Louise Björnlund
LOUISE BJÖRNLUND was born and raised in Stockholm. She has worked as a journalist, communications officer, copywriter, photographer, and teacher. She has previously successfully published an educational children’s book series about Flynner the Frog through her own publishing house.
In April 2018, she debuted as a crime writer with her first crime novel The Marionette, the opening title in the Archipelago Murders series, and has since devoted herself entirely to the crime genre. Today, there are five standalone books in the series and a sixth currently in progress.
She has always been fascinated by the art of creating stories through nuances, contrasts, and details that convey genuine suspense. Combining this with her ability to craft unique plots is what inspires her.
What distinguishes Louise’s writing is her thorough research, where nothing is left to chance; a clear, straightforward prose style with a strong narrative drive; and a level of suspense that lasts until the very last page.
Her Archipelago Murders series stands out with unusually well-crafted and original plots, vivid settings, and strong characters. The main character, Kina Bergsmed, is an archipelago guide and police volunteer — a role Louise herself holds in her spare time.
The books are set in the Stockholm archipelago, where Louise spends much of her time conducting research for upcoming titles in the series.
Louise’s books have already reached international readers, with editions published in Denmark and Finland.
The archipelago Murders has sold more then 250 000 copies.
Instagram: louisebjornlund
Marionetten
The Archipelago Murders by Louise Björnlund
A crime fiction success set against the backdrop of Stockholm’s beautiful archipelago. But behind this seemingly idyllic façade lies unimaginable cruelty and breathtaking intrigue. Much like Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple—in a modern version—archipelago guide Kina Bergsmed is drawn into Södertörn Police’s pursuit of killers, finding herself at the very heart of the events, with her own life at risk.
Each novel in The Archipelago Murders series is a stand-alone story, marked by intelligent and well-crafted plots with strong narrative drive that keeps the suspense alive right until the end.
Book 1: The Marionette
A young man is found brutally murdered after a summer party at idyllic Ornö in the Stockholm archipelago. When another body is discovered the morning after the regatta Ornö Runt, the entire investigation team comes under even greater pressure.
Detective Inspectors Ewald Wermelin and Ulrika Bigård from the Södertörn Police Department are reminded of an unsolved case in England and begin to see disturbing similarities with the victims now found. Meanwhile, archipelago guide Kina Bergsmed becomes involved in the police hunt for the perpetrator—and does not shy away from seeking answers on her own.
Reviews:
“The book’s greatest strength is definitely its unusually well-constructed plot. In that respect, Louise Björnlund can compare herself with the very best in the genre.”
— Nils Scherman, Swedish Crime Writers’ Academy
Original title: Marionetten
Publication: Litteratura Publishing 2018
Pages: 314
Rights sold: All rights available
Reading material: Full translation
Book 2: The hunter
An anonymous call comes in to the emergency dispatch center. A body has been found buried in the gravel pit south of Sandemar Castle. Detective Chief Inspector Ulrika Bigård and Ewald Wermelin quickly arrive at the scene with their investigation team. In the victim’s throat, the perpetrator has left their signature. The investigation leads to one of the hunting parties leasing land nearby, as yet another body is discovered in a bizarre way on the sandy beach at Schweizerbadet. Once again, archipelago guide Kina Bergsmed becomes involved in a case with unforeseen consequences.
Reviews:
“Louise has done it again. The hunter is a chilling crime novel that sends shivers down your spine and leaves a knot in your stomach from beginning to end.”
— Jezzys bokvärld
Original title: Jazzkatten
Publication: Litteratura Publishing 2019
Pages: 416
Rights sold: All rights available
Book 3: The Mentor
A drifting boat is found by archipelago guide Kina Bergsmed. On the deck lies a lifeless body. Shortly afterward, divers documenting the flooded mines on Utö make a horrifying discovery. Detective Chief Inspector Ewald Wermelin and colleagues from the Södertörn police race against time. Meanwhile, Kina investigates the area around the crime scene on her own and realizes she’s being watched by a drone. When she later finds a YouTube video of the site—with herself in the starring role—she understands she must be on her guard.
The Mentor is a timely and gripping thriller about gang crime and the dark forces that take hold when revenge and fear prevail—all set against the seemingly idyllic backdrop of the Stockholm archipelago.
Reviews:
“Louise Björnlund does it again! Thrilling from the first to the last page. Compelling characters and an intelligent plot make this a crime novel of absolute world-class.”
— Crime Novel Digest
Original title: Mentorn
Publication: Litteratura Publishing 2020
Pages: 384
Rights sold: All rights available
Book 4: The Angel of Death
Archipelago guide Kina Bergsmed has been assigned to join the security team during ÖTILLÖ, the Swimrun World Championship. Participants must cross and run between 26 islands, from Sandhamn to Utö in the Stockholm archipelago. When one of the competitors catches her attention on the southern part of Långbäling Island, Kina realizes something has happened. None of the athletes would voluntarily withdraw so close to the finish line. The marine police arrive quickly, but the horrifying truth has already been revealed.
It becomes a race Kina Bergsmed will never forget. Never ever.
Reviews:
“Louise Björnlund makes vivid use of Stockholm’s southern archipelago in her setting. It is both interesting and exciting.”
— Nils Scherman, Swedish Crime Writers’ Academy
“Suspense in an archipelago setting with a clever plot.”
— Håkan’s Bokhylla
Original title: Dödsängeln
Publication: Litteratura Publishing 2022
Pages: 316
Rights sold: All rights available
Book 5: Phoenix
The wind is rising and the waves grow higher. Archipelago guide Kina Bergsmed regrets not canceling the late autumn’s final tour as the kayaks are repeatedly flooded by Mysingen’s icy waters. A black RIB boat approaches at high speed, and Kina seizes the chance to get her group safely to shore. But moments after the boat slows and pulls alongside them, she realizes the legend is true. She senses they will not make it to land. Shortly afterward, the Södertörn police receive an emergency call.
The unexpected and horrific has once again taken hold of the seemingly peaceful archipelago. Detectives Ewald Wermelin, Ulrika Bigård, and Lars Bengtsson brace themselves for the worst. Things are not as they seem. They are worse.
A crime novel where an old legend comes terrifyingly to life.
Reviews:
“A really good crime novel with suspense from the very start. Fantastic nature and setting descriptions that let you feel the power of nature and the constant presence of the sea.”
— @mestdeckare
“A timely story with modern pirates who stop at nothing. A unique tale with contemporary elements that spark the imagination.”
— @bokluckan
Original title: Fenix
Publication: Litteratura Publishing 2025
Rights sold: All rights available
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