Synopses & Reviews
"Cold shivers run down my spine after reading just a few pages."Göteborgs Tidningen (Sweden)
As the bird flu pandemic reaches Gotland Island, panic spreads among the inhabitants who are frantic for an elusive cure. In the desperation that rises, the hunt for scapegoats begins, and extremist and anti-immigrant groups gain ground. Meanwhile, nurse Sandra Hägg makes a gruesome discovery at the health clinic where she worksa discovery that will cost her life. Soon Detective Inspector Maria Wern is assigned to solve the murder. Strange Bird, the first novel in the Maria Wern series in English, showcases Anna Jansson's mastery of both hair-raising crimes and the inner lives of her beloved characters.
Ruben Nilsson stepped outside into the dusk of a summer's evening, knocked his pipe against the veranda railing and looked around the garden. Had he known how short was the time he would be allowed to live, he might have been less leisurely.
Anna Jansson has established herself as one of Sweden's most popular crime writers, selling over two million copies in more than ten countries. Her titles have been adapted into movies, which were broadcast in the United States in 2012. Jansson lives in Örebro, Sweden.
Review
"
outstanding novel
The arrival of a strange male pigeon to the dovecote of Gotland islander Ruben Nilsson begins a horrific chain reaction. The bird is apparently the carrier of a virulent strain of avian flu that quickly claims Nilssons life and spreads rapidly, causing widespread panic. The responsible government officials are unable to come up with a good plan to remedy the inadequate stocks of medications to prevent and treat infection. Among those affected is Wern, whose preteen son, Emil, is quarantined after some of his fellow campers become ill. As she struggles with her personal situation, the inspector also has to solve the murder of an unidentified man stabbed in the throat. The ending of this suspenseful blend of scientific thriller and whodunit packs a real wallop."
Publishers Weekly, starred review
Synopsis
Primal fear and panic drive the inhabitants of Gotland to extremes as they face a vicious strain of "bird flu."
About the Author
Anna Jansson has established herself as one of Sweden's elite crime writers. Before becoming an author, she worked as a nurse and continues to do so part-time at Örebro Hospital's lung clinic. She holds frequent lectures on ethical issues related to medical care and has had several essays included in academic books related to health care. Jansson has three children and lives in Vintrosa outside of Örebro, Sweden.