Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Helpful Score: 2
First Line: Eilert Berg was not a happy man.
After the death of her parents, biographer Erica Falck finds herself back in her hometown of Fjällbacka, Sweden. Simultaneously trying to go through her parents' things and finish work on her fifth book, Erica is finding both tasks distasteful. When her childhood friend is found with her wrists slashed in a frozen bath, Erica begins writing a memoir about her beautiful but remote friend in which she intends to answer questions about their lost friendship.
While Falck is conducting her own investigation, local detective Patrik Hedstrom is following his own leads on the woman's death. It is only when Erica and Patrik begin working together that the truth begins to emerge about the small town's past.
This is a mystery for those who are character-driven readers. Erica not only writes, grieves for her parents and her lost friendship with the deceased Alex, she has to deal with her younger sister and her grasping husband. Patrik is not only investigating the death of Erica's childhood friend, he has to cope with the boss from hell. Erica and Patrik are attracted to each other, and it's a romance that's well done: enough detail to make romance lovers' toes curl a bit without turning off those who prefer their whodunits with guns and no roses.
Läckberg's interest in people and motivation is clear in The Ice Princess. She also shows a great deal of skill in meting out details to keep the suspense percolating. I can't help but feel that, although she's got two great characters in Erica and Patrik, Läckberg has the most fun with Patrik's boss, Bertil Mellberg:
"What she considered his most repulsive feature, however, was the atrocious comb-over he had constructed to hide his bald pate. He had let the remaining strands of hair grow out-- his employees could only guess how long they must be-- and then he wound the hair round atop his head in an arrangement that most resembled an abandoned crow's nest."
What's scary about Mellberg is that, although his characterization borders on buffoonery, Läckberg doesn't put a foot wrong because I swear I once worked with his twin!
Mellberg aside, I truly enjoyed reading this book. Läckberg is a very visual writer; Scandinavian furniture makers, interior designers and food magazines are mentioned that were totally unknown to me, but I wasn't bothered. That's what an Internet connection and search engines are for. Looking up some of the unfamiliar names helped me see with Läckberg's eyes and educated me, all at the same time. For those readers who don't care about such things, they are very easily ignored.
I deduced what had happened to Alex as a child, but that didn't take away any enjoyment of this book. Good pacing and story combined with excellent characters and motivations to make for a very pleasurable read. I am now looking for the rest of the books in this series because I just have to know about the further adventures of Erica and Patrik.
After the death of her parents, biographer Erica Falck finds herself back in her hometown of Fjällbacka, Sweden. Simultaneously trying to go through her parents' things and finish work on her fifth book, Erica is finding both tasks distasteful. When her childhood friend is found with her wrists slashed in a frozen bath, Erica begins writing a memoir about her beautiful but remote friend in which she intends to answer questions about their lost friendship.
While Falck is conducting her own investigation, local detective Patrik Hedstrom is following his own leads on the woman's death. It is only when Erica and Patrik begin working together that the truth begins to emerge about the small town's past.
This is a mystery for those who are character-driven readers. Erica not only writes, grieves for her parents and her lost friendship with the deceased Alex, she has to deal with her younger sister and her grasping husband. Patrik is not only investigating the death of Erica's childhood friend, he has to cope with the boss from hell. Erica and Patrik are attracted to each other, and it's a romance that's well done: enough detail to make romance lovers' toes curl a bit without turning off those who prefer their whodunits with guns and no roses.
Läckberg's interest in people and motivation is clear in The Ice Princess. She also shows a great deal of skill in meting out details to keep the suspense percolating. I can't help but feel that, although she's got two great characters in Erica and Patrik, Läckberg has the most fun with Patrik's boss, Bertil Mellberg:
"What she considered his most repulsive feature, however, was the atrocious comb-over he had constructed to hide his bald pate. He had let the remaining strands of hair grow out-- his employees could only guess how long they must be-- and then he wound the hair round atop his head in an arrangement that most resembled an abandoned crow's nest."
What's scary about Mellberg is that, although his characterization borders on buffoonery, Läckberg doesn't put a foot wrong because I swear I once worked with his twin!
Mellberg aside, I truly enjoyed reading this book. Läckberg is a very visual writer; Scandinavian furniture makers, interior designers and food magazines are mentioned that were totally unknown to me, but I wasn't bothered. That's what an Internet connection and search engines are for. Looking up some of the unfamiliar names helped me see with Läckberg's eyes and educated me, all at the same time. For those readers who don't care about such things, they are very easily ignored.
I deduced what had happened to Alex as a child, but that didn't take away any enjoyment of this book. Good pacing and story combined with excellent characters and motivations to make for a very pleasurable read. I am now looking for the rest of the books in this series because I just have to know about the further adventures of Erica and Patrik.
Helpful Score: 2
I found this book engrossing and enjoyed seeing that this
was the first book written by this author. Can't wait to
read her next book
was the first book written by this author. Can't wait to
read her next book
Yvonne H. (centralcaligrrrl) reviewed The Ice Princess (Patrik Hedstrom, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I really, really wanted to like this book. Suspense thrillers are my favorite and I was very excited to read a crime mystery by a woman as highly regarded as Camilla Läckberg. Maybe I expected too much, but The Ice Princess just wasnt as astounding as I had hoped it would be.
It did have a decent plot with a few shocking, unexpected twists. Most of the characters were well developed and realistic -- none of them were perfect, just like the rest of us. However, Ms. Läckberg constantly added way too many personal, and unnecessary, details about their lives, which was distracting from the story.
This is the first novel written by Ms. Läckberg and, at times, you can really tell that shes a novice. The text seemed amateurish. It had a very slow but mostly steady pace. Unfortunately, I had to occasionally force myself to keep reading, which shouldnt happen with a suspense thriller.
Im sure that as Camilla sharpens her skills as a writer (which apparently she has already done, considering her six best-sellers) her work will become more enticing. I know shes a hit in Europe, but in my opinion The Ice Princess just doesnt compare to others I read. 2 ½ stars
(Received complimentary copy for review purposes only.)
It did have a decent plot with a few shocking, unexpected twists. Most of the characters were well developed and realistic -- none of them were perfect, just like the rest of us. However, Ms. Läckberg constantly added way too many personal, and unnecessary, details about their lives, which was distracting from the story.
This is the first novel written by Ms. Läckberg and, at times, you can really tell that shes a novice. The text seemed amateurish. It had a very slow but mostly steady pace. Unfortunately, I had to occasionally force myself to keep reading, which shouldnt happen with a suspense thriller.
Im sure that as Camilla sharpens her skills as a writer (which apparently she has already done, considering her six best-sellers) her work will become more enticing. I know shes a hit in Europe, but in my opinion The Ice Princess just doesnt compare to others I read. 2 ½ stars
(Received complimentary copy for review purposes only.)
Great book, moves well, with fabulous detail of Sweden. Recommended.
Helpful Score: 1
Can't put it down! It captivates you from page one. Well done,with great descriptive writing, main characters nicely developed, not as "dark" as some Swedish mysteries.. stick this book in your briefcase or bag and you'll be sneaking pages in at coffee, lunch and on the bus.
Erica Falck returns to her childhood home in Sweden after her parents deaths. While there, she stumbles onto the body of her childhood best friend. It appears that Alexandra has committed suicide in a bathtub of frozen water, slashing her wrists.
Erica is bewildered: why would a beautiful woman like Alex commit suicide? Taking on Alex's parents request to write a newspaper story about their daughter, Erica joins forces with police detective Patrik Hedstrom to discover Alex's secrets. It soon turns out that some secrets can be deadly; and this one can still claim lives.
I enjoyed this mystery very much. I had never read Stieg Larsson or any other Swedish author, but Camilla Lackberg was a great author to start off with. I give this book an A+!
Erica is bewildered: why would a beautiful woman like Alex commit suicide? Taking on Alex's parents request to write a newspaper story about their daughter, Erica joins forces with police detective Patrik Hedstrom to discover Alex's secrets. It soon turns out that some secrets can be deadly; and this one can still claim lives.
I enjoyed this mystery very much. I had never read Stieg Larsson or any other Swedish author, but Camilla Lackberg was a great author to start off with. I give this book an A+!
Eadie B. (eadieburke) -
Erica Falck returns home to Fjallbacka Sweden. Her friend Alex has committed suicide. She teams up with Patrik Hedstrom, police, to find the truth. Old family secrets surface and someone committed murder to protect them. Nice debut. Book was slow in the beginning. Ending was a surprise. Interesting characters. Plot twists. Looking forward to book 2. Recommend to those who love mystery thrillers.
I didn't find the book as good as many reviewers did. It was a big disappointment to me.
The basic story: Erica Flack discovers her childhood best friend dead, Alex, in a tub of icy water. She had not seen her for many years and wants to know what happened in those years. Bit by bit she learns what changed in Alex's life as well as how she came to die.
Seems promising, and it would have been good if another writer had taken it on. But the writing seems amateurish and predictable, skips details, includes unlikely police procedures. It is as if the author did no research at all into how such cases are investigated.
I hope the next reader likes it more than I did, and given the rave reviews, that's likely.
UPDATE: I read it again and liked it a lot more:
First of the Fjallbacka Series. Erika Falck, author of biographies, is living in her childhood home while she clears it out after her parents' deaths. She intends to return to her home in Stockholm when she is done. But she finds a body - a woman, naked, in an icy bathtub. And she realizes it is her childhood friend, Alex.
Erika can't help getting involved in the case, even writing about it. Where had Alex been all these years? Why had her family moved away so suddenly when she was 10?
Erika meets another former classmate, Patrik Hedstrom, who is now the lead detective on the case, and the two work together informally, unearthing many secrets.
The basic story: Erica Flack discovers her childhood best friend dead, Alex, in a tub of icy water. She had not seen her for many years and wants to know what happened in those years. Bit by bit she learns what changed in Alex's life as well as how she came to die.
Seems promising, and it would have been good if another writer had taken it on. But the writing seems amateurish and predictable, skips details, includes unlikely police procedures. It is as if the author did no research at all into how such cases are investigated.
I hope the next reader likes it more than I did, and given the rave reviews, that's likely.
UPDATE: I read it again and liked it a lot more:
First of the Fjallbacka Series. Erika Falck, author of biographies, is living in her childhood home while she clears it out after her parents' deaths. She intends to return to her home in Stockholm when she is done. But she finds a body - a woman, naked, in an icy bathtub. And she realizes it is her childhood friend, Alex.
Erika can't help getting involved in the case, even writing about it. Where had Alex been all these years? Why had her family moved away so suddenly when she was 10?
Erika meets another former classmate, Patrik Hedstrom, who is now the lead detective on the case, and the two work together informally, unearthing many secrets.
After struggling biographer Erica Falck's parents pass away, she returns to her hometown of Fjallbacka, Sweden to attend their funeral. What she finds is a town in crisis; and a community on the brink of inexplicable tragedy. The apparent suicide of her childhood best friend Alexandra is the catalyst.
Erica actually discovers the frozen body of her one-time friend in an ice-cold bath with her wrists slashed. At first glance, it does appear that Alex took her own life - yet Erica is still confused. The friendship between herself and Alex may have drifted apart as they reached adulthood, but surely, Alex would never have become so desperate as to commit suicide, would she?
At the behest of Alex's parents, Erica tentatively agrees to write about her childhood friend. She conceives of writing a book about the beautiful but remote Alex, one which will strive to answer questions about their shared past and lost friendship. As Erica's interest slowly develops into an obsession, her investigation only stirs up even more unanswerable questions...
Meanwhile, local detective Patrick Hedstrom is following his own suspicions about the case. But it's only when Erica and Patrik start working together that the truth begins to emerge about this small town with a deeply disturbing past. And it seems that even after all this time, what is hidden still has the power to cause immeasurable pain and tragedy...to everyone.
I must say that I absolutely loved reading this book. I thought this story was beautifully written and I felt that I got a true taste of Sweden through Ms. Lackberg's writing style. The plot was dramatic, well-developed and it kept me guessing about who were possible suspects right through to the end. In my opinion, Camilla Lackberg is an extraordinary writer and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author sometime very soon. I would give this book an A+!
Erica actually discovers the frozen body of her one-time friend in an ice-cold bath with her wrists slashed. At first glance, it does appear that Alex took her own life - yet Erica is still confused. The friendship between herself and Alex may have drifted apart as they reached adulthood, but surely, Alex would never have become so desperate as to commit suicide, would she?
At the behest of Alex's parents, Erica tentatively agrees to write about her childhood friend. She conceives of writing a book about the beautiful but remote Alex, one which will strive to answer questions about their shared past and lost friendship. As Erica's interest slowly develops into an obsession, her investigation only stirs up even more unanswerable questions...
Meanwhile, local detective Patrick Hedstrom is following his own suspicions about the case. But it's only when Erica and Patrik start working together that the truth begins to emerge about this small town with a deeply disturbing past. And it seems that even after all this time, what is hidden still has the power to cause immeasurable pain and tragedy...to everyone.
I must say that I absolutely loved reading this book. I thought this story was beautifully written and I felt that I got a true taste of Sweden through Ms. Lackberg's writing style. The plot was dramatic, well-developed and it kept me guessing about who were possible suspects right through to the end. In my opinion, Camilla Lackberg is an extraordinary writer and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author sometime very soon. I would give this book an A+!
This Scandinavian writer will remind you a bit of Steig Larsson (of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" series) and is translated into English by Steven Murray who also translated Larsson's works, but this story a bit lighter in texture. Ugly secrets and murder in small-town Sweden, a frustrated female author, and an under-utilized police detective all figure strongly into the plot which is Book 1 of a series of 7 about said detective, Patrik Hedstrom. Enjoyable and well-written mystery.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Ice Princess (Patrik Hedstrom, Bk 1) on + 1728 more book reviews
This book fell very flat for me. I was looking forward to a great read and instead got confused, annoyed and bored. The characters were very shallow and didn't seem to mature as the story went on, timeline was wonky in places and when you can skip ahead 100 pages and not be lost, that is a huge problem. Also, one chapter should not be over 100 pages, just bad editing and it seem ed like no ending in site. Very disappointed.
eh, I wasn't wild about this. The prose was rather simplistic/immature, and the characters weren't particularly believable. On the plus side, it was a quick read!
The plot is superb, chilly, deceptive and lucid. In a small town, Fjallbacka Sweden, a successful biographer Erica Falck no sooner returns to her small town to make a chilling discovery - her childhood best friend Alex, wrists slashed, frozen in her bathtub. It didn't make sense. Alex had everything going for her, successful, self-assured or was she? From here on the story evolves with page turning suspense, doubt and intrigue as the whole scene of Alex's death takes one turn after another.The plot is superb. A book you can't put down.
my daughter originally read this and it was okay when I read it. but my daughter loved she's only posting this to get more books she wants.
nothing special but I would try another one of her books
