The Hidden Child
The Hidden Child (Swedish: Tyskungen) is a novel written by Swedish writer Camilla Läckberg.
 | |
| Author | Camilla Läckberg |
|---|---|
| Translator | Tiina Nunnally |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Popular Fiction/Contemporary Thrillers |
| Genre | Crime |
| Publisher | Harper |
Publication date | 2007 |
Published in English | 2011 |
| Pages | 400 pages |
| ISBN | 0-00-741949-X |
| Preceded by | Flavours from Fjällbacka |
| Followed by | Super Charlie |
Erica Falck is shocked to discover a dubious medal among her late mother's possessions dating from this era. This is perhaps a reference to the other 'holocaust' – the nuclear variety – when the truth of what this might mean hits. Haunted by a disturbed childhood she decides to investigate,[1] unwittingly endangering her husband and newborn baby.[2]
Plot
This is regarded as one of the more plot-driven novels in the series, with more emphasis on the story.[3] Erika wants to write a 'great book' so Patrik goes on paternity leave to look after the baby whilst this occurs, then unexplained things start to happen: an elderly neighbour is found dead – not just that, but he has been dead for some time.[4] What's more, this man knew Erika's late mother. Erika consults a local World War II historian, however, shortly after her visit, he is brutally murdered and it becomes clear that the past is still very much a part of some people's lives.[5] The plot focuses on the discovery of a child's blood-spattered vest plus other memorabilia.[6] Who would murder so cold-bloodedly to bury secrets so ancient?[7] By way of a side-theme Melberg adopts a stray dog, finding that this leads to a meeting with another dog-owner who happens to be the mother of his new detective, Paula Morales; this provides a counterpoint to the increasingly sordid facts being unearthed in the search for the murderer.[8]
Film
A Swedish-language film version of The Hidden Child was released in 2013 by Tre Vänner AB.