Karin Alvtegen -- without any training or thought of becoming a novelist -- resolved to write her way out of some family tradedies: The result was her first novel, "Guilt" ("Skuld"), which was published in Sweden in 1998, to rave reviews. This was followed in 2000 by "Missing" ("Saknad"), which won Scandinavia's prestigious Glass Key award for Best Crime Novel of the Year, and went on to win an award for bestselling Scandinavian paperback. Her third novel, "Betrayal" ("Svek") -- coming next year from Felony & Mayhem -- was shortlisted for the Glass Key award, and also for the Swedish Crime Writers Academy award for Best Swedish Crime Novel of the year. And Swedish reviewers have called Alvtegen's most recent novel, "Shame" ("Skam") (also to come from Felony & Mayhem) her finest novel to date -- the work, in the words of one critic, of "a modern-day Strindberg." Karin Alvtegen is the great-niece of Astrid Lundgren, author of the ever-popular "Pippi Longstocking" books.

Gerda Persson has lain dead for three days. Her life seems to have been quite ordinary. Until the freezer in her home is opened. It is full of books, neatly stacked and wrapped in clingfilm, a thick layer of ice covering them - all by the same prize-winning author, all with handwritten dedications to Gerda. What story do these books have to tell? And what is their connection to a young boy found abandoned in an amusement park? Shadow is an utterly compelling novel of dark family secrets, murder and betrayal, which will keep you gripped until its final thrilling revelations.

Monika is driven to succeed as a doctor - but cannot allow herself any personal happiness. Maj-Britt is desperate to be left alone - but why does she shun society? A tragic accident brings these two strangers together, forcing them to confront their darkest fears. In this psychological thriller, Karin Alvtegen reveals a world where every choice you make has a profound impact on your whole life. And one question must be answered: when fate intervenes, what will you choose to sacrifice? This novel was first published under the title Shame.

When Eva discovers that her husband's been having an affair, her grief and rage drive her into vengeful action. Then she meets Jonas, who for the past two years has been keeping vigil beside his comatose girlfriend. Burdened with his own sinister history, he sees a chance to start afresh with Eva...Reminiscent of the work of Patricia Highsmith and Henning Mankell, Betrayal delves into the pain of deception and how our own destructive behaviour can lead to consequences far beyond our control. Nominated Best Nordic Crime Novel in 2004 and a bestseller across the continent, "Betrayal" cements Karin Alvtegen's position in the top rank of European thriller writers.