Scars of Silence

When two teenagers are found brutally murdered on the island of Lidingö, dressed in white tunics and wearing crowns of candles, former French police officer Maïa Rehn joins local Commissioner Aleksander Storm to unravel a mystery with a shockingly dark heart. WINNER of the Maison de la Press Award, by the author of Yule Island and SON.

'A horrific, baffling crime startles a small Swedish community. This is perfect Scandi Noir, dripping with atmosphere. The writing shines, and the story is impossible to resist. Gustawsson is a master' Shari Lapena

'This revenger's tragedy begins with a bang … a typically Scandi tale of beautiful interiors and ugly emotions that twists and turns like a snared mink' Sunday Times

'A gripping mystery simmering with social outrage – this is what crime fiction should be' Alexandra Sokoloff

'Johana Gustawsson is an extraordinarily talented storyteller, with a beautiful, eloquent writing style. Scars of Silence unfolds at a breathless pace, and the climax is devastating' Kate Rhodes

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Twenty-three years ago, a young woman was murdered on the Swedish island of Lidingö.
The island has kept its silence.
Until now…

As Autumn deepens into darkness in Lidingö, on the Stockholm archipelago, the island is plunged into chaos: in the space of a week, two teenaged boys are murdered. Their bodies are left deep in the forest, dressed in white tunics with crowns of candles on their heads, like offerings to Saint Lucia.

Maïa Rehn has fled Paris for Lidingö after a family tragedy. But when the murders shake the island community, the former police commissioner is drawn into the heart of the investigation, joining Commissioner Aleksander Storm to unravel a mystery as chilling as the Nordic winter.

As they dig deeper, it becomes clear that a wind of vengeance is blowing through the archipelago, unearthing secrets that are as scandalous as they are inhuman.

But what if the victims weren't who they seemed? What if those long silenced have finally found a way to strike back?

How far would they go to make their tormentors pay?

And you – how far would you go?

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'Haunting, human and wholly unputdownable … unforgettable characters caught in the web of a chilling mystery, set against the stark, mesmerising backdrop of Sweden. Few writers balance heart and horror so masterfully – this is Scandi Noir at its finest' Thomas Enger

'A shockingly cold slice of Scandi noir that combines the darkness of folk horror with a sharp-eyed exploration of consent' Sarah Hilary

'Relevant and timely, Scars of Silence is compulsive whodunnit, with a strong and important message, tackling issues of great relevance in today's world. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop – utterly addictive' Sam Holland

'Magnificent! So chilling and atmospheric … I was utterly gripped. Johana Gustawsson gets better and better with every book' Lisa Hall

'A page-turner full of twists and turns, told with devastating tenderness; I felt bereft when it ended. Scars of Silence is a masterclass in Nordic Noir' Heidi Amsinck

'Scars of Silence is incredible – powerful, timely, superb – with layers of emotion even in the darkness. Such a talent!' Louise Swanson