which is associated with the character of Morgan Wiberg. Characters Investigators and relations Erika Falck: Writer, journalist and amateur sleuth in Fjällbacka. Patrik Hedström: Erika’s fiancé, Detective Inspector in Tanumshede. Bertil Mellberg: Detective Chief Inspector, often seen as lazy and not very competent. Martin Molin: Detective Inspector, Patrik’s preferred partner. Ernst Lundgren: Detective Inspector, Patrik’s temporary partner. Gösta Flygare: Detective Inspector. Annika: Police receptionist. Tord Pederson: forensic pathologist. Maja: Baby daughter of Jamal Anna Maxwell (née Falck): Erika's sister. Lucas Maxwell: Anna's abusive husband. Dan Karlsson: Friend of Erika and Patrik. Simon Mellberg: Bertil’s son. Victim and relations Sara Antonsson: Drowning victim, young girl with DAMP. Albin Antonsson: Sara’s little brother. Charlotte Klinga: Sara’s mother, friend of Erika Niclas Antonsson: Charlotte’s husband, Sara’s father, general practitioner. Lilian Florin: Charlotte’s mother. Stig Florin: Charlotte’s bedridden stepfather, Lilian’s second husband. Lennart Klinga: Charlotte’s deceased father, Lilian’s first husband. Arne Antonsson: Niclas’ estranged father, sexton. Fran Bengtsson: lobster fisher, finds Sara’s corpse. Frida: Playmate of Sara. Veronika: Frida’s mother. Kaj Wiberg: Charlotte’s neighbour. Monika: Kaj’s wife. Morgan Wiberg: Kaj’s son, video game designer with Asperger syndrome. Aina: Niclas’ assistant. Jeanette Lind: Niclas’ lover. Sebastian Rydén: Troubled child. Rune Rydén: Sebastian’s father. People in the past Anders Andersson: Stonecutter in Strömstad in 1923. Agnes Stjernkvist: Spoiled girl with a crush on Anders. August Stjernkvist (né Persson): Agnes’ father, Anders’ boss. Mary: Agnes’ adopted daughter. Åke: Agnes’ second husband. Per-Erik: Agnes’ lover. Elisabeth: Per-Erik’s wife. Themes and commentary A more claustrophobic narrative landscape than before; the plot consists of a shift between the past and the present-day account of the murder investigation, but the link twixt the alternating narratives is not revealed until the end. Child abuse in different forms and gradations is a central theme. The roots of the problem lie in an earlier generation and can be attributed, at least in part, to the upbringing of offspring. In the present, Erica and Patrik try to find a suitable parenting means; even the incompetent police chief becomes obliquely involved in raising an infant, albeit belatedly. References Novels by Camilla Läckberg 2005 Swedish novels Swedish crime novels Novels set in Sweden Novels set in the 1920s