So much to relish here . . . the plot is gripping and the writing is just lovely! DIANE
SETTERFIELD author of Once Upon A RiverThe year's most memorable narrator . . . An unusual and
intriguing crime story SUNDAY TIMES BOOKS OF THE YEARNiemi succeeds in constructing a story
that works as a murder mystery and as a compelling study of a dangerously inward-looking
community SUNDAY TIMESA riveting psychologically astute mystery . . . It is not to be missed
BOOKLISTAn original and gripping crime story THE TIMES**NOW SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA
INTERNATIONAL DAGGER**It is 1852 and in Sweden's far north deep in the Arctic Circle
charismatic preacher and Revivalist Lars Levi Læstadius impassions a poverty-stricken
congregation with visions of salvation. But local leaders have reason to resist a shift to
temperance over alcohol.Jussi the young Sami boy Læstadius has rescued from destitution and
abuse becomes the preacher's faithful disciple on long botanical treks to explore the flora
and fauna. Læstadius also teaches him to read and write - and to love and fear God. When a
milkmaid goes missing deep in the forest the locals suspect a predatory bear is at large. A
second girl is attacked and the sheriff is quick to offer a reward for the bear's capture.
Using early forensics and daguerreotype Læstadius and Jussi find clues that point to a far
worse killer on the loose even as they are unaware of the evil closing in around them. To Cook
a Bear explores how communities turn inwards how superstition can turn to violence and how
the power of language can be transformative in a richly fascinating mystery.Superb suspense . .
. Simply a great literary experience! V.G. (Sweden) A masterpiece of narrative La Vanguardia
(Spain)A philosophical novel a crime novel a historical novel and a coming-of-age story
complement one another La Stampa (Italy)One is transported into a strange time and a
fascinating world that is both beautiful and brutal Politiken (Denmark)Formidable delivery . .
. Unlike anything else you have read . . . An incredible novel AdresseavisenTranslated from the
Swedish by Deborah Bragan-Turner
