The Historians - by Cecilia Ekbäck (Paperback)

About the Book

"It is 1943 and Sweden's neutrality in the war is under pressure. Laura Dahlgren, the bright, young right-hand of the chief negotiator to Germany, is privy to these tensions, even as she tries to keep her head down in the mounting fray. However, when Laura's best friend from university, Britta, is discovered murdered in cold blood, Laura is determined to find the killer. Prior to her death, Britta sent a report on the racial profiling in Scandinavia to the secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jens Regnell. In the middle of negotiating a delicate alliance with Hitler and the Nazis, Jens doesn't understand why he's received the report. When the pursuit of Britta's murderer leads Laura to his door, the two join forces to get at the truth. But as Jens and Laura attempt to untangle the mysterious circumstance surrounding Britta's death, they only become more mired in a web of lies and deceit. This trail will lead to a conspiracy that could topple their nation's identity--a conspiracy some in Sweden will try to keep hidden at any cost"--

Book Synopsis

"The Historians blends a fascinating historical intrigue with the quick pace and excitement of a thriller." -- Ellen Keith, author of The Dutch Wife

"The perfect read.... Exciting and enjoyable ." -- New York Times Book Review

The Secret History meets The Alice Network in this riveting tale of murder and conspiracy in Sweden during WWII by critically acclaimed author Cecilia Eckbäck.

It is 1943 and Sweden's neutrality in the war is under pressure. Laura Dahlgren, the bright, young right-hand of the chief negotiator to Germany, is privy to these tensions, even as she tries to keep her head down in the mounting fray. However, when Laura's best friend from university, Britta, is discovered murdered in cold blood, Laura is determined to find the killer.

Prior to her death, Britta sent a report on the racial profiling in Scandinavia to the secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jens Regnell. In the middle of negotiating a delicate alliance with Hitler and the Nazis, Jens doesn't understand why he's received the report. When the pursuit of Britta's murderer leads Laura to his door, the two join forces to get at the truth.

But as Jens and Laura attempt to untangle the mysterious circumstance surrounding Britta's death, they only become more mired in a web of lies and deceit. This trail will lead to a conspiracy that could topple their nation's identity--a conspiracy some in Sweden will try to keep hidden at any cost.

Review Quotes

"The Historians is historical fiction done right as it places readers in the middle of a point in history and yet is able to introduce something brand new set against that historical backdrop.--Criminal Element

"The perfect read.... Exciting and enjoyable ."--Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

"A historical thriller perfect for a long, cold night."--Bustle

Riveting.--Publishers Weekly

"The Historians blends a fascinating historical intrigue with the quick pace and excitement of a thriller. Cecilia Ekbäck's talent for storytelling and luminous prose shine in this highly suspenseful novel." --Ellen Keith, author of The Dutch Wife

"The Historians is both haunting and beautifully written. It is one of those books that you simply do not want to end, despite the urgency in needing to know how it will conclude. --Yrsa Sigurdardóttir, author of The Legacy

"In this multi-layered, intense, compelling novel, Cecilia Ekbäck has created a world filled with secrets and lies--a dangerous, dark place that her characters must somehow negotiate to survive. I loved this intriguing, powerful book. A clever historical twist on Nordic noir." --Saskia Sarginson, author of The Wonderful

"This book is as noir as noir gets. From the first word, I was unable to tear myself away from this brilliantly written thriller; each character more original and intriguing than the next. Ekbäck pulls you into darkness so subtly, you don't even notice the fall--and then suddenly your heart stops."--Ruby Wax, author of A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled