The Wolf and the Watchman

1793: A Novel

By: Niklas Natt och Dag

Narrated by: Matt Addis, Casper Rundegren, Clara Andersson

Set in the gritty streets and shadowy corners of 18th-century Stockholm, The Wolf and the Watchman is a dark, masterful historical thriller where a chilling murder investigation peels back the twisted layers of a city rife with secrets, corruption, and intrigue.

“The Alienist set in 18th-century Stockholm: Brawny, bloody, intricate, enthralling—and the best historical thriller I’ve read in twenty years.” —A.J. Finn, #1 bestselling author of The Woman in the Window

“Thrilling, unnerving, clever, and beautiful.” —Fredrik Backman, #1 bestselling author of A Man Called Ove

“Chilling and thought-provoking. Relentless, well-written, and nearly impossible to put down.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

One morning in the autumn of 1793, watchman Mikel Cardell is awakened from his drunken slumber with reports of a body seen floating in the Larder, once a pristine lake on Stockholm’s Southern Isle, now a rancid bog. Efforts to identify the bizarrely mutilated corpse are entrusted to incorruptible lawyer Cecil Winge, who enlists Cardell’s help to solve the case. But time is short: Winge’s health is failing, the monarchy is in shambles, and whispered conspiracies and paranoia abound.

Winge and Cardell become immersed in a brutal world of guttersnipes and thieves, mercenaries and madams. From a farmer’s son who is lead down a treacherous path when he seeks his fortune in the capital to an orphan girl consigned to the workhouse by a pitiless parish priest, their investigation peels back layer upon layer of the city’s labyrinthine society. The rich and the poor, the pious and the fallen, the living and the dead—all collide and interconnect with the body pulled from the lake.

Breathtakingly bold and intricately constructed, The Wolf and the Watchman brings to life the crowded streets, gilded palaces, and dark corners of late-eighteenth-century Stockholm, offering a startling vision of the crimes we commit in the name of justice, and the sacrifices we make in order to survive.

Brilliant

So many twist and
and turns that I could not anticipate the Swedish murder mystery. Narrative his perfect characters are amazing so glad I read it.

Dark historic mystery

This mystery plays in Sweden at the time of the French Revolution. Dark times and a lot of misery.

I had quite a few moments where I wasn’t sure if I want to continue reading... The author does a great job playing with our minds and let us expect the worst to happen, which it sometimes does...
I really liked the way how the different characters are being build up and how we learn about their backgrounds. Great storyline and I never felt the book is too long.

The performance is great and I gave it 5 stars. I you like serious murder mysteries playing in historic times, enjoy.

Want more by this author!

A well written novel set in late 18th century Stockholm it is a fascinating page turning murder mystery set within a unique historical era. There are psychological character turns and societal aspects that make this story capitivating.

Loved it!

I always read reviews because, not only positive review, but the negative comments about a book can be the things I like in a book. It’s important to read all you can, good or bad, if your on the fence.
That being said, a few people said the book was too upsetting. I say it is original and well thought out. I also am a sucker for a first novel. I loved this book from start to finish. Great characters and the best narration.

Not for the delicate of heart

A well written story. Graphic and almost revolting descriptions of cruelty and depravity are the stuff of this novel. I was intrigued and kept listening until the narrator changed. I completely lost track of the characters.
There are about 3 or 4 narrators. For a book of this length, I think it’s a bad idea to change narrators. I skipped to the end at the 50th chapter. A very good first novel tho.
I’ll keep an eye out for more of his writings. Providing he is not locked up...