What Is Mine

by: Anne Holt

Published by: Warner Books

Reviewed by Peg Brantley

Children are disappearing. The citizens of Oslo, Norway are frightened, their fright doubles when bodies of the missing children begin showing up in their homes with notes that read, "You got what you deserved." Pressure is mounting to find the abductor and make him stop--make him pay.

Police Inspector Adam Stubo is feeling the pressure and seeks assistance from former FBI profiler, Johanne Vik. Ms. Vik, with personal issues of her own, also finds herself investigating a 40-year-old case of a murdered child at the request of a very determined, dying woman.

What Is Mine is Anne Holt's American debut. Celebrated as one of Norway's most successful crime writers, she's giving us the opportunity to experience a different culture and a different style of writing.

I struggled a bit with the names. Male? Female? Place? Don't worry. It all comes out in the wash. Her style is to lay a little secret mystery in front of you and let you take the bait--which I did--every time.

Be prepared for a slower pace than you might be used to, but don't give up. I was not disappointed. And you won't be either.

Armchair Interviews says: The characters are subtly drawn, and the plot seems a little stiff in places. But, there is a good story here with some delicious surprises at the end.