusive marriage. Detectives Hanna Ahlander and Daniel Lindskog narrate the investigation. After some progress, the investigation seems to slow down significantly as the victim’s movements could not be determined after he left his business partner. The person seems to have the best motives for wanting his partner dead. The investigation focuses heavily on him. The lead detective, Daniel, has a severe domestic problem with his wife. She is having problems taking care of their baby daughter. Her demands for his time are affecting his work very seriously. I was hooked on this novel very quickly.

Two background threads provide much new information on Hanna and Daniel. Hanna’s background is expanded with her relationship with her sister, who comes to spend some time with her. Daniel’s relationship with his wife, who has severe problems with being a mother trying to cope with her first newborn, provides much insight into Daniel’s response to domestic stress. Professionally, the most significant change is in Hanna’s character. In the first novel, she did some very unprofessional acts. In this novel, the reader will see a maturing detective. There is one B-storyline between one of the detectives in an inappropriate relationship with a witness. Hanna’s previous indiscretions probably won’t come to light, but this detective's actions may turn into a multi-novel B-storyline. It will be interesting to see how it starts. These aspects of the novel increased my enjoyment of reading.

Several intimate scenes are present for the aspects of a novel that can make some readers stop reading. Most instances are simple sentences that it occurred. The one that wasn’t centered on what it meant emotionally. Vulgar and rude language, as well as impious language, occur at a low level. Violence is described almost exclusively after the fact, so it is not as edgy. The translation was excellent without any issues for me. There are some references to the first novel, but I did not see any that required reading the first novel. I had to access the Internet on my e-reader to discover all the novel's locations. I found this very handy. I believe none of these aspects should stop most from reading this novel.

I did not have an issue that I disliked, but the Rebecka Nordhammar thread was puzzling as it appeared not to have any correlation to the Johan Andersson murder investigation. After each chapter in that thread, I kept wondering what was the relevance of this thread. When it became clear, there was a relationship, but as I suspected and not as I expected. I liked Hanna's transformation as he stopped her shenanigans, but she was tempted once. There were no loose ends except what might be a multi-novel B-storyline I mentioned previously. This novel had all the aspects that I enjoy. The investigation is complex and, at times, perplexing. The author has seamlessly woven a rich background and B-storylines with the main storyline. I literally could not stop reading when I needed to sleep. After reading several of her Sandhamn series, the author earned a Must-Read rating for me. If police procedurals interest you, definitely try this Nordic version. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and am looking forward to reading the next in the series. I rate this novel with five stars.

I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Amazon Crossing. My review is based solely on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Amazon Crossing for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

DI's Hanna and Daniel find themselves with a mysterious murder in this latest offering from a prolific Scandi-noir author. A ski champion has been killed. And then there's Rebecka, who has been abused by her husband. It's not clear for a good while how these two strands will weave together but they do. I missed the first book but that wasn't a problem- this was fine as a standalone. It would, however have benefited from another edit to tighten (shorten) it a bit. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.