Buried in Secret

Sandhamn Murders, Book 10

By: Viveca Sten, Marlaine Delargy - translator

Narrated by: Lauren Ezzo

When two cold case disappearances are reopened, a decade of deadly secrets is unearthed on Sandhamn Island in the #1 bestselling thriller by Viveca Sten, author of In Bad Company.

A woman’s skeletal remains are excavated on an uninhabited island in Sandhamn’s archipelago, and Thomas Andreasson is called to officially investigate. But his best friend, Nora Linde, can’t help but get involved.

On leave after her last case took a dark turn, Nora is tortured by depression, nightmares, and guilt. Her marriage fractured, her pride chipped away, Nora could find redemption in this investigation. Then evidence suggests two possible cold cases linked to the grim discovery: two women who have been missing for ten years. Now Nora feels compelled to unearth a mystery someone has gone to great pains to bury. What could have happened to require such a cover-up?

As the cold case vanishings converge, Nora follows a twisting trail of revenge, blackmail, and betrayal. She’s also inviting the watchful eye of someone determined to stop her. To free herself from the damaging grip of the past - and the reach of a relentless killer - Nora is going to have to brave the darkness one more time.

©2019 by Viveca Sten. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Translation © 2022 by Marlaine Delargy.

Main Character Struggles

This book was a hard lesson, because you want to root for the main characters at all times, and it’s difficult when they are fallible humans like the rest of us. There are a lot of reviews that are very critical of the storyline, mostly because of this point, as well as the new narrator. I read the reviews before listening to the book, and have a different perspective. I think it is just the author’s misfortune that the new narrator came on at the same time as this difficult story for the main character. Facing the challenge of a new voice, giving life to the characters were so familiar after all the other books along with our disappointment, and some of the main characters choices was a bit of a double whammy. However, on reflection, I was used to the new narrator by the end of the book, and I appreciate the authors efforts in creating characters who struggle like all of the rest of us. The detail around the struggles was at times painful, but always believable. I find myself wishing the next book wouldn’t be so dark, and then laughing at myself because darkness is exactly what one gets when one readsmurder mysteries. All in law, I think this book was a worthwhile use of my time.

My least favorite of the series

I love this author and her books. However, the narrator talked like she had candy in her mouth. Also, I really didn’t like the direction Nora’s character went. It was painful to see a strong woman become so weak,

Great story but monotone reading

I love Viveca Sten’s novels. But the reader put me to sleep. Monotonous performance. What a shame! I ended up reading the book on my Kindle.

The Genre is unique

I found it difficult to follow the storyline. Really in depth storyline. Think b4 buying

Disappointed

The entire story was dark. It was not in keeping with the series. Nora's character was disappointing. The narration was poor. I do not recommend the book.