Elsa and Cornelia Swärd (b. 1995/1990) grew up in Skåne and Värmland respectively and met in Stockholm, where they were both working in TV production. Cornelia is now a trained veterinarian; Elsa is an influencer. Together they have expanded their family with two children and the Labrador Maggan. In 2025, they moved to a farm in the countryside in Värmland, where they devote themselves to what they enjoy most besides writing – working with animals, farming, and hunting.

Ravaging was the couple's debut novel, winning the 2025 Adlibris Prize for Best Debut Novel of the Year. Bloodrot is their latest novel, published in 2026. 

Agent: Erik Larsson

PUBLISHED Albert bonniers, april 2025
GENRE crime
PAGES 470

RIGHTS SOLD
FINNISH: WSOY
Danish: Gyldendal denmark
dutch: a.w. bruna
german: heyne verlag (PRH)
norwegian: aschehoug

Late one September evening, a headless body is found in Stockholm's Frihamnen harbour. Detective Inspector Maggan Kipowski and her girlfriend, reporter Vera Bonde, investigate the macabre case from their separate angles while their relationship is coming apart at the seams. When the police find a link to a previous murder, a discovery is made that strikes fear into the entire country. Maggan is pushed to her limits to find the murderer and while the investigation makes the entire parliament house tremble in fear, the perpetrator plans a grand finale.

With razor-sharp plotting, three dimensional characters, and searing social commentary, Ravaging is for readers seeking a gripping, boundary-pushing story that resonates with contemporary global concerns while still delivering nail-biting suspense.

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

Ravaging won the 2025 Adlibris Prize for Best Debut Novel of the Year

PUBLISHERS’ STATEMENTS

“Reading Elsa and Cornelia Swärd's Ravaging is like being suddenly shocked into life by a defibrillator. They update the tired police procedural with oily energy, a burning and engaging what-if plot, drastic humour and jolt after jolt of startling twists. As a reader, you immediately care about both the main characters Maggan and Vera, as well as their side kicks, all of whom emerge with strong voices, touching quirks and, not least, irresistible interpersonal chemistry. Ravaging is a relentlessly exciting and stylish crime novel that those who love the genre will feel at home in, while still standing out and contributing something new. I can hardly believe that Elsa and Cornelia are debutants!”
- Johanna Haegerström, Albert Bonniers Förlag

“Elsa and Cornelia are the perfect fit for our list. I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I love Maggan and Vera and above all the intricate plotting and refreshing tone the two authors have found. I really believe this is the hit of the season and I think this is the start of a stellar international career that we are thrilled to be a part of.”
- Janina Dyballa, Heyne Verlag

“This gripping debut by Elsa & Cornelia Swärd is a must-read for fans of Kepler, Nesbø and Adler-Olsen. A blood-chilling thriller with a feminine touch that keeps you glued to the pages. I loved how it brought something fresh to the genre while at the same time delivering everything I crave in crime fiction – deeply human characters, relentless suspense and a shocking twist at the end. It’s the perfect start to the series and leaves you wanting more.”
- Susan Sandérus, A.W. Bruna