'The Katharina Code' revolves around Detective William Wisting who is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of Katharina Haugen, a case that has remained unsolved for twenty-four years. Wisting, along with his journalist daughter Line, delves into the investigation of a cold case in Norway, where the plot thickens as they uncover new information and potential links between different missing persons cases. The story unfolds through dialogue-driven interactions, meticulous police procedures, and the gradual unraveling of cryptic clues left behind by the missing individuals.

The narrative of 'The Katharina Code' is characterized by a slow-burning mystery that keeps readers engaged as they follow Wisting's pursuit of truth, the involvement of his daughter in the case from a journalistic angle, and the complexities that arise as the investigation progresses. weaves together elements of family dynamics, police investigations, and the intricate web of connections between the characters, culminating in a suspenseful journey towards solving the cold case and deciphering the cryptic codes left behind by the missing women.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Wisting portrayed as a dedicated investigator, while his daughter brings a unique angle to the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is well-crafted with concise chapters and engaging dialogue, which helps maintain a steady and immersive pace.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a haunting cold case of a woman's disappearance that intertwines with another missing person's investigation, creating a complex mystery.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary Norway, with a detailed portrayal of both urban and rural locales that enrich the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady and measured, allowing for gradual buildup of tension and deeper character exploration.

Notes:

The main character is Chief Inspector William Wisting, who has been haunted by the cold case of Katharina Haugen for 24 years.

Every year on the anniversary of Katharina's disappearance, Wisting visits her husband Martin, but this time Martin is missing.

Wisting is called to assist with another missing person's case involving Nadia Krogh, which may be connected to Katharina's case.

Line, Wisting's daughter, is a journalist who is asked to do a podcast on the Nadia Krogh case, and unknowingly becomes involved in the same investigation as her father.

The story features a coded note left by Katharina, which has never been deciphered and remains a central mystery.

Horst's writing is compared to other notable Scandinavian authors, highlighting that it has a similar character-driven narrative style.

The novel discusses the abolishment of the statute of limitations on murder in Norway, allowing cold cases to be reopened without restrictions.

The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of both Wisting and Line, creating a dual exploration of the mystery from personal and journalistic angles.

Wisting's methodical approach contrasts with the urgency suggested by the unfolding complexities of the two cases.

Readers find the pacing to be deliberate, focusing more on character interaction than action, which appeals to fans of police procedural stories.

From The Publisher:

A gripping thriller from the international bestselling author Jørn Lier Horst

Twenty-four years ago Katharina Haugen went missing. All she left behind was her husband Martin and a mysterious string of numbers scribbled on a piece of paper.

Every year on October 9th Chief Inspector William Wisting takes out the files to the case he was never able to solve. Stares at the code he was never able to crack. And visits the husband he was never able to help.

But now Martin Haugen is missing too.

As Wisting prepares to investigate another missing persons case he's visited by a detective from Oslo. Adrian Stiller is convinced Martin's involved in another disappearance of a young woman and asks Wisting to close the net around Martin.

But is Wisting playing cat and mouse with a dangerous killer or a grief-stricken husband who cannot lay the past to rest?

Set between the icy streets and dark forests of Norway, The Katharina Code is a heart-stopping story of one man's obsession with his coldest case.

Atmospheric, gripping and suspenseful; this is Nordic Noir at its very best.

'Jørn Lier Horst is one of the most brilliantly understated crime novelists writing today' Joan Smith, Sunday Times

'Up there with the best of the Nordic crime writers' Marcel Berlin, The Times

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The Katharina Code

Jørn Lier Horst

Book 1 in the series:Cold Case Quartet