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The character of Tuva Moodyson first appeared in ''Dark Pines'' – a terrific thriller that plunged readers deep into the dark Swedish forest – where intrepid local reporter Tuva Moodyson accompanied them on a murder mystery that blended chilling crimes with an incredibly depicted sense of a community in crisis - and it is to author Dean's credit that the town of Gavrik is a big a character here as any other.
Tuva herself is a cut above the rest when it comes to lead characters in a crime novel – with Dean ensuring that she has just the right amount of difficulties and neuroses that the reader would be expecting from this sort of read, but combines those with brilliantly drawn character in order to establish Tuva as a memorable, driven and an intelligent lead who drives the plot along with her dogged determination. She's also grounded and realistic – and little touches like her love for spicy Thai food and her need for a drink in order to sleep, make her a character who remains relatable for the reader – no matter how dark the circumstances she's investigating.
As in ''Dark Pines'', Tuva's deafness plays a considerable role in the story – but what's particularly fascinating is how Dean conveys this to the reader. At times it serves to cruelly isolate both Tuva and the reader, and at others, it's something comforting for her – a comfort blanket of silence that separates herself from the dangerous world outside. It's essential to note that Dean does not use Tuva's deafness as a disability – it's something she lives with and utilises in the best way possible.
This tale opens with a suicide – and Dean's writing gets dark icy claws into the reader from the first page, not letting go until well after the book has been finished. The pace of the plot is considerable – building to a climax that left me rather breathless. Things end in an interesting way too – I'll be intrigued to see where Tuva's adventures go next.
If this book appeals them then you m ight might also enjoy [[The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson and Reg Keeland (translator)]]. We also have a review of [[Black River by Will Dean|the third book in the series]].
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