Meet New Books
Meet New Books
Book Cover

The Chestnut Man

Save:
Find on Amazon

'The Chestnut Man' by Søren Sveistrup is a dark and intense Nordic noir thriller that follows Police Inspector Naia Thulin and investigator Mark Hess as they delve into a series of gruesome murders where women are targeted by a deranged serial killer, each crime scene marked by a chestnut man figure. The plot is intricate and keeps readers guessing, with a gripping narrative that unfolds through short, fast-paced chapters. As Thulin and Hess navigate through red herrings and false leads, they uncover shocking revelations and face a relentless pursuit to catch the elusive killer.

The book showcases the author's talent in building complex characters and intricate plots, reminiscent of his work on 'The Killing' series. With a macabre and disturbing storyline, 'The Chestnut Man' weaves together multiple storylines, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and unexpected twists that culminate in a pulse-pounding and nerve-wracking conclusion, making it a must-read for fans of dark and intense thrillers.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with main protagonists Thulin and Hess showcasing a complex relationship as they navigate a tense investigation.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is cinematic and atmospheric, utilizing short chapters and multiple perspectives to enhance the fast-paced, engaging narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The story features a complex plot involving a series of murders linked to a past kidnapping, with a chilling calling card left at each crime scene.

Setting:

The setting in Copenhagen contributes significantly to the story, with a dark, cold atmosphere enhancing the overall mood.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, although some readers find it lengthy, drawing them into a suspenseful story.
Red and yellow leaves drift down through the sunlight on to the wet asphalt, which cuts through the woods like a dark and glassy river. As the white squad car tears past, they’re spun briefly in the a...

Notes:

The Chestnut Man is a debut novel by Soren Sveistrup, known for creating the television series The Killing.
The story is set in Copenhagen and features a police procedural format combined with elements of Nordic noir.
The main characters are Naia Thulin, a young cop, and Mark Hess, a disgraced Europol agent, who partner together to solve a series of murders.
Each murder is marked by a creepy doll made from chestnuts and matchsticks, known as the 'Chestnut Man.'
The plot intertwines current murders with the cold case of a kidnapped girl, adding depth to the story.
The novel includes elements of political commentary surrounding the social services in Denmark.
The book uses multiple perspectives, switching between different characters, including both detectives and victims.
Readers appreciate the complex plot and character development, particularly the dynamics between Thulin and Hess.
Graphic violence and chilling murder scenes contribute to the book's dark atmosphere.
The novel has been adapted into a Netflix series, generating additional interest in the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic violence, murder, child abduction, and themes of psychological trauma.

From The Publisher:

SOON TO BE A MAJOR NETFLIX SERIES

'A full-throttle thriller in the tradition of classic Stieg Larsson, drenched in atmosphere and charged with adrenaline. I loved this book' A. J. Finn, author of The Woman In The Window

'A cracking ending that left me STUNNED' 5***** Reader Review

THE CHILLING DEBUT NOVEL FROM THE CREATOR AND WRITER OF HIT TV SHOW THE KILLING, perfect for fans of THE FALL and DES

As the leaves fall, he's coming for you . . .

One October morning in a quiet suburb, the police make a terrible discovery.

A young woman is found brutally murdered with one of her hands missing.

Above her hangs a small doll made of chestnuts.

Examining the doll, Forensics are shocked to find a fingerprint belonging to a young girl, kidnapped and murdered a year ago.

Can a new killer be the key to an old crime?

And will his spree be over when winter arrives - or is he only just getting started? . . .

'The Stieg Larsson comparisons seem unfair - on Sveistrup. He is quite simply in another league' Metro

'If you're pining for a dose of Jo Nesbo-style Scandi noir, The Chestnut Man should hit the spot' The Times

'Has success written all over it' Daily Express

'Creepy, clever and packed with tension' Sun

'If you are one of the millions who enjoyed The Killing, you'll want to read the first novel by its creator' Guardian

_

Praise for The Killing

'TV of the absolute finest quality . . . the writing shines' Guardian

'Excellent . . . A shrewd mix of police procedural, political thriller and domestic drama' New York Times

Ratings (24)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (8)
It Was OK (3)

Reader Stats (69):

Read It (25)
Want To Read (37)
Not Interested (7)

2 comment(s)

Loved It
1 month

This is a real great thriller, it has great characters, good pace and makes you glued to the page. I got a bit disappointed that it don't seem to be a series but maybe it will come in the future. I hope so

 
Loved It
5 months

Intricate plot. Likeable characters.

 

About the Author:

Søren Sveistrup is an internationally acclaimed scriptwriter of the Danish television phenomenon The Killing which won various international awards and sold in more than a hundred countries. More recently, Sveistrup wrote the screenplay for Jo Nesbø's The Snowman. Sveistrup obtained a Master in Literature and in History from the University of Copenhagen and studied at the Danish Film School. He has won countless prizes, including an Emmy for Nikolaj and Julie and a BAFTA for The Killing.

 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.