It’s always fun when a friend and fellow blogger has a new book released. Author Dort Hummelshoj Jakobsen , who blogs at djskrimiblog, released her latest book - Anna Märklin's Family Chronicles - just before the holidays. I’m delighted to share my thoughts on it. The story is a bit of a psychological mystery, while her Knavesborough series falls more in the cozy category.
ANNA MARKLIN’S FAMILY CHRONICLES by Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen
When I find a story by author Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen, I know I’m in for an entertaining tale filled with humor and quirky characters. While her latest release, Anna Märklin's Family Chronicles, doesn’t quite fall into this same category it is no less an intriguing story. Told in an expert manner, the story draws you in as you gather every tantalizing detail for the stunning conclusion.The story is set in Scandinavia and some of the phrases may be a bit confusing for American readers. However, the author provides a glossary to make the translation smooth and educational.
The story centers around Anna Storm, a young Danish woman whose life is going no where. Her father is seriously ill, she’s unemployed and her neighbor and best friend begins receiving mysterious threats. She wants to know about her father’s family, he refuses and she doesn’t push it. When her friend dies unexpectedly, Anna still does nothing.
It’s only after she discovers her Swedish grandmother’s old notebooks that Anna begins to see things differently. At first she thinks the stories would make great children’s books, but she soon discovers dark family secrets hidden among the stories.
Her grandmother’s writings causes Anna to look at her family life a bit closer, as well as the circumstances of her friend’s death. In addition, the writings have a life-altering affect on Anna as well.
The story flows smoothly back and forth from modern day Denmark to Sweden during the beginning of the last century. Jakobsen does an excellent job setting the scene for both time periods placing the reader in the midst of the action.
The characters are well-developed and thought out. Anna Storm is an intriguing protagonist with flaws making her more realistic. There is tension, suspense, and mystery with a touch of the author’s special humor blended in.
Jakobsen has added a few twists in the story to keep the reader guessing until the end. Anna Märklin's Family Chronicles will hold you spellbound till the end. This is not a cozy mystery, but a story that shines a light on several serious topics and how they can impact a family resulting in murder and mystery. You won’t be able to stop reading until you know the truth.
Author Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen blogs at http://djskrimiblog.wordpress.com
Anna Märklin's Family Chronicles by Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen, Candied Crime, @2012, ASIN: B00AQIGSVQ, Digital Format, 439 KB
FTC Full Disclosure - An eBook copy of this story was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Thanks for stopping by today. Do you enjoy reading books by authors from other countries? Do you have a favorite foreign author?
** Note: Author Elizabeth George was schedule to visit with us today, but due to unforeseen circumstances wasn't able to. Hopefully we can reschedule with her for a later visit. **
I love mysteries and being psyched out.
ReplyDeleteMason - Oh, I'm soooooo glad you chose this! Isn't it a terrific book? Folks, this is at the same time a solid mystery and a really strong story of family history. I recommend it!
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