The Historians

A Thrilling Novel of Conspiracy and Intrigue During World War II

By: Cecilia Ekbäck

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

“The Historians blends a fascinating historical intrigue with the quick pace and excitement of a thriller.” (Ellen Keith, author of The Dutch Wife)

“The perfect read.... Exciting and enjoyable.” (New York Times Book Review)

The Secret History meets The Alice Network in this riveting tale of murder and conspiracy in Sweden during WWII by critically acclaimed author Cecilia Eckbäck.

It is 1943, and Sweden’s neutrality in the war is under pressure. Laura Dahlgren, the bright, young right-hand of the chief negotiator to Germany, is privy to these tensions, even as she tries to keep her head down in the mounting fray. However, when Laura’s best friend from university, Britta, is discovered murdered in cold blood, Laura is determined to find the killer.

Prior to her death, Britta sent a report on the racial profiling in Scandinavia to the secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jens Regnell. In the middle of negotiating a delicate alliance with Hitler and the Nazis, Jens doesn’t understand why he’s received the report. When the pursuit of Britta’s murderer leads Laura to his door, the two join forces to get at the truth.

But as Jens and Laura attempt to untangle the mysterious circumstance surrounding Britta’s death, they only become more mired in a web of lies and deceit. This trail will lead to a conspiracy that could topple their nation’s identity - a conspiracy some in Sweden will try to keep hidden at any cost.

©2021 Cecilia Ekbäck (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

A must read!

A clear look at how far some will go in the name of "race hygiene " and eugenics. The ugly truth revealed.

Interesting Take on WWII

I feel like there aren’t a lot of novels centered around the Nordic nations during WWII, so this was a nice perspective. Lots of characters in the beginning, making it a little harder to follow if you’re doing other things while listening! Overall, and interesting and good listen!

Didn’t get that into it

Maybe I wasn’t paying good enough attention on my part, I just wasn’t that drawn in. It was good to learn more about this part of history though.

Good

I loved this book until the end. It was intriguing with a great plot and interesting characters. The dialogue was interesting. Then it just felt like the book kind of ended incomplete.

A good listen

Set during World War II, this tale is different than the norm. Scandinavian history regarding race and claims of superiority, here specifically in Sweden, is a topic I was not knowledgeable about. The story is interesting with good characters (some aren't good people) and superbly narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, as always.

Scandinavia in WWll

Interesting information about Sweden during the WWll era. For some people it will be very surprising and worth learning. Do listen to the author’s notes at the end of the book.
I didn’t like the structure of the book, the alternating narrators. This seems to be a popular technique right now. I prefer a more seamless style.

A different visit to Scandinavia

The storyline of this book is fascinating and a bit frightening. The characters are believable and Laura and Jens well-defined. Descriptions of area and other characters are good. I would recommend this book to historic fiction fans and to those who have lived or visited Scandinavia. It’s a good read!

The story.

Very intense and interesting book. The vocalist was awesome. It is definitely a thriller and a mystery taking place during the World War II and prior.

compelling

It was an amazing book, I love the performance she's my favorite reader. The characters were developed brilliantly. My only question is I thought Jens put Britta's thesis in the garage and then took it out and put it in his desk. I kept waiting for the moment he would find it as I thought he'd forgotten what he did. I even went back and listened to see if I had it wrong. I am wondering where I went wrong?

Difficult Beginning, Improved, Powerful Story... Definitely Recommend

I had trouble getting into the story... checked out some reviews and learned it was worth continuing... I'm grateful I did– it was a hard and difficult Journey which I'm grateful I took...