There are two main types of Scandinavian crime novels. First, there are the ones that try to bring joy to the reader through a protagonist who carries the weight of the world on their shoulders, endlessly depressed (see: Reykjavík Nights). Then, there are those that stand out with some extra twist, like the Harry Hole novels, where the added flavor comes from the brilliance (and alcoholism) of a detective specialized in serial killers (see: Killing Moon). Tove Alsterdal takes a different path. Her book You Will Never Be Found focuses primarily on authenticity.
Eira Sjödin Returns to Investigate
Alsterdal’s series debut, We Know You Remember, won the prestigious Glass Key Award for Best Scandinavian Crime Novel. So, it’s no surprise that the Swedish author’s protagonist, patrol officer Eira Sjödin, is once again given the chance to prove her skills with a new case.
What starts off as the disappearance of an unemployed actor soon reveals itself to be much more serious. Eira, who has been involved in the investigation from the very start, gets the opportunity to participate in the homicide investigation as well.
The Downsides of Authenticity
Since Tove Alsterdal aims for everything in her book to happen as it would in real life, keeping things free of unnecessary embellishments and action, some readers might find themselves dozing off during the opening chapters of You Will Never Be Found. They may start wondering why they’re even reading this book in the first place.
Readers with more traditional tastes and patience will likely be content just following Eira’s struggles with her dementia-stricken mother.
But wait!
You Will Never Be Found really picks up speed
Just like with We Know You Remember, you don’t have to wait long to realize that even a crime novel set in a rural area with average people can turn out to be quite thrilling. In fact, the further you go, the more exciting it gets.
The crime in You Will Never Be Found is a murder, but it’s not quite a murder. The perpetrator’s identity is much more elusive than that of typical criminals. By the time the investigation narrows in on a suspect, there are numerous twists, and the case keeps expanding and becoming more complicated.
At the same time, Alsterdal ensures that even after the culprit is revealed, the tension doesn’t drop. Eira Sjödin, originally a simple police assistant, almost channels the unstoppable determination of Henning Mankell’s maverick protagonist, Kurt Wallander, as she fights against time and the odds right up to the last moment.
She’s a clever one, I’m telling you!
Just Your Average Detective Girl?
Tove Alsterdal crafts a fast-paced, increasingly tense crime novel without giving her protagonist any special traits. Eira Sjödin is your typical girl-next-door type. She’s kind, well-meaning, and dutiful. But even these qualities only become apparent gradually as you pick up on them throughout the story since Eira’s personality takes a backseat to the investigation itself.
She couldn’t be more ordinary.
That said, she’s going through a bit of an early-life crisis, and her luck with men isn’t great either. (A good man is hard to find.) But none of this affects her work as a police officer. Perhaps it’s just that we can’t imagine a Scandinavian crime novel protagonist without some underlying issues.
Conclusion
Tove Alsterdal’s You Will Never Be Found places the police investigation front and center. Fans of traditional, authenticity-driven crime novels will find plenty to enjoy. However, Eira Sjödin’s investigation holds enough twists and excitement that even those looking for more than your average crime story will be satisfied.
Rating: 8/10
You Will Never Be Found (Eira Sjödin #2) by Tove Alsterdal
288 pages, Hardcover
Published in 2023 by Harper
—
Review of the previous book in the series:
We Know You Remember
—
You may also be interested in:
Michael Connelly: The Late Show
The Hunting Dogs by Jørn Lier Horst