Just before Christmas in Kittila, a small town in northern Finland, Kari Vaara, lead detective, is called out into the 24-hour darkness to investigate the brutal and apparently racist murder of a beautiful Somali woman. Clues point to a rich and powerful man who is the lover of Kari's ex-wife, Heli. The press does not miss the connection thanks to Heli, and national headlines follow. The dead girl's parents come to claim the body and see that justice is done. Kari works to keep the girl's history of substance abuse and prostitution from the parents. Another woman is murdered, and Kari must seriously consider the wisdom of staying on the case. The work is taking a toll on him and his current marriage. A chilling tale of murder and deceit, Snow Angels is not for those who enjoy relaxing with a cozy mystery. This fast-paced tale is a page-turner that should delight most mystery lovers. The ex-pat American writer's first novel is hardboiled and gives an intimate look at the sometimes bleak life of winter above the Arctic Circle.