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Jana Berzelius #1
Igaveseks märgitud
Ühel 1991. aasta suvepäeval ärkab üheksa-aastane Jana Berzelius haiglas. Ta ei tea, kes ta on ega mäleta oma minevikku. Kakskümmend üks aastat hiljem, nüüd juba eduka prokurörina, hakkab ta koos kriminaalkomissar Henrik Levini ja inspektor Maria Bolanderiga uurima Norrköpingi Migratsiooniameti juhi Hans Juhléni mõrva. Uurimine võtab ootamatu pöörde, kui leitakse järjekordne surnukeha, seekord nooruki oma. Mida rohkem Jana surnud poisi tausta uurib, seda lähemale jõuab ta oma unustatud minevikule. Järgnevad sündmused on palju vägivaldsemad, kui Jana oleks osanud ette kujutada.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
232 people are currently reading
3913 people want to read
About the author
Emelie Schepp
11 books377 followersAnna Emelie Schepp, född den 5 september 1979 i Motala är svensk kriminalförfattare.
1998 vann hon Östgötateaterns dramapristävling, Möten.
Schepp har tidigare arbetat som projektledare i reklambranschen och arbetar i dag som författare, skribent och krönikör. Hon är även en av programledarna för Deckarpodden, en podcast om livet som författare, och har dessutom skrivit två filmmanus.
År 2013 debuterade hon med kriminalromanen Märkta för livet på eget förlag som blev såld i 40 000 exemplar. Schepp har tecknat ett treboksavtal med Wahlström & Widstrand som hösten 2014 gav ut Märkta för livet på nytt. Märkta för livet är den första delen i serien om åklagare Jana Berzelius.
Idag har Märkta för livet sålt i närmare 200 000 ex enbart i Sverige.
Den 19 Maj 2015 släpptes hennes uppföljare Vita Spår som liksom "Märkta för livet" nominerades till Stora Ljudbokspriset. I maj 2016 släpps Schepps tredje bok "Prio ett". Serien om åklagare Jana Berzelius är såld till 27 länder.
1998 vann hon Östgötateaterns dramapristävling, Möten.
Schepp har tidigare arbetat som projektledare i reklambranschen och arbetar i dag som författare, skribent och krönikör. Hon är även en av programledarna för Deckarpodden, en podcast om livet som författare, och har dessutom skrivit två filmmanus.
År 2013 debuterade hon med kriminalromanen Märkta för livet på eget förlag som blev såld i 40 000 exemplar. Schepp har tecknat ett treboksavtal med Wahlström & Widstrand som hösten 2014 gav ut Märkta för livet på nytt. Märkta för livet är den första delen i serien om åklagare Jana Berzelius.
Idag har Märkta för livet sålt i närmare 200 000 ex enbart i Sverige.
Den 19 Maj 2015 släpptes hennes uppföljare Vita Spår som liksom "Märkta för livet" nominerades till Stora Ljudbokspriset. I maj 2016 släpps Schepps tredje bok "Prio ett". Serien om åklagare Jana Berzelius är såld till 27 länder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 586 reviews
September 9, 2016
I find the desk and brooding mature of these Nordic mysteries/thrillers very appealing. Not sure what that says about me. This is the first in a planned trilogy and it is off to an intriguing start. Jana, a prosecutor with a famous prosecutor father, is a cold, aloof, character, respected but not well liked by the detectives in the unit. She has a past though, one she doesn't remember anything about before the age of nine, when she was a adopted. The killing of the head of customs and then a young boy with a name carved on his neck, will send Jana on a journey back to her past.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well put together story. The first half reads like a police procedural, investigating, pitting together of clues, witnesses but the second half ventures into thriller territory, with plenty of action. Secrets are revealed, plots uncovered, and a mastermind with a secret agenda will be exposed. Jana, will pursue her own personal type of retribution with a vengeance, her back story fully revealed and together in my mind they put her firmly in the range of other strange and different woman characters such as Carol O Connell's Mallory, Taylor Steven's, character Vanessa Michaels and the well known Lisbeth from the Tattoo series. Can't wait tosses where the second installment will take us.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well put together story. The first half reads like a police procedural, investigating, pitting together of clues, witnesses but the second half ventures into thriller territory, with plenty of action. Secrets are revealed, plots uncovered, and a mastermind with a secret agenda will be exposed. Jana, will pursue her own personal type of retribution with a vengeance, her back story fully revealed and together in my mind they put her firmly in the range of other strange and different woman characters such as Carol O Connell's Mallory, Taylor Steven's, character Vanessa Michaels and the well known Lisbeth from the Tattoo series. Can't wait tosses where the second installment will take us.
March 28, 2016
Thank you Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
3.5 stars
This is the first installment in a trilogy introducing us to public prosecutor Jane Berzelius. She is fairly young and detached from her job; her father was also a prosectutor and taught her how to distance herself to be the best at her job that she can be. A high profile death draws us in at the beginning of this story; everyone is a suspect and Jane must remain impartial to even the grieving widow. Then things ramp up when a small, child sized handprint is found in the home, yet the couple had no children. Later, the boy is found dead on the beach with the murder weapon that killed both him and the man found shot in his home. This is an extremely dark tale with many triggers for others involving rape, extreme violence, and child trafficking. There is a bit of a cliff hanger as there are two more books to follow.
I felt this was a fairly strong beginning and the story was certainly gripping and held my attention; however, I had a difficult time connecting with any of the characters and really found myself not able to stand the character of Jane. The darkness of the novel was not a turn off for me but might be for some people. I'm interested to see where this one goes in the future.
3.5 stars
This is the first installment in a trilogy introducing us to public prosecutor Jane Berzelius. She is fairly young and detached from her job; her father was also a prosectutor and taught her how to distance herself to be the best at her job that she can be. A high profile death draws us in at the beginning of this story; everyone is a suspect and Jane must remain impartial to even the grieving widow. Then things ramp up when a small, child sized handprint is found in the home, yet the couple had no children. Later, the boy is found dead on the beach with the murder weapon that killed both him and the man found shot in his home. This is an extremely dark tale with many triggers for others involving rape, extreme violence, and child trafficking. There is a bit of a cliff hanger as there are two more books to follow.
I felt this was a fairly strong beginning and the story was certainly gripping and held my attention; however, I had a difficult time connecting with any of the characters and really found myself not able to stand the character of Jane. The darkness of the novel was not a turn off for me but might be for some people. I'm interested to see where this one goes in the future.
September 5, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
I’ll be honest, the only reason I read this was because of the cover.
Unfortunately, outside of that, this book didn’t work for me at all.
I’ll chalk up my low rating of this Scandinavian thriller to an all-encompassing “lost in translation” excuse.
What we get with this story is a prosecutor, Jana Berzelius, working with the local PD to find the killer of a man who happened to serve as the head of the country’s migration board. You go from this dead guy to a dead boy, to a missing girl and it’s all tied up in a sex trafficking ring.
Honestly, this was painful to read. It wasn’t until the 75% mark that the storyline started to pick up for me, but that’s a long time to wait. The other 3/4 of the book, however, are just mind-numbingly annoying to read.
The English translation of this is too “on the nose.” It is stiff, awkward and formal and so utterly proper that it made the characters feel like they were robotic, devoid of personality.
“No,” she lied.
“But they do mean something,” said Ola.
“Yes, I agree.”
“They must have a purpose.”
“Yes.”
“But I can’t figure it out.”
“No.”
“Or I’m interpreting them wrongly.”
“Perhaps.”
“Frustrating.”
“Yes, I realize it is.”
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!
While I usually like the brooding and dark nature of a Nordic thriller, this almost took that too far, centring the book around a brooding main character who was sooooo dark that she only served to make the story harder to get into.
There were times when I stopped reading this book and actually forgot I was reading it. So, you know...
⭐½ | 1.5 stars rounded up
I’ll be honest, the only reason I read this was because of the cover.
Unfortunately, outside of that, this book didn’t work for me at all.
I’ll chalk up my low rating of this Scandinavian thriller to an all-encompassing “lost in translation” excuse.
What we get with this story is a prosecutor, Jana Berzelius, working with the local PD to find the killer of a man who happened to serve as the head of the country’s migration board. You go from this dead guy to a dead boy, to a missing girl and it’s all tied up in a sex trafficking ring.
Honestly, this was painful to read. It wasn’t until the 75% mark that the storyline started to pick up for me, but that’s a long time to wait. The other 3/4 of the book, however, are just mind-numbingly annoying to read.
The English translation of this is too “on the nose.” It is stiff, awkward and formal and so utterly proper that it made the characters feel like they were robotic, devoid of personality.
“No,” she lied.
“But they do mean something,” said Ola.
“Yes, I agree.”
“They must have a purpose.”
“Yes.”
“But I can’t figure it out.”
“No.”
“Or I’m interpreting them wrongly.”
“Perhaps.”
“Frustrating.”
“Yes, I realize it is.”
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!
While I usually like the brooding and dark nature of a Nordic thriller, this almost took that too far, centring the book around a brooding main character who was sooooo dark that she only served to make the story harder to get into.
There were times when I stopped reading this book and actually forgot I was reading it. So, you know...
⭐½ | 1.5 stars rounded up
Read
July 16, 2023لقد عُثِر على المسؤول عن قضايا اللجوء في مجلس الهجرة بالسويد قتيلاً في منزله ، وباقتفاء آثار البصمات تبين بأنها تعود إلى يد طفل صغير....!
ينطلق فريق عمل بمشاركة المُدعي العام " جانا برسيليوس " لسلسلة من التحقيقات لتكتشف سر خطير يتعلق بماضيها...
هناك وسم باحدى اسماء الأساطير اليونانية على رقبتها هذا هو ما يبدو غريباً ومُبهماً...يرتبط ارتباطاً وثيقاً بالتحقيق...
بشخصيتها الصلبة..الحادة الشائكة التي لا تعرف الاستسلام وتثق بخطواتها في العتمة تعقد العزم على السير في تحريات خاصة موازية لتحقيقات الشرطة لمعرفة ماضيها وهويتها الحقيقية..
لقد ظننت أن هذه كارثة لتضع حياتها المهنية على المحك ولكن ثمة ما هو أشد كارثية وهو الكشف عن الفساد واختطاف الأطفال اللاجئين واستغلالهم في الاعمال القذرة كتجارة المخدرات ، تجارة الأسلحة والقتل بدماء باردة ولامبالاة مُنظمة....
كان الأمر مروعاً ووحشياً للغاية....
عمل فريق التحقيقات كان مُذهلاً ، ورئيس المحققين كان يخالف الصورة النمطية للقائد الذي يُملي التعليمات دون أن يغادر مكتبه ، بل في الحقيقة نال اعجابي جداً ببراعته في تتبع خيوط القضية والربط فيما بينها ، لا يتوانى عن الاقتحام بجرأة ، لا يبالي بالمؤتمرات الصحفية ولا يتوقف عند الترهات...
يهتم بتعليقات الفريق ويأخذها على محمل الجد ويبدي تقديراً بجهودهم للقبض على الأوغاد...
وبالرغم من أن العمل لا يحتمل مكاناً للمشاعر إلا إنني أفتقدتها هنا ، كلما حاولت أن التمسها....افتقدها..وكان ذلك مؤرقاً لي...
بالنهاية ليس هنالك نهاية ، هناك من يقف وراء تلك الجرائم الشنيعة ولابد من الانتقام وهذا هو عنوان الجزء الثاني والذي اتوق لقراءته من الآن....
لقد تأخرتِ...
لا...لا أظن ذلك ، لا يمكن أن يتأخر المرء على شيء لم يبدأ بعد.....
ينطلق فريق عمل بمشاركة المُدعي العام " جانا برسيليوس " لسلسلة من التحقيقات لتكتشف سر خطير يتعلق بماضيها...
هناك وسم باحدى اسماء الأساطير اليونانية على رقبتها هذا هو ما يبدو غريباً ومُبهماً...يرتبط ارتباطاً وثيقاً بالتحقيق...
بشخصيتها الصلبة..الحادة الشائكة التي لا تعرف الاستسلام وتثق بخطواتها في العتمة تعقد العزم على السير في تحريات خاصة موازية لتحقيقات الشرطة لمعرفة ماضيها وهويتها الحقيقية..
لقد ظننت أن هذه كارثة لتضع حياتها المهنية على المحك ولكن ثمة ما هو أشد كارثية وهو الكشف عن الفساد واختطاف الأطفال اللاجئين واستغلالهم في الاعمال القذرة كتجارة المخدرات ، تجارة الأسلحة والقتل بدماء باردة ولامبالاة مُنظمة....
كان الأمر مروعاً ووحشياً للغاية....
عمل فريق التحقيقات كان مُذهلاً ، ورئيس المحققين كان يخالف الصورة النمطية للقائد الذي يُملي التعليمات دون أن يغادر مكتبه ، بل في الحقيقة نال اعجابي جداً ببراعته في تتبع خيوط القضية والربط فيما بينها ، لا يتوانى عن الاقتحام بجرأة ، لا يبالي بالمؤتمرات الصحفية ولا يتوقف عند الترهات...
يهتم بتعليقات الفريق ويأخذها على محمل الجد ويبدي تقديراً بجهودهم للقبض على الأوغاد...
وبالرغم من أن العمل لا يحتمل مكاناً للمشاعر إلا إنني أفتقدتها هنا ، كلما حاولت أن التمسها....افتقدها..وكان ذلك مؤرقاً لي...
بالنهاية ليس هنالك نهاية ، هناك من يقف وراء تلك الجرائم الشنيعة ولابد من الانتقام وهذا هو عنوان الجزء الثاني والذي اتوق لقراءته من الآن....
لقد تأخرتِ...
لا...لا أظن ذلك ، لا يمكن أن يتأخر المرء على شيء لم يبدأ بعد.....
December 18, 2018
Geweldig boek! Benieuwd naar het vervolg erop...
December 18, 2016
I have the second book of this trilogy (Marked for Revenge) on my TBR pile & thought I’d better get my mitts on the first one instead of jumping into the middle of a series. Glad I did.
The publicity blurb gives a good synopsis of the story line so I won’t re-blab too much of the plot. This is an excellent example of compelling Scandi-noir with a strong female protagonist. Jana Berzelius is a public prosecutor & ends up working with police on a complex case with shocking ties to her personal past. As the book progresses, we learn what is lurking behind her cool, uber-eficient facade.
The author hooks us (and Jana) up to a slow drip of background info that has major ramifications for how the case will play out. She also tackles tough subjects such as child trafficking & abuse of immigrants seeking asylum, topics that have chilling relevance in current affairs.
It’s a dark, fast paced read with a wide range of characters. Some will invoke your sympathy, others you’ll abhor. What kept me reading was trying to figure out how the MC would get herself out of the whole snarly mess. By the end, police close the case but we know there is much more to the story & it sets the stage for an inevitable showdown between Jana & one of the characters.
My only complaint has to do with the translation. I’m not sure if Ms. Schepp or someone else produced the english version. Regrettably, there are many instances of odd word choices & awkward phrasing that cause your eyes to stumble & take note. It pulls you out of the moment which is unfortunate as there’s a great story here that would be even better with improved flow. However, as a first novel it’s still an impressive debut.
If you’re a fan of “cozies”, step away! The obvious comparisons as far as the MC is concerned would be those created by Carol O’Connell, Taylor Stevens & (to a lesser extent) Stieg Larsson. I’d recommend starting here as there is a tremendous amount of back story that will no doubt inform the rest of the series. On to book #2!
The publicity blurb gives a good synopsis of the story line so I won’t re-blab too much of the plot. This is an excellent example of compelling Scandi-noir with a strong female protagonist. Jana Berzelius is a public prosecutor & ends up working with police on a complex case with shocking ties to her personal past. As the book progresses, we learn what is lurking behind her cool, uber-eficient facade.
The author hooks us (and Jana) up to a slow drip of background info that has major ramifications for how the case will play out. She also tackles tough subjects such as child trafficking & abuse of immigrants seeking asylum, topics that have chilling relevance in current affairs.
It’s a dark, fast paced read with a wide range of characters. Some will invoke your sympathy, others you’ll abhor. What kept me reading was trying to figure out how the MC would get herself out of the whole snarly mess. By the end, police close the case but we know there is much more to the story & it sets the stage for an inevitable showdown between Jana & one of the characters.
My only complaint has to do with the translation. I’m not sure if Ms. Schepp or someone else produced the english version. Regrettably, there are many instances of odd word choices & awkward phrasing that cause your eyes to stumble & take note. It pulls you out of the moment which is unfortunate as there’s a great story here that would be even better with improved flow. However, as a first novel it’s still an impressive debut.
If you’re a fan of “cozies”, step away! The obvious comparisons as far as the MC is concerned would be those created by Carol O’Connell, Taylor Stevens & (to a lesser extent) Stieg Larsson. I’d recommend starting here as there is a tremendous amount of back story that will no doubt inform the rest of the series. On to book #2!
May 10, 2016
4/5 stars for this awesome Nordic Noir read!!! I loved this book through and through. The translation wasn't final on the copy I received, and that did impede my reading experience a little, but overall it was just. So. Good.
November 9, 2023
Dar vienas gražusis, juodasis BALTO trileris. Neatsidžiaugiu aš jų viršelių grožiu ir visais kitais unikaliais leidybiniais sprendimais. Tačiau, deja, šis buvo pirmasis iš jų, kuris ne itin patiko. Labai daug temų sudėta į vieną ir vietomis per ne lyg melodramatiška buvo.
Čia lygiagrečiai pasakojamos tiek detektyvinė, tiek asmeninio prokurorės Janos gyvenimo linijos. Jana prisideda prie nužudymo tyrimo, kuomet nušautas buvo rastas migracijos departamento viršininkas. Tai įvyko jo paties namuose ir nors pora vaikų neturi, ten pat buvo rasta ir daug vaikiškų pirštų antspaudų. Keistenybės čia nesibaigė: netrukus randamas ir nušautas berniukas, o šalia jo ginklas. Būtent tas, kuriuo nužudytas viršininkas. Tirdama šią bylą, Jana nė nenumano, kad kartu aiškinsis ir savo itin miglotą praeitį.
Viskas čia taaaaip susipynę ir tiek daug visokių neįtikėtinų dalykų, kad sunkiai sekėsi į pasakojimą žvelgti rimtai. Toks šiek tiek "iš fantastikos serijos", pasirodė. Daug veikėjų vaikų ir jų elgesys vietomis (dažnomis) niekaip neįtikino. Elementarios logikos pritrūko. Pati Jana, nors vaizduojama, itin rimta ir pasikausčius savo profesijoj, iškilus rimtesnei asmeninei problemai - elgdavosi neapgalvotai ir kvailai. Vien jau tas, kad būdama tokia gudragalvė, niekaip IKI ŠIŲ įvykių nesiaiškino savo praeities, (nenoriu spoilint), bet na, tokiąąąą patirtį tikrai aiškintųsi visi ir kiekvienas, čia ir dabar. Neįtikino manęs ši knyga...
Čia lygiagrečiai pasakojamos tiek detektyvinė, tiek asmeninio prokurorės Janos gyvenimo linijos. Jana prisideda prie nužudymo tyrimo, kuomet nušautas buvo rastas migracijos departamento viršininkas. Tai įvyko jo paties namuose ir nors pora vaikų neturi, ten pat buvo rasta ir daug vaikiškų pirštų antspaudų. Keistenybės čia nesibaigė: netrukus randamas ir nušautas berniukas, o šalia jo ginklas. Būtent tas, kuriuo nužudytas viršininkas. Tirdama šią bylą, Jana nė nenumano, kad kartu aiškinsis ir savo itin miglotą praeitį.
Viskas čia taaaaip susipynę ir tiek daug visokių neįtikėtinų dalykų, kad sunkiai sekėsi į pasakojimą žvelgti rimtai. Toks šiek tiek "iš fantastikos serijos", pasirodė. Daug veikėjų vaikų ir jų elgesys vietomis (dažnomis) niekaip neįtikino. Elementarios logikos pritrūko. Pati Jana, nors vaizduojama, itin rimta ir pasikausčius savo profesijoj, iškilus rimtesnei asmeninei problemai - elgdavosi neapgalvotai ir kvailai. Vien jau tas, kad būdama tokia gudragalvė, niekaip IKI ŠIŲ įvykių nesiaiškino savo praeities, (nenoriu spoilint), bet na, tokiąąąą patirtį tikrai aiškintųsi visi ir kiekvienas, čia ir dabar. Neįtikino manęs ši knyga...
June 2, 2025
Até podia ser interessante — tráfico de seres humanos entre o Chile e a Suécia tem tudo para um thriller tenso e intenso. Mas Emelie Schepp consegue o feito notável de transformar isso num desfile de tédio e monotonia. As personagens são mais que muitas, todas irrelevantes, nenhuma convence, e todas merecem o esquecimento imediato.
A escrita? Tem a emoção de um manual de instruções ou, com sorte, de um relatório de contabilidade.
Ainda há por ali uma tentativa de criar tensão, mas ficou mesmo só pela tentativa.
Uma mega chatice, com selo internacional.
A escrita? Tem a emoção de um manual de instruções ou, com sorte, de um relatório de contabilidade.
Ainda há por ali uma tentativa de criar tensão, mas ficou mesmo só pela tentativa.
Uma mega chatice, com selo internacional.
July 30, 2020
Iespējams, ka paēdušai pelei milti rūgti. :)
Grāmatas pirmajā pusē detektīvlīnija likās tāda dikti remdena. Par daudz izmeklētāju privātās dzīves, kaitinoša detektīve Mia (un pat nevarētu attaisnot, ka viņa tomēr ir laba), izmeklētāju komanda arī likās tāda haotiska, nesavākta savās darbībās. Vienīgais sakarīgais (par kura privāto pusi vispār nekā nebija, par laimi) likās speciālists datorlietās un eksperti.
Noziegumi, kas sākās prokurores Jānas bērnībā un tika shēmoti vēl tagad, šķita diezgan nereāli (vismaz pēc mērogiem). Pašai prokurorei Jānai nebija ne vainas, viņa grāmatas otrajā pusē piešķīra tādu trillera cienīgu dinamiku.
Bet kopumā - lasīt var.
Grāmatas pirmajā pusē detektīvlīnija likās tāda dikti remdena. Par daudz izmeklētāju privātās dzīves, kaitinoša detektīve Mia (un pat nevarētu attaisnot, ka viņa tomēr ir laba), izmeklētāju komanda arī likās tāda haotiska, nesavākta savās darbībās. Vienīgais sakarīgais (par kura privāto pusi vispār nekā nebija, par laimi) likās speciālists datorlietās un eksperti.
Noziegumi, kas sākās prokurores Jānas bērnībā un tika shēmoti vēl tagad, šķita diezgan nereāli (vismaz pēc mērogiem). Pašai prokurorei Jānai nebija ne vainas, viņa grāmatas otrajā pusē piešķīra tādu trillera cienīgu dinamiku.
Bet kopumā - lasīt var.
June 30, 2017
Emelie Schepp is good as Jo Nesbo. Marked For Life is one of the best Swedish crime novels that I have ever read .
Kerstin Juhlen apparently found her husband dead on the floor when she came home from a walk to the beach and back.
Her husband Hans Juhlen was head of department dealing with asylum cases at the Migration Agency local office.
When Kerstin entered the house she didn’t see anyone else. A window was open when Kerstin came home and she closed it as she was afraid that someone might come back in. The window is examined for finger prints where there happens to be a child’s finger prints on the window, but the only puzzle is Hans and Kerstin don’t have children.
Kerstin Juhlen had been detained in connection with the death of her husband. According to the police Hans was shot dead murdered. The police don’t know anything about Hans Juhlen wife, half brother who has an eight-year-old son, friends or his acquaintances.
The question is was anyone angry with him? Or threatening him?
I recommend Marked For Life where this story seems like a murder that was well planned and keeps you guessing who murdered Hans Juhlen. I would like to thank HQ for sending me the paperback and inviting me to cover the blog tour.
Kerstin Juhlen apparently found her husband dead on the floor when she came home from a walk to the beach and back.
Her husband Hans Juhlen was head of department dealing with asylum cases at the Migration Agency local office.
When Kerstin entered the house she didn’t see anyone else. A window was open when Kerstin came home and she closed it as she was afraid that someone might come back in. The window is examined for finger prints where there happens to be a child’s finger prints on the window, but the only puzzle is Hans and Kerstin don’t have children.
Kerstin Juhlen had been detained in connection with the death of her husband. According to the police Hans was shot dead murdered. The police don’t know anything about Hans Juhlen wife, half brother who has an eight-year-old son, friends or his acquaintances.
The question is was anyone angry with him? Or threatening him?
I recommend Marked For Life where this story seems like a murder that was well planned and keeps you guessing who murdered Hans Juhlen. I would like to thank HQ for sending me the paperback and inviting me to cover the blog tour.
May 11, 2023
Zomer 1986. Vluchtelingen, Chili, Zweden en een verborgen verleden zijn de ingrediënten van deze ijzersterke thriller. Een jong meisje wordt wakker in het ziekenhuis. Ze heeft geen idee hoe ze daar terecht gekomen is.
2012: In Zweden wordt het hoofd van de immigratiedienst vermoord. Alle sporen leiden naar een kind als dader. Officier van justie Jana duikt in de zaak en dat brengt bij haar gruwelijke herinneringen aan haar eigen verleden boven. Wat gaat er schuil achter de nu zo sterke Jana? En is zij eigenlijk wel te vertrouwen?
Eindelijk ben ik dan begonnen aan deze serie met Jana Berzelius in de hoofdrol. Ze is officier van justitie en raakt betrokken bij de moord op het hoofd van de Immigratiedienst. Had deze man een heleboel vijanden? En zoja, wie heeft de moord gepleegd? Dit vroeg ik mij de hele tijd af...
Je maakt ondertussen ook steeds sprongen naar het verleden en leest, de cursieve tekst, vanuit een nog onbekend personage. Naarmate het verhaal vordert wordt duidelijk wie diegene is. Maar deze stukken waren best wreed en heftig.
Je leert Jana heel erg goed kennen in dit eerste deel en het blijkt dat ze een heftig verleden heeft. Ook dit speelt een erg grote rol en ik vond het dan ook een enorm interessant personage. De ontwikkeling van de moordzaak was tevens interessant en uiteindelijk blijkt het blijkt nog duisterder en schokkender te zijn dan dat het op het eerste oog lijkt... Wat heeft het verleden met het heden te maken?
Misschien dat sommige stukken een beetje onrealistisch zijn en net iets te makkelijk gaan, maar het heeft mij wel enorm nieuwsgierig gemaakt naar het volgende deel, dus deze ga ik zeker heel snel lezen!
Beoordeling: 3,5/4,0 ⭐️
2012: In Zweden wordt het hoofd van de immigratiedienst vermoord. Alle sporen leiden naar een kind als dader. Officier van justie Jana duikt in de zaak en dat brengt bij haar gruwelijke herinneringen aan haar eigen verleden boven. Wat gaat er schuil achter de nu zo sterke Jana? En is zij eigenlijk wel te vertrouwen?
Eindelijk ben ik dan begonnen aan deze serie met Jana Berzelius in de hoofdrol. Ze is officier van justitie en raakt betrokken bij de moord op het hoofd van de Immigratiedienst. Had deze man een heleboel vijanden? En zoja, wie heeft de moord gepleegd? Dit vroeg ik mij de hele tijd af...
Je maakt ondertussen ook steeds sprongen naar het verleden en leest, de cursieve tekst, vanuit een nog onbekend personage. Naarmate het verhaal vordert wordt duidelijk wie diegene is. Maar deze stukken waren best wreed en heftig.
Je leert Jana heel erg goed kennen in dit eerste deel en het blijkt dat ze een heftig verleden heeft. Ook dit speelt een erg grote rol en ik vond het dan ook een enorm interessant personage. De ontwikkeling van de moordzaak was tevens interessant en uiteindelijk blijkt het blijkt nog duisterder en schokkender te zijn dan dat het op het eerste oog lijkt... Wat heeft het verleden met het heden te maken?
Misschien dat sommige stukken een beetje onrealistisch zijn en net iets te makkelijk gaan, maar het heeft mij wel enorm nieuwsgierig gemaakt naar het volgende deel, dus deze ga ik zeker heel snel lezen!
Beoordeling: 3,5/4,0 ⭐️
October 27, 2016
Por primera vez necesito poner media estrella 4,5*
Es buenísima! Por obvias razones no puedo decir nada del argumento, pero a quienes les gusta el policial, este libro es para ustedes.-
Me encantó la protagonista, un personaje políticamente incorrecto con serias dificultades para socializar.- Muy real todo, casi que cinematográfico.- Lo recomiendo y espero ansiosa que salgan en español los siguientes, no me veo leyendo en sueco!
Es buenísima! Por obvias razones no puedo decir nada del argumento, pero a quienes les gusta el policial, este libro es para ustedes.-
Me encantó la protagonista, un personaje políticamente incorrecto con serias dificultades para socializar.- Muy real todo, casi que cinematográfico.- Lo recomiendo y espero ansiosa que salgan en español los siguientes, no me veo leyendo en sueco!
February 25, 2020
“O pagas ya, o te arriesgas a pagar un precio más alto.”
Definitivamente no hay como los escritores nórdicos para escribir novela negra. ¡Son los mejores!
“Almas robadas” es el primero de la trilogía protagonizada por la fiscal Jana Berzelius. En esta novela, Emelie Shepp nos presenta una estructura diferente en cuanto a los crímenes se refiere.
Ya no es solo la aparición de la víctima, sino toda la red de intrigas y asesinatos que la envuelven. Se mezcla el pasado y el presente, y el lector va por delante de la policía, y aun así, la autora logra crear intriga.
Tiene una buena trama, muy bien escrita, y me ha encantado la protagonista, que definitivamente no es nada de lo que uno espera o a lo que se está acostumbrado.
El final es original y novedoso, solo un tanto rebuscado.
Lo único que no me ha gustado, es la traducción en español que le han colocado, prefiero su nombre original.
Ha sido un buen inicio con esta aurora, y espero contar pronto con la continuación de la serie...
100% recomendado
Definitivamente no hay como los escritores nórdicos para escribir novela negra. ¡Son los mejores!
“Almas robadas” es el primero de la trilogía protagonizada por la fiscal Jana Berzelius. En esta novela, Emelie Shepp nos presenta una estructura diferente en cuanto a los crímenes se refiere.
Ya no es solo la aparición de la víctima, sino toda la red de intrigas y asesinatos que la envuelven. Se mezcla el pasado y el presente, y el lector va por delante de la policía, y aun así, la autora logra crear intriga.
Tiene una buena trama, muy bien escrita, y me ha encantado la protagonista, que definitivamente no es nada de lo que uno espera o a lo que se está acostumbrado.
El final es original y novedoso, solo un tanto rebuscado.
Lo único que no me ha gustado, es la traducción en español que le han colocado, prefiero su nombre original.
Ha sido un buen inicio con esta aurora, y espero contar pronto con la continuación de la serie...
100% recomendado
December 27, 2017
Hacía tiempo que la tenía pendiente y la he leído ahora que ha salido la segunda novela de lo que, creo, es una trilogía. En este caso, no se puede decir que la protagonista sea carismática, ya que es una fiscal fría, austera, que no muestra nunca lo que piensa o siente.... pero a lo largo del libro, vamos conciendo los motivos de su carácter; ya que la investigación de un asesinato, la lleva a descubrir cosas sobre si misma.
September 25, 2024
Neblogas trileris ir labai intriguojantis.
Lauksiu kitų serijos dalių. 📚🤗
Lauksiu kitų serijos dalių. 📚🤗
July 11, 2017
Marked For Life is the first book in a trilogy featuring public prosecutor Jana Berzelius. The head of the Migration Board has been found dead in his home. With o shortage of suspects, the last thing the investigators expected to find was a child’s fingerprint, especially as the deceased doesn’t have any children.
Berzelius is brought in on the case, and the normally calm and cold prosecutor is left reeling when a young boy is found dead a few days after the first murder. Dredging up memories long forgotten, Berzelius is dragged into an investigation for more dangerous and close to home than she was expecting.
Marked For Life is an interesting start to this trilogy. It introduces the reader to Jana, but it also sets the scene for a much larger story. In Marked For Life, they deal with the horrendous subject of human trafficking, and the repercussions of the investigation are numerous and far-reaching.
I really enjoyed Marked For Life. I do love books that are set in Scandinavian countries. This one has a great storyline, interesting characters and it kept my attention while I was reading. It also leaves the door open for the next book in the series. I am looking forward to seeing where the author goes with it.
Recommended.
Berzelius is brought in on the case, and the normally calm and cold prosecutor is left reeling when a young boy is found dead a few days after the first murder. Dredging up memories long forgotten, Berzelius is dragged into an investigation for more dangerous and close to home than she was expecting.
Marked For Life is an interesting start to this trilogy. It introduces the reader to Jana, but it also sets the scene for a much larger story. In Marked For Life, they deal with the horrendous subject of human trafficking, and the repercussions of the investigation are numerous and far-reaching.
I really enjoyed Marked For Life. I do love books that are set in Scandinavian countries. This one has a great storyline, interesting characters and it kept my attention while I was reading. It also leaves the door open for the next book in the series. I am looking forward to seeing where the author goes with it.
Recommended.
September 30, 2016
For my full review visit my blog Clues and Reviews
www.cluesandreviews.wordpress.com
This is the first piece of Nordic crime that I have ever read and I was impressed! The novel mimics a police procedural novel but it’s very unique in the sense that it switches gears during the second half of the novel. It's for sure worth the read!
www.cluesandreviews.wordpress.com
This is the first piece of Nordic crime that I have ever read and I was impressed! The novel mimics a police procedural novel but it’s very unique in the sense that it switches gears during the second half of the novel. It's for sure worth the read!
June 18, 2017
Marked for Life is the first book in the noir trilogy featuring public prosecutor Jana Berzelius – a trilogy I look forward to continuing.
Jana is such a complex and interesting character. I love that Schepp didn’t create your typical main protagonist – Jana is not likeable, in fact, one could argue she’s the opposite, cold, distance, rude and I loved every part of her character. While she wasn’t likeable, her complex character and her will to do whatever she felt was necessary to survive made this novel a layered and interesting read. Schepp not only gives us an insight into the life of the main protagonist but also of her colleagues too, I really like this as it made them come across as real people struggling with the same issues you and me could be struggling with (eg. marriage and money). Schepp has clearly put a lot of thought into her character development and I hope these characters feature alongside Jana in book two. Especially Henrik, his backstory (bar Jana’s) was my favourite, his wife was so controlling – he couldn’t even join the gym without her permission, not even go out jogging without her say so – I mean, what is that all about!
Marked for Life certainly has the cold climate Nordic Noir is so well known for, it doesn’t, however, have the moody atmosphere, that beautiful darkness and I attribute that to Jana being so standoffish, her “programmed” way of life prevented that connection. Don’t miss understand me, the plot is dark, extremely dark, and features disturbing content of rape, violence and child trafficking but it just didn’t have that ‘x-factor’ I yearn for in Noir. However, Schepp did go some way to make up for this in the complexity of the case, it started off as your expected police procedural and then focused more on the rouge actions of Jana conducting her own investigation, making the latter half read like a thriller. Child trafficking cases are common in crime fiction so I appreciate Schepp changing the tempo of this one to keep the reader engaged.
While some elements of the plot were predictable, I didn’t mind because Jana is such a fascinating character due to her cold-hearted nature, and I can’t wait to explore her character further in book two.
*My thanks to the publisher (HQ) for granting me access to a digital copy of this book via Netgalley*
Jana is such a complex and interesting character. I love that Schepp didn’t create your typical main protagonist – Jana is not likeable, in fact, one could argue she’s the opposite, cold, distance, rude and I loved every part of her character. While she wasn’t likeable, her complex character and her will to do whatever she felt was necessary to survive made this novel a layered and interesting read. Schepp not only gives us an insight into the life of the main protagonist but also of her colleagues too, I really like this as it made them come across as real people struggling with the same issues you and me could be struggling with (eg. marriage and money). Schepp has clearly put a lot of thought into her character development and I hope these characters feature alongside Jana in book two. Especially Henrik, his backstory (bar Jana’s) was my favourite, his wife was so controlling – he couldn’t even join the gym without her permission, not even go out jogging without her say so – I mean, what is that all about!
Marked for Life certainly has the cold climate Nordic Noir is so well known for, it doesn’t, however, have the moody atmosphere, that beautiful darkness and I attribute that to Jana being so standoffish, her “programmed” way of life prevented that connection. Don’t miss understand me, the plot is dark, extremely dark, and features disturbing content of rape, violence and child trafficking but it just didn’t have that ‘x-factor’ I yearn for in Noir. However, Schepp did go some way to make up for this in the complexity of the case, it started off as your expected police procedural and then focused more on the rouge actions of Jana conducting her own investigation, making the latter half read like a thriller. Child trafficking cases are common in crime fiction so I appreciate Schepp changing the tempo of this one to keep the reader engaged.
While some elements of the plot were predictable, I didn’t mind because Jana is such a fascinating character due to her cold-hearted nature, and I can’t wait to explore her character further in book two.
*My thanks to the publisher (HQ) for granting me access to a digital copy of this book via Netgalley*
February 4, 2017
I would like to thank goodreads giveaway for the opportunity to read and review this copy. I really enjoy Nordic Noir and crime novels and was excited about reading this first of a series. Jana Berzelius is a public prosecutor, young, crafty, prickly, but hardworking and smart to boot. While attending an autopsy of a young male victim, see is drawn to him, at first not knowing why. With her past coming into play, her stone cold manner is challenged and she finds herself in need of finding the suspect before the police do. I felt that some of the story was a bit lost in the translation. Maybe the next installment will work out the kinks.
November 27, 2016
La he devorado en nada y me lo he pasado en grande. Mucho suspense,un ritmo desenfrenado y una protagonista muy original.http://huellalibrosicc.blogspot.com.e...
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September 10, 2018Edgy police procedural set in Sweden and featuring public prosecutor Jana Berzelius.
Although this is the first in the trilogy, it was the second one I read after falling hard for Jana Berzelius in book #3 (SLOWLY WE DIE). I just had to go back to the beginning because she is such an enigma as a character and I wanted to find out more about her back story. This book is where it all begins and the reader is introduced to the main characters as well as to the author's style of writing and the complexity that makes a great plot.
An official with the migration bureau is killed in his home and the only clue seems to be a handprint -- but forensic testing suggests that the print was made by a young child. How can that be as Hans Juhlen and his wife have no children. The case is becomes even more complicated when a young boy is found shot dead at the shoreline and can't be identified. Jana Berzelius begins to realize that this case may have a personal connection to her own past as she has a terrible history and the scars to prove it. Upon further investigation, the team finds evidence of child abuse and human trafficking.
I love this series. The excellent writing and the very unique characters combine with a compelling story line that just drag you in and will have you reading until you turn to the last page -- and want MORE. NO SPOILERS.
I love Scandinavian crime drama. The setting is always quite interesting to me especially when the author provides such significant detail about it. I can feel the cold temperature and imagine the city of Norrkoping though I've never been. I'm about to start book #2, MARKED FOR REVENGE, and then will just have to wait to see if Schepp continues with this very entertaining series and tells us more about Jana Berzelius.
Although this is the first in the trilogy, it was the second one I read after falling hard for Jana Berzelius in book #3 (SLOWLY WE DIE). I just had to go back to the beginning because she is such an enigma as a character and I wanted to find out more about her back story. This book is where it all begins and the reader is introduced to the main characters as well as to the author's style of writing and the complexity that makes a great plot.
An official with the migration bureau is killed in his home and the only clue seems to be a handprint -- but forensic testing suggests that the print was made by a young child. How can that be as Hans Juhlen and his wife have no children. The case is becomes even more complicated when a young boy is found shot dead at the shoreline and can't be identified. Jana Berzelius begins to realize that this case may have a personal connection to her own past as she has a terrible history and the scars to prove it. Upon further investigation, the team finds evidence of child abuse and human trafficking.
I love this series. The excellent writing and the very unique characters combine with a compelling story line that just drag you in and will have you reading until you turn to the last page -- and want MORE. NO SPOILERS.
I love Scandinavian crime drama. The setting is always quite interesting to me especially when the author provides such significant detail about it. I can feel the cold temperature and imagine the city of Norrkoping though I've never been. I'm about to start book #2, MARKED FOR REVENGE, and then will just have to wait to see if Schepp continues with this very entertaining series and tells us more about Jana Berzelius.
October 18, 2023
Viename iš Noršiopingo kvartalų, savo namuose randamas nužudytas vyras. Paaiškėja, jog jis Migracijos departamento vadovas. O vienintelė sąsaja su nusikaltimu - vaiko pirštų atspaudai.
Šio tyrimo imasi prokurorė Jana Berzelijus. Ši moteris visuomet skrupulingai atlieka jai pavestas užduotis bei nemėgsta "palaidų galų".
Po keletos dienų pakrantėje randamas negyvas vaikas. Šalia jo yra ginklas, kuris buvo panaudotas prieš Migracijos departamento vadovą. Ant berniuko sprando randamas išraižytas vardas, kuris Janai prikelia prisiminimus. Juos moteris jau ilgą laiką laikė savy. Jana supranta, jog dabar svarbiausia užduotis rasti žudiką pirmiau už policiją.
Tai pirmoji Janos Berzelijus byla. Buvo tikrai įdomu susipažinti su nauju personažu bei dar neatrasta švedų autore. Pagal šį romaną yra sukurtas ir televizijos serialas "Jana". Tikrai gana neblogas trileris, kuris nestokojo paslapčių bei įdomių siužeto vingių. Nuobodžiauti neteko ir knyga buvo perskaityta gana greitai. Pasirinkta įdomi pagrindinė šio trilerio tema, kuri ir buvo tai, kas buvo geriausia šioje istorijoje.
Esu perskaičiusi tikrai nemažai trilerių, tad man būtent šis trileris nebuvo pats stipriausias, tačiau skaityti buvo tikrai įdomu.
Lauksiu pasirodant ir kitų šios serijos knygų. Smalsu kuo Jana dar mus gali nustebinti.
Šio tyrimo imasi prokurorė Jana Berzelijus. Ši moteris visuomet skrupulingai atlieka jai pavestas užduotis bei nemėgsta "palaidų galų".
Po keletos dienų pakrantėje randamas negyvas vaikas. Šalia jo yra ginklas, kuris buvo panaudotas prieš Migracijos departamento vadovą. Ant berniuko sprando randamas išraižytas vardas, kuris Janai prikelia prisiminimus. Juos moteris jau ilgą laiką laikė savy. Jana supranta, jog dabar svarbiausia užduotis rasti žudiką pirmiau už policiją.
Tai pirmoji Janos Berzelijus byla. Buvo tikrai įdomu susipažinti su nauju personažu bei dar neatrasta švedų autore. Pagal šį romaną yra sukurtas ir televizijos serialas "Jana". Tikrai gana neblogas trileris, kuris nestokojo paslapčių bei įdomių siužeto vingių. Nuobodžiauti neteko ir knyga buvo perskaityta gana greitai. Pasirinkta įdomi pagrindinė šio trilerio tema, kuri ir buvo tai, kas buvo geriausia šioje istorijoje.
Esu perskaičiusi tikrai nemažai trilerių, tad man būtent šis trileris nebuvo pats stipriausias, tačiau skaityti buvo tikrai įdomu.
Lauksiu pasirodant ir kitų šios serijos knygų. Smalsu kuo Jana dar mus gali nustebinti.
October 12, 2017
Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway
I couldn't put this book down! "Marked for Life" is the first in a trilogy with Prosecutor Jana Berzelius as the main character. Jana is an emotionless prosecutor that knows something happened to her as a child but all she knows is the memories/dreams she has every night. Someone carved the name "KER" into the back of her neck as a child but she cannot put the pieces together. A child is found murdered and he too has a name carved into the back of his neck. This puts her on track to find out where she came from, what happened to her, and who is responsible.
This is such a highly readable novel! The characters are well fleshed-out, even the minor characters. The crime is complicated but the reader doesn't get lost. In fact, I became so intrigued that I didn't want to stop reading! Now I can't wait for book #2 to come out in English.
I couldn't put this book down! "Marked for Life" is the first in a trilogy with Prosecutor Jana Berzelius as the main character. Jana is an emotionless prosecutor that knows something happened to her as a child but all she knows is the memories/dreams she has every night. Someone carved the name "KER" into the back of her neck as a child but she cannot put the pieces together. A child is found murdered and he too has a name carved into the back of his neck. This puts her on track to find out where she came from, what happened to her, and who is responsible.
This is such a highly readable novel! The characters are well fleshed-out, even the minor characters. The crime is complicated but the reader doesn't get lost. In fact, I became so intrigued that I didn't want to stop reading! Now I can't wait for book #2 to come out in English.
December 27, 2018
Otro libro que no pude parar de leer. Un tema que genera escalofríos por la forma en la que los traficantes tratan a las personas que huyen de sus países, buscando una mejor calidad de vida, y que seguramente, se dan en la vida real.
Mi única observación es que no lean la sinopsis completa, porque te cuentan todo el libro, quédense con el primer párrafo:
Cuando un alto funcionario de Inmigración es hallado muerto a tiros en su casa, no faltan los sospechosos, entre ellos su mujer. Nadie, sin embargo, espera descubrir la misteriosa huella de la mano de un niño en la casa de un matrimonio sin hijos.
Mi única observación es que no lean la sinopsis completa, porque te cuentan todo el libro, quédense con el primer párrafo:
Cuando un alto funcionario de Inmigración es hallado muerto a tiros en su casa, no faltan los sospechosos, entre ellos su mujer. Nadie, sin embargo, espera descubrir la misteriosa huella de la mano de un niño en la casa de un matrimonio sin hijos.
February 17, 2017
In providing this review, honesty is important. So let's address the rhetorical elephants in the room. First, this book is the first in a mystery trilogy written by a Swedish author. There are similarities to the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo series, including a strong female lead who had a hidden abusive upbringing, a large cast of characters, and a fast-paced story style. Second, the translation from Swedish to English isn't always the most flowing of styles. I read through many reviews on Goodreads and Amazon to see that it bothered some people more than others. Some of the grammar was a challenge for readers and they got hung up on it.
Now, knowing and understanding those issues, I still REALLY LIKED this book. I enjoyed the energetic development of plot and the human nature being revealed by the various members of the police and legal teams. I liked the twist and turns and raw nature of the themes. Others may not like it but being from the states, I enjoy the strong mysteries being written by European and Scandinavian authors Steig Larrson, Jo Nesbo, and Henning Mankell. Remember the name of Emelie Schepp. She has delivered a winner in her first outing and I cannot wait to read the next two in this trilogy now being published in the U.S. If you get past the translation challenges, I believe you will find a real gem of a crime mystery that will be worth the read.
Now, knowing and understanding those issues, I still REALLY LIKED this book. I enjoyed the energetic development of plot and the human nature being revealed by the various members of the police and legal teams. I liked the twist and turns and raw nature of the themes. Others may not like it but being from the states, I enjoy the strong mysteries being written by European and Scandinavian authors Steig Larrson, Jo Nesbo, and Henning Mankell. Remember the name of Emelie Schepp. She has delivered a winner in her first outing and I cannot wait to read the next two in this trilogy now being published in the U.S. If you get past the translation challenges, I believe you will find a real gem of a crime mystery that will be worth the read.
May 5, 2016
If you enjoy Scandinavian mystery/thrillers, this is right up there with the best. This book is the first in a Trilogy about a complex woman who is the Public Prosecutor. In this book we learn about her background as she does. She is presented with a case which has some elements from her own life. To solve her own mystery she must beat the police detectives she works with. This is a fast paced, dark mystery/thriller. The author does a great job of making the investigators real and characters I want to know more about. I received an advance copy and this is my honest review; five stars. A great read. One thing to note (and this does not take away from the 5 stars because the writing was excellent)--the translator made a few errors (repeatedly saying 'finding sight' instead of 'scene' of the crime, 'knee long' skirt instead of knee-length, a few others like this.) It did not detract from the book but it's odd to read. I look forward to books 2 and 3!
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