THE LOST ONES

A big case helps an orphan unravel the mysteries of her past.

Enough time has passed since The Queen of Thieves (2024) that the heat is finally off 12-year-old Mika after her explosive prison break. Her newly restored anonymity means she’s once again free to help Constable Valdemar Hoff solve crimes. Valdemar’s been assigned the case of a missing wealthy 14-year-old. But Mika’s friend Tekla leads her to an even bigger case—a new construction job has revealed a mass grave of suspiciously small skeletons. This Swedish import skillfully interweaves its mystery storylines with revelations about Valdemar’s past and Mika’s own family history. Mika’s keen eye for observation, her ability to make connections, her strong moral center, and her boldness keep things fast-paced and grounded, especially as the investigation turns into the most dangerous one she and Valdemar have faced. The story neither shies away from nor sensationalizes its violence and provides the same matter-of-fact treatment to other social ills Mika encounters in gritty 1880s Stockholm, including poverty, alcoholism, and teen pregnancies. Robust prose paints vivid pictures, enhancing characterization, plot twists, and an action-packed finale. The ending resolves mysteries seeded in the first book of the series, but a final image disrupts the happily-ever-after with a promise of more stories to come. Characters are cued white.

Exceptionally entertaining, always suspenseful, and eminently satisfying.