Red Wolf by Liza Marklund is the fifth title in a series which follows the trials and tribulations of Annika Bengzton a crime reporter for the Evening Post.

This is the first novel I have read from Liza Marklund and although part of a long standing series “Red Wolf” can certainly be read as a standalone novel.

Entirely based in her native Sweden, (born in Pålmark in Northern Sweden) Marklund’s novel is a compelling and taut thriller that oozes class thanks mainly to her wonderfully descriptive narrative, exploring Northern Sweden at winter.

Red Wolf by Liza Marklund

Annika Bengzton begins investigating a thirty year old mystery and with the help of a fellow journalist Benny Ekland from the “Norrland News” newspaper, she discovers that the explosion of an Air Force plane was the possible act of terrorism.

Flying north to meet with Ekland she arrives to discover that the reporter is dead.  Initial investigations lead the police to an accidental death theory but when Bengzton finds a young witness, the case changes from one of accidental to premeditated murder. A grievous, calculating and sadistic murder. Ekland was on the verge of handing over key information surrounding the crime and his premature death complicates Annika’s investigation.

As the case matures, it becomes evident that a psychopathic serial killer is on the loose when Annika ties the brutal murders together. Despite her initial guilt over one of the murders she continues her quest for discovery and justice.

The pace is an interesting one. I found the beginning to be fairly sedentary, Marklund utilising the first 100 pages to set the scene and introduce characters, and although descriptive and powerful it is by no means a fast read. Don’t let this put you off, the pace increases and the story intensifies culminating in a powerful climax.

The characters are well thought out and strong, only the husband annoyed me. Annika’s marriage is on shaky ground and Thomas, her husband doesn’t help! Add to that her misgivings about her job at the Evening Post; Red Wolf is an interesting mix of family values, politics and terrorism. Some may question the family angle but I had no problems per se.

With infidelity, murder and terrorism at the heart of the narrative; Red Wolf is an exciting and complex read. Fans of Scandinavian crime thrillers will love the book – Liza Marklund has another sure-fire hit on her hands with this one.

Published by Transworld Publishers, the book is available at Waterstones & Amazon.