by Maj Sjöwall
Part of Martin Beck
First published 1993
A predator stalks young girls in Stockholm's parks, leaving the city gripped by fear. Police Superintendent Martin Beck faces a frustrating investigation with few leads. He has a violent mugger in custody who refuses to cooperate and a three-year-old witness too young to provide useful testimony. The police work methodically through dead ends while parents keep their children indoors and the public demands answers. Each day that passes increases the chance of another murder. Then Beck recalls an overheard conversation that might hold the key. As the investigation intensifies, the detectives must confront not only a calculating killer but also their own mounting frustration and horror at the crimes. The case tests their dedication and humanity as they race to prevent the next attack.
Genres: 20th-century, mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: dark, gritty, methodical, suspenseful, tense
Tropes: cat-and-mouse, mounting-tension, procedural-investigation
Setting: Stockholm, Stockholm Parks
Period: 20th century
192 pages · Paperback · Vintage
Content warnings: child-death, murder, violence