About a year ago, we tried to listen to this book by jury-rigging cables and wires to get a smart-phone to play through a stupid car stereo system. ItAbout a year ago, we tried to listen to this book by jury-rigging cables and wires to get a smart-phone to play through a stupid car stereo system. It was a long road trip and we wanted to listen to some Jo Nesbø. I hold this book directly responsible for us buying a new car with Car Play on it and then our subsequent car trip up the east coast, to Canada, and back. The book kept us going on the drive north, but it took 2.5 more books to get us home again. We both love the Harry Hole series, and other books by Nesbø. This did not disappoint. Of note: more references to Nesbø's other world in music. Also, for the first time in our 34 years of marriage, we discussed plot angles and possibilities as the book was winding up. Good stuff....more
Found on a book exchange shelf where I was leaving a BookCrossing book. I started reading it during the election season, and found life grim enough thFound on a book exchange shelf where I was leaving a BookCrossing book. I started reading it during the election season, and found life grim enough that I didn't want it in my reading, too. Will try again some day.
I really liked the original trilogy by Stieg Larsson, and this was fine, but there were some things that sat wrong with me. The writing was good, quitI really liked the original trilogy by Stieg Larsson, and this was fine, but there were some things that sat wrong with me. The writing was good, quite a different style than Larsson, which I didn't mind, but the depth of character was lacking, as well as certain new elements that seemed like an addition to canon (though I could be wrong.) Anyhow, I can see that more books are planned, but I probably am fine with what I've read.
My husband got our copy of the book when he was on tour doing book signings. Apparently some bookshops let signing authors pick a book to take with them. Nice!....more
Nesbo goes short, sparse, somewhat philosophic, and a touch romantic in this second "Blood on Snow" book, set in a remote part of Norway, where Jon isNesbo goes short, sparse, somewhat philosophic, and a touch romantic in this second "Blood on Snow" book, set in a remote part of Norway, where Jon is now on the run from the crimelord known as The Fisherman, who will be satisfied with nothing less than Jon's corpse.
Different from the Harry Hole novels, but again with a true sense of place and character. ...more
Some of the stories in this collection are awesome; some too dark and gristly for my taste. We listened to the audio version on two road trips (13 houSome of the stories in this collection are awesome; some too dark and gristly for my taste. We listened to the audio version on two road trips (13 hours of listening, about one of which was a fascinating, though Very Long introduction that had the feel of a dissertation about it. But still, we both liked the collection, overall, and got to take tastes of authors we had yet to find on our own. Plus there were some of the old standbys that were fun to find again....more
This is a series I love. Not only are the cases interesting and full of their own quirks and twists, but so are the central characters. The cases assiThis is a series I love. Not only are the cases interesting and full of their own quirks and twists, but so are the central characters. The cases assigned to Department Q are all cold cases, lying unsolved for years. The main team of characters are all broken in one way or another, with foibles and fears, secrets and sins, all wrapped up in many, many layers that Adler-Olsen carefully dissects away. And while some of the cases have the dark noir aspect of other Scandinavian writers, some are less vitriolic, but just as interesting to read. Sometimes you like a good mystery/detective novel that doesn't rip your guts out or give you nightmares. Jussi Adler-Olsen has proven to be able to craft a tale that grabs attention, and unfolds in a way that grabs interest, builds suspense, and defines characters beautifully. ...more
Jussi Adler-Olsen has created a cast of characters who I enjoy following though the bizarre situations in which he throws them. Yet another thoughtfulJussi Adler-Olsen has created a cast of characters who I enjoy following though the bizarre situations in which he throws them. Yet another thoughtful, twisty mystery that made for a good vacation read. Good series....more
Back again with Department Q. Things have advanced a bit, some of which I've missed because this is book 4 and I've not read book 3, but the characterBack again with Department Q. Things have advanced a bit, some of which I've missed because this is book 4 and I've not read book 3, but the characters continue to be interesting and real, and the plot with enough twists and turns to keep me happy. And what's going on with Assad? There was a final twist which I definitely did't see coming....more
The Son started off slow for me, but it may have been because I'm still getting used to an e-reader. However, though the set-up in the book is differeThe Son started off slow for me, but it may have been because I'm still getting used to an e-reader. However, though the set-up in the book is different from previous Nesbo books, it's consistent with his excellence in plot, writing, and character development. Nesbo has helped me become a bit familiar with the law enforcement end of life in Norway, both the good and the corrupt. I kept wondering (hoping? seeking?) if a character or two from his marvelous Harry Hole series would make a cameo appearance. But even without any known characters (or at least non I quickly spotted) this book was riveting. It is a stand alone that holds its own, filled with classic Nesbo convolutions. It's the first of his books that I had an inkling early on where it might lead in part, but that didn't lessen the suspense for me. It's a book where you simultaneously can root for the guy doing killings and the guy trying to bring him in. It has marvelous characters in it. It's about revenge, exploration of what is evil, justice, seeking to right what is wrong, loyalty, and love. I won't try to write a synopsis here, because others have done it quite well elsewhere. But, if you're a fan of Nordic noir, and don't mind a bit of nail biting, find this book. It will give you all that, plus an eloquent examination of justice....more
When I first read about this book, I was intrigued as it combined several elements or interests in my life: Nordic Noir, with a nurse as the central fWhen I first read about this book, I was intrigued as it combined several elements or interests in my life: Nordic Noir, with a nurse as the central figure, and a woman from Ukraine as another major figure. It also promised a parallel story involving Ukrainian history. When the kind folks at www.bookreporter.com sent it to me as part of their Christmas give-away, I was quite the happy nurse-of-Ukrainian-heritage-Nordic-Noir-lover camper.
This is apparently the third in a series featuring Nina Borg, but the story didn't suffer in not having read the first books. Nina is definitely a flawed character, but also definitely one with a good heart. She has worked with immigrants, both legal and illegal, in Denmark. Through this work, she has befriended Natasha, a woman currently in jail for the attempted murder of her fiance, and Natasha's daughter, a child with severe asthma, who bears the emotional scars of her young life. When Natasha escapes from custody, while being brought to the police station, events begin to get interesting. One of two investigators in Denmark from Ukraine to question her disappears. Her fiance is murdered, and the killing is in the same fashion as Natasha's husband back in Ukraine had been killed just before Natasha fled for Denmark. The immigration camp where Katarina is being held while her mother is imprisoned is attacked in an attempt to get the girl. She only evades being kidnapped through the quick thinking of Nina, who has become attached to both the mother and the daughter. While the police think all the crimes can be attributed to Natasha, Nina is unconvinced. The figure she'd seen coming toward her as she hid with the child was definitely a man, and the attack seemed more professional than a lone woman, who escaped on the spur of the moment, might be able to carry out.
The story unfolds, interspersed with the story of two sisters, growing up in Ukraine under the rule of Stalin. This part of the book fascinated me, with a glimpse of how life was for people in small towns and villages. Olga and Oxana's story would have made a good separate book, but it was skillfully interwoven with the tale of Natasha and Nina, culminating in a way I really didn't expect. I even was kept wondering if the Nightingale in the story related to Nina (as in Florence Nightingale) or as in either Olga or Oxana, the two sisters referred to as nightingales for their singing.
It is interesting to me that the story flowed so well with two writers, and makes me wonder how the work was dispersed. There were no continuity disruptions that I detected, aside from the obvious technique of intertwining stories. Some folks claim that female writers of mystery are "softer", though I don't necessarily agree. However, there was a difference in this book of some sort: very character driven, and while it involved politics and ugliness of the world, the violence and use of guns, explosions, and knives was less in the forefront. I'll have to ponder this a bit more, but I think I'll seek out the first two books in the series. ...more
A thoughtful book, but mostly because Carl Mørck is a thoughtful man. Intuition plays a large part in his police work, examining the dead cases files,A thoughtful book, but mostly because Carl Mørck is a thoughtful man. Intuition plays a large part in his police work, examining the dead cases files, but so does intelligence, and observation. He thinks not just outside the box, but perhaps outside the entire room. In this second installment of the Department Q series, Mørck is still combating the elements that broke him just prior to solving the first dead case, still building his department, and still trying to regain his rhythm in life. His investigation of a 20 year old case of the murder of a brother and sister is complicated by several things. First of all, the case is not open -- there was a confession and conviction, and second, there are big players who do not want the investigation reexamined.
Snagged this on the fly as I was leaving the library. Someone had just returned it, and I took it from the librarian's hands after she checked it backSnagged this on the fly as I was leaving the library. Someone had just returned it, and I took it from the librarian's hands after she checked it back in. Luckily, there were no holds on it, so the first Harry Hole was mine, mine, mine!
The English translations of Jo Nesbo's series of books, based around the flawed and human detective, Harry Hole, began with book three in the series. That's where I started, and where I became addicted to the characters and series. Now, thanks to Vintage Crime/Black Lizard Original, the first book in the series is available here in the US. The tone was somewhat lighter, though Harry is still damaged goods. He's off in Australia, where a Norwegian woman was brutally murdered, and Harry was sent to help out. Nesbo draws his characters thoroughly and vividly, at the same time interspersing bits of Australia and Scandinavia to readers "from off". One of the things I liked so much about this was the sort of filling in of blanks that pepper the later novels, and help the reader to understand what life circumstances made Harry Harry. There are references in later novels, but more is spelled out in this one. And though we'd long figured out the pronunciation of his last name, so that it didn't sound like an orifice or an opening in something, it was fun to read the Aussie interpretation of "Holy"....more
I am so mad at Jo Nesbø right now. He left us in such limbo after the last book, but I forgave him, because I knew Harry wouldn't die just yet. I didnI am so mad at Jo Nesbø right now. He left us in such limbo after the last book, but I forgave him, because I knew Harry wouldn't die just yet. I didn't even mind the suspense and veiled leads in the beginning of this book, because once again, it was superb writing, character crafting, and plot unveiling. These characters are real, and each of them, with their peculiar quirks, strengths, and flaws, are people, rather than fiction, to me. And because of that, I am so mad at Jo Nesbø from about a little more than midway into this book. I can't say more, for fear of spoilers. Gah. I won't forgive Mr Nesbø until the next book comes out. And then, I'll probably get mad at him for something else. He's becoming a little like the GRRM of Nordic Noir.
Interestingly enough, this was the first book I read on the new e-reader husband gave me for Father's Day. It's not as weird as it sounds, as I gave him his father's day gift early-- on Mother's Day, to be exact. We do things a little differently in the Czuk household....more
The interesting thing for me upon finding another Swedish author of crime novels, is that though the author is male, he chose to make his lead charactThe interesting thing for me upon finding another Swedish author of crime novels, is that though the author is male, he chose to make his lead character a female police superintendent. The way the character of Malin Fors unfolds through the novel made good reading. The story itsef, of one girl found brutally assaulted, then another, in a assaulted in a similar manner is found, only she is dead. As the pages of the book outline the details of the investigation, they also reveal more and more about Malin Fors, her life before joining the police force, her relationships with her teenage daughter, and her ex-husband. Unfortunately, Will go back and read the first in this series....more
It seems like I've been waiting for this book for a long time. After Helsinki White, I was left numb. The darkness in White chilled my soul. But I wanIt seems like I've been waiting for this book for a long time. After Helsinki White, I was left numb. The darkness in White chilled my soul. But I wanted more.
Helsinki Blood is the fourth book in the Inspector Vaara series. In the previous book, Kari's world has been frozen apart. His brain is broken, emotionless and damaged, after surgery to remove a brain tumor. This obviously had a huge impact on his life, work, marriage, and role as a new papa. But how it all played out was shattering. I was curious to see how the author picked up the pieces.
It may have been the break between the books, but the tone in this one was very different to me. The ice in Vaara's brain was thawing, and humanity returning. Though since his world (and face and knee) had been blown to hell and back, normality is a long way away. Yet from the start, it's evident that he is healing, as his love for his wife and daughter (and Katt), and concern for their safety become the paramount drive in his life.
The usual cast of characters are assembled, and schemes to curtail the bad guys, save the girl (for there is, indeed, a girl in peril) and keep Kari's family safe and intact unfurl. The only reason I still have all my fingernails is that I read it in less than a day....more
In which there is an ax-murderer -- the stuff of horror stories. I thought this Wallander particularly good, as it showed aspects of investigation andIn which there is an ax-murderer -- the stuff of horror stories. I thought this Wallander particularly good, as it showed aspects of investigation and the criminal mind that often are glossed over on those ever famous TV shows. Someone's committing horrific murders, but because Mankell takes the reader into the murderer's mind, we can see he actually is doing this out of love; he thinks he is doing something to help someone. The tedium of putting together the tiniest of clues and hunches is well portrayed (without actually being tedious to the reader.) And then there's the personal interactions: Wallander's growing relationship with his daughter, and with his sweetheart, Biba (once again, entirely by phone, since she lives elsewhere). But the one that clenched its fist around my heart is the relationship with Wallander and his father, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. At one point, in a discussion with a colleague, comes the comment that you never can escape your parents -- though at some point in time, the relationship switches, and you parent them. So very true. And I hope that when the time comes for me, I'm not a troublesome child to my own offspring. ...more
An Inspector Van Veeteren mystery, but mostly without Van Veeteren. He's not on the case; in fact he's ensconced in an armchair, with a glass of wine An Inspector Van Veeteren mystery, but mostly without Van Veeteren. He's not on the case; in fact he's ensconced in an armchair, with a glass of wine and a boo, in his favorite bookstore, yet he still solves the puzzle first, without ever seeing the scene, or interviewing anyone. Nesser has a great style, presenting information in small chunks, but linking and looping it all to a satisfying conclusion. Even though I like my Nesser with a full dose of VV best, Munster is a great character, and a pleasing alternative, especially when he channels VV's teachings. ...more
When javaczuk asked me what I was reading, I mumbled something about urban fantasy, blacksmiths, lesbians, Seattle/Portland, and a dragon who was a shWhen javaczuk asked me what I was reading, I mumbled something about urban fantasy, blacksmiths, lesbians, Seattle/Portland, and a dragon who was a shape-shifter and currently in the form of an investment banker. That caught his attention. And the book caught mine, too. I can see it that it is the start for what may be a really interesting series. Loved that it was set in an area of the country where we long to go, dragons or not, and really like that the author stepped outside of his gender comfort zone to have his main character be a physically strong, yet emotionally vulnerable woman, who was just coming to terms with her sexuality. There are enough characters in this opening foray who interested me, and made it through the story, to make me want to read the next. I also liked how the SCA folks in the story adopted Tolkienisms, and in this book must blend with Norse mythology to make sense of what's happening in their world. Sarah is probably in serious need of professional help, but she still can kick arse on the battle field. My biggest question though, is what the hell was Tor thinking with that cover? It may sell books, but a battle-fighting blacksmith in a crop top? Yeah, right. (What does it say that I can accept the whole fantasy element, but I can't accept that?)
(Really a 3.5, but not a 4 star. I have hopes that the things that bothered me in this book will resolve in the next.)...more
I think this is my favorite Harry Hole as a book, though my favorite passage in the series still remains the chapter of Harry's messages to Ellen on hI think this is my favorite Harry Hole as a book, though my favorite passage in the series still remains the chapter of Harry's messages to Ellen on her answering machine way back earlier in the series. The pulling together of so many threads and characters was masterfully treated. And the use of the Gusto as a narrator of his story was masterful. So good, but so sad as well. Can't say more without including a spoiler....more
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