Description
Book SynopsisThe stunning first instalment in the internationally bestselling Malin Fors series of Swedish crime novels, a Richard & Judy Bookclub selection.
Trade ReviewMeditative. Dark. Really, really cold . . . This is a worthy successor to Larsson's
Millennium trilogy . . . This first installment in Kallentoft's crime series is a splendid representative of the Swedish crime novel, in all its elegance and eeriness. *
Booklist Starred Review *
Don't bother with Stieg Larsson, Kallentoft is better * Magnus Utvik, Sweden's leading critic *
One of the best-realised female heroines I've read by a male writer *
Guardian *
The highest suspense * Camilla Lackberg, international bestselling author of
The Stonecutter *
He has a completely unique style, an exquisite narrative that you drink in with pleasure . . . I'm convinced: a crime novel doesn't get much more beautiful than this *
Kristianstadsbladet *
A gripping opening gambit . . . Investigating inspector Malin Fors is a feisty single mother, whose flaws are intriguing and endearing . . . The chillingly suspense-filled story works up to a truly stunning finale. *
Easy Living *
Sharp writing and original insights add spice *
Literary Review *
This is a dark novel, full of awful people and desperate loneliness. Kallentoft is ruthless in his descriptions, but there is a great story here with solid police work leading Fors to the tale of the dead man in the tree. A must for the fans of Swedish crime novels. *
Globe and Mail *
Most successful as an in-depth exploration of small-town life in a country which is theoretically democratic and egalitarian, but only on the surface. *
Canberra Times *
Kallentoft is gifted . . . He has a knack for characterisation and describing the slow burn of police work. *
The Age (Australia) *
A cleverly crafted . . . dark multilayered murder mystery *
Courier Mail (Australia) *
Malin Fors is an intriguing and complex heroine . . . MIDWINTER SACRIFICE shows the hidden life under the picturesque surface . . . Kallentoft is an outstanding writer * Nordic Bookblog *
More very impressive input from another Scandinavian writer with something refreshingly different to say and with a different way of saying it . . . the background of Sweden in the grip of a cruel and punishing winter is brought vividly to the page. His illustration of the complex character of his heroine is also impressive . . . An impressive book. *
Tangled Web *
Engaging *
Manly Daily (Australia) *
Gripping *
New Books Magazine *
Delivers in spades *
Sunday Herald Sun (Australia) *
Delivers in spades *
Hobart Mercury *
An all-round chilling read, and an interesting beginning to what will be a fascinating five-part series of crime fiction page turners featuring the policewoman. * Sunshine Coast Daily (Australia) *
The prose is spare and the dead man whispers to the detective which she seems to hear and transform into an unerring instinct for the truth. * South Coast Register *
[Kallentoft] is rightly praised for his skill at plotting, as well as his ability to create strongly-realised female protagonists . . . The author's sequence featuring his wonderfully rounded female protagonist Malin Fors is rapidly acquiring a devoted following. * Good Book Guide *
My current favourite among the Scandinavian crime writers is another Swede, Mons Kallentoft. So far, three of his Malin Fors books have been translated into English: Midwinter Sacrifice, Summertime Death and Autumn Killing. I loved them all, particularly for the way Kallentoft gives a voice to his victims. * Alex Gray, author of Sleep Like the Dead *
