The Mediator
The beginning to a new series by celebrated crime writer Jenny Rogneby. With her new character Angela Lans, Rogneby plays with the reader’s perspective in unexpected ways and creates a story with overthrowing twists.
A young woman is brutally assaulted after a night out with a friend. The attacker is found and convicted, now serving his sentence. But as his release approaches, mediator Angela Lans is brought in. She has been appointed to run a pilot project where, for the first time, mediation is offered between victim and perpetrator in a high-profile case. The two will meet again and talk about the incident under the careful supervision of Angela. The purpose of the mediation is to provide resolution for the victim, but also to help the perpetrator back into society.
As the meetings progress, however, nothing goes as Angela has planned. Soon new information comes to light—information that makes Angela question what really happened between the two. Going against the principles of the mediation, she begins to investigate the case herself and makes several unexpected discoveries.
Alongside the mediation, Angela battles her own demons: both the circumstances surrounding her mentally ill sister, and her relationship with her new love interest Liam, who is perfect in every way—perhaps a little too perfect.
The Mediator is inspired by a real case and the first part in a new crime series that begins where other crime novels end. Rogneby, a former criminologist, writes with great vigor and authenticity about social issues with credible characters against a vivid backdrop, keeping readers on the edge of their seats all the way.
info
Year of publication
2022
Original title
Medlaren
Page count
486
Original publisher
Ordfront
Original language of publication
Swedish
Reviews
Bibliotekstjänst (Swedish Library Journal)
"It's a difficult balancing act that the author embarks upon, but she not only manages to stay firmly straight, she also does it with gusto. ... With a sense for subtle nuances, Rogneby shows the consequences of the crime both physically and mentally, as well as legally and criminally, and at the same time manages to hold the reader in an iron grip. With The Mediator, the Stockholm noir genre has gained a deeper and more ambiguous representative. Reading it is an extraordinary experience.
Grade: 5/5"Barometern
"Anyone who has read the Leona series knows that Jenny Rogneby has the ability to weave together a crime story that is as thrilling as it is heart-pounding. In The Mediator, which is inspired by a real case, the author exceeds all expectations."
Norrbottens-Kuriren
"Jenny Rogneby has written an exciting book that is a real page-turner. The story takes hold of the reader and it is difficult to stop reading the book before the resolution… Jenny Rogneby also skilfully avoids ending up with clichés and manages to make the language genuine and striking."
Mariestads Tidning
"The language, the explanations, the perspectives, and the story makes this an extraordinary crime story… what has really happened here? Believe me, the answer to that question is not what you think. In the end, we can begin to guess what the next book will be about. And the wait for it could gladly have been over, you will want a sequel because The Mediator was so enchantingly good."
Oskarhamns Tidning
"There have been quite a few thrillers this year, but this one definitely stands out from the crowd. Unusual, innovative and exciting."
Kristianstadsbladet
"Difficult subject, but Rogneby skilfully mixes it up with a broader perspective and creates a one-sitting reading experience. At the bottom is a real case."
Smålandsposten
"Jenny Rogneby takes on a cruel and constantly topical subject. It’s skilfully executed."
Agneta Norrgård
"A plot that turns things upside down and leaves a mark. … I look forward to the coming books in the series."
Borås Tidning
"(...) good single sitting reading. Jenny Rogneby is a driven storyteller."
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