The Body on the Beach (An Island Mystery Book 1)

'The Body on the Beach' is the first of a series of novels by Anna Johannsen featuring DI Lena Lorenzen. As such it can be read as a 'standalone story' which is rather convenient as the other books in the series have not yet been translated into English (hopefully, something that will be rectified soon!).The story opens with the discovery of the body of Hein Bohlen, director of a children's home, on a beach on Amrum, a small island off the coast of Germany. Hein's wife, Sabine, is not convinced her husband had died of natural causes. Lena spent her early life on Amrum before moving to Kiel, so when the early findings from the forensic examination suggests foul play probably contributed to his death, Lena is sent to investigate.What I particularly enjoy about this book is the setting (a small isolated island community), the intricacies of the investigation where, as we follow Lena's investigation, we discover plenty of the residents have something to hide. There are also a number of sub plots, some of which are clearly left open for later books in the series to explore (but which do not spoil the main story-line which is fully resolved by the end of the novel). I also liked the way that every once in a while you get a small snippet showing the killer's observations about how the investigation is progressing.This is an easy book to read. There are no gory or gratuitous scenes. I particularly like the clever juxtaposition between the seriousness of the criminal investigation and Lena's relationships with her police colleagues, with more light-hearted aspects relating to her re-kindling of past relationships with childhood relatives and friends.The story starts a little slowly as the author introduces us to the principal cast of characters, but it doesn't take long for it to pick up a head of steam. My only criticism about the plot concerns the degree to which Lena is willing to use some quite dubious methods to acquire some of her evidence (e.g. hacking of email accounts to name just one). While these certainly help move the plot along, I found myself wondering to what extent such actions would compromise any prosecutions that could follow ... but then this is a work of fiction so why should one let such small matters spoil the enjoyment of what is a really intriguing police procedural story?So, if you like crime thrillers that are easy to read and have intriguing plots that hold your interest, then I think you will enjoy 'The Body on the Beach'. I certainly did and can only hope that we do not have to wait too long for the other books in the series to be translated into English.

I liked this book set in the chain of German islands in the North Sea. It's fairly gently paced and not over gritty and at first I found the translation a little stilted but you soon adjust and I enjoyed what for me was an unusual setting for a good crime story. At this moment I think there is only one more of the authors' books translated into English, which I have already purchased, but she has written more.

Real quite good, although I did find it hard to get started, the background of the main character lives wanting to know more. Shall look forward to reading the next one.

Because this author is new I will cut her some slack but the theme and the plot is very old hat in detective stories. Glad she avoided gory or sadistic stuff but I feel myself plodding through this rather than being gripped. I love Scandi noir but this author has some way to go.

This book was full of rich characters, especially the leading lady who’s very ballsy. Great setting and great storyline. Will definitely be reading the second book in the series.

A well written or should that be translated novel. Engaging from first to last page, a modern day but somewhat old fashioned Police procedural, in as much as only one body to investigate. Set in the North Frisian islands, atmospheric clever descriptive intelligent with a terrific cast of characters, especially our smart brave feisty heroine.WARNING : Story does involve investigation of child abuse and while not graphic could not be to some readers taste.Recommended

........ this wonderful author and thoroughly enjoyed this first in the island series. I do love a good who dunit and this one certainly kept me guessing, I enjoyed finding out about the characters and their stories plus I also loved that it wasn’t over the top on the gore / violence side as so many are these days. Most of all I loved the setting, so beautifully described - I had to do a google search which improved my geography (not difficult to do!) and has added that area to the ‘I would love to visit’ list. I am off to read the second book 😊

The novel was intriguing and well written in a way to keep the reader interested throughout the story. I can certainly recommend this book.