Strange Bird (The Maria Wern Series)
Starred Review. Stockholm Text, a Swedish e-book publisher, launches its trade paperback publishing program with this outstanding novel from Jansson (Killer's Island), seventh in her Det. Insp. Marian Wern series. The arrival of a strange male pigeon to the dovecote of Gotland islander Ruben Nilsson begins a horrific chain reaction. The bird is apparently the carrier of a virulent strain of avian flu that quickly claims Nilsson's life and spreads rapidly, causing widespread panic. The responsible government officials are unable to come up with a good plan to remedy the inadequate stocks of medications to prevent and treat infection. Among those affected is Wern, whose preteen son, Emil, is quarantined after some of his fellow campers become ill. As she struggles with her personal situation, the inspector also has to solve the murder of an unidentified man stabbed in the throat. The ending of this suspenseful blend of scientific thriller and whodunit packs a real wallop. (Sept.)