“Reading Elsa and Cornelia Swärd's Ravaging is like being suddenly shocked into life by a defibrillator. They update the tired police procedural with oily energy, a burning and engaging what-if plot, drastic humour and jolt after jolt of startling twists. As a reader, you immediately care about both the main characters Maggan and Vera, as well as their side kicks, all of whom emerge with strong voices, touching quirks and, not least, irresistible interpersonal chemistry. Ravaging is a relentlessly exciting and stylish crime novel that those who love the genre will feel at home in, while still standing out and contributing something new. I myself can hardly believe that Elsa and Cornelia are debutants!”
Johanna Haegerström, Albert Bonniers Förlag
“Elsa and Cornelia are the perfect fit for our list. I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I love Maggan and Vera and above all the intricate plotting and refreshing tone the two authors have found. I really believe this is the hit of the season and I think this is the start of a stellar international career that we are thrilled to be a part of.”
Janina Dyballa, Heyne Verlag
“This is exactly what I and the rest of the editorial team have been looking for: a crime debut with an X-factor, a larger-than-life plot, a city full of contrasts, a perfect balance between the macabre and the disturbingly realistic. And last but not least, a perfect twist at the end that makes you long for the next book!
As a character-driven crime novel, Ravaging hits the bull's eye, with Maggan as the gruff but respected and energetic investigator, and Vera as the confident and ambitious reporter. The contrast between their different backgrounds is a dynamic detail, without being too on-the-nose. The space devoted to the relationship between them is well used, as their personal challenges overlap strongly with the ongoing investigation, and the rest of the cast of characters is also sharply drawn – and all are utilized in a way that constantly drives the plot forward.
The fact that the plot is linked to an issue that, unfortunately, will not become less relevant in the years to come is also a big plus. And that it all takes place a few years in the future seems entirely appropriate – because the future clearly belongs to Elsa and Cornelia Swärd. To see two such young authors writing with so much confidence and energy is quite incredible.”
Maria Horvei, Aschehoug
“Elsa and Cornelia Swärd have delivered a refreshing, modern, powerful, and wonderfully feminine take on the traditional hard-boiled thriller á la Kepler or Nesbø, an incredible feat in itself to get it so eerily right on the very first try.
This is an absorbing, extremely well-composed and powerful crime novel, written with an energy and narrative joy that is rarely seen in this genre. All the characters are interesting, and the relationships between them are impressively written. You are moved and shaken and shocked throughout, and the genre is played with so superbly that there is even room for one of the big plot twists on the very last page. As an inveterate crime fiction reader, you are left excited, speechless and breathless and just wanting more. We've waited so long for this book!”
Inger Kristensen, Gyldendal Denmark
“This gripping debut by Elsa & Cornelia Swärd is a must-read for fans of Kepler, Nesbø and Adler-Olsen. A blood-chilling thriller with a feminine touch that keeps you glued to the pages. I loved how it brought something fresh to the genre while at the same time delivering everything I crave in crime fiction – deeply human characters, relentless suspense and a shocking twist at the end. It’s the perfect start to the series and leaves you wanting for more.”Susan Sandérus, A.W. Bruna
