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The Witch Hunter

Book 1 in the series:Jessica Niemi

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The Witch Hunter by Max Seeck follows Detective Sergeant Jessica Niemi as she investigates a series of murders that seem to be inspired by a famous author's books on witch hunting. The story unfolds with a murder that leads the police to believe it's a ritualistic killing, prompting Jessica to delve into the author's body of work for clues. As more bodies are discovered, the investigative team races against time to stop the killer from enacting scenes from the bestselling trilogy. The book blends elements of police procedural and horror fiction, with a focus on the police investigation of the grisly murders in Helsinki, while attempting to create a terrifying atmosphere that adds a twist to the typical Nordic noir offerings.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with the protagonist being a complex figure whose past influences her present.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is direct and occasionally abrupt, blending descriptive elements with a focus on creating suspense.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative combines police work with horror elements as detectives chase a killer mirroring a writer's gruesome fictional murders.

Setting:

The setting in Finland during winter adds atmospheric depth to the narrative, enhancing the mood and themes.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast but can be inconsistent due to flashbacks and abrupt scene changes.
THE WIND HAS picked up, and the corners of the massive glass-and-skimmed-concrete house wail restlessly. The tap-tap carrying from the roof has gradually intensified; the faint pops call to mind the s...

Notes:

Max Seeck is a Finnish author known for his love of Nordic noir and writing while listening to movie soundtracks.
The Witch Hunter is his debut novel and aims to put Finland on the map of Nordic noir.
The book mixes police procedural with horror elements, though some readers feel it lacks balance.
The story begins with the murder of Maria Koponen, the wife of a famous thriller author, Roger Koponen.
Jessica Niemi is the main detective, reminiscent of strong female leads in Nordic noir.
The plot suggests that someone is imitating murders from Roger's books about witch hunting.
Jessica has a complicated past that unfolds throughout the story, involving an Italian violinist.
The setting is during a harsh Finnish winter, enhancing the story's atmosphere.
Readers noted that some plot twists feel far-fetched but the mystery kept them engaged.
The narrative alternates between Jessica's current investigation and her troubled past, providing depth to her character.
There is a strong supernatural element relating to witchcraft, reflecting common themes in thriller novels.
The pacing of the story is fast with short chapters, which some found engaging while others felt it lacked depth.
Critics mentioned that the author struggles with the identity of his novel, wavering between horror and investigation.
The character of Jessica was well-received for her mysterious and dedicated personality, though her past was sometimes confusing.
The novel has drawn comparisons to other well-known Nordic noir works and authors.
Audiobooks of The Witch Hunter, narrated by Stephanie Racine, received positive reviews for their pacing and narration.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for The Witch Hunter include themes of murder, violence, trauma, and potential references to mental health issues.

Has Romance?

There are elements of romance in the story, particularly involving the protagonist Jessica Niemi and her tumultuous past relationship.

From The Publisher:

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A shocking murder in an affluent Helsinki suburb has ties to witchcraft and the occult in this thrilling U.S. debut from Finnish author Max Seeck.

A bestselling author's wife has been found dead in a gorgeous black evening gown, sitting at the head of an empty dining table. Her most chilling feature-her face is frozen in a ghastly smile.

At first it seems as though a deranged psychopath is reenacting the gruesome murders from the Witch Hunt trilogy, bestsellers written by the victim's husband. But investigator Jessica Niemi soon realizes she's not looking for a single killer but rather for dozens of believers in a sinister form of witchcraft who know her every move and are always one step ahead.

As the bodies start piling up, Jessica knows they won't stop until they get what they want. And when her dark past comes to light, Jessica finds herself battling her own demons while desperately trying to catch a coven of killers before they claim their next victim.

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
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Reader Stats (4):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (1)
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1 comment(s)

Loved It
6 days

I liked this first book in a series, got introduced to the characters and they were interesting. The crime plot had some interesting points, murder influenced by a crime writers book. Witch trials and the breadcrumbs leading up to the conclusion. I wasn't a huge fan of the the ending but was still a good story. Might continue with the series sooner rather than later (hopefully)

 

About the Author:

Max Seeck devotes his time to writing professionally. An avid reader of Nordic noir for personal pleasure, he listens to film scores as he writes. His accolades include the Finnish Whodunit Society's Debut Thriller of the Year Award 2016. Max…

 
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