The Fire Witness

Insanity and evil pervade the pseudonymous Kepler’s gripping third novel featuring Stockholm Det. Insp. Joona Linna (after 2012’s The Nightmare). At a facility for troubled girls, a resident and the nurse in charge have both had their skulls crushed. One of the inmates, Vicky Bennet, has gone missing, a bloody hammer left in her bed. Although Vicky seems incapable of murder, she becomes the only suspect. Vicky’s theft of a car results in the accidental kidnapping of four-year-old Dante Abrahamsson, who’s asleep in the back of the car. When Linna discovers the missing car in a river, both Vicky and Dante are presumed dead, and the investigation is closed. Linna, though, is certain that they’re both still alive and continues his search. False leads, administrative difficulties, and hints of a case involving Linna’s own family keep the pages flying by. Agent: Jonas Axelsson, Bonnier Group Agency (Sweden). (July)