Originally published: London : HarperCollins, 2008.

In this electrifying tale of suspense from an international crime-writing sensation, a grisly death exposes the dark heart of a Scandinavian seaside village. Erica Falck returns to her tiny, remote hometown of Fjällbacka, Sweden, after her parents deaths only to encounter another tragedy: the suicide of her childhood best friend, Alex. Its Erica herself who finds Alexs bodysuspended in a bathtub of frozen water, her wrists slashed. Erica is bewildered: Why would a beautiful woman who had it all take her own life? Teaming up with police detective Patrik Hedström, Erica begins to uncover shocking events from Alexs childhood. As one horrifying fact after another comes to light, Erica and Patriks curiosity gives way to obsessionand their flirtation grows into uncontrollable attraction. But its not long before one thing becomes very clear: a deadly secret is at stake, and theres someone out there who will do anythingeven commit murderto protect it. Fans of Scandinavian greats Stieg Larsson and Henning Mankell will devour Camilla Läckberg's penetrating portrait of human nature at its darkest.