Well done procedural set in Sweden. Sten's latest is perfectly fine as a standalone but those who have been following along will be pleased to see development in the characters.

The fifth book in the Sandhamn Mysteries sees the mystery becoming personal for Nora, as her new boyfriend's daughter disappears. As usual, Sten does a great job of balancing a murder mystery with the personal lives of the two main characters, while also expanding the world of Sandhamn. A great addition.

Another really enjoyable story by Viveca Sten.

Based around a murder committed at midsummer in the Stockholm archipelago, and told in both flashbacks and an ongoing narrative this is am intriguing police procedural. The characters and their backstories are interesting and believable, which leads to a very enjoyable read.

This was my second book in the series, and I am looking forward to reading more.

Sandhamn sounds like an idyllic place to spend the summer...except that bad things keep happening there as readers of this series know. In this entry in Swedish author Sten's series about Nora, Thomas and those who surround them, it is Midsummer Eve.  This is a time for revelry and much partying by those who are teens.  However this year some pretty bad things happen as readers who pick this up will learn.


Ms. Sten's books are always involving and sometimes tragic.  Still, I enjoy spending time with these characters and in this place.  Nordic noir is pretty popular now but these title do not seem to get much attention.  The series is definitely worth a look in my opinion.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Had a hard time getting into this book. It didn't grab me right from the beginning, which I look for in a good novel. Might be a good book for a younger crowd, but not one for me.

Not very interesting, didn't love it. I found the storyline very predictable and the characters were lacking.

In the Heat of the Moment is the fifth book in the Sandhamn Murders series.

It’s the Midsummer weekend and the archipelagoes of Sandhamn are teeming with teenagers who have come from Stockholm to party. The police patrol the place at all times to contain the inebriated crowd and check that everything is going smoothly.

In the early hours of the morning, the body of a sixteen-year-old teenager is discovered dead and hidden in the bushes on an isolated beach. He’s been badly beaten presumably with a blunt object. The island has now become a potential crime scene and is now full of potential suspects including the teenager’s girlfriend and his best friend,

DI Thomas Andreasson and his partner, Margit are called in to investigate, and the police are racing against time to take statements from witnesses before the crowd starts to disperse.

One of the teenagers, Wilma, a fourteen-year-old hasn’t come home from the Midsummer’s Eve party. Her father and girlfriend, Nora are frantic with worry. She calls her childhood friend, DI Thomas for help but he is already handling the dead teenager’s case.

Told from multiple POVs, there are a lot of dynamic characters but the story flowed well. The plot kept me hooked from the beginning and I was surprised by the outcome of the book. This book can be read a standalone and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a thrilling Scandinavian crime novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you love your Swedish thrillers/mysteries you will love this one. Lots of characters involved . It doesn't matter if you haven't read the other books in the series either. I recommend this to anyone.

I received this advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review. You can purchase your copy here:https://www.amazon.com/Heat-Moment-Sandhamn-Murders-Book-ebook/dp/B07B7LSKP1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538581805&sr=8-1&keywords=In+the+Heat+of+the+Moment+by+Viveca+Sten

This book was originally published in Sweden in 2012, but was translated in English in 2018. We begin this book with a group of people barbecuing on the beach in 2008.We then are with Victor having a conversation with his mother about not going to visit his parent's friends for Midsummer celebration. He convinces his mother to let him, a 16 year old boy stay home alone while they go away. After his father intervenes it is decided that he can stay home. We are then taken to the home of Wilma, where her step-mother is not impressed with the way that she is dressed to head out to the Midsummer celebration. We witness an argument between parents and child regarding curfew. A 1am curfew is compromised on and we are off to the party. We discover that Wilma is crushing on her friend Malena's older brother Mattias who is 2.5 years her senior.We also discover how popular Mattias is with the girls. A party begins on a yacht and the fun begins as well as the drama. We are then taken to Wilma's house where she has missed her curfew as it is the next day. This is where everything gets interesting and the events from the previous night are pieced together.
This book was amazing and had me on the edge of the seat the entire time.

It's Midsummer's Eve on Sandhamn Island and to the area teenagers, that means party time. Teens as young as thirteen travel from Stockholm to Sandhamn, often celebrating by getting as drunk as possible. Among the party-goers is the fourteen-year-old daughter of Nora Linde's boyfriend Jonas. Nora calls on her friend DI Thomas Andreasson for help, but he has his hands full investigating the death of a sixteen-year-old boy whose Midsummer's celebration was cut short.

"In the Heat of the Moment" is the fifth book in the Sandhamn series. I've read only one of the series, which I really enjoyed. I don't know what has been keeping me from reading more by Viveca Sten, but I'm glad I found this book. There are a lot of characters, but the story was still easy to follow. The book reads as a standalone even though it's part of a series. Much of the book is told from either DI Andreasson's point of view or from his friend Nora's point-of-view. However, when the police are questioning witnesses, their answers are included in a separate chapter told from their point-of-view. This is a clever way to keep the story moving and give insight into what the other characters are thinking, helping the reader to get to know them. Not all of the teens are likable in this story, but I liked the young woman Ebba who seems to be trying to do the right thing. I also liked Nora, Thomas, and Thomas's partner Margit.

It wasn't easy reading about some of the actions of the young teens. However, even though the book deals with tragic events, I like that it's not as dark or explicitly violent as some Scandinavian crime novels. The plot kept be hooked from the very beginning, and I was surprised by the outcome of the book. The book has some flaws, such as why Jonas's daughter suddenly disliked Nora so intensely, but once I started the book, I didn't want to put it down. I would rate the book 4.5 stars. I'm thrilled that the next book in the series will be out in October 2018.

I received this book from NetGalley, though the courtesy of AmazonCrossing. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely captivating! I haven’t read such an engaging thriller in a long time! The novel starts just before the Midsummer weekend celebrations on the tiny Swedish island of Sandhamn. The main characters are: the Detective Inspector Thomas Andreasson and Nora Linde. Nora Linde wants to enjoy some quiet, happy time with her boyfriend and two sons. She is still reeling from the recent divorce and is afraid to believe in a happy ending with another man. Unfortunately, her new love interest has a teenage daughter Wilma, who wants to party during the Midsummer weekend, of course she gets herself into trouble and goes missing. Nora frantically tries to find her. Thomas Andreasson gets involved later, when there is a body found on an island and the investigation starts, because it is pretty obvious from the beginning that it was a murder, or at least a manslaughter. But, who is the killer?!

The novel is written is an interesting way, the reader gets glimpses inside the minds of different persons, who participated in the Midsummer weekend celebrations. There are many outsiders, hard partying, alcohol consumption and drug use are involved, so it isn’t an advertisement of a perfect holiday destination. The reader is able to experience the events as they happen with different characters and learn something new from each person’s narrative. I literally couldn’t put the book down (I read it in one sitting). I had to know what happened and I wasn’t disappointed in the end. I am definitely going to read other novels by this author. It is a perfect treat for any fan of thrillers!

I received "In the Heat of the Moment" from the publisher via NetGalley. I would like to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.

Rating 3.5 out of 5

On the longest day of the year, the tiny island of Sandhamn is overrun by people who want to party. They turn up on the ferry and dock their boats in the harbour and drink until they can't drink anymore. As the police patrol the area, their job is to contain the crowds and make sure the fun people are having doesn't turn sinister.
Unfortunately, this time, they aren't that successful and, in the early hours of the morning, the body of a teenager is discovered hidden on an isolated beach. He's been badly beaten. More unfortunate still for the police, the island is full of potential suspects, not just the teenagers girlfriend and his best friend, both of whom were missing during the hours the murder took place and too drunk to remember what happened.
There were so many people on the island and, as they start to drift away, the police are in a race against time to get statements and try and figure out just who ended the young boys life. Leading the case is one of the central characters, Thomas, a dogged and instinctive detective who is normally helped by his best friend Nora, though never in an official capacity. Nora, though has problems of her own as her boyfriend's daughter didn't come home that night and no one knows where she is.
Anyone who has read my blog for a while will know I'm a big fan of Scandinavian crime fiction and also of this series, set on the small and seemingly peaceful island of Sandhamn. This book is no exception, though you might be disappointed if you are looking for Scandi-Noir because this is anything but. There are no dark, brooding scenes and very little violence when it comes down to it. What there is is a great story, well told and well translated, with great characters who I've gotten to know and really like over the previous four books.
Saying that, of all of them, this is probably the weakest, because the tension I've felt in other books, the slow unravelling of the murder, wasn't quite there. And, when the ending came, it felt a bit flat for me, which is a shame. Given I love the series, I'll forgive it. But, if it's your first read, you might not, so maybe start at the beginning or with an earlier, stronger, book.

First off, this is book five in the series, and my first one that I've read, so that may impact my review. A lot of characters, and I can understand setting up the scene, but tended to go into more details than needed. Tended to make me skim after awhile. Set in the Swedish tourist area of Sandhamm, it provided me with a trip to an area not common. I have enjoyed the Girl with the Tattoo series, so wanted to give another Swedish author a try. Enjoyed this murder mystery overall, but seemed a little sluggish at times. Most likely would help if I had read others in the series first. Would still recommend, especially if you enjoy Nordic mysteries.

As an avid reader of crime fiction I am often asked “ Do you get tired of reading about death and gore?” "Why not try reading something less dark?” I consistently answer no to both questions. However I will admit that sometimes I am in the mood for something a little lighter, especially after an intense and dark read. Whenever I have reached my maximum capacity of gore and blood, I turn to the latest English translation of the Sandhamn mystery series. 

It is the beginning of Midsummer on the island of Sandhamn, boats are moored in jetties, the weather is beautiful and alcohol is plentiful. Tourists and locals alike are gearing up to celebrate the longest day of the year. When the body of sixteen year old Victor Ekengreen is found celebrations are halted. While Victor’s death is devastating many of the locals assume his demise is a result of a mishap with alcohol. No one suspects murder. Detective Inspector Thomas Andreasson is called into investigate the death and quickly realizes that alcohol was just one factor which lead to Victor’s death. 

Nora Linde, Thomas’ childhood friend, is looking forward to a relaxing Midsummer with her new boyfriend Jonas Skold. When Jonas’ fourteen year old daughter Wilma goes missing, Nora and Jonas begin to fear the worst. While the drama surrounding Wilma’s disappearance unfolds, Nora and Jonas’ relationship goes through it’s first major trial. Nora’s support seems unwanted and Jonas begins to distance himself from her. As Thomas investigates a murder and Nora aids in the search for Wilma, events occur which provide Sandhamn with a memorable but tragic Midsummer.

I have read and enjoyed all of the books in the Sandhamn series that have been translated into English. What I particularly enjoy is my brief transportation to the island of Sandhamn. The island is a tourist hotspot for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Stockholm. Sten describes ocean breezes, loads of boats in the harbor, and plenty of activity as the locals prepare for the tourists from Stockholm. Sandhamn is indeed a real location, about 30 miles from Stockholm in the Stockholm Archipelago. When I read the first book of the series I remembered hearing or reading of the island in the past. I finally remembered where I read the name recently. In Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series, lead character Mikael Blomkvist owns a cabin on Sandhamn. Sandhamn has now made it to the top of my list of places I want to visit. 

In the other books in the series, the story is told from the perspective of the two main characters Nora and Thomas. With In The Heat Of The Moment , Sten branches out and exposes readers to the perspectives of not only Nora and Thomas but to everyone involved in the central mystery. This change displayed Sten’s versatility and made In The Heat Of the Moment even more captivating. 

Nora and Thomas’ lives have completely evolved since the beginning of the series. When we first meet Nora in Still Waters, she is happily married with two young sons. Thomas is single and struggling with the death of his infant daughter. In In The Heat Of The Moment, both of their circumstances have completely changed. This is my absolute favorite element of the Sandhamn series. I have become invested in the characters and impatiently await each new translation. 

Enjoyable is the best way to describe my feelings for In The Heat Of The Moment and the Sandhamn series. While the stories are lighter than most of my other crime fiction reads, they are no less exciting and intriguing. Each story contains the perfect amount of emotion and suspense. Fans of Camillia Lackberg should add In The Heat Of The Moment and the entire Sandhamn series to their list of must reads. 

Murder and Moore Rating : 

5 out of 5 Stars

I've enjoyed all of Viveca Sten's books, despite a certain over-simplification in her narrative style (perhaps due to translation?) Her characters are strongly portrayed; her plotting is consistent and plausible, and I love the setting: the island of Sandhamm in a Swedish archipelago. Most of the rest of Swedish noir is metropolitan, and these stories, while distinctly modern, are decidedly rural in tone.

This book highlights Sten's low-key approach. Sandhamm is a small island. While it is a regular destination for Stockholm residents, the values are traditional and roots and connections run deep. If not everyone knows everyone else, each knows someone who does. Small-town dynamics are at the heart of this story.

Another deeply-felt theme, reflected in the title, is the unchecked impulsiveness of the very young. The youth in this story who flock to Sandhamm for Midsummer give no thought to the consequences of giving in to their impulses.

I loved the fact that so many of the characters had behaved in a narcissistic, or distracted, or self-protective way that any one of them could have caused the tragic Midsummer's Eve death. So while this story is not a thriller, it was a very entertaining guessing game. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Although this is book 5 in the series and haven't previously read the other books in the series, it didn't matter. It is one of those books that works ok as a stand alone. I have never been a fan of books with multiple points of view, hence it wasn't such a wise choice on my part. I did finish the book, which is saying something. Despite my own opinion, i can see that this book would appeal to some and would recommend giving it a try.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, freely given.

I would like to thank Amazon Crossing Publishing and the Netgalley website for this partnership.

The story begins on the eve of St. John's Day and Sandhamm is the longest celebration of the year. Except that the party won't last long, a party boy will be murdered, a young girl found drugged and young women disappear for no reason. For Nora the investigation will be difficult especially since the more time goes by, the more clues disappear.

I read this book in one go, I find the writing of the chapters fluid, the story is captivating, full of suspense and twists and turns. I immediately became hooked on the story that kept me on my toes from beginning to end.

As I love Nordic noir, when I got the opportunity to read In the Heat of the Moment, a crime thriller set in Sweden I grabbed it. This book is the fifth in the Sandhamn Murder series, and yes, the first I have read. But even if I had read the other books, if I'm honest I don't think it would have changed my view - generally I found the whole thing underwhelming.

For me the plot was messy and weak. The crux of the story seemed to take ages to start, and yes I suppose the author Viveca Sten was setting the scene, but I felt there was a lot of irrelevant detail. There were far too many characters which made it confusing, and then the murderer just popped out of nowhere near the end of the novel.

So yes as I'm sure you can guess, I don't really rate this book. Sorry!

However if you do like Nordic noir and fancy trying a new author in this genre, you may wish to try out the Sandhamn Murder series.

In the Heat of the Moment is set during the weekend of Midsummer, when loads of teenagers flock to the island of Sandhamn to party and celebrate the longest day of the year. But then a 14 year-old girl goes missing, two girls turn up after loosing their friends and then a dead body is found hidden in the undergrowth.

For me, this book wasn't a page turner, but you may think differently.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for sending me an advanced proof copy of In the Heat of the Moment to read in return for my honest review. Thank you also for introducing me to a new author in the Nordic noir genre.

4 stars
This is book 5 in the Sandhamn Murders series, but it worked ok for me as a stand alone.. The murder takes place on Sandhamn island, located in the archipelago outside Stockholm, Sweden. I thought that it was a very good police procedural, with the police interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence and following clues. The police initially focus on one suspect, but there is more to the story and several twists and turns in the plot, before a satisfying ending, resolving all plot elements.
The lead investigator is Thomas Andreasson. I like the author's name choice.
I thought that the translation was excellent. There was only the 1 murder and very little violence, so cozy murder/police procedural fans would both enjoy this book.
Thanks to Amazon Crossing for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Intense novel about family, friendship, and integrity. Sad, but satisfying ending.