Book Review: Leona: The Die is Cast by Jenny Rogneby

Leona: The Die is Cast
Series: Leona #1

Author:
Jenny Rogneby

Published: July 17, 2014
464 Pages

Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 3 stars

Book Description:

Naked and bloody, a seven-year-old girl walks into a bank in central Stockholm in broad daylight and gets away with millions. Leona Lindberg of Stockholm’s Violent Crimes Division agrees to work on the case. With a long, distinguished history in the police force, she seems the perfect choice. But Leona is grappling with deep issues of her own–a gambling addiction, a strained marriage–that could jeopardize the investigation. As she struggles to keep the volatile pieces of her life under control, the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly unclear–and even irrelevant.

This is a hard-boiled crime novel, filled with unexpected twists and turns, featuring an unusual heroine. Leona makes for gripping reading while challenging feminine norms and posing questions about what lies behind the choices we make.

Kim’s Review:

I’m not sure I’ve ever read a character that I disliked more than Leona Lindberg. Unfortunately, part of the reason that I dislike her is buried in spoilers, so I can’t tell you! She was cold and lifeless and selfish! And the problem is that most of the story is told from her perspective! I’m all about the consequences of someone’s actions, but all Leona did was whine about hers! And she even did that ridiculous justification act where she convinces herself that her family and kids are just too good for her and that’s why she’s free to abandon them! Give me a break.

As for the story:It was ok. The suspense lasted maybe the first quarter, but then everything began unfolding and that took up the rest of the book. If Leona wasn’t so insufferable, I might have enjoyed it more. It did end on a cliffhanger, so be aware if you decide to read it. I’ll admit that I kinda sorta want to keep reading the series, just to see what happens; but then I’ll also admit that I just don’t care. So I kinda enjoyed it, kinda didn’t. Ta-da!

Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK