I was a little surprised to see this series is supposed to revolve around Freya and Huldar and is part of a series. Although there were some references to things that happened 'before', the story didn't struck me as being part of a series. Now, however, I'm curious as to the first two books.
Huldar and Freya play a role in this book, but for me, not the biggest role. Strange as it may sound, I think the biggest role is this book is being played by the team as a whole, as they try and find the killer of a teenage girl.
The plot of this story has many layers, and being a victim of bullying myself, I could relate to many of the feelings that are expressed during the developments. Let me say this: I'm happy social media didn't exist 50 years ago...
As I said, it feels as if the whole team plays one role together, and sadly not a happy one. Seldom have I read about a group of people that have so much problems working together. Not one of them is happy being there, not one of them sounds like they really want to do this job. Strange, very strange... and rather depressing at times.
The book earns the whole five stars because of the intricate and interesting plot and the fabulous writing of the author.

Thank you Netgalley for sending me a digital copy.

Really like this series of books. This one was a bit more predictable but still a fantastic read. . . .

2.5 stars


I really liked the idea of snap chat being used to show the victims,it was inventive,and it nicely pulled in the topic of how social media can influence bullying. Not like the old days where you could go home and forget for a few hours.
Despite being the third book,I didn't feel bogged down in trying to figure out back stories,they were explained neatly enough.
For some reason though,and I've no idea what,I was never really drawn in by the story or the characters.
I finished the book,but I didn't find it particularly memorable.

It was one of those books where I read just to see who had dunnit.

This is the third book in the wonderful Children’s House series featuring Freyja and Huldar and it’s a real stunner of a read. I just love Scandinavia noir/crime and this series really has lived up to all expectations and got better and better. The plot deals with the issues of bullying and is complex and exceptionally well put together making for a book that is difficult to put down and I flew through it. The characters as always well written and believable, the ongoing relationship between Freyja and Huldar is as tangled as ever and this also adds to the enjoyment of the book. It can be read as a standalone book but really I would recommend starting from book 1 as the series is so good and very well recommended, I loved it and many thanks to Yrsa Sigurdardottir
My thanks also to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tense and plausible thriller with a good cast of characters. The solving of the crime whilst plausible was not predictable, making for an absorbing read. My first Yrsa Sigardardottir which is great as it gives me her earlier titles to read.Thankyou Hodder and Stoughton and Netgalley for providing this ARC

Another page turner from Ysra Sigurdardottir here, part of the “Children’s House” series but easily read as a standalone. This title is due in April though so plenty of time to catch up- all of these are utterly compelling.

This time the children in danger are not particularly loveable – the author takes on the bullying issue in this novel, with thought provoking layers to an incredibly immersive mystery.

As well as that we have more on the tangled interpersonal relationships of the main protagonists, an intriguing lot they are too which only adds to the overall addictive nature of the story.

Beautifully written, unexpectedly plotted and ever fascinating in character and setting, The Absolution is another pure joy to read from the pen of Ysra Sigurdardottir.

Recommended.