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Camilla Trilogy #1
Farewell to Freedom
#1 internationally bestselling author Sara Blaedel delivers an electrifying, page-turning new novel in which detective Louise Rick confronts a case that will change her life forever.
The Night Women
A journey to a new life or a prison of despair and death? A shocking murder on Copenhagen's idyllic streets and an abandoned child reveal a perverse criminal underworld that crosses international borders.
A young woman's body is found on the street with her throat slit, and the media is clamoring for the grisly details. Detective Louise Rick is investigating the gruesome murder when her friend Camilla Lind calls. Louise assumes it is because Camilla, a crime reporter, wants to be the first to hear of any juicy new developments. Instead, her distraught friend reveals that her ten-year-old son found an abandoned baby on his way to school.
As Louise digs deeper into the murder and the mysterious foundling, every clue uncovered points to organized human trafficking from Eastern Europe, run by ruthless gangsters who won't hesitate to kill anyone who gets in their way...
This gripping, heartwrenching, extraordinary new suspense novel from Sara Blaedel will keep you turning pages as fast as you can straight through to the electrifying finale.
The Night Women
A journey to a new life or a prison of despair and death? A shocking murder on Copenhagen's idyllic streets and an abandoned child reveal a perverse criminal underworld that crosses international borders.
A young woman's body is found on the street with her throat slit, and the media is clamoring for the grisly details. Detective Louise Rick is investigating the gruesome murder when her friend Camilla Lind calls. Louise assumes it is because Camilla, a crime reporter, wants to be the first to hear of any juicy new developments. Instead, her distraught friend reveals that her ten-year-old son found an abandoned baby on his way to school.
As Louise digs deeper into the murder and the mysterious foundling, every clue uncovered points to organized human trafficking from Eastern Europe, run by ruthless gangsters who won't hesitate to kill anyone who gets in their way...
This gripping, heartwrenching, extraordinary new suspense novel from Sara Blaedel will keep you turning pages as fast as you can straight through to the electrifying finale.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
206 people are currently reading
5362 people want to read
About the author
Sara Blaedel
36 books2,037 followersSara Blaedel is the author of the #1 international bestselling series featuring Detective Louise Rick. Her books are published in thirty-seven countries. In 2014 Sara was voted Denmark’s most popular novelist for the fourth time. She is also a recipient of the Golden Laurel, Denmark’s most prestigious literary award.
In 2016 she published the first book "The Undertakers Daughter" in a new trilogy set in Racine, Wisconsin:
Already widowed by the age of forty, Ilka Nichols Jensen, a school portrait photographer, leads a modest, regimented, and uneventful life in Copenhagen. Until unexpected news rocks her quiet existence: Her father–who walked out suddenly and inexplicably on the family more than three decades ago–has died. And he’s left her something in his will: his funeral home. In Racine, Wisconsin.
In 2016 she published the first book "The Undertakers Daughter" in a new trilogy set in Racine, Wisconsin:
Already widowed by the age of forty, Ilka Nichols Jensen, a school portrait photographer, leads a modest, regimented, and uneventful life in Copenhagen. Until unexpected news rocks her quiet existence: Her father–who walked out suddenly and inexplicably on the family more than three decades ago–has died. And he’s left her something in his will: his funeral home. In Racine, Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
May 24, 2024
After I had promised myself not to read any books written by this author any more, I found this novel (volume #4 of the Louise Rick series) at a flea market for a good price, and since I’m a fan of Scandinavian thrillers, I couldn’t resist. But to be honest, I wasn’t surprised that I was not exactly thrilled about it, not only because it’s not too well written, in my humble opinion.
Again I noticed that the author doesn’t avoid difficult topics in her books.
** spoiler alert **
Here she writes about difficult sociopolitical subjects like war, genocide, human trafficking, forced prostitution and rape.
But apart from the fact that the story might already be overloaded as it is, I think if you tackle hot potatoes like that, you should definitely do it with a lot of sensitivity. And to be frank, the author doesn’t really show much of this quality. The book made me cringe more than once because of her insensitive way to express some issues (including discriminatory terms like “gypsy girls”), although I had the impression that she actually tried to make her main characters appear sympathetic and caring. What a pity that she hasn’t really succeeded …
But for all that, the book is not without suspense and better than the second volume of the series, at least.
2.5 stars.
Again I noticed that the author doesn’t avoid difficult topics in her books.
** spoiler alert **
Here she writes about difficult sociopolitical subjects like war, genocide, human trafficking, forced prostitution and rape.
But apart from the fact that the story might already be overloaded as it is, I think if you tackle hot potatoes like that, you should definitely do it with a lot of sensitivity. And to be frank, the author doesn’t really show much of this quality. The book made me cringe more than once because of her insensitive way to express some issues (including discriminatory terms like “gypsy girls”), although I had the impression that she actually tried to make her main characters appear sympathetic and caring. What a pity that she hasn’t really succeeded …
But for all that, the book is not without suspense and better than the second volume of the series, at least.
2.5 stars.
January 21, 2018
I liked this book for its twists and turns, and for its Copenhagen/wider European setting.
However, per the Danish worldview, the characters and the action seemed more muted than I expected.
Readers who have visited or who live in Denmark will especially enjoy this book. The bicycling scenes ring true.
However, per the Danish worldview, the characters and the action seemed more muted than I expected.
Readers who have visited or who live in Denmark will especially enjoy this book. The bicycling scenes ring true.
July 7, 2018
4/5 stars. A gripping, twisty, and very well-executed read with some of the best plotting I’ve read recently.
Read the full review on my blog
Read the full review on my blog
December 23, 2017
As a huge Nordic Noir fan, I've been meaning to start reading Sara Blaedel's books for ages now. Grand Central Publishing is releasing three of her early Louise Rick books in January 2017 and they were kind enough to send them to me early to review. The Night Women is a police procedural that deals with human trafficking. Detective Louise Rick and her good friend, reporter Camilla Lind, both are involved in investigating parts of this case. In this book, I would say both Louise and Camilla get relatively equal time. Since this is my first Louise Rick read and not the first in the series as originally published, I did not feel like I learned as much about her as I would have liked. I almost felt like a learned more about Camilla. I was 100% drawn in toward the end of this book. It did an outstanding job in the end making me want to move onto the next, The Running Girl.
May 27, 2018
Certainly not up to the rave reviews from Oprah.com and Michael Connelly on the cover. It was...okay. I saw the plot twist coming a mile away. There was one unexpected twist near the end, but in hindsight it too was predictable.
I also think the translation was very stilted. Phrasing was awkward and word choices sometimes questionable. So won't be reading any more of her books.
I also think the translation was very stilted. Phrasing was awkward and word choices sometimes questionable. So won't be reading any more of her books.
March 13, 2022
Ufff. Ahora sí ya estoy bien metida en esta serie. Ha mejorado mucho lo que encuentro en estas historias de esta autora. Creo que tiene la mezcla perfecta de misterio, giros de trama, aprendizajes históricos y critica social. Bieñ.
August 7, 2018
Gostei mais deste livro do que estava à espera!
June 30, 2018
Sinceramente esperava muito mais deste livro. Não me identifiquei com o tema da prostituição, achei a história muito “forçada” neste aspecto. De resto é um livro que se lê muito rápido e que fala também de tráfego de mulheres.
December 12, 2012
Once again Danish author Sara Blaedel uses the vehicle of a crime novel series (featuring Copenhagen Detective Louise Rick) to expose the exploitation and abuse of women. In this instance, the emphasis is on a particularly insidious form of prostitution.
In Farewell to Freedom, Blaedel calls attention to human trafficking: specifically, the kidnapping of young foreign girls who are brought over to Copenhagen and forced into prostitution, which was decriminalized (albeit with restrictions) in Denmark in 1999. Since the girls from abroad are only allowed to stay for three months on tourist visas, they are moved from country to country like livestock, which is why those who gain from this human trafficking are known as “shepherds.”
The girls are kept on a punishing schedule to bring money in for the traffickers, and if they object, the pimps threaten to harm or kill them, and/or retaliate against their family members back home. The girls also face a daily threat of possible violence or even death from johns, in addition to the basic degradation and trauma of prostitution generally. They are too afraid to report what is happening to the police.
In Denmark (according to the U.S. State Department’s 2009 Human Rights Report), most of the trafficked women originate from the Baltic countries, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and Latin America. This particular novel involves girls from Czechoslovakia.
As the story opens, one of these girls is found brutally murdered in a way suggesting it was done to serve as a warning for the others. Almost simultaneously, an abandoned infant is found at a nearby church. Are these two events somehow related?
Detective Louise Rick, along with her good friend reporter Camilla Lind, end up, as usual, looking into the same occurrences but from different angles. Whereas Louise approaches them as a relatively dispassionate police investigator, Camilla always gets emotionally involved; in this instance, far too much.
In their personal lives, the plot line involving the infant precipitates a clash between Louise and Camilla on the importance of children: is having them a proper criterion for a successful life? Louise would rather be “free,” and remembered having once visited a fortuneteller "…who in all seriousness told her that a child’s soul chose the mother it wanted before it was born. Personally, Louise was just fine with the fact that no child’s soul had picked her.”
Their attitudes on children come into play as more people become involved in the crimes. Neither woman believes in coincidences: fortunetelling aside, why were all these crimes somehow picking them?
Discussion: Blaedel has an interesting way of taking the reader on what appears to be a plodding, methodical course, following around the police as they slowly get wise to a seemingly obvious perpetrator. Then suddenly she upends the story. But the twist is also rendered in an low-key way, making for a very fun effect. It reminds me of jalapeño chocolate ice cream: you taste the familiar chocolate; you’re wondering what the fuss is; and then the jalapeño kicks in, slow but sure. Yes!!!
Evaluation: The story pulls you in as it moves along, and manages to stack up satisfying surprises in the end. I love how much I learn because of the nature of the crimes highlighted in Blaedel’s police procedurals, and I love that the author spotlights – in a balanced and compassionate manner - sociological problems faced by women.
Note: This is the 4th book in the Louise Rick/Camilla Lind series, but you don’t need to have read the others to figure out who is who and what’s happening
Rating: 3.5/5
In Farewell to Freedom, Blaedel calls attention to human trafficking: specifically, the kidnapping of young foreign girls who are brought over to Copenhagen and forced into prostitution, which was decriminalized (albeit with restrictions) in Denmark in 1999. Since the girls from abroad are only allowed to stay for three months on tourist visas, they are moved from country to country like livestock, which is why those who gain from this human trafficking are known as “shepherds.”
The girls are kept on a punishing schedule to bring money in for the traffickers, and if they object, the pimps threaten to harm or kill them, and/or retaliate against their family members back home. The girls also face a daily threat of possible violence or even death from johns, in addition to the basic degradation and trauma of prostitution generally. They are too afraid to report what is happening to the police.
In Denmark (according to the U.S. State Department’s 2009 Human Rights Report), most of the trafficked women originate from the Baltic countries, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and Latin America. This particular novel involves girls from Czechoslovakia.
As the story opens, one of these girls is found brutally murdered in a way suggesting it was done to serve as a warning for the others. Almost simultaneously, an abandoned infant is found at a nearby church. Are these two events somehow related?
Detective Louise Rick, along with her good friend reporter Camilla Lind, end up, as usual, looking into the same occurrences but from different angles. Whereas Louise approaches them as a relatively dispassionate police investigator, Camilla always gets emotionally involved; in this instance, far too much.
In their personal lives, the plot line involving the infant precipitates a clash between Louise and Camilla on the importance of children: is having them a proper criterion for a successful life? Louise would rather be “free,” and remembered having once visited a fortuneteller "…who in all seriousness told her that a child’s soul chose the mother it wanted before it was born. Personally, Louise was just fine with the fact that no child’s soul had picked her.”
Their attitudes on children come into play as more people become involved in the crimes. Neither woman believes in coincidences: fortunetelling aside, why were all these crimes somehow picking them?
Discussion: Blaedel has an interesting way of taking the reader on what appears to be a plodding, methodical course, following around the police as they slowly get wise to a seemingly obvious perpetrator. Then suddenly she upends the story. But the twist is also rendered in an low-key way, making for a very fun effect. It reminds me of jalapeño chocolate ice cream: you taste the familiar chocolate; you’re wondering what the fuss is; and then the jalapeño kicks in, slow but sure. Yes!!!
Evaluation: The story pulls you in as it moves along, and manages to stack up satisfying surprises in the end. I love how much I learn because of the nature of the crimes highlighted in Blaedel’s police procedurals, and I love that the author spotlights – in a balanced and compassionate manner - sociological problems faced by women.
Note: This is the 4th book in the Louise Rick/Camilla Lind series, but you don’t need to have read the others to figure out who is who and what’s happening
Rating: 3.5/5
June 6, 2025
Voor VrouwenThrillers las ik ‘Genadeloos’
Sara Blӕdel begon haar carrière met het oprichten van een eigen uitgeverij, omdat ze haar verhalen nergens kwijt kon. Inmiddels worden haar boeken wereldwijd vertaald en wordt ze terecht de Deense Queen of Crime genoemd. ´Nooit meer vrij´ is het vierde deel in de succesvolle Louise Rick serie, waarin spanning, emotie en actuele thema’s naadloos samenkomen.
In dit deel raakt rechercheur Louise Rick betrokken bij een complexe moordzaak. Tegelijkertijd wordt haar beste vriendin, journaliste Camilla Lind, geconfronteerd met een ingrijpende persoonlijke gebeurtenis. Beide verhaallijnen worden op krachtige wijze met elkaar verweven, wat het verhaal extra gelaagdheid geeft. Blӕdel hanteert een toegankelijke, vlotte schrijfstijl: helder, zonder overbodige details. De spanningsopbouw is zorgvuldig en effectief; het gevaar is voortdurend voelbaar zonder dat het tempo verslapt. Thema’s als trauma, loyaliteit en verwerking krijgen de ruimte, wat zorgt voor een psychologisch geladen leeservaring.
De relatie tussen Louise en Camilla vormt een belangrijke kern van het boek. Hun hechte vriendschap brengt emotionele diepgang, maar roept ook morele vragen op. Deze persoonlijke dynamiek versterkt het realisme en maakt de personages levensecht. Daarnaast verwerkt Blӕdel actualiteit als mensenhandel, uitbuiting en verlies met nuance en overtuiging. Ze schuwt de confronterende realiteit niet, waardoor het boek behalve spannend ook inhoudelijk krachtig is. Hoewel de delen in deze serie afzonderlijk te lezen zijn, komt de ontwikkeling van de personages het best tot zijn recht wanneer ze op volgorde worden gelezen. Voorkennis verdiept het inzicht in hun handelen en karaktergroei.
´Nooit meer vrij´ is een spannende en gelaagde thriller die niet alleen de zenuwen op de proef stelt, maar ook ruimte biedt voor emotie en maatschappelijk bewustzijn. Voor liefhebbers van vrouwenthrillers is dit boek een aanrader, vooral voor wie graag leest over sterke vrouwen in de hoofdrol. Fans van Camilla Läckberg, Kristina Ohlsson en Liza Marklund zullen zich helemaal thuis voelen in de wereld van Louise Rick.
Sara Blӕdel begon haar carrière met het oprichten van een eigen uitgeverij, omdat ze haar verhalen nergens kwijt kon. Inmiddels worden haar boeken wereldwijd vertaald en wordt ze terecht de Deense Queen of Crime genoemd. ´Nooit meer vrij´ is het vierde deel in de succesvolle Louise Rick serie, waarin spanning, emotie en actuele thema’s naadloos samenkomen.
In dit deel raakt rechercheur Louise Rick betrokken bij een complexe moordzaak. Tegelijkertijd wordt haar beste vriendin, journaliste Camilla Lind, geconfronteerd met een ingrijpende persoonlijke gebeurtenis. Beide verhaallijnen worden op krachtige wijze met elkaar verweven, wat het verhaal extra gelaagdheid geeft. Blӕdel hanteert een toegankelijke, vlotte schrijfstijl: helder, zonder overbodige details. De spanningsopbouw is zorgvuldig en effectief; het gevaar is voortdurend voelbaar zonder dat het tempo verslapt. Thema’s als trauma, loyaliteit en verwerking krijgen de ruimte, wat zorgt voor een psychologisch geladen leeservaring.
De relatie tussen Louise en Camilla vormt een belangrijke kern van het boek. Hun hechte vriendschap brengt emotionele diepgang, maar roept ook morele vragen op. Deze persoonlijke dynamiek versterkt het realisme en maakt de personages levensecht. Daarnaast verwerkt Blӕdel actualiteit als mensenhandel, uitbuiting en verlies met nuance en overtuiging. Ze schuwt de confronterende realiteit niet, waardoor het boek behalve spannend ook inhoudelijk krachtig is. Hoewel de delen in deze serie afzonderlijk te lezen zijn, komt de ontwikkeling van de personages het best tot zijn recht wanneer ze op volgorde worden gelezen. Voorkennis verdiept het inzicht in hun handelen en karaktergroei.
´Nooit meer vrij´ is een spannende en gelaagde thriller die niet alleen de zenuwen op de proef stelt, maar ook ruimte biedt voor emotie en maatschappelijk bewustzijn. Voor liefhebbers van vrouwenthrillers is dit boek een aanrader, vooral voor wie graag leest over sterke vrouwen in de hoofdrol. Fans van Camilla Läckberg, Kristina Ohlsson en Liza Marklund zullen zich helemaal thuis voelen in de wereld van Louise Rick.
November 19, 2012
So far, three of Sara Blaedel's books have been released in English. I have read all three this year, which means that this has been an excellent year. Unfortunately, this ALSO means that I have a long time to wait until either (a) her first book is translated and released or (b) books five, six and seven are translated and released here. Please, PLEASE get on that, Pegasus! Because these books are excellent and I need to read them. And it will take me forever to learn to speak the language.
I finally read the other two books in Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy and the second book, The Girl Who Played With Fire, deals with sex trafficking (as does Farewell to Freedom). I mention that because whereas in that book, it was sort of a necessary aside to deal with before we could get to the major part of the story (the adventures of Lisbeth and Mikael), this WAS the major part of the story.
The thing I love most about Sara Blaedel's mysteries are that Louise Rick is a fully developed character who exists outside of her job as a police detective. She has friends and a life. It's not like one aspect of her (person vs. detective) exists solely to function as a plot device. Does that make sense? I feel like that's where James Patterson has failed in recent years.
(The thing I love second most about her mysteries? EVERYTHING ELSE.)
If you like mysteries, read these books. If you like well-written stories, read these books. If you have ever listened to my recommendations, ever, and liked them, READ THESE BOOKS.
And please help me spread the word because I am already in withdrawal. COME BACK, LOUISE RICK.
I finally read the other two books in Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy and the second book, The Girl Who Played With Fire, deals with sex trafficking (as does Farewell to Freedom). I mention that because whereas in that book, it was sort of a necessary aside to deal with before we could get to the major part of the story (the adventures of Lisbeth and Mikael), this WAS the major part of the story.
The thing I love most about Sara Blaedel's mysteries are that Louise Rick is a fully developed character who exists outside of her job as a police detective. She has friends and a life. It's not like one aspect of her (person vs. detective) exists solely to function as a plot device. Does that make sense? I feel like that's where James Patterson has failed in recent years.
(The thing I love second most about her mysteries? EVERYTHING ELSE.)
If you like mysteries, read these books. If you like well-written stories, read these books. If you have ever listened to my recommendations, ever, and liked them, READ THESE BOOKS.
And please help me spread the word because I am already in withdrawal. COME BACK, LOUISE RICK.
June 27, 2020
4º livro da série Louise Rick e segundo o Goodreads 1° da trilogia da Camila.
Foi um livro em que me custou a entrar, contrariamente aos outros que já li da autora. Só a mais de metade da leitura consegui ganhar algum interesse e daí as 3 *
Foi um livro em que me custou a entrar, contrariamente aos outros que já li da autora. Só a mais de metade da leitura consegui ganhar algum interesse e daí as 3 *
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2018
"Nordic crime fiction is a thing ya'll!"--Me. The Night Women was actually originally published as Farewell to Freedom -since I had not read that little number I was happy to tear into this novel. This is another crime thriller featuring Louise Rick-it takes place early in Rick's career, and it is extremely painful to read, not because of the writing (which is excellent) but because of the subject matter which is horrific. Lincoln freed the slaves-but no one seems to able to end slavery which is still with us today. Rick and her fellow detectives try to shut down a human trafficking ring in Denmark-things do not go quite as planned. Constant Reader, let me urge you again to pick up any Nordic crime fiction you can get your hands on-it's all amazing so far.
October 18, 2018
Este livro só teve um problema, o de não se publicarem os livros pela ordem original... com este livro ficámos a perceber melhor a vida de Louise
March 17, 2019
Acho que estava com as expectativas demasiado altas em relação a este livro. Achei a história pouco interessante e as personagens da Louise e Camilla ainda pouco desenvolvidas
December 14, 2012
Farewell to Freedom by Sara Blædel is a fictional book in a series featuring Copenhagen detective Louise Rick and her friend Camilla Lind, a reporter. This is the third novel translated to English written by the best selling Danish author.
A woman is found with her throat brutally slashed, policewoman Louise Rick and her colleges from the Copenhagen Police start to investigate. During the beginning of the investigation, Louise gets a phone call from her journalist friend, Camilla Lind, who is deeply shaken after finding a baby abandoned in a church.
The clues point to prostitutes of Copenhagen, but the investigation stumbles upon the violent world of Balkan underground human trafficking, exploitation of women, cynical pimps and one vicious criminal with no morals or mercy.
Farewell to Freedom by Sara Blædel is darker than the previous books I read in the series. Previously Ms. Blædel explored drugs, honor killings, online dating and more. This time however the author turns her sights on prostitution and trafficking women.
The book is very well written and it seemed to me that the author has upped a notch her research and storytelling. I was surprised that instead of writing fallacies and inaccuracies, as many others do, Ms. Blædel examined the issues objectively and inserted them into her novel. For example, the point that few prostitutes are victims of trafficking (even though I’m sure we can all agree that even one is too many).
The police procedural parts of the novel seem realistic – gray, boring, futile but necessary. This adds a touch of realism and does not distract or slow down the story which becomes personally involving the two heroines.
The world Ms. Blædel has created is becoming more complex with each book where to bad guys don’t always wear black and good guys don’t always win. The author did a great job telling this tale; her characters got a new perspective on life and I’m looking forward to see if this element changed the energy in the continuation of the series.
For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
A woman is found with her throat brutally slashed, policewoman Louise Rick and her colleges from the Copenhagen Police start to investigate. During the beginning of the investigation, Louise gets a phone call from her journalist friend, Camilla Lind, who is deeply shaken after finding a baby abandoned in a church.
The clues point to prostitutes of Copenhagen, but the investigation stumbles upon the violent world of Balkan underground human trafficking, exploitation of women, cynical pimps and one vicious criminal with no morals or mercy.
Farewell to Freedom by Sara Blædel is darker than the previous books I read in the series. Previously Ms. Blædel explored drugs, honor killings, online dating and more. This time however the author turns her sights on prostitution and trafficking women.
The book is very well written and it seemed to me that the author has upped a notch her research and storytelling. I was surprised that instead of writing fallacies and inaccuracies, as many others do, Ms. Blædel examined the issues objectively and inserted them into her novel. For example, the point that few prostitutes are victims of trafficking (even though I’m sure we can all agree that even one is too many).
The police procedural parts of the novel seem realistic – gray, boring, futile but necessary. This adds a touch of realism and does not distract or slow down the story which becomes personally involving the two heroines.
The world Ms. Blædel has created is becoming more complex with each book where to bad guys don’t always wear black and good guys don’t always win. The author did a great job telling this tale; her characters got a new perspective on life and I’m looking forward to see if this element changed the energy in the continuation of the series.
For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
March 13, 2018
Let me begin by saying that although this is listed as book number three, I have not read any of the prior novels in this series - and I had no trouble figuring out who is who. However on the whole I found this story to be tedious, and not exactly my cup of tea.
I understand that the majority of police work is tedious, however the few "action" sequences we were given didn't seem to bring the story out of that funk. There were also several instances of bad editing (which seeing as how this is an English TRANSLATION novel may account for that). I enjoyed the characters - strong female leads are always a plus, and I do see why this author has enjoyed international fame. In fact, I have no doubt that she will find a lot of US fans as well. Just, when I look at the ending coupled with the story itself? I feel there is just too many marks that were missed with this one.
All things considered, I am sure there are still plenty of people to which this novel will appeal. I'm just starting to think this particular author is not for me.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
I understand that the majority of police work is tedious, however the few "action" sequences we were given didn't seem to bring the story out of that funk. There were also several instances of bad editing (which seeing as how this is an English TRANSLATION novel may account for that). I enjoyed the characters - strong female leads are always a plus, and I do see why this author has enjoyed international fame. In fact, I have no doubt that she will find a lot of US fans as well. Just, when I look at the ending coupled with the story itself? I feel there is just too many marks that were missed with this one.
All things considered, I am sure there are still plenty of people to which this novel will appeal. I'm just starting to think this particular author is not for me.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
January 7, 2022
I didn’t learn my lesson with The Undertakers Daughter. That one was slow buildup to very fast and not satisfying ending. BUT…I somehow had a book that held these two books together so I read on. Ditto! Donating and not reading her again.
May 5, 2016
3 1/2 Stars
March 6, 2020
The book wasn't very exciting at the beginning and I predicted I'm not going to like it, but after the first third, things started to heat up.
The subject is once again very interesting, human trafficking from Eastern Europe.
Well, this subject, for me is interesting because of two reasons. Firstly, my country is one of those Balkan countries where there was war during the late 80's and 90's. Second reason is that I'm very familiar with spoused steeling of children from Bosnia. From time to time, journalists still talk about the strange cases of children who were born healty, but later, mothers were told that their children have died. It is believed that many children were abducted that way and sold all over Europe to people who couldn't have children. So, I believe that this story is based on some true events, or at least rumours that are considered to possibly be true. Also, there is a topic regarding the illegal prostitution, exploitation of women and forcing them to sell their bodies. I believe that even though this is fiction, these issues are very widespread, this is something that people don't talk enough. Media attention is rarely pointed in right directions, they talk about politics too much, they spread fear from things such as Corona virus but they don't talk about real dangers. Here in Croatia, young people are often gone missing and that is something that nobody pays much attention. Usually there is some small article regarding the missing person with their picture and that is it. Who knows how many people have gone missing and were never found but nobody cares about that. I generally feel like many things are being covered up by governments, large organisations and powerful people but people just believe in everything that is served from the media and don't use their brains. Let's consider for a moment that everything is how it is presented. How did Corona virus began in the first place? Is it possible that virus was planted intentionally? How immigrants get past the borders with all that technology and surveillance? For what reasons? If they are not ready to defend their country, who will? How much strange disappearance happened during the years and nobody is asking questions? How is drug trafficking rising up with all that border controls and technology?
I'm not a person who is spreading conspiracy theories, I just don't believe in everything that is said to us. I don't think that ordinary people know what is really happening in the world, we only know what they want us to know. I believe that in the future we are going to just be more and more lied to and manipulated with and who knows what kind of life awaits us. Maybe one of those distopian books will turn out to be true after all.
The subject is once again very interesting, human trafficking from Eastern Europe.
Well, this subject, for me is interesting because of two reasons. Firstly, my country is one of those Balkan countries where there was war during the late 80's and 90's. Second reason is that I'm very familiar with spoused steeling of children from Bosnia. From time to time, journalists still talk about the strange cases of children who were born healty, but later, mothers were told that their children have died. It is believed that many children were abducted that way and sold all over Europe to people who couldn't have children. So, I believe that this story is based on some true events, or at least rumours that are considered to possibly be true. Also, there is a topic regarding the illegal prostitution, exploitation of women and forcing them to sell their bodies. I believe that even though this is fiction, these issues are very widespread, this is something that people don't talk enough. Media attention is rarely pointed in right directions, they talk about politics too much, they spread fear from things such as Corona virus but they don't talk about real dangers. Here in Croatia, young people are often gone missing and that is something that nobody pays much attention. Usually there is some small article regarding the missing person with their picture and that is it. Who knows how many people have gone missing and were never found but nobody cares about that. I generally feel like many things are being covered up by governments, large organisations and powerful people but people just believe in everything that is served from the media and don't use their brains. Let's consider for a moment that everything is how it is presented. How did Corona virus began in the first place? Is it possible that virus was planted intentionally? How immigrants get past the borders with all that technology and surveillance? For what reasons? If they are not ready to defend their country, who will? How much strange disappearance happened during the years and nobody is asking questions? How is drug trafficking rising up with all that border controls and technology?
I'm not a person who is spreading conspiracy theories, I just don't believe in everything that is said to us. I don't think that ordinary people know what is really happening in the world, we only know what they want us to know. I believe that in the future we are going to just be more and more lied to and manipulated with and who knows what kind of life awaits us. Maybe one of those distopian books will turn out to be true after all.
March 2, 2018
I really liked this book. It was very interesting, and had me hooked. There were some parts, however, that were kind of slow and unnecessary to me. Other than that, it was very good. The story line was about detectives who were investigating the murder of a prostitute, Iveta. Also, they were investigating a case on infants who had been abandoned. This book's main topic is basically bringing attention to human trafficking. There's girls who are being forced into prostitution. There's also kidnapping and murder. Crime genres really keep me interested through out the whole book, because once you start the book you just want to keep reading to find out what happens in the end. This book was one of those books that i couldn't put down. It was the first book that i read by Sara Blaedel, and i definitely wan to read more by her. Her style is very unique to me. Sara Blaedel really knows how to keep the mystery going, because i really couldn't have guessed what was going to happen at the end of the book. It kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time. I really recommend this book and this series.
December 26, 2023
4,5 estrelas.
O início deste livro prendeu-me logo, depois de ter aparecido uma mulher morta (possivelmente prostituta) numa zona da Dinamarca.
A partir desse momento, fui criando teorias sobre o possível culpado e, nunca, deixei de acreditar numa, que, a meu ver, fazia todo o sentido.
À medida que a história se desenvolve, começamos a perceber que existem histórias paralelas à narrativa principal (morte da rapariga) e isso, para mim, foi GENIAL.
No fim, tudo aquilo que ia acontecendo, como “side story” encaixou na narrativa principal, de forma a que, tudo se interligou e criou uma só história!!
A única coisa que de certa forma me desiludiu (talvez esta não seja bem a palavra certa) foi chegar ao fim e, apesar de se saber o verdadeiro culpado, não aconteceu mais nada.
Em contrapartida, no fim, há um momento muito querido e acabamos por perceber uma das coisas que acontece à Louise nos livros seguintes.
Gostei bastante deste livro e fico mesmo feliz pela Sara Blaedel nunca me desiludir!
O início deste livro prendeu-me logo, depois de ter aparecido uma mulher morta (possivelmente prostituta) numa zona da Dinamarca.
A partir desse momento, fui criando teorias sobre o possível culpado e, nunca, deixei de acreditar numa, que, a meu ver, fazia todo o sentido.
À medida que a história se desenvolve, começamos a perceber que existem histórias paralelas à narrativa principal (morte da rapariga) e isso, para mim, foi GENIAL.
No fim, tudo aquilo que ia acontecendo, como “side story” encaixou na narrativa principal, de forma a que, tudo se interligou e criou uma só história!!
A única coisa que de certa forma me desiludiu (talvez esta não seja bem a palavra certa) foi chegar ao fim e, apesar de se saber o verdadeiro culpado, não aconteceu mais nada.
Em contrapartida, no fim, há um momento muito querido e acabamos por perceber uma das coisas que acontece à Louise nos livros seguintes.
Gostei bastante deste livro e fico mesmo feliz pela Sara Blaedel nunca me desiludir!
February 16, 2020
Twin mysteries combine in Sara Blaedel’s Night Women. A dead woman and an abandoned baby both provide problems to be solved. But curious teens and the threat of human trafficking, family life and longing, and unfamiliar horror intervene—it’s a story where the good guys and bad guys aren’t always what they seem, where horror is the least of threats, and where friendship might be the tie that truly binds.
Dark, complex, compelling and devious, the Night Women is a good, steady read with great characters, strong female leads, serious problems, and fascinating mystery.
Disclosure: I got a copy for my birthday.
Dark, complex, compelling and devious, the Night Women is a good, steady read with great characters, strong female leads, serious problems, and fascinating mystery.
Disclosure: I got a copy for my birthday.
January 30, 2019
Tendo já lido outro livro desta autora estava à espera de um pouco mais.
Este livro aborda um assunto controverso como a prostituição e mesmo sendo ficção põe à vista as dificuldades e os maus tratos que a maior parte das vezes as mulheres são sujeitas pelos "homens" que supostamente as deveriam proteger.
Outro tema difícil é o abandono dos filhos por parte das "mulheres da rua", pois não têm a possibilidade de ficar com eles e de os criar.
Não sendo um livro excelente, acaba por nos envolver pela forma de escrita sempre muito boa da escritora.
Este livro aborda um assunto controverso como a prostituição e mesmo sendo ficção põe à vista as dificuldades e os maus tratos que a maior parte das vezes as mulheres são sujeitas pelos "homens" que supostamente as deveriam proteger.
Outro tema difícil é o abandono dos filhos por parte das "mulheres da rua", pois não têm a possibilidade de ficar com eles e de os criar.
Não sendo um livro excelente, acaba por nos envolver pela forma de escrita sempre muito boa da escritora.
June 14, 2018
Bastante bom, mas para mim não foi excelente.
Comecei e pensei que com o tempo fosse ficar mais curiosa por descobrir o que se ia passar, mas a minha curiosidade não veio ao de cima.
Não posso dizer que foi mau, nada disso, até foi bastante bom, mas acho que as minhas expectativas estavam muito altas.
opinião completa em: http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.com...
Comecei e pensei que com o tempo fosse ficar mais curiosa por descobrir o que se ia passar, mas a minha curiosidade não veio ao de cima.
Não posso dizer que foi mau, nada disso, até foi bastante bom, mas acho que as minhas expectativas estavam muito altas.
opinião completa em: http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.com...
June 6, 2023
Not great.
I like to read all of the books in a series. This is why I pushed through this one. It was tough. The number of traumas Camilla ensures is pretty ridiculous. The author describes in graphic detail certain crimes and it was so unnecessary it was disturbing. Not sure what’s going on in her head. Trite and rushed at times. It just wasn’t a good book. Hopefully, the next one gets things back on track.
I like to read all of the books in a series. This is why I pushed through this one. It was tough. The number of traumas Camilla ensures is pretty ridiculous. The author describes in graphic detail certain crimes and it was so unnecessary it was disturbing. Not sure what’s going on in her head. Trite and rushed at times. It just wasn’t a good book. Hopefully, the next one gets things back on track.
July 31, 2018
3,5*
Categoria: Livro de um autor nórdico
M - Mulheres da Noite
Categoria: Livro de um autor nórdico
M - Mulheres da Noite
January 3, 2025
This was the first of the Camilla Trilogy. Wasn’t as good as her others and had too many characters. I took notes so I could remember. Plus, they were Swedish names which made it harder. All in all a good detective novel. I will try the next one later this year.
July 5, 2018
2.5* Fraquinho!
February 24, 2019
A good story set in Denmark.
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