Member Reviews

Marked for revenge by Emelie Schepp.
Notorious criminal Danillo Pena knows the truth about Jana’s old identity – and, as one of Sweden’s best-respected public prosecutors, Jana can’t risk that information becoming public knowledge. With Danillo closing in, Jana knows she must hunt her nemesis down…and kill him, before he can reveal her secrets.
But, as she prepares for the fight of her life, Jana discovers an even more explosive betrayal—one that will take her deep into a deadly network of crime.
Brilliant read. I loved the story and characters. I love this author. 5*.

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I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ for a review copy of Marked for Revenge, the second novel in the Jana Berzelius set in Norrköping, Sweden.

When a young Thai woman is found dead on a train from a drugs overdose and her friend goes missing prosecutor Jana Berzelius is called in by the police to assist their investigation as is common in Sweden. Jana, however, is a woman with secrets and it's not long before her past catches up with her again.

I enjoyed Marked for Revenge which has a more measured approach to Jana and her problems than the first novel, Marked for Life. I would advise readers thinking about this novel to first read Marked for Life as it is a continuation of the same story, the shadow Jana's past casts on her present life, with a different slant and has many references to characters and events in the previous novel. It will probably stand on its own but will not be such a rewarding read.

I read Marked for Revenge in one sitting as it has so many twists and turns I was desperate to know what was coming next. There are plenty of surprises, mostly at how the characters are linked together but also at the role some play. I also like the mixture of investigation and domestic life. I think Ms Schepp has the balance just right, not just with Jana's need to hide her past but with the other detective's problems. I got quite caught up in chief investigator Gunnar's problems with his love life and Chief Inspector Henrik's apprehension about his marriage and the birth of his third child. The little things that round out the characters.

I really didn't like Jana in the first novel but she seems less sure of herself in this one and thus more human, even showing some kindness so she has grown on me and become almost likeable. I cannot say the same for detective Mia Bolander who is just as unlikeable, if not more so. She is rude, aggressive, unprofessional, chaotic and steals from her workmates. I can't think of one redeeming feature in her character.

I am impressed at Ms Schepp's plotting. It has good depth and pace within a linear timeline. Nothing seems particularly hurried, apart from Jana's off piste activities, and yet you still get the sense of dedication to the task.

Marked for Revenge is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

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