After She's Gone

A Novel

By: Camilla Grebe

Narrated by: Paul Fox, Fiona Hardingham, Katharine Lee McEwan

A psychological profiler who’s lost her memory and a teenage boy with a fiercely guarded secret become unwitting, unlikely partners in this race to stop a killer—a “stellar crime novel [and] scorching thriller” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) from the acclaimed author of The Ice Beneath Her.

“Nordic noir at its best.”—Booklist, starred review

THE CRIME WRITERS OF SCANDINAVIA’S BEST NORDIC CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR

Out of the frozen depths of a forest in Ormberg, Sweden, a woman stumbles onto the road. Her arms are covered with scratches, her feet are bare, and she has no memory of who she is. Local police identify her as psychological profiler Hanne Lagerlind-Schön, who, with her partner, had been helping investigate the cold case of a young woman’s murder. Hanne begins to recover but cannot recall anything about where her partner is, or what their investigation had uncovered before her disappearance. Police have only one lead: a young woman in a sequined dress who was spotted nearby the night Hanne was found.

The young woman doesn’t come forward because she doesn’t exist: Jake Birgersson, a local teenager, had been out walking in his mother’s dress and sister’s makeup, his secret shame and thrill. Terrified of discovery, Jake hid and watched Hanne get into a car, leaving behind her diary.

Reading Hanne’s notebook, Jake realizes that it contains the key to a major breakthrough in the case—but turning it in would mean admitting the truth about who he is. When another murder victim is found in the woods, Jake realizes that Hanne herself is in danger, and his only choice is to find and warn her so that together, they can stop the killer before he strikes again.

Critic reviews

“This atmospheric mystery is masterfully constructed. . . . Nordic noir at its best.”—Booklist (starred review)

“[A] stellar crime novel . . . Grebe delivers an unflinching, heart-wrenching message about the plight of refugees in this scorching thriller.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Praise for Camilla Grebe’s The Ice Beneath Her

“Impressive . . . a tour de force that lifts its author to the front rank among the increasingly crowded field of Nordic noir.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Exceptional.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Fans of Scandinavian crime fiction, and crime fiction generally, will enjoy the understated, angsty drama created by Grebe; librarians desperate for Girl on the Train read-alikes can also turn to this for readers who enjoy an antiheroine.”—Booklist

“A page-turner . . . I read it in one sitting! The narrative is fast-paced and the twists superb.”—Cecilia Ekback, bestselling author of Wolf Winter

“Slowly and subtly, Camilla Grebe lets The Ice Beneath Her unfold into a multilayered, psychologically nuanced murder mystery in which the truth, rather than drawing nearer, keeps slipping further and further away—until it strikes with full force.”—Arne Dahl, bestselling author of Misterioso

Suspenseful

I don’t agree with the politics, but everyone has their own experiences and opinions. It was a good book. A tiny bit slow in places, but good.

Fantastic

A great story well read and timely.
I can recommend to anyone who likes a mystery wrapped in a current world conflict.

Intriguing

It took me a minute to get into this one, but I’m glad I stuck it out. Two murders ten years apart, maybe more, a town that feels left behind-and slighted, and a boy struggling with his view of the world from where he stands…. It was hard to understand the connection between the three narrators at first, maybe something was lost in translation. But the ending was fantastic and the suspense was just right!

Tragic and Beautiful

Beautiful story, beautifully performed, and a beautiful message. The ending was difficult, but tied things up very well. Also, some of the main character’s comments made me uncomfortable, to the point that I almost abandoned the whole thing. If they make you feel the same way, don’t give it up early. It’s by design; just stick it out til the end. I’m definitely glad I did.

Great Mystery, couldn't turn it off!

Good story. Strong start and unexpected finish. I finished it in 3 days! I liked having multiple narrators, but not the man's reading too much, very dry and bland. Not sure if it was the writing for that character or the narrators interpretation..