Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was quite different from what I normally read and I loved it! Looking forward to more by this author for sure. The book was really well researched and the atmosphere and setting was a character in and of itself.

Wow, what a book, I was booked from the start and couldn't put it down. The dual time lines have an extra dimension to the storyline, with wonderfully drawn characters who are so believable. This is a wonderful book that deserves to be read.

Thirty years after the shocking and never-solved 1986 assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme on a snowy street in Stockholm, an activist priest is found gruesomely sacrificed on the altar of a Swedish-American church in Minneapolis. The church’s immigrant janitor is also slain, execution style.
The crime shocks Hennepin Island, the church’s time-forgotten riverfront neighborhood, where Span Lokken, a demoralized newspaperman, and his improbable partner, Maggie Lindberg, the murdered clergyman’s stylish young assistant, join forces to search for the killers.
The trail leads to the castle fortress of the island’s reclusive kingpin, Jonas Kron, whose “lost colony” delusions hide a gripping international mystery that brings the story full circle. Along the way, the curious bond between the unlikely detectives — Span and Maggie — only deepens as they seek to fill the empty spaces in their own lives.

LOST COLONY was a bit of a challenge for me. I loved that it was set in a slightly fictionalized Minneapolis. Living here for the last 30 years I always enjoy books that are set in a location that I am familiar with. I found the plot interesting. I found the way that the author ties in a very real murder that took place in 1986 with a mysterious double homicide in the present day intriguing.

When reading the book the first half was filled with very outdated sayings that were cringe worthy at best (i.e. “eating his dust”, calling someone a dork, using the word retard), come to find out that in the epilogue the book took over 10 years to write so that made perfect sense.
Throughout the reading of this book it was very procedural and sometimes choppy. It gave the impression of being one very large article at times and a mashup up of articles at other times. When reading that the author is a journalist I was not surprised.
The “relationship” that Span had with Maggie gave me the creeps. I purposefully wrote the relationship he had with her. The relationship she had with him was clearly that he had been friendzoned, however, him being very much her senior in age made me very uncomfortable when he sexualized her. This could be a me problem but I dislike it very much.
I found that by the end I didn’t really care for any of the characters. I didn’t like any of them. I did not find the book very moving. The only part that really touched me in any way was when the dog was killed.
Also, a hill I will most likely die on is that authors, journalists, people that have influence over other people please for the love of humanity stop referencing grown women as girls. Girls are children. Girl was used at least 4 times in this book when it should have said something more age appropriate. The infantilization of women needs to stop.

Thank you NetGalley and Evets Publishing for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy for my honest review.

“Lost Colony” is available: NOW!

#lostcolony #minneapolis #bookstagrammer #netgalley #hennepinisland #hennepinislandmurders #historicalfiction

This gripping read is part mystery, part spy thriller. The author weaves together many different plot lines to build suspense while gradually revealing the unifying story behind several baffling crimes. Characters are skillfully drawn. The author’s background as a Minneapolis reporter shines through in his descriptions of the city. The lead investigators are a newspaper reporter and a Lutheran pastor who develop a good rapport while working closely with local police. But this isn’t what you’d call a “cozy” mystery. There is a good deal of violence and danger. I admired the separate short sections describing the unfolding situation through the eyes of different characters, even the bad guys. You find yourself wondering if the good guys are going to find out the truth in time. This adds to the feeling of tension that keeps you turning pages to the very end.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

WOW! Beware readers: this is a hard one to put down once you get started. Lost Colony: The Hennepin Island Murders by Steve Berg weaves an intriguing tale that connects a (fictional) double-murder at a Minneapolis church with the (nonfictional) assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme in 1986. As a budding history buff and avid reader, I found Berg's plot construction to be clever, captivating, and well-paced, as he skillfully guides us readers through a gripping chain of events.

The story follows Span Lokken, a disillusioned Minneapolis reporter, as he becomes entangled in his newspaper's coverage of the murders at Saint Ansgar Lutheran church. The victims (a controversial senior pastor and the church's sexton) spark various speculations and rumors, mainly focusing on the senior pastor's political entanglements and feuds. Lokken's partnership with Maggie Lindberg, the church's assistant pastor who plays a big role in getting the story started, was exciting to follow from start to finish. Together, they sift through the rumors to make sense of the unfolding mystery, leading to more killings and a surprising connection to the Palme assassination 30 years earlier.

One thing I found super interesting was Berg's background in journalism, which shines through in his storytelling here... I don't want to give too much away here, so I'll end on this note (lol!). Overall, "Lost Colony" offers a well-crafted and engaging mystery that cleverly intertwines historical and fictional events. If you're looking for an enjoyable read with elements of noir and intrigue, I'd highly recommend checking this one out. I'm truly glad I did!!

"Lost Colony: The Hennepin Island Murders" by Steve Berg is a captivating and intricately woven historical mystery that masterfully blends real-world events with fiction to create a suspenseful and engaging narrative.

The story is set in the Hennepin Island neighborhood of Minneapolis, where an activist priest is brutally sacrificed on the altar of a Swedish-American church, sending shockwaves through the community. The crime is eerily reminiscent of the unsolved assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, which occurred decades earlier. As the murder investigation unfolds, readers are introduced to Span Lokken, a newspaperman who has lost his way, and Maggie Lindberg, the stylish assistant to the murdered priest. These two unlikely detectives form an intriguing partnership as they embark on a quest to unravel the mystery behind the murders.

One of the strengths of this novel is its meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy. Steve Berg, an accomplished journalist, brings a wealth of knowledge and research to the story, creating a rich and immersive backdrop of Swedish-American culture in Minnesota. The sense of time and place is vividly portrayed, making the setting almost a character in itself.

The character development is another highlight of the book. Span and Maggie are well-drawn, complex characters with their own personal struggles and demons. Their evolving partnership and the deepening of their connection throughout the story are beautifully portrayed, adding depth and emotion to the narrative.

The pacing of the novel is brisk, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the final pages. The overarching mystery, which ties together the contemporary murders with the historical backdrop of the Palme assassination, is a testament to Berg's storytelling skill.

"Lost Colony" is not just a murder mystery; it's also a story of love, redemption, and the quest for truth. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of history on individuals and communities.

In conclusion, "Lost Colony: The Hennepin Island Murders" is a compelling and well-crafted historical mystery that will appeal to fans of the genre and those interested in the intersection of real-world events and fiction. Steve Berg's writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, making this novel a rewarding read for anyone looking for a captivating mystery with depth and heart.

A complex crime thriller which I found impossible to put down. A brilliant and clever plot with dual time lines. Powerful storytelling enhanced with great characters. Packed with red herrings and so much more. Almost five stars and highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the Arc in return for an honest review.

Lost Colony refers to the fictional lost Swedish colony based on Hennepin Island in Minnesota (the real island is much smaller and in a slightly different location).

The story begins decades earlier with the assassination of the Swedish Prime Minister (a crime which has never been solved). It's unclear why this is important but it's certainly a clever twist to story.

We then jump to more murders. This time in the church on the island. The murders of the priest and janitor in particularly gruesome and ritualistic slayings make little sense but the bungling perpetrators are quickly identified. Finding them, however, is another case entirely.

The island's bored journalist, Span Lokken, quickly teams up with the attractive church assistant, Maggie Lindberg, to track down the two men and uncover why they could possibly want to murder the priest.

As Maggie and Span follow the trail to the door of Jonas Kron they become firm friends but the mystery continues to baffle the police and the two investigators alike. What does Jonas have to hide? Why did the murderers crucify the priest? Is there something far more sinister at the root of this crime? Who is the mysterious Felix and why is he also hunting the two killers?

I knocked a point off this very entertaining novel because there's a very odd section regarding Felix near to the end which baffled me. Maybe I wasn't paying close enough attention but his sudden change of personality truly confused me.

This is, however, a minor point of contention. It didn't particularly detract from the book which clipped along at a good pace. The characters are interesting and sympathetic. The plot lines are well thought out and clever. I started reading this along with a lot of other books but it was this one that kept my attention longest and I finished way before the rest.

I'd definitely recommend this. After the initial gore it's not particularly bloody. There isn't much soppy romance getting in the way and the characters enhance the book rather than lead the story.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy.

Review – The Lost Colony: The Hennepin Island Murders by Steve Berg (Evets Publishing, TBP Oct. 2023)

The Lost Colony: The Hennepin Island Murders, written by Steve Berg, Journalist and Reporter, will be published mid-October by Evets Publishing. What an exceptional read! The plot line moves quickly as the author weaves together a Presidential assassination, a brutal Satanic-like double slaying, murder for hire, Russian conspiracies, kidnapping and delusions of grandeur, not to mention a love interest involving a cop turned priest. I found all the characters dysfunctional in some strange and intoxicating way. Based on the high stakes adventure with imaginative and vivid writing, I would be surprised if this thriller did not make its way onto a large screen sometime in the future. I award this book a rating of 4 Stars.

Rating: 4 Stars

p.s. I am grateful to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy. The opinions expressed in this unpaid book review are solely mine.

I love it when I try a new author and am rewarded with an excellent read. Such is the case with this book and its author.

In 1986, Sweden's Prime Minister Olaf Palme was assassinated; his killer was never found. Flash forward to 2016 on a small island in the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul and the shocking murders of a Lutheran minister and the church custodian. Island residents, Reverend Maggie Lindberg and journalist Span Lokken are caught up in the investigation and quickly become allies, pooling their information and investigative skills to try and determine who would want to kill these men and why. Early indicators point to another island resident, wealthy and eccentric businessman, Jonas Kron, who has been very public in his feud with the late Reverend Hammar. It is apparent professionals carried out the killings and Kron is just the man with the money to orchestrate such a killing. But would he go that far?

Told from the points of view of Maggie and Span as well as the killers, this is an engaging story that captured my interest from the beginning. It is fast-paced, excellently plotted, and ties into the assassination of Palme with a surprising twist. This is Berg's first venture into writing fiction and he does an outstanding job.

Thank you, NetGalley and Evets Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is October 17, 2023.

An intriguing crime mystery set in the Minneapolis of 2016 with links back to the unsolved murder of Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme. The story had me hooked from the start, excellent writing and interesting characters made this an enjoyable read. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

This was such a great concept overall in the genre, I was hooked from the first page and thought it worked overall well together. Steve Berg has a great writing style and creating great characters in this story. It had everything that I was looking for in a murder mystery and so glad I was able to read this.

"Lost Colony" by Steve Berg is an absorbing international murder mystery that had me hooked from the first page. The startling crime sends shock through the peaceful neighbourhood of Hennepin Island. Here, we're introduced to Span Lokken, a disillusioned newspaperman, and Maggie Lindberg, the chic young assistant to the murdered clergyman. Despite their differences, these unlikely partners unite to uncover the truth behind the brutal murders.

Berg's narrative prowess truly shines as he crafts a compelling and plausible plot, maintaining a tight pace and an air of suspense that keeps you on edge. The characters are portrayed vividly, bringing their emotions and struggles to life, making the story all the more enthralling. The evocative setting adds depth to the tale, allowing readers to vividly envision the unfolding events.

"Lost Colony" held me captive, urging me to eagerly navigate through the pages alongside Lokken and Lindberg as they strive to unravel the mystery. Steve Berg's storytelling expertise and his knack for crafting an absorbing plot have undoubtedly piqued my interest in exploring more of his literary works.

Lost Colony by Steve Berg was a good international murder mystery that is very well written and keeps you interested. The plot is very believable with great characters.
A tightly paced and suspenseful novel that kept me intrigued for more.
The plot is compelling; the setting was vividly rendered.
I would definitely pick up another title by Berg.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Evets Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

3.5

I received this from Netgalleywhodunit.

Not so much of a whodunit but more of a whydunnit and a real-life (closed) unsolved murder case. It felt a little sluggish in the middle but overall an okay read. Being a Minnesota native, I enjoyed tagging along as Span and Maggie worked the case.

In "Lost Colony" by Steve Berg, readers are thrust into a gripping and enigmatic tale that spans decades and continents, weaving together a complex web of mystery, murder, and intrigue. The novel's narrative is set in motion by the gruesome and never-solved 1986 assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme on the snowy streets of Stockholm. Three decades later, in a quiet neighbourhood in Minneapolis, an activist priest is found brutally sacrificed on the altar of a Swedish-American church. Alongside the priest, the church's immigrant janitor is also executed in a chilling manner.

The shocking crime sends shockwaves through Hennepin Island, the riverfront neighbourhood where the church stands as a timeless monument. Here, we meet Span Lokken, a disheartened newspaperman, and Maggie Lindberg, the stylish young assistant to the murdered clergyman. These unlikely partners join forces to uncover the truth behind the heinous murders.

As Span and Maggie delve deeper into the investigation, their quest for answers takes them to the castle fortress of Jonas Kron, a reclusive kingpin with delusions of a "lost colony." Within this fortress, a gripping international mystery unfolds, leading to a shocking revelation that connects the events of the past to the present. Amidst the twists and turns of the investigation, the relationship between Span and Maggie deepens, and the two protagonists find themselves filling the empty spaces in their own lives as they seek to unravel the mysteries that surround them.

The book is a masterfully crafted mystery-thriller that combines elements of historical intrigue, political conspiracy, and a contemporary murder investigation. The author skillfully navigates multiple timelines and storylines to create a complex and enthralling narrative. The unsolved assassination of Olof Palme serves as a haunting backdrop to the events of the novel, adding an air of historical significance and global mystery to the story. Berg's portrayal of Hennepin Island and its riverfront neighbourhood evokes a sense of place and time, making it an integral part of the narrative.

The characters of Span Lokken and Maggie Lindberg are multifaceted and relatable, and their evolving partnership adds depth to the story. Their pursuit of justice and the truth becomes a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. The novel's pacing is well-executed, with a steady build-up of tension and suspense that keeps readers engaged throughout. The mysteries that unfold are intricate and thought-provoking, and the interconnectedness of past and present events adds layers of complexity to the plot.

Steve Berg's writing style is evocative and descriptive, immersing readers in the richly detailed world of the story. The author's ability to craft a gripping and atmospheric narrative contributes to the book's overall appeal. For readers who enjoy mystery-thrillers with a blend of historical intrigue and contemporary investigations, "Lost Colony" offers a compelling and intellectually satisfying journey. It's a novel that keeps readers guessing until the final page and leaves them pondering the mysteries of the past and the present.

Lost Colony masterfully weaves together a complex transatlantic mystery, juxtaposing a tragic cold case in Sweden with a brutal double homicide in modern-day Minnesota. When a crusading priest is found gruesomely killed in his Minneapolis church, along with an executed janitor, the heinous act shakes the small riverside community to its core.Local newspaperman Span Lokken teams up with Maggie Lindberg, a minister at a Lutheran church with secrets in her past, running their own investigation to the senseless murders.
Even as the complex plot expands, the unlikely bond between Lokken and Lindberg remains the emotional core.

An eccentric ensemble of characters, each wrestling with their own hidden demons, realistic descriptions of the island setting and church all anchor the story in palpable realism.
Lost Colony delivers on all fronts and is a definitely recommended book.
My thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of the book for my unbiased review.

Brilliant compilation of past and present in this international murder thriller. Exciting reading that was hard to put down and filled with twists and turns that lead to an explosive finale. Highly recommended read and worthy of five stars.

Thirty years after the shocking and never-solved 1986 assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme on a snowy street in Stockholm, an activist priest is found gruesomely sacrificed on the altar of a Swedish-American church in Minneapolis. The church's immigrant janitor is also slain, execution style.

This was a really gripping mystery/thriller with great plot twists and intriguing characters.

In short, I received an early copy of "Lost Colony" and, despite my usual preference for criminal mysteries, I found it captivating. With a complicated plot, well-rounded characters, and a keen awareness of what interests readers, Berg kept me reading. The journey of the main character, who learnt an important lesson about enduring remorse, was one outstanding feature. It's time well spent to read this book, which I heartily suggest.