TO COOK A BEAR – MIKAEL NIEMI

p b So much to relish here . . . the plot is gripping, and the writing is just lovely! DIANE SETTERFIELD, author of i Once Upon A River /i /b b br / br / b The year s most memorable narrator . . . An unusual and intriguing crime story SUNDAY TIMES BOOKS OF THE YEAR /b b br / /b br / b Niemi succeeds in constructing a story that works as a murder mystery and as a compelling study of a dangerously inward-looking community SUNDAY TIMES /b br / br / b A riveting, psychologically astute mystery . . . It is not to be missed BOOKLIST /b br / b br / An original and gripping crime story THE TIMES /b br / br / b **NOW SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA INTERNATIONAL DAGGER** /b b br / br / It is 1852, and in Sweden s far north, deep in the Arctic Circle, charismatic preacher and Revivalist Lars Levi L?stadius impassions a poverty-stricken congregation with visions of salvation. But local leaders have reason to resist a shift to temperance over alcohol. /b br / br / Jussi, the young Sami boy L?stadius has rescued from destitution and abuse, becomes the preacher s faithful disciple on long botanical treks to explore the flora and fauna. L?stadius also teaches him to read and write – and to love and fear God. br / br / When a milkmaid goes missing deep in the forest, the locals suspect a predatory bear is at large. A second girl is attacked, and the sheriff is quick to offer a reward for the bear s capture. Using early forensics and daguerreotype, L?stadius and Jussi find clues that point to a far worse killer on the loose, even as they are unaware of the evil closing in around them. br / br / i To Cook a Bear /i explores how communities turn inwards, how superstition can turn to violence, and how the power of language can be transformative in a richly fascinating mystery. br / br / b Superb suspense . . . Simply a great literary experience! i V.G. /i (Sweden) /b br / b br / A masterpiece of narrative i La Vanguardia