A Nearly Normal Family: A gripping, page-turning thriller with a shocking twist

The presiding judge welcomes me, and my immediate im­pression of him is favorable. He looks alert, yet there is something sensitive about him. He appears to be both sympa­thetic and authoritative. I don't think the lay judges are likely to oppose his ruling when it comes. What's more, I know he, too, is a father.

Since I'm a close relative of the defendant, I'm not allowed to take the oath. I know the court must hear my testimony in full knowledge that my daughter is the defendant in this case. But I also know that who I am, and not least my occupation, means that the court will consider what I have to say to be trustworthy.

The lead judge gives the defense attorney the floor. I take a deep breath. What I'm about to say will affect so many lives for so many years to come. What I'm about to say might decide everything.

I still haven't decided what I'm going to say.

'A brilliant thriller, another masterpiece of Scandinavian noir . . . This is crime fiction at its best' Linda Fairstein, New York Times bestselling crime novelist

'The characters, who find themselves trapped in the ultimate moral dilemma, are so achingly real that one holds one's breath with them . . . will force any parent to consider exactly how far they would go to protect their child' Fiona Cummins, acclaimed author of Rattle