As time moves forward the past is just that. The Past! Yet
at times the events of the past create a pattern of behavior moving forward that
can create chaos in otherwise ordinary lives. The adage of ‘the sins of the
fathers’ seems very adroit.
In the Hidden Child by Camilla Lackberg we are introduced to
crime writer Erica Falck. Returning to her field of work after the birth of her
child she finds a strange Nazi medal among her mother’s personal effects. As a
child she always found her mother to be elusive, unable to give love. The medal
draws hers curiosity like no other, and she decides to investigate the meaning.
Meanwhile her husband Patric, a police investigator is on
paternity leave from his own job taking care of their young daughter in an
effort to help Erica get back to her tasks. Patic finds himself embroiled in a
murder investigation even as he continues his leave, uncomfortable at missing
out on an egregious murder that has happened. Knowing the Erica will take issue with him
taking the baby to the station he initially does not let her know that he has
been doing some consulting on the side.
Their paths collide when she finds that the man she took the
medal too, one of her mother’s oldest friends has been murdered, and that her
husband is involved in the investigation. Suddenly a quest to answer a personal
question becomes dark and dangerous. Can
digging for the truth of her past put the life of her own family into
peril?
Lackberg has taken us into history in a way that is both
haunting and persuasive. Her characters are interesting and hold a fascination that
keeps pulling you forward. The entry of
their daughter Maja to the story gives you another layer of both charm and
concern. In a strange way the connection of the past circles back creating a
feeling of understanding.
Her history takes you to a time when Nazi Germany was in
full swing, and gives you a possible insight to how the events of such magnitude
could shape the lives of those born way past. Even the joys of the past can
bring about a hardship when tragedy occurs. Yet the vault of secrets from the past must
often be opened to bring about healing, and it is here that Lackberg has set
the stage. Just when you think you
understand, think again, the direction ricochets.
If you enjoy history, romance, suspense and danger then you
will find this work an incredible book to add to your library. The amount of
backstory would be great for both a reading group as well as discussion group.
As theories abound, the discussion would unfold in many directions.
Rating 4\5
This book was received free from the authors publicist. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
2 comments:
I'm not familiar with the author but the book sounds terrific. It looks like part of a series. Does it need to be read in order?
Hi Holly, good to see you back. I do not believe it is a part of a series, and definately stands on its own.
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