In the interesting world of Scandinavian detective literature, a new duo of investigators makes its sensational debut. Camilla Läckberg and Henrik Fexeus plunge us into a captivating intrigue mixing crime, illusion and psychology with “La boîte à magie”. This 672-page novel, published in June 2022 by Actes Sud, marks the start of a promising series that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
An atypical detective duo confronted with murder mysteries
In the heart of Stockholm, a macabre scene awaits the investigators: the body of a woman pierced by swords in a magic box, discovered in an amusement park. This extraordinary case calls for equally extraordinary skills. This is the starting point for the collaboration between Mina Dabiri, a perceptive policewoman, and Vincent Walder, an enigmatic mentalist.
This atypical duo breathes new life into the Scandinavian thriller genre. Their complex profiles, marked by obsessive-compulsive disorders, add a fascinating psychological dimension to the investigation. Läckberg and Fexeus skilfully weave the threads of the plot, alternating between past and present, to create a captivating tale.
The investigation takes place in a world where reality blends with illusion. The authors explore the arcana of magic, mentalism and criminal profiling, offering readers a dizzying dive behind the scenes of these mysterious arts. Here are some key plot elements:
- Murders linked to magic tricks
- The use of mentalism techniques in the investigation
- unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of his seat
- In-depth exploration of the characters’ psychology
A literary saga that delights readers
“The Magic Box” quickly won over the hearts of thriller fans. The authors’ gripping, addictive style has seduced a wide audience, propelling the novel to become one of the most popular books of the year. Readers particularly appreciate :
- Growing suspense throughout the story
- The psychological depth of the characters
- The originality of the plot, combining crime and magic
- The balance between police investigation and the development of personal relationships
Although some readers found the story a little long and the ending slightly below their expectations, the overall reception was extremely positive. The collaboration between Läckberg and Fexeus undeniably brings a fresh perspective to the genre, renewing the codes of Scandinavian crime fiction.
For fans of the series, the anticipation of a second volume scheduled for May 2023 is already arousing curiosity. This sequel promises thrilling new adventures for Mina Dabiri and Vincent Walder, consolidating their place as one of the most fascinating investigative duos in contemporary literature.
Comparison with previous works by Camilla Läckberg
Readers familiar with Camilla Läckberg’s work are bound to compare “The Magic Box” with her previous series featuring Erica Falck and Patrick Hedström. Here’s a table comparing the two series:
| Aspect | Erica Falck and Patrick Hedström series | The Magic Box |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Fjällbacka, small coastal town | Stockholm, urban capital |
| Protagonists | Married couple | Professional duo with complex personalities |
| Style of investigation | Traditional | Combining forensic science and illusionism |
| Atmosphere | Mysteries in a gated community | Urban intrigue with a touch of the supernatural |
This new series marks an evolution in Läckberg’s writing, offering a more modern, cosmopolitan dimension to her plots. The introduction of elements linked to magic and mentalism brings a welcome freshness, while retaining the psychological depth that has made her previous books so successful.
An expanding literary universe
“The Magic Box” is part of a growing trend in Scandinavian crime literature to explore new narrative territories. The series paves the way for tales in which the irrational meets scientific investigation, creating an explosive mix that captivates readers.
The popularity of this novel testifies to the public’s continuing attraction to complex plots and nuanced characters. It also reflects the evolution of the detective genre, which no longer hesitates to borrow elements from other literary genres in order to renew itself.
Finally, “The Magic Box” by Camilla Läckberg and Henrik Fexeus marks the start of a promising series that will delight fans of psychological thrillers. With its unique blend of mystery, magic and psychological analysis, this novel breaks new ground in the world of Scandinavian thrillers, promising readers many hours of suspense and reflection.