Really enjoyed this mystery

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This is another in Anne Holt's Scandi-Noir series set in Oslo, Norway and featuring her ex-lawyer, now private investigator, Selma Falck.

Falck has a meeting with close friends, MP Linda Bruseth and Vanja Vegge at a cafe, however, Falck is injured as the victim of a sniper attack which kills Linda. Falck is a celebrity in Norway, she has a successful sporting background, a contestant on many reality shows, and a reputation for solving difficult and complex cases, with a big presence on social media. Initially, everyone, including the media, assume that Falck was the real target, but she and the police, in the form of Inspector Fredrik Smedstuan, change their minds when a police consultant, ex-military Birgar Jal Nilson, convinces them it was clearly Linda, and that Falck was collateral damage.

Lars Winther is a journalist who has previously worked with Falck, he is not a happy man when his boss, the editor insists that he picks up an exclusive investigation instigated by his colleague, Jonathan Herse, on child services. Child services are usually a nightmare issue to take on, but with Herse now dead after a cycling accident, Lars goes through his papers, becomes interested but finds it hard to decipher his notes, going to Falck for help. Personally, Falck finds herself shaken and shocked when she becomes aware that an intruder has been entering her supposedly safe apartment, a stalker that must know her well as items that have meaning for her are left behind. She turns to traumatised ex-police officer Einar Falsen for help, a man she has helped and supported. Formerly homeless and suffering from a range of mental health issues, Falsen is improving dramatically, as he becomes familiar with just how helpful the internet can be in his investigations. Falck works with Fredrik as further murders occur, a hanging and poisoning.

This a complex case for the flawed Falck, who to be honest can be a unappealing character, she has to battle hard to resist her addiction to gambling. She has a powerful motivation to resist gambling, her daughter, Anine, who has the gift of seeing through her lies, will stop her seeing her young grandson, Skjalg, with whom she has built a strong connection. Falck pays fast and loose with how helpful she is prepared to be with Fredrik and with Lars as she gets closer to the shocking truth, but has little idea of just how much danger she is in. This is a wonderfully entertaining and engaging Scandi-crime read that I think many crime and mystery readers will enjoy.