The Academy Audiobook

“The Academy” by Eva Maria Fredensborg is a crime thriller set in a desolate coastal area of Northern Sweden. The plot revolves around the Ocean Gala, a cruise ship that has been docked and repurposed as a floating refugee camp, carrying 1,800 asylum seekers. This situation becomes a flashpoint, attracting far-right groups who protest against the refugee camp.

Amidst this volatile situation, a brutal home invader begins to terrorize the area. In response, the local Chief of Police enlists the help of cadets from the newly established Scandinavian Academy of Criminal Profiling. This group, led by the aging detective Conrad Løwe, includes Nadia Elmkvist, who is described as both the team’s most valuable asset and its biggest challenge due to her unconventional interrogation methods.

The cadets face opposition not only from the external challenges posed by the protests and the home invader but also from within the local law enforcement. They particularly clash with Hampus Cedergren, a local police officer who is not welcoming of the group, especially Nadia and her methods.

The novel’s setting on the Northern Swedish coast adds to the tension and atmosphere of the story, with the backdrop of political and social unrest accentuating the drama. The interaction between the cadets and the existing law enforcement apparatus, along with the challenges posed by the refugee situation and the criminal elements, creates a complex and engaging narrative.

Eva Maria Fredensborg weaves a tale that is not only a crime thriller but also a commentary on contemporary issues such as immigration, political extremism, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with complex social issues. The character of Nadia Elmkvist, with her unique approach to solving crimes, stands out as a focal point in the story, highlighting themes of conflict between traditional and unconventional methods in criminal investigation.