On May 18, the first two audiobooks in the "Department for Special Investigations" series will be released, and a new book will follow every week - a pace usually associated with television series.
The story was developed in a so-called writers' room, a model taken from the television industry, where characters, plot arcs and world-building are formed together before the writers write their respective parts.
"It's clear that you're nervous and curious about how this will be received. It's a new way of working, but it's worked so well and we've had a lot of fun," says Camilla Läckberg.
Collective storytelling
The first four parts were written by Anna Bågstam; Malin Karim and Lisa Bjerre then take over with three parts each.
"I don't think it will be noticeable that there are several different authors. We have worked hard to find a unified language, a common level of humor and seriousness, and a common manner of expression and tone."
The collective storytelling method is well established internationally and is used by, among others, American author James Patterson.
"I've had my eye on this for quite some time, but I wanted to wait until it felt mature in Sweden. Then it depends a bit on the project. For example, I would never work with the Fjällbacka books in this way; I want to have one hundred percent control there," says Camilla Läckberg.
Obvious cliffhangers
According to the book publisher Forum, the boundaries between literature, television and other storytelling forms are blurring, and the Läckberg series has been developed to meet an audience that demands fast-paced stories with clear cliffhangers.
The idea for the books arose after a dinner where Camilla Läckberg met the then head of the police's special investigations department, which investigates crimes that police officers, among others, may have committed.
– When we first sat down with the group, I had already written a fairly thick bible and had the idea ready for the framework and characters. Then I have been careful that it doesn't drag on and become something other than my initial idea, says Camilla Läckberg.
Will there be a continuation of the “Special Investigations Department”?
It may lean in that direction, but I can't predict events.
Anna Bågstam:
Part 1: “The Silenced Police” – May 18
Part 2: “The Whistleblower” – May 18
Part 3: “Protected Identity” – May 25
Part 4: “Deadly Ward” – June 1
Malin Karim:
Part 5: “In the Shadow of the Law” – June 8
Part 6: “Code 0089” – June 15
Part 7: “The Unpunished” – June 22
Lisa Bjerre:
Part 8: “The Price of Truth” – June 29
Part 9: “In Death Alone” – July 6
Part 10: “Behind the Mask” – July 13
