So much to relish here … the plot is gripping, there’s a beautifully handled thread on reading and writing, and the writing is just lovely! DIANE SETTERFIELD, author of Once Upon A River

The year’s most memorable narrator … An unusual and intriguing crime story SUNDAY TIMES BOOKS OF THE YEAR

Niemi succeeds in constructing a story that works as a murder mystery and as a compelling study of a dangerously inward-looking community SUNDAY TIMES

A riveting, psychologically astute mystery … It is not to be missed BOOKLIST

An 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 L stadius 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 L stadius has rescued from destitution and abuse, becomes the preacher’s faithful disciple on long botanical treks to explore the flora and fauna. L stadius 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, L stadius 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 Adresseavisen

Translated from the Swedish by Deborah Bragan-Turner