Hidden in Lies (Åre Murders #4)

A college student dies under suspicious circumstances during a raucous spring break trip in Sten’s solid latest Scandinoir set in the remote Swedish ski town of Åre (after Hidden in Memories). At the outset, series detective Hanna Ahlander is feeling conflicted about her new relationship with wealthy financier Henry Sylvester. Then a case disrupts Hanna’s angst. A group of students from Uppsala University—including rich playboy Matthew, his sycophant Amir, their gay friend Emil, and surly hanger-on Pontus—invite two new friends to Matthew’s parents’ swanky chalet in Åre. There, liquor and cocaine dissolve inhibitions until one member of the group is found dead in their underwear outside the house. When police arrive, almost nobody’s stories line up, making Hanna certain there’s a cover-up but unsure who’s protecting whom. Sten nimbly juggles the core investigation with Hanna’s personal dramas, resulting in a treat for both armchair sleuths and readers who like their procedurals with a bit of soap. It’s a chilly good time. Agent: Anna Frankl, Nordin Agency. (May)