The Swedish town of Linkoping is bathed in Spring sunshine. The trees are blossoming and families are having breakfast at outdoor tables in the main square.
Then a deafening explosion rips through the air.
Broken glass and tulip petals cover the cobblestones, and two little girls, twin sisters, are killed while their mother is left fighting for her life.
Detective Inspector Malin Fors has just attended her own mother's funeral when she is summoned to the devastating scene. But, although Malin is plagued with questions about her past and the secrets her mother never revealed, she must once again bury her own pain if she is to find Tuva and Mira Vigero's killer before he strikes again.
Read MorePraise for Mons Kallentoft's MALIN FORS series - . . .Kallentoft's books have been called beautiful, exquisite and original. I can see why. - Literary ReviewHe 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 - Kristian StadsbladetDon't bother with Stieg Larsson, Kallentoft is better - Magnus Utvik, Sweden's leading criticOne of the best-realised female heroines I've read by a male writer - GuardianThe highest suspense - Camilla Lackberg, international bestselling author of The StonecutterThe strengths of this complex and excellent novel include realistic dialogue, thorough characterisation and concern for social issues - New Zealand ListenerIt is Kallentoft's characterisation and distinctive, often poetic style which make his crime-writing more memorable than most . . . It is compelling reading. The atmosphere of oppressive heat creates the sense of a hell on earth, where evil thrives. It is a powerful and disturbing vision. - Canberra Times