Death of the Demon: A Hanne Wilhelmsen Novel
Hanne Wilhelmsen (Blessed Are Those Who Thirst, 2012) is back, having been recently promoted to chief investigator in Oslo’s police department. Right out of the gate, a high-profile case monopolizes the squad’s resources, leaving Hanne only a skeleton crew to investigate a foster-home director’s perplexing murder. This is all the excuse Hanne needs to abandon her ill-fitting leadership role and dive into the investigation with her friend and colleague Billy T.’s small team. It’s both concerning and intriguing that the foster home’s most troubled child, Olav, disappeared on the night of the murder. But the director’s failing marriage, new love, and a series of mysterious workplace “betrayals” also provide leads that demand attention. Hanne’s humanizing personal troubles are less evident this time, replaced by the haunting portrait of a damaged family that even love can’t keep from disaster. Always adept at balancing emotional narrative and strong suspense, Holt has crafted another must-read with this fascinating peek into a modern Sherlock’s investigative mind. --Christine Tran