A review by nonna7
The Drowning by Camilla Läckberg

4.0

Reading this book was like being in an old fashioned funhouse: what's in the mirror may not reflect reality. Camilla Lackberg's books are non cozy domestic horrors - reaching back into the past to discover the reason for a murder. Her families are as far from the idyllic as possible: drug users, obese, abusive, cold, horrific and more. The book opens with Erica expecting twins, and her sister, away from her abusive ex and in a relationship with Dan, also expecting a baby. Erica has made a name for herself writing true crime books. Now she will not be the only published author in her little town. She is pleased that Christian Thydell, who works at the local library, has had his book, "The Mermaid," published using the same publisher as Erica. It has received rave reviews. Erica learns that Christian has been receiving anonymous threatening letters. She shows them to Patrik, her husband. Then others receive anonymous letters. In addition, a beloved family member had disappeared months ago without a trace. He was friends with the men receiving the letters, but apparently did not receive any himself. Lackberg also slowly unveils the story of a child whose entire life was marked by emotional abuse. It's a horrific story that ends in a surprising twist. It seems to take a long time for her books to make it to the American market. I hope the next one doesn't take quite as long.