The Killing

The first volume of the adaptation of the award-winning series The Killing . “For those who missed the most talked-about crime series of recent years, this book will be guaranteed fun.” - The Times

It's Sarah Lund's last day as a police investigator in Copenhagen. Besides bringing her closer to her boyfriend, the move to Sweden aims to break up her stressful work routine and, perhaps, improve her relationship with Mark, her son from her first marriage. However, when the body of 19-year-old student Nanna Birk Larsen, brutally raped and murdered, is found in a forest on the outskirts of the city, Sarah has to change her plans and postpone her trip to lead the investigation alongside newcomer Jan Meyer.

While the student's family struggles to come to terms with recent events, politician Troels Hartmann is campaigning for Copenhagen's mayoralty. The battle grows more vicious by the day, as Poul Bremer, the current mayor, will stop at nothing to remain in power. When connections between the candidates and Nanna's murder suddenly surface, the case takes a new turn.

The Birk Larsens struggle to cope with this terrible loss. Who could have committed such a cruel crime? Nanna was a beautiful, popular, and intelligent young woman. However, nothing is perfect, and secrets about the girl's life, as well as those of her parents, are revealed.

Over the course of twenty days, a succession of suspects is investigated while violence and political intrigue divert focus from the search for the culprit. The determined Sarah Lund, with the support of the reluctant Jan Meyer, must fight to uncover new clues, often encountering hierarchical issues and power struggles. Only one thing is certain: a killer is on the loose.

“Sarah Lund is one of the greatest female characters ever created.” - The Daily

“The new The Wire. ” - The Sunday Times

“An excellent novel, which is more a reimagining of the original story than a copy - and with the bonus of a new twist at the end” - Daily Mail

“Hewson’s greatest achievement is making the book a compulsive read” - Observer

“Hewson is a highly regarded crime writer in his own right; he spent a lot of time with the creators of the original script to ensure he didn't offend their spirit and atmosphere, and he provided his own solution to the central murder mystery.” - Marcel Berlins, The Times