“Settling Accounts” by Iwona Kienzler

I read the book thanks to the author's courtesy. 

Thank you!

 

Published by Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

London ⁎ Cambridge ⁎ New York ⁎ Sharjah

Original title: Uppgőrelser på Gotland

Two daughters of a prominent Swedish politician head to Alanya on the Turkish Riviera for a holiday, accompanied by the elder daughter’s boyfriend. In the picturesque resort, they befriend a charming young man who takes a special interest in the younger sister. But idyllic vacations never last. The elder sister and her boyfriend mysteriously vanish, and days later, their bodies are discovered. The murder of a politician’s daughter and her partner shocks the nation, but the crime goes unsolved for years. That is, until the younger sister comes face-to-face with the killer. Meanwhile, their father – a well-known Swedish figure – refuses to wait for justice. Investigators Klaudia Jassem and Erik Lindberg are drawn into a complex case that unfolds into not just a double, but a quadruple murder. Blending political intrigue, social commentary on contemporary Sweden, and a gripping romantic subplot, this thriller will captivate readers from start to finish. How far would you go to protect your family? With twists that linger long after the final page, this novel promises to ignite discussion and leave a lasting impression.

Settling Accounts by Iwona Kienzler – a Polish writer best known to Polish readers for her historical biographies and series of books about the British Royal Family – is a gripping crime novel that masterfully combines suspense with an excellent description of the setting. In addition, it is a story that is intriguing on the one hand and sophisticated on the other. The daughters of a well-known Swedish politician enjoy the beauty of sun-bathed Alanya, only to be suddenly thrown into a world of darkness and mystery when their holiday proves tragic in its consequences. The juxtaposition of the idyllic holiday atmosphere with unexplained deaths and successive disappearances is striking and sets the scene for a plot-complicated thriller.

The individual characters are brilliantly created, especially the sisters, whose relationships with each other are put to the test by dramatic events. The tragic end of the older sister and the ensuing chaos not only act as a catalyst for the narrative, but also underline how quickly one's world can be turned upside down, which is palpably felt throughout the novel. Jan Wetterberg, a devastated father, becomes the embodiment of parental desperation as he sets out to find truth and justice, which – as a thriller read – demonstrates the author's remarkable ability to create emotionally resonant characters.

The shift of the narrative from Turkey to Gotland adds another fascinating layer to the story, creating a sense of dislocation and intrigue. The author makes excellent use of her experiences gained during her time on Gotland, adding colour and depth to the setting while hinting at the darker aspects of the place. The island, often associated with opulence, is a stark contrast to the mysteries hiding there, making for a fascinating backdrop to the unfolding story.

Iwona Kienzler's writing is crisp and engaging, making the reader fall into a web of intrigue from which it is difficult to escape. The twists and turns keep the viewer hooked, and the investigative duo of Klaudia Jassem and Erik Lindberg provide a familiar but effective framework for the detective genre. Their pursuit of the truth brings a sense of suspense to the plot, especially when it intertwines with Wetterberg's personal vendetta.

While the novel touches on themes of loss, guilt and the search for answers, it also prompts readers to reflect on the consequences of unsolved mysteries – the ever-present shadows of the past. Iwona Kienzler deftly navigates these themes without overshadowing the plot, allowing the story to unfold at a pace that keeps readers engaged until the final page.

In short, Settling Accounts is an exceptional crime novel that demonstrates Iwona Kienzler's talent for creating complex plots with richly detailed character descriptions and atmospheric settings. It is a story that resonates on many levels, balancing personal grief with a relentless pursuit of justice. Intended for fans of the genre and those looking for an engaging read, it firmly establishes the author's position as a notable voice in contemporary crime fiction.

In 2023, the novel was originally published in Swedish, while it is now premiering in English. This year, the book was also published in Polish by the Polish Publishing House LIRA. So if you would like to read my review in Polish, please click here.

Agnes Anne Rose

translator, essayist, journalist, author