Book Review – The Long Shadow

by Liza Marklund (Atria/Emily Bestler Books) ISBN 9780593065570

Annika Bengtzon, a journalist for the Evening Post is given an assignment in Spain. There has been a break-in at a villa in a rich suburb on the Costa De Sol. The thieves used gas to wipe out an entire family, including their dog. Rich people from Sweden own the villas, including celebrities, artists, actors, sports starts and businessmen.

Annika arrives in Marbella where she is to interview everyone. She discovers that there was a daughter who escaped the murders and is now missing. Annika is determined to find the sixteen-year-old girl. She uncovers a mystery that is far more complicated than a robbery. Life in Spain is not what it seems. There is sinister underground activity occurring. She gradually fits the puzzle pieces of violence, terror, abuse and murder, together.

Marklund is a Swedish author, journalist, columnist and ambassador for UNICEF. The story is credible, beautifully constructed and held my attention on each of the 569 pages. I can highly recommend this most enjoyable book.