Mystery and Crime · Hardback

The Living Grave

Norwegian title: Tålegrensen

Ellen Gustavsen's new thriller continues the story of teacher Johanna Brekke and police officer Lars Lukassen.

Johanna investigates the discovery of a dead woman in the fjord, unearthing secrets tied to the disappearance of a boy, Benjamin, more than two decades ago. Meanwhile, the local community faces a dry summer, environmental disputes over a unique bog, and deep-seated family feuds, creating a backdrop of tension and suspicion.

As Johanna digs deeper, she exposes a web of lies and hidden motives, where some are determined to keep the past buried. The novel blends climate change, social inequality, and village life into a psychological thriller, reminiscent of Liza Marklund's work.

The Living Grave is a suspenseful psychological thriller with climate change, social inequality, and village life as a bleak backdrop, where the Western Norwegian village becomes a character in itself.

Material available

  • ✓ Synopsis & author CV
  • ✓ Full manuscript (Norwegian)
  • ✓ Sample translation on request

Original publisher

Cappelen Damm

Publication

2026

Length

317 pages

Format

Hardback

Genre

Mystery and Crime

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