Hidden in Snow

Stockholm police officer Hanna Ahlander, the heroine of this outstanding series launch from Sten (the Sandhamn Murders series), heads home in tears one evening after a conversation with her hated boss, who accused her of being insubordinate and undisciplined, and threatened to fire her unless she seeks employment elsewhere. Hanna isn’t sure she can tell her live-in boyfriend, Christian, about the situation, but once back at the apartment they share, the issue becomes moot as Christian makes it clear he’s leaving her for another woman; he gives her a week to move out, since it was originally his apartment. Hanna quits her job and moves to Åre, a ski resort where she once unhappily vacationed with her parents, who called her “our little mistake.” She winds up joining Åre’s tiny police force, headed by Daniel Lindskog, a loving but overworked new father, and together they uncover a grisly murder, violent teenage boozing, and an exploitative trafficking scheme. Readers will root for Hanna as she strives to overcome adversity and prove her worth. Scandi noir fans won’t want to miss this one. Agent: Anna Frankl, Nordin Agency (Sweden). (Sept.)