Anger issues, said some of her teachers, or possibly ADD or ADHD. Her mother, Ulrika, and father, Adam, have always dismissed such comments as nonsense; Stella Sandell is a very bright and individualistic child. The three of them are a nearly normal family—see the title of this intriguing family story by Swedish author M. T. Edvardsson—at least they believe they are until 15-year-old Stella is arrested for murder.

What follows is a legal thriller of sorts with the portrait of a Swedish family in crisis at its heart. Stella stands accused of killing Christopher Olsen, a 32-year-old man and sexual predator, who lured the rebellious teenager into a relationship with lies, flattery, and obsessive attention. Though they knew Stella was rebelling (dope and boys), her parents are stunned by the crime and the accusations. The different ways lawyer Ulrika and local pastor Adam deal with their daughter’s arrest is fascinating, as each tells their story from their point of view. In the end, Stella’s narrative of the night of the murder reveals how twisted the situation really is. This is a well crafted, although somewhat disturbing read.