But the scorchingly hot streets of Prague in summer provide a welcome contrast to that terrifying time, and now Lumikki just wants to move on - forget the events of the past year - and escape her parent's oppressive concern.

On the scorchingly hot streets of Prague, Lumikki Andersson is recovering from the trauma back home in Finland that left her near dead in the snow. Now she's alone again, which is exactly how she likes it.

But when a nervous young woman named Lenka approaches Lumikki claiming to be her long-lost sister, the peaceful solitude is shattered.

Lumikki needs to find out more, but after she meets Lenka's unusual 'family', soon she is fighting for her life again - and, possibly, for her sister's too.

The first in the Snow White trilogy, this is a gripping and engrossing story featuring a strong and courageous heroine. Set against a wintry Finnish backdrop, this is an intriguing and brilliantly crafted thriller which keeps the reader absorbed right to the end.