The master of Scandinavian crime fiction spins a dark tale of passion
and deceit set during World War I: "A memorable and shocking
psychological study" (Publishers Weekly).
October, 1914. Swedish naval officer Lars Tobiasson-Svartman is charged
with a secret mission to take depth readings around the Stockholm
archipelago. In the course of his work, he lands on the rocky isle of
Halsskär. It seems utterly inhabitable, yet Halsskär is home to the
young widow Sara Fredrika. Lars soon learns that Sara, living in
near-total isolation, is unaware that the world is at war.
A man of control and precision, Lars is overwhelmed by his attraction to
the half-wild, illiterate Sara, a total contrast to his reserved,
elegant wife. Giving in to the worst of his impulses, Lars turns into a
far more dangerous man--one ready to trade in lies and even death to get
closer to the lonely woman without losing hold of his wife. All thoughts
of shame, fidelity, and duty are swept to sea as he struggles to
maintain his parallel lives, with devastating consequences for the women
who love him.
Henning Mankell, author of the internationally bestselling Kurt
Wallander Mysteries and the critically acclaimed Chronicler of the
Winds, once again proves himself a master of the novel with this
arresting, disquieting story of obsession.
