“Philip Marlowe meets Nordic Noir.” —Iben Albinus, internationally bestselling and award-winning author of Damaskus
Meet Gabriel Præst, an ex-Copenhagen cop (who dresses with panache), jazz aficionado, and relentless pursuer of truth as he explores Denmark’s Nazi-collaborator past and anti-Muslim present in a page-turning Nordic murder mystery with a cosmopolitan vibe
Everyone in Denmark knew that Yousef Ahmed, a refugee from Iraq, brutally murdered the right-wing politician Sanne Melgaard. So, when part-time blues musician, frustrated home renovator, and full-time private detective Gabriel Præst agrees to investigate the matter because his ex—the one who got away—asked him to, he knew it was a no-win case.
But as Gabriel starts to ask questions, his face meets with the fists of Russian gangsters; the Danish prime minister asks him for a favor; and he starts to realize that something may be rotten in the state of Denmark.
Wondering if Yousef was framed to heighten the local anti-Muslim sentiment, Gabriel follows a trail back in time to World War II when anti-Semitism was raging in Europe during the German occupation of Denmark. Fearing a nationalistic mindset has resurfaced, Gabriel rolls up the sleeves of his well-cut suit and gets to work. From the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen to the historic Strassen of Berlin where the sounds of the steel-toed boots of marching Nazis still linger, Gabriel finds that some very powerful Danes don’t want him digging into the case—as the secrets he unearths could shake the foundations of Danish identity.
Reviews
“[A] superb series launch…. Præst’s pursuit of the truth takes some unexpected directions on the way to the satisfying conclusion. A killer plot matches an unusual lead sleuth, and secrets from Denmark’s WWII past enhance the story line.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"[I]ntriguing…. Fans of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo will love this unique mystery." — Buzzfeed, “The 20 Most Anticipated Thrillers Of 2023”
“A Death in Denmark has a nice sense of place and a laundry list of where to drink and dine in Copenhagen.” — Denver Post
“An intricate tapestry of a novel that unflinchingly lays bare the human cost of politically cultivated hate. Gabriel Præst had me firmly in his well-tailored pockets from the very first page. A fast-paced, emotionally rich, and whip smart read!” — Sonali Dev, author of The Vibrant Years
"Philip Marlowe meets Nordic Noir in a jazzy murder mystery that digs up Copenhagen's past Nazi ties in the inescapable context of the country's current refugee policies." — Iben Albinus, internationally bestselling and award-winning author of Damascus
“Not your usual ex-cop turn P.I. mystery! Malladi captures the Scandinavian sparseness with powerful dialogue and a true sense of place…. An excellent read!” — Charles Todd, New York Times bestselling author of the Ian Rutledge and the Bess Crawford mystery series
“Past and present collide in this tense Nordic thriller…. Filled with vivid imagery and beautiful prose, A Death in Denmark is part page-turner, part unflinching examination of the racism and nationalism woven through modern Danish society. A compelling and fast-paced read, with an ending that lingers long after the last page.” — Kimberly Belle, internationally bestselling author of The Personal Assistant
"Part mystery and part international thriller, A Death in Denmark…introduces Gabriel Præst, a hard-boiled private detective with a cosmopolitan flair who readers will want more of.” — Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite and the Charles Jenkins series
"The best kind of mystery novel: smart, well-researched, and well-written, it weaves an investigation into the past and present led by a truly compelling hero. This is an auspicious start to a new series. I loved it.” — Mark Sullivan, bestselling author of The Last Green Valley
“A thrilling and timely Nordic Noir…. Gabriel Præst is a strong and interesting protagonist supported by a rich gallery of different personalities. The detailed descriptions of Copenhagen will make you want to go there to follow in Gabriel’s footsteps.” — Camilla Ahlgren, award-winning screenwriter of the acclaimed Danish TV series Broen (“The Bridge”) and the Swedish TV series Störst av allt (“Quicksand”)
