Nathalie is a scientist who returns home to Mossmarken (Sweeden) to study the peat bogs. Nathalie was born in Mossmarken but left to escape a tragic past. She is relieved when no one recognizes her and she is able to work on her research. She befriends Johannes who helps her collect data. However the bog begins to give up bodies and it becomes clear a murder has been active for years. The Forbidden Place is an eerie mystery that leaves me looking forward to more novels from Jansson.