Books matching: nordic noir
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:"I'm Traveling Alone" by Samuel Bjork is a Norwegian noir thriller that follows Senior Violent Crime Detective Holger Munch and brilliant former team member Mia Kruger as they investigate a series of kidnappings and murders of 6-year-old girls. Mia, with her uncanny ability to identify clues and troubled past, is brought back to the team from a secluded island where she was planning her suicide. The story weaves together multiple plotlines, including a creepy religious cult, while keeping the reader guessing until the very end about the killer's identity.
Walter Henriksen took a seat at the kitchen table and made a desperate attempt to force down a little of the breakfast his wife had prepared for him. Bacon and eggs. Herring, salami, and freshly baked... - #2
Save:"Someone to Watch Over Me" by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir revolves around lawyer Thora Gudmundsdottir who takes on a case involving a young man with Down Syndrome, Jakob, accused of starting a fire in a care facility for disabled individuals. As Thora delves deeper into the case, she uncovers layers of deception, hidden motives, and a complex web of relationships among the characters. The plot is intricately woven, blending elements of crime, mystery, and family drama set against the backdrop of Iceland's financial crisis. The writing style of the author is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged with constant revelations, well-developed characters, and a tightly structured narrative that ties all loose ends together in a believable manner.
(Also, see 66 recommendations for the series Þóra Guðmundsdóttir ) - #3
Save:In "The Bird Tribunal" by Agnes Ravatn, the story revolves around Allis Hagtorn, a former TV presenter seeking solitude on a remote fjord. She takes a job as a housekeeper for Sigurd Bagge, a mysterious and eccentric man. As their relationship develops, secrets are unveiled, leading to an intense and obsessive connection between the two characters. The narrative unfolds with a thread of suspense and psychological tension, as the characters' dark histories are slowly revealed, creating a chilling and gripping atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. The book is described as a psychological mystery focusing on themes of obsession, secrecy, and the complexities of human relationships.
The book is praised for its spellbinding and mesmerizing quality that captivates readers from the start, making it difficult to put down. The atmospheric and slow-burning nature of the plot, combined with the beautifully translated prose by Rosie Hedger, adds depth to the Nordic Noir genre. The intense and haunting narrative, filled with unexpected twists and a sense of impending danger, leaves a lasting impression on readers, making it a memorable read that delves into the depths of human psyche and relationships.
- #4
Save:"The Crow Girl" delves into the dark and disturbing world of child abuse, multiple personality disorders, and psychological manipulation. The plot follows Detective Jeanette Kihlberg and psychotherapist Sofia Zetterlund as they navigate a complex investigation involving child abusers, murder suspects, and a mysterious killer targeting young men. The writing style of the book is described as detailed and descriptive, focusing on the psychological effects of abuse and trauma on its characters, while also delving into the complexities of their personal lives.
The first sheets of polystyrene arrived at ten o’clock, as arranged, carried in by four men. Three of them were in their fifties, but the fourth couldn’t have been more than twenty. His head was shave... - #5
Save:'Stalker' in the 'Joona Linna' series by Lars Kepler revolves around a series of brutal murders where victims are stalked and filmed before being killed in unimaginable ways. The story follows a pregnant crime squad detective, a hypnotist, and an ex-detective who is brought back into the investigation. As the plot unfolds, the tension rises with twists and turns, leading to a race against time to catch the killer before more lives are lost. The writing style is described as heart-racing, pulse-pounding, and filled with complex characters, maintaining a dark and intense atmosphere throughout the narrative.
It’s quarter to nine on Friday, 22 August. After the magical sunsets and light nights of high summer, darkness is encroaching with surprising speed. It’s already dark outside the glass atrium of the N...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Joona Linna ) - #6
Save:'Police' in the 'Harry Hole' series by Jo Nesbø revolves around a series of brutal murders targeting police officers who were associated with unsolved cases. As the plot thickens, new and sinister characters are introduced, adding layers of mystery and danger. The writing style of the book is described as engaging, with intricate plot twists that keep the readers on edge until the very end.
IT HAD BEEN a long, warm September day. The light transformed Oslo Fjord into molten silver and made the low mountain ridges, which already bore the first tinges of autumn, glow. It was one of those d...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harry Hole ) - #7
Save:'The Absent One' in the series 'Department Q' by Jussi Adler-Olsen follows Detective Carl Morck and his team as they investigate a cold case involving the brutal double murder of a brother and sister two decades earlier. The case leads them to a group of wealthy and powerful individuals who may have been involved in the crime. As the investigation progresses, they uncover dark secrets and connections to a homeless woman named Kimmie, who holds key information. The writing style is described as dark and atmospheric, with a focus on psychological depth and character development, especially in portraying the disturbing criminals and the complex dynamics within the investigative team.
When she ventured down the pedestrian street called Strøget, she was poised as if on the edge of a knife. With her face half covered by a dirty green shawl, she slipped past well-lit shop windows, ale...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Department Q ) - #8
Save:'The Butterfly House' by Katrine Engberg is a Scandinavian crime novel that delves into a series of despicable murders connected to The Butterfly House. The story follows detectives Jeppe Körner and Anette Werner as they investigate the mysterious deaths linked to the former residential psychiatric treatment center. The plot unfolds with intricate mysteries, engaging characters, and multiple murder motives, all set against the backdrop of Copenhagen's vivid descriptions and the challenges faced by the protagonists in their personal lives. The author skillfully weaves together a high-paced mystery with elements of realism, compassion, and social commentary.
The narrative of 'The Butterfly House' captures the essence of a gripping murder mystery through the lens of well-developed characters, unexpected plot twists, and a thought-provoking exploration of societal norms and the mistreatment of vulnerable individuals. Engberg's writing style immerses readers in a rollercoaster of emotions, from the suspense of solving gruesome murders to the compassion shown towards the mentally ill and new parents navigating challenges. The book not only offers a thrilling whodunit but also sheds light on the impact of neglect and abuse within care facilities, resonating with themes of justice, redemption, and the complexities of human nature.
- #9
Save:Strange Shores follows Inspector Erlendur as he delves into past mysteries, particularly focusing on a young woman who went missing decades ago during a blizzard. The story intertwines Erlendur's personal childhood trauma with his investigation into the long lost disappearances. The book is set in rural Iceland, away from Reykjavik, and showcases Erlendur handling the case on his own, away from his usual police sidekicks and family interactions. The narrative explores themes of grief, survivor guilt, and the impact of unresolved mysteries on individuals' lives.
HE NO LONGER feels cold: instead, a curious heat is spreading through his veins. He had thought there was no warmth left in his body but now it is flooding into his limbs, bringing a sudden flush to h...
(Also, see 34 recommendations for the series Inspector Erlendur ) - #10
Save:'Sun on Fire' by Viktor Arnar Ingolfsson is a murder mystery set in both Germany and Iceland, focusing on the murder of a pedophile in the Icelandic Embassy in Berlin. The plot revolves around a group of attendees at a meeting in the Embassy who have a shared past, some of whom still live together. The story is described as intriguing, with a complex case for the investigators due to the connections with the past events. provides insights into diplomatic circles and Icelandic hippie history, with a look into the lives of the main detectives, Birkir and Gunnar, who are sent from Iceland to solve the case in Germany.
The cell phone on the bedside table played the ever-popular “Air on the G String” by Johann Sebastian Bach, quietly at first, but growing louder and more distinct despite the phone’s poor sound qualit...
