The Hidden Child

Fjällbacka Mysteries, Book 5

By: Camilla Läckberg

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 14 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

The brilliant new psychological thriller from worldwide best seller Camilla Läckberg - the chilling struggle of a young woman facing the darkest chapter of Europe’s past.

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...

©2014 Original material Camilla Läckberg (Pegasus Books Edition); Translation 2013 Marlaine Delargy. Recorded by arrangement with Pegasus Books. (P)2014 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

“Läckberg handles the alternation between the present and the 1940s with steely skill, as she does the dangerous investigation into secrets from Sweden’s past.” ( The Independent)

Closure

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The author creates fascinating characters that are both familiar and uniquely Swedish. I think I was as pleased as Erica to have answers to Questions that had been raised in previous books. Simon Vance is a master at his craft.

Very engaging

Almost listened to it straight through.
It has an intriguing plot, well-drawn characters and moves smoothly through different times.

I can’t stop thinking about this story

This book is amazing. The narrator was excellent at putting voices with each character, and you grew to love many of these people, how fragile some of them were. There were also points of laughter and very witty banter. I was so sad when it was over. I felt like I was saying goodbye to people that I had met and grew to love. One of the reviews said that it was confusing and hard to listen to. But that’s because there are several storylines being that weave together to the phenomenal ending. The book was exciting, thought provoking and at times actually horrifying. And everything led to the beautiful love story. I would give this book ten stars if I could. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!!!

Woven threads of past and present

Wonderful job weaving family histories of the past and present, slowly builds, really enjoyable listening.

The hidden child

Sorry to say this book was a disappointment. From the title you knew what this book is about. I am not a fan of ww2 stores about prison and sufferings at the hands of the Germans. Even the two main characters were very annoying in there attempt at sharing parental duties for a one year old. I was glad to get to the end of story about the past and how old people change.lol really

An interesting story

I loved the story and how all the characters intertwined. Even though there are several ppl involved-the writers flow of the story keeps everything organized and easily followed. Really enjoyed it.

Great interwoven story incorporating World War Two.

Wonderful story defining many characters very well gives you insight to the hardships of a war.

Annoying use of Repetitive plot device continues

An effectively used plot device is one that is not noticed when implemented. When an author uses the same plot device over and over and over again across two books it is impossible to not notice it. The repetition pulls you out of the story and that is unfortunate because otherwise this is a great mystery. What I am referring to is her repeated use of a character in the book making a discovery or having a revelation that is not revealed to the reader until later in the book. It can be a good way to build suspense and mystery but not when it is done so often the hidden revelations stat to pile up and you lose track of them. I first noticed this use in the previous book. Luckily this book is much better overall than that one

I liked the mystery and the use of flashbacks. It really made me wonder about life in Sweden during WWII for my cousins and 2 Great Great Grandmothers alive at the time. If there was still contact with them and what the relatives here thought of the circumstances. The mystery at the center is excellent as past events lead to death in the present. I especially enjoyed the redemption of the chief in a side story. It made him a much more likeable character and less a buffoon. The side story connected to Ericka's sister is also well executed. I am hoping the next book is even better and she grew as a writer.

Great story

Loved all the characters. The mystery was interesting. Now I need to go back ms read all the previous books

very engaging and entertaining mystery.

it took awhile to get used to the speaker. and the story did drag on a bit.