A review by cj_mo_2222
The Cuckoo by Camilla Läckberg

dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Camilla Läckberg is one of my favorite crime fiction authors, and I was completely engaged in this book!. It has been several years since there has been a new book in the Fjallbacka/Patrik Hedstrom-Erica Falck, so I was so excited to read this one. It's the eleventh in the series and I have read all of the prior books. The central mystery stands on its own, but it's easier to appreciate some of the developments in the lives of the main characters if you've read some of the earlier books. 

The book includes two timelines, the present and 1980. This method works well in telling this story when it's clear that current crimes could be tied to events from the past. I love how Erica, a true crime writer, is able to make huge contributions to the case her police detective husband, Patrik, is working on. I love their marriage and the way they work together, so it's always great catching up with what is going on in their lives. Readers also get to catch up on the other members of Patrik's team and some of them are going through their own issues.

The initial case involves a renowned photographer who is shot in his gallery right before the opening of his latest show. Things get very dark as there are further deaths. Although there aren't graphic descriptions, this may not be the book for everyone because the deaths of children are involved. There are several plot twists in this book, some I predicted but many were very surprising. Although parts of the story were heartbreaking, I still enjoyed the book and hope the wait for a new Patrik and Erica book is shorter this time. 

I received an advance copy of this book at no cost from NetGalley and Harper Collins UK. My review is voluntary and unbiased. 
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