Reclusive Fjällbacka resident Christian Thydell's debut novel, The Mermaid, has enraptured the community. So why is he as distant and unhappy as ever? Crime writer Erica Falck helped Christian develop his talents. When she learns that he has been receiving anonymous threats, she investigates. Then one of Christian's closest friends goes missing. And Erica's husband, Detective Patrik Hedström, has his worst suspicions confirmed as the mind-games aimed at Christian become a disturbing reality.

First published in Swedish as Sjöjungfrun in 2008.