On her uncle Jacob's death Johanna discovers a mysterious box of photographs amongst his belongings. Inspired to investigate Jacob's early life in London, where he trained as a photographer, she uncovers a macabre history laced with scandal.
In 1905, Jacob is apprenticed to Herbert Burrows who photographs the séances of the Theosophist Society. Among the members of the society is Reverend Charles Leadbetter, who also employs Burrows for an altogether more sinister task. Intrigued by the possibilities of photography, Leadbetter secretly uses young children in experiments to capture the soul on film as it leaves the body. When Leadbetter's scheme is discovered it leads to further deceit and murder.
The true story is gradually pieced together from Johanna's research and Jacob's own account, leading to a chilling discovery in the Thames...
Camera won The Swedish Detective Novel Academy Award for First Novel, the Poloni Prize for female crime writers and the Flint Axe prize for the best historical crime novel.
In 1905, Jacob is apprenticed to Herbert Burrows who photographs the séances of the Theosophist Society. Among the members of the society is Reverend Charles Leadbetter, who also employs Burrows for an altogether more sinister task. Intrigued by the possibilities of photography, Leadbetter secretly uses young children in experiments to capture the soul on film as it leaves the body. When Leadbetter's scheme is discovered it leads to further deceit and murder.
The true story is gradually pieced together from Johanna's research and Jacob's own account, leading to a chilling discovery in the Thames...
Camera won The Swedish Detective Novel Academy Award for First Novel, the Poloni Prize for female crime writers and the Flint Axe prize for the best historical crime novel.
