Sunnmøre, Autumn 1902. The body of Hedda Fosen — the daughter of a wealthy landowner — is found brutally murdered in the remote valley of Mardalen.
Johan Ryer, a newly appointed senior constable from Ålesund, is sent to investigate. His unlikely assistant? His outspoken and fiercely independent sister, Sonja.
Cradled between fjords and mountains lies a tight-lipped village where what goes unsaid weighs heavier than what’s spoken. Powerful forces clash beneath the surface — and something dark has been set loose.We follow the unconventional investigator duo Johan and Sonja Ryer — he precise, gentle and detail-oriented; she intuitive, bold, and unimpressed by authority. A classic murder mystery in a historical setting — featuring strong characters, quiet suspense, and the peculiar unease that only a remote Norwegian fjord village can hold.
This is the gripping start to a new historical mystery series, introducing brother-and-sister sleuths Johan and Sonja Ryer. The next book will be published Autumn 2026, working title is Stand at Ease.
Baldysz demonstrates complete mastery of the crime genre, combining literary elegance with an imaginative plot. A historical murder mystery featuring compelling characters, an ingenious storyline and masterful descriptions of atmosphere and landscape.
Jury, Maurits Hansen Award – The Silnece Beneath, 2026
This is a truly distinctive crime novel. Baldysz is a highly promising literary voice, marked by stillness, depth and a vivid sense of the natural world… There is every reason to look forward to the next books in the series.
Adressa
A classic murder mystery in a historical setting – with vivid characters, gentle humor, and that quiet sense of dread only a remote Norwegian fjord village can hold.
Kriminell bokverden
A promising first installment in this series that delights the reader with its elegant and expressive prose.
Dag og tid
The author depicts nature masterfully: the quiet eeriness that lies over the valley, but also the sense of freedom and safety one can feel in a silent forest—if one is not lonely and does not feel eyes on the back of one’s neck (…) It is a joy that this is the first book in a series about the Ryers.
Øyblikk
Beautifully written, with well-drawn characters and an utterly gripping plot that makes it extremely, extremely hard to put down!
Jernbanefrua
I read with eagerness to the last page. I want to be part of the game (…) I was genuinely excited to see how it would end, and I am genuinely looking forward to the next book about the investigators Ryer.
Framtida
A gripping crime novel that stands out for its setting, plot, characters and prose. A refreshing new voice in Norwegian crime fiction.
Geir Tangen
Stille grender is a magical story. […] I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series."
Tine Sundal
What a cast of characters. What descriptions of nature. […] This is the creepiest book I’ve read in a long time. And that is a big compliment.
Trude B. Lien
There are beautiful descriptions of nature, exciting magical elements, and it is a joy to read. I think this will be the best crime novel of the autumn! And luckily, it’s the first part of a series. Because I already miss both Johan and Sonja, and I’m looking forward to book two.
Instatekar
A narrow valley in every sense becomes the scene of seasoned author Martin Baldysz’s compelling crime debut.
Morgenbladet
