The Hidden Child by Camilla Lackberg

Synopsis :

Crime writer Erica Falck is shocked to discover a Nazi medal among her late mother’s possessions. Haunted by a childhood of neglect, she resolves to dig deep into her family’s past and finally uncover the reasons why. 

Her enquiries lead her to the home of a retired history teacher. He was among her mother’s circle of friends during the Second World War but her questions are met with bizarre and evasive answers. Two days later he meets a violent death. 

Detective Patrik Hedström, Erica’s husband, is on paternity leave but soon becomes embroiled in the murder investigation. Who would kill so ruthlessly to bury secrets so old? Reluctantly Erica must read her mother’s wartime diaries. But within the pages is a painful revelation about Erica’s past. Could what little knowledge she has be enough to endanger her husband and newborn baby? 

The dark past is coming to light, and no one will escape the truth of how they came to be


This is what I say :

The Hidden Child is such an amazing investigative thriller with great insight into the different characters in this universe. The investigative part of this book is also so closely knitted into the personal stories of the characters and certainly can't be separated. Such is the uniqueness of The Hidden Child.

After reading quite a few titles in this universe, I am getting quite familiar with some of the characters.  Either the author is wanting readers to have a better understanding of the characters or I am just paying more attention to them.

Patrik's and Erica's roles are swapped in the book as Patrik is on paternity leave and supposed to care for the daughter 24/7 whereas Erica is supposed to be busy with her books.  However, she was more intrigued by the diaries her mother left behind.

Melberg who is rather 'air headed' boss in the police department is surprising rather endearing in this title.  He suffered tremendously emotionally the past few books so it's a good thing to see things moving towards a rather good direction for him.  

And then there's Gosta. He's the oldest in the team.  It's rather heartbreaking to have an insight into Gosta's personal...How he yearns and thinks back now and then of his child that lived for just a few days after birth many, many years ago.  To quote from the book about Gosta..."So many years have passed since then. Almost an entire lifetime. But he can still feel the tiny hand grasping his finger'.  

Even Annika, with her fear of miscarriages and her fear of adopting a child but yet wanted so much much to do so was given some attention in this title.  Perhaps, it has to do with the theme of  the book.

Yup, Camilla did not neglect any of her characters including Paula, the new girl in town and has something to contribute towards the theme too.

The crimes was also rather unique and well, you just have to read and be immersed into this universe. Overall, an excellent investigative thriller.

So far, I have liked almost all of Camilla's titles. I still have one on my shelf. Can't wait to start on it.