I finally finished reading The Treacherous Net by Helene Tursten, although the length of time it took me (a few weeks) is a reflection on my own lack of time, rather than the quality of the novel.

This book is part of a series starring Detective Inspector Irene Huss. The central plot of the story involves two teenage girls who are found dead. From the beginning of the investigation there are strong suspicions that the deaths may be related to someone the girls met on the internet.

A secondary plot revolves around a cold case unit investigating after a long-dead body is found. Additionally, Huss’ home life — an elderly mother, two young-20s daughters and her busy chef husband — is a part of the story. It is nice to have a police detective as a character who is not overwhelmed by “big problems.” Huss comes across as a normal person, living a normally busy life. Her marriage is fine, she gets along with her children.

There are a few moments in the story where there is awkward wording. I am going to assume it is a (a very small) issue with the translation. It usually has to do with some aspect of internet predators or such and the text comes across as both simplistic and sensational (and out of keeping with the rest of the story).

Otherwise, however, the book was a complete delight. The pacing was very good, although the cold case plot was less interesting (and satisfying, in the end) then the main story. Huss’ personal issues, as they arise, are integrated well into the story.

I was happy that the three main threads — the two cases and Huss’ personal life — were allowed to be separate things and not a complicated interwoven mess (which can happen — the whole “omg my work partner’s new boyfriend is the murderer” thing). Those threads, however, could have better complemented each other. It is a fine line to walk, though, and it is but a slight complaint.