Eight stars
Always happy to read another novel by Jørn Lier Horst, I have also come to enjoy his collaborative work alongside Thomas Enger. This series mixes a dark, Norwegian thriller with a great deal of action. There is a sharp contrast between the two styles, but they combine quite well, keeping the reader on their toes until the final reveal. The authors present a strong story and continue the themes found in past novels, providing something jilted and yet highly entertaining in equal measure.
Alexander Blix has reached a new low, one that is of his own doing. Jailed for taking retribution for his daughter’s death, Blix finds himself in one of Norway’s most secure prisons, surrounded by men who have committed similar crimes. As a former police investigator, Blix finds himself surrounded by the type of men he made a point of capturing, which only adds to the tension on the inside.
Norwegian police officials must continue on without Blix, searching for a terrifying German serial killer. Walter Kroos was able to break out of his confinement and is making his way north, with Norway on his radar. While Blix is still incarcerated, he may be able to help, as Kroos has an acquaintance living in the same prison block . Might the plan have been communicated through means yet unknown? It will be up to Blix to make some sense of this, while staying off the radar.
Blix relies on his friend, Emma Ramm, to keep his connection with the outside. A trained journalist with a penchant for asking the tough questions, Emma is one of the only people who visit Blix in prison. While they share struggles on both sides of the prison walls, Blix and Emma work on the Kroos case as well. It is then that a rural part of Norway might hold truths that explain Walter Kroos and his plan, as well as a dark secret that could tie the case together. A stunning read with a great ending, Horst and Enger dazzle once more.
The story takes on a life of its own under the oversight of Horst and Enger. These authors have shown their abilities in the past and I was fully committed from the opening pages. The narrative approach is dark and yet quickly adds in its intensity, providing a pace that cannot be stopped and with ideas that join along the way. The momentum gain helps keep the story humming, with themes and characters helping to fuel the great backstory that proves central to it all. The authors have crafted the two protagonists quite well, allowing them to develop alone and in unison with equal effectiveness. This is surely one of the key aspects of the story that attracts readers.
The plot is both elusive and in one’s face, with the various styles the authors use to develop their piece. There are moments when things are going in an entirely predictable way, but then a twist is tossed in and things shift in a new direction. Horst is an author I know well and I can see some of his writing style in the plot points, but Enger adds his own flavouring and provides a unique perspective for all to enjoy. I am eager to see where things are headed with this series.
The translation alone is worth mentioning. This novel may have originally been penned in Norwegian, but I could not tell by reading it. The writing is clear and seems it can easily be translated into another language without losing its impact. Praise for the translator for making this such a great reading experience, keeping this series edgy and addictive!
Kudos, Messrs. Horst and Enger, for another great piece in this series.
Book Reviews to Ponder 