A young woman's corpse is found alongside the corpses of two young women killed two decades ago; the mall town's police are on the case led by Patrik A young woman's corpse is found alongside the corpses of two young women killed two decades ago; the mall town's police are on the case led by Patrik Hedstrom, who has his hands full when another young woman goes missing. A local clan of feuding religious misfits whom one of, was the primary suspect of the original killing before he committed suicide, become the main focus of the case. Can the police find the killer and rescue the missing woman? This was my first Lackberg read, and above everything I was surprised that such a bet-selling read lacked the noir-ish-ness of other bestselling Scandi-writers. The characterisations of the police and Patrik's pregnant wife made up for the lack of noir as did the portrayal of the feuding family. Overall not as good as your average Nordic Noir but good enough for me to want to read another book in this series. A 7 out of 12, Three Star from me. [image] 2024 read...more
Harry Hole #11: Lying in a pool of blood, the investigator couldn't help notice that there just wasn't enough blood from such a severe neck wound; a fHarry Hole #11: Lying in a pool of blood, the investigator couldn't help notice that there just wasn't enough blood from such a severe neck wound; a few days later Harry Hole and a few others were convinced that the killer had drank her blood; a killer with the thirst! [image] Where to begin? Harry's happy! Say what? Yep, off the booze, with the love of his love (regulate readers know who :)), at ease with her son and no longer po-lice! Political ambition drives his high standing nemesis to force Harry back as a consultant on this 'blood drinking serial killer' case, but we all know Harry wanted a piece of this case. Can Harry work on what becomes a wildly twist filled case and retain the good place he is in, in his life? [image] Nordic Noir is single handily holding up well written and well plotted global crime fiction, this is the 11th book in the series, yet still of such high quality, with extraordinary detailed and multiple-layered world building on top of the reality of modern Scandinavia. An easy, coasted to 9 out of 12, Four Star read. [image] 2023 read...more
Millennium V: Another instalment of the adventures, investigations and take-no-prisoner crime busting by the equally irrepressible Lisbeth Salander anMillennium V: Another instalment of the adventures, investigations and take-no-prisoner crime busting by the equally irrepressible Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. Lisbeth, from the events of The Girl in the Spider's Web is in prison, but, as you expect from Lisbeth, is in complete control of her space. She tries to not get involved with the Bengali descendent Muslim girl sentenced for the murder of her brother, and bullied in prison... but she just can't. Added to this, her one-time mentor virtually crawls to prison (In his aged state) to visit with more information he has found out about her past. Let the games begin! [image] A bit more intense than the usual with Salander up against it from the off, stuck in prison with a psycho gang-leader looking to bait her. Meanwhile Blomkvist playing a lesser involved role than usual makes the story feel a lot less Millenium-ish than the previous Lagercrantz offering. Pealing the layers of Salander's past continues to shock and surprise, but also starts to verge on being too far-fetched, as in one feels like asking what didn't happen to her in her youth? [image] Knowing it is pointless comparing 2 different writers of the same series, I just feel compelled to - I feel the reason why Larsson wrote such detailed and meticulous back stories and investigations was because he was replicating the approaches of Salander and Blomkvist's methodology, and Lagencrantz not doing is, takes something essential away from the series, we don't get to really see or feel how they crack crimes and secrets. [image] Still a solid story, with one of the best group of characters in crime-fiction can't be that bad. And indeed we get to hit some good shit on some key modern day issues such as the post-truth world, financial markets and as ever the abuse of executive power. 8 out of 12 :) [image] 2020 read...more
On the passing of Stieg Larsson, not only did I mourn the passing of a great writer, I mourned the passing of Lisbeth Salander. I paid little attentioOn the passing of Stieg Larsson, not only did I mourn the passing of a great writer, I mourned the passing of Lisbeth Salander. I paid little attention to the news, when it was announced that David Lagercrantz would pick up the Millennium series, I simply considered it impossible to change the creative team. A friend finally talked me into reading it, she said, "don't worry who did or didn't write it, just read it", and so I did... [image] Almost from the very first paragraph it felt transition-less, I was just reading more of the Salander-Blomkvist-Millennium story. Same documentary semi-detached narration; same mish-mash of multiple points of view with varying degrees of detail; same relentless pursuit of wrong doers; same complex multi-faceted character interrelations, drivers and rationales. I was originally going to write how Salander was like Spider-Man (an on-theme example), where his original creators (Stan Lee & Steve Dikto) set such a clear and compelling template that decades later creative teams can still stay true to the original concept (if they're any good). [image] I feel Stieg Larsson did a bit more than that, he made social justice, crime and global issues integral to the Millennium brand, and there was no toning it down by Lagercrantz (woo hoo!), there was no greying out, this book continues to makes it clear how mostly male or family privilege was, and is, constantly being used to exert unjust power over those without it, for personal gain. Lagercrantz, doesn't try to give this some sort of Lagercrantz twist to feed his ego, but uses his skill as a creator to give us yet another compelling Salander cluster-fuck! [image] Ya'll know how bad-ass Lisbeth is, so you can imagine what happens when she hacks the NSA (yes that NSA!) in pursuit of her father, Zala's despicable legacy, in this splendid look at how those in power use and abuse the data that they amass (or steal!). Meanwhile, poor 'Kalle' Blomkvist's star is fading and the magazine is against the ropes. When one of Sweden's, and the world's top artificial intelligence scientists is murdered in front of his special needs son, actions, reverberations and conspiracy once again set Salander, Blomkvist, Berger and their allies against everybody, including the NSA! And breathe! [image] Lagercrantz does just pick up the ball, he also runs with it, and throws down a few moves! He does cut down on the detailed exposition that Larson loved (hence this is a much shorter read than Larsson's), but still gave me a superb suspense and conspiracy filled story, with that wonderfully and darkly focused urban vigilante who's as deadly with her brain as she's with an automatic pistol, dead centre. With additional insight into Salander's past with a nicely paced back-story and maintaining many characters from the previous books, this felt like coming home, and then some, and I enjoyed very damn page. Although this is the first Millennium not to get Five Stars from me, it gets a strong Four Stars, a 9.5 out of 12 isn't too bad! Although note that most of the previous Millennium Five Star ratings were given when I re-read them. 2020 read...more
A story of an assassin falling in love with his primary target, set in a snowbound Oslo. Not as good as his Harry Hole books. 6 opt of 12. Original wrA story of an assassin falling in love with his primary target, set in a snowbound Oslo. Not as good as his Harry Hole books. 6 opt of 12. Original written in Norwegian. [image]...more
Harry Hole book No. 10 is pretty awesome - Harry's teaching police work and the rest of the team are working under the new (bad) Chief Bellman, when aHarry Hole book No. 10 is pretty awesome - Harry's teaching police work and the rest of the team are working under the new (bad) Chief Bellman, when a serial killer begins to work his way through… policeman! Top drawer Harry Hole thriller with some big moments and a hard to catch or even work out, killer. Must read Nordic noir; and 8 out of 12, Four Star read :) [image] 2014 read...more
This second published book in the detective Harry Hole series was not translated into English (10th published in the English translated series!) untilThis second published book in the detective Harry Hole series was not translated into English (10th published in the English translated series!) until 13 years after its original Norwegian publishing date; yet more proof of how out of touch mainstream publishing can be! Harry Hole is sent to Thailand to investigate the murder of the Norwegian ambassador, with a brief to keep a low profile; man, do these people not know Harry Hole! With a retro expats abroad meets modern Thailand feel, this yet another Harry Hole scorcher of a read with a great Thai and expat supporting cast and an almost Agatha Christie-ish list of suspects. Some of these Scandi serials are peerless, and this series is one of them. 8 out of 12, Four Star read, that's up one whole star after reading it a second time ten years from my first read :) [image] 2024 and 2014 read...more
Tenth and last book in the late 1960s, early 1970s best selling Swedish detective series with Beck and co. taking on an unassuming alleged bank robberTenth and last book in the late 1960s, early 1970s best selling Swedish detective series with Beck and co. taking on an unassuming alleged bank robber… and terrorists! 5 out of 12....more
This is the seventh book in the 1970s best selling Swedish detective series that some say started the 'Scandinavian Noir' genre of mixing crime storieThis is the seventh book in the 1970s best selling Swedish detective series that some say started the 'Scandinavian Noir' genre of mixing crime stories and social issues. 7 out of 12....more
The first Harry Hole case, which was not translated into English until 2013, sees Harry begin his series investigating the murder of a Norwegian womanThe first Harry Hole case, which was not translated into English until 2013, sees Harry begin his series investigating the murder of a Norwegian woman in Australia. A bit of a continuity nightmare for readers with many of us having read his later cases first, so I found this a difficult debut to fairly judge, as I went into it with a lot of Harry Hole foreknowledge which nullified a lot of the mystery and questions about his personal life and police career. Still very easy to read for Nordic Noir and an interesting case. 7 out of 12 [image]...more
Wallander book No. 2 is not as psychological intense and introspective within Wallander, as much as the other books in the series, and is almost a staWallander book No. 2 is not as psychological intense and introspective within Wallander, as much as the other books in the series, and is almost a stand-alone American style thriller, but despite this, this book covers a key period of Walllander's life that impacts on the rest of the series. Mankell attempts to mix the worlds of the crumbling power of the Soviet Union over the Baltic States with a Wallander crime thriller. 6 out of 12. [image]...more
Harry Hole book No. 9 Harry's now ex-police and living his OK life in the Far East, when on the very few people he cares about in Norway, has not onlyHarry Hole book No. 9 Harry's now ex-police and living his OK life in the Far East, when on the very few people he cares about in Norway, has not only become a junkie, but been arrested for murder. Now his friends don't want him back, the police don't want him back, Norway doesn't want him back; but Harry is Harry, so predictable, which is why it comes as no surprise that he is under surveillance on his return. A Nordic Noir masterclass as the 'on the outs' Hole tries to prove his friend innocent of what had already been a closed case. [image] The ninth book in the series and still dropping fiction bombs! The dishevelled, recovering alcohol, maimed and lost Harry Hole is still one thing above all others... real police. A spectacular piece of Nordic crime conspiracy fiction dabbling around themes of fathering, drug addiction, crime reduction and abuse of police power. Whoa! The thing is that list makes this book sound as dark as it is! And such a malignant force overseeing on the darkness, but a force that just flitters on the outskirts of everything, unseen, like a phantom! 9 out of 12. [image] 2022 read; 2013 read...more
A fantastic novelisation of the Sveistrup BAFTA award winning TV series. I haven't yet watched the show, but as put forward in this book, bearing in mA fantastic novelisation of the Sveistrup BAFTA award winning TV series. I haven't yet watched the show, but as put forward in this book, bearing in mind Hewson still did additional research in Copenhagen, this is an amazing police procedural - political thriller - conspiracy tale driven by main character Lund's single mindedness in trying to discover the perpetrator of the killing. A strong Four Star 9 out of 12 read for me [image] 2013 read...more
The creator of the Harry Hole series tries a stand alone thriller, which is that bit better than most simply because not one of the characters is at aThe creator of the Harry Hole series tries a stand alone thriller, which is that bit better than most simply because not one of the characters is at all likeable, a wonderful twisted plot and the original use of a business headhunter as the primary first person lead, kept it interesting, but the influence of American thrillers is much stronger here than on his Harry Hole series. This is now a motion picture... apparently. 7 out of 12. [image]...more
Kurt Wallander book No.7 sees Wallander and co. finding themselves always one step behind an appalling and apparently motiveless serial killer. WallanKurt Wallander book No.7 sees Wallander and co. finding themselves always one step behind an appalling and apparently motiveless serial killer. Wallander himself is also struggling with his health and his future. Another great case, another great dollop of Scandi-noir. An easy Three Star, 7 out of 12. [image] 2012 review...more
Detective Harry hole book No. 6 sees a once again single but also trying to stay off of the wagon Harry Hole get caught up in the hunt for The RedeemeDetective Harry hole book No. 6 sees a once again single but also trying to stay off of the wagon Harry Hole get caught up in the hunt for The Redeemer a clinical and very professional hit-man targeting a prminennt member of the Salvation Army. Set in a snowy and cold Oslo in setting filled with junkies, junkie support, police and police politics and enlighteningly the Salvation Army, Nesbø yet again weaves such a detailed, complex multi-character driven story that all wraps up in the end giving me the reader great satisfaction with their effort s as always. Although a multi-volume series, it must be one of the consistently well written/translated reads in the wonderful sub-genre of Nordic Noir. [image] 2023 and 2012 read...more
Harry Hole mystery No. 3: Harry's interest is aroused when he hears a report of a dangerous gun having been smuggled into the country; two murders latHarry Hole mystery No. 3: Harry's interest is aroused when he hears a report of a dangerous gun having been smuggled into the country; two murders later (one of the victims is close to Harry) Harry realises that this killer is just getting started! As part of the investigation Harry first gets to know a certain Rakel and her son Oleg. [image] This is such a neat blend of modern Nordic urban squalor; the legacies of far-right Norway's involvement in the Second World War; internal police politics; and the fight of one man, Harry, to maintain control of both his career and life. The long-form story plotting in this early book in the series is to be admired once more of the series is read. The antagonist's story is the only weak spot in this book, as it feels a tad contrived, as well as convoluted. Although the 3rd book in the Detective Harry hole series, this was the first translated into English. 7 out of 12- Three Stars. [image] 2023 and 2012 read...more
The eighth (published) book in the Detective Harry hole series sees Harry Hole out in the Far East, depressed, gambling and on drugs! Back home a killThe eighth (published) book in the Detective Harry hole series sees Harry Hole out in the Far East, depressed, gambling and on drugs! Back home a killing spree begins; with Crime Squad and Kripos more concerned on their battle for executive supremacy on murder cases, someone decides they need a fall-guy to fail at bringing in the case for Crime Squad, guess who they target. This well thought out multi layered book and well deserved best seller in this series is a peak Harry Hole. Deeply exploring Hole's one minded-ness whther for self-destruction or the solving of a crime. The core serial killer case itself is a mind-bendingly beautifully crafted plot with intricate detail and a roller coaster journey of primary suspects, feints and lots of killing! An improved 9 out of 12, Four Stars on this my second read. [image] “I think it's possible to learn. The problem is that we learn so damned slowly, so that by the time you've realized something, it's too late.” ― Jo Nesbø, The Leopard [image] 2024 and 2012 read...more
Harry Hole #5: The alcoholic compulsive investigator, detective Harry Hole is pretty much obsessed with investigating fellow police Tom Waaler, whom hHarry Hole #5: The alcoholic compulsive investigator, detective Harry Hole is pretty much obsessed with investigating fellow police Tom Waaler, whom he is convinced is responsible for killing his police-partner as part of a coverup of Waaler's sideline of running a criminal empire! Harry's job, and too a degree his sanity, threatened because of this, how can such a dangerous and powerful man as Waller be not only allowed to roam free and but be admired? And whilst this goes on, a serial killer appears out of nowhere killing someone every five days! Despite being on his way out of the force, and Waaler leading the case, Hole just can't resisting joining the case team.. welcome to the world of Harry Hole! [image] Even best selling 'commercial' Nordic Noir like this feels so superior to most of non Nordic crime fiction with its very far from saintly protagonist, with its consuming and hugely entertaining core serial killer plot, and its multiple character studies. If there's a common theme in Nordic Noir it might just simply be 'trust no one'! Reading Harry Hole again after all these years has giving me fresh perspective and has e truly appreciating this work. 8 out of 12. [image] 2022 read, 2011 read...more
The seventh and most widely known book (it was a Richard & Judy Book Club selection in the UK) in the Detective Harry Hole series, centres around the The seventh and most widely known book (it was a Richard & Judy Book Club selection in the UK) in the Detective Harry Hole series, centres around the idea that up to 20% of Norwegians do not know the identity of their real dad! The 'Snowman' has been killing mostly woman, mostly mothers, over many years, and as Harry turns up the heat on the case, it begins to look like that everyone... and I mean absolutely everyone, is being manipulated by the killer! Not as good as Larssen or the Wallander books, but still quality Scandinavian crime fiction. 6 out of 12 [image] 2022 read; 2011 read...more
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