Creator of Hit Netflix Series “Marcella” Ensnares Readers in a Web of Secrets, Assassins and Drug Deals

Cry Wolf by Hans Rosenfeldt

 

When Cry Wolf (Hannover Square Press) opens, we meet Hannah Wester, a policewoman in remote Haparanda, Sweden, just as she’s being plunged into utter chaos. The discovery of a dead wolf, whose last meal was a human, sets off a chain of events involving a drug deal turned blood bath, a lethal female assassin and the ultimate mystery: where did the drugs and money disappear to? Our main character has a past of her own, which is ultimately forced into the light.

The Haparanda police unit conducts a thorough investigation, but quickly, the situation spirals out of control. The female assassin, Katja, is also looking for the drugs and money, and a number of violent crimes start to pile up. She’s running from her past — as are many of the characters in this story. But will anyone be able to escape their history and stay out of their own way?

THIS UNIQUELY STRUCTURED CRIME NOVEL KEEPS READERS ENTHRALLED

The first book in a new series by Hans Rosenfeldt proves that he is the master of creating dark corners woven together by mystery, tragedy and greed. Having watched his Emmy award-winning series Marcella, I knew to expect some darkness and despair. But what was surprising is how Rosenfeldt can weave in so many brutal pasts, deep secrets, and a variety of personalities, relationships and events into one smooth read that keeps you engaged and enthralled. 

Another interesting aspect of this novel is that we actually find out what happens early on. So, I spent a lot of the book wondering “well, what’s going to happen now?” and “when is everyone else going to find out?” The fact that as the reader we had all the answers for most of the book made me constantly wonder what else there could be and what I was missing. Crime novels usually don’t reveal their secrets until the end, and this different approach to crime storytelling was fantastic. 

A CHORUS OF PERSPECTIVE TO WHICH EVEN SWEDEN LENDS HER VOICE

Hearing from all of the characters’ perspectives was great as well. We hear from the wolf (yes, seriously!), Hanna, police chief Gordon Niska, Katja, several drug dealers and, ultimately, the people who concealed the drugs and money, just to name a few. You could see what they’re thinking and how it all fit together —  rather messily I might add! But one of the best perspectives we hear from, in my opinion, is Sweden herself. It was a little odd at first, I couldn’t figure out what was happening. But once I realized, it was nice, a bit of a reset and a break in the story that then set the stage for some future debauchery.

One thing that I would have loved to see in this book was a few resources for readers, like me, who get confused with geography and stumble over characters and names when there are a lot of them. A map of Sweden, Finland and Russia would have been helpful, allowing us to see where key reference points were and how they all fit together. A character list also would have been solid, but I know that’s rare. 

Overall, this book really surprised me in the best possible way. Dark yet engaging; intricate yet simple; and overall, a truly thrilling ride. No spoilers, but the ending had me craving the next installment. Cry Wolf was not at all what I expected, and I can’t wait for more.