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Holger Munch & Mia Krüger #1
Der hænger en engel alene i skoven
Stjerneefterforskeren Mia Krüger har forladt politiet. Hun har isoleret sig på en lille ø, hvor hun martres af fortiden og planlægger sit eget selvmord. Men da hendes gamle chef, den godmodige Holger Munch opsøger hende, overtales hun til at vende tilbage til politiet – bare så lang tid som det tager et opklare sagen om pigen i skoven. Men hun er kun den første. Det er en seriemorder, de jagter. Da Mia Krüger opdager en forbindelse til en gammel, uopklaret sag om et kidnappet spædbarn, tager sagen en ny drejning. Er mordene en hævn over politiets uformåen dengang? Hvad er det morderen vil fortælle? Er der en kobling til den kristne sekt, der har slået sig ned på egnen?
Da Holger Munchs 6-årige barnebarn Marion bliver bortført, indser Mia, at morderens ondskabsfulde leg er personlig. Men hun indser ikke hvor personlig.
Da Holger Munchs 6-årige barnebarn Marion bliver bortført, indser Mia, at morderens ondskabsfulde leg er personlig. Men hun indser ikke hvor personlig.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
1172 people are currently reading
17787 people want to read
About the author
Samuel Bjørk
12 books1,743 followersSamuel Bjørk is the pen name of Norwegian novelist, playwright and singer/songwriter Frode Sander Øien.
Bjørk’s first installment in the Mia and Munch Series, I’m Traveling Alone, is an international success story that has gained critical acclaim and captivated readers all over the world, including hitting #1 on German newspaper Der Spiegel‘s bestseller list.
Samuel Bjørk has been compared to the likes of both Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbø, and has proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the crime genre.
Bjørk’s first installment in the Mia and Munch Series, I’m Traveling Alone, is an international success story that has gained critical acclaim and captivated readers all over the world, including hitting #1 on German newspaper Der Spiegel‘s bestseller list.
Samuel Bjørk has been compared to the likes of both Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbø, and has proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the crime genre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,966 reviews
March 1, 2018
A First-Class Thriller!
This was unexpected. A complete surprise. If I wasn’t participating in the Popsugar challenge, I never would have read this gem of a novel. I had to pick a ‘nordic noir’ book to read and after contacting the author and asking if this qualified as ‘nordic noir’ I was ready to go, although admittedly, a little skeptical. I had decided from the get go that this genre wouldn’t be for me.. Oh how wrong was I! Thank you, thank you Popsugar Gods for bringing this novel AND genre into my life! I am forever grateful to thee..
If you like books full of daisies and unicorns, this book is NOT for you. However, if you like slow-burning, dark, grisly thrillers, than you need to buy this book ASAP. I’m not usually one for a slow-burn, but the way this author made every single piece of the puzzle fall into place was nothing short of genius. At first I didn’t know where this book was going.. I was pretty confused.
However, the reward for sticking with this book, is too great to pass on. Everything came together in a way that was completely unexpected. I really don’t want to give away anything. It's better to just go in without knowing too many details.. So just READ THE BOOK!
Buddy read
To read our thoughts on this book, Click Here
Popsugar Challenge: Nordic Noir
This was unexpected. A complete surprise. If I wasn’t participating in the Popsugar challenge, I never would have read this gem of a novel. I had to pick a ‘nordic noir’ book to read and after contacting the author and asking if this qualified as ‘nordic noir’ I was ready to go, although admittedly, a little skeptical. I had decided from the get go that this genre wouldn’t be for me.. Oh how wrong was I! Thank you, thank you Popsugar Gods for bringing this novel AND genre into my life! I am forever grateful to thee..
If you like books full of daisies and unicorns, this book is NOT for you. However, if you like slow-burning, dark, grisly thrillers, than you need to buy this book ASAP. I’m not usually one for a slow-burn, but the way this author made every single piece of the puzzle fall into place was nothing short of genius. At first I didn’t know where this book was going.. I was pretty confused.
However, the reward for sticking with this book, is too great to pass on. Everything came together in a way that was completely unexpected. I really don’t want to give away anything. It's better to just go in without knowing too many details.. So just READ THE BOOK!
Buddy read
To read our thoughts on this book, Click Here
Popsugar Challenge: Nordic Noir
November 30, 2024
Bjork... not of the Icelandic singer fame, but of the writer of bestselling Nordic Noir pens his first Munch and Kruger detective thriller, and this is a very well planned, gripping, dare I say nail biting thriller where the unknown villain really takes the duo and their team on an intricate game of cat and mouse! The story opens with Mia living in a remote part of the country seriously contemplating suicide, until Munch arrives with news of a deadly new killer - targeting pre-primary school six-year olds, washing them and fixing them up in tailored doll clothes and, hanging them! This dreadful case sees pressure from the top, from the media and from within as Munch and Kruger run around trying to prevent more murders. Do they succeed? Read the book :). 7.5 out of 12, Three Stars for what I see as cliched treatments of the main characters in relation to their genders; will be interested to hear what others think?
2019 read
2019 read
January 17, 2019
I’m Traveling Alone is a fantastic Scandi Nordic crime fiction debut. Holger Munch, head of the recently re-established Oslo special crime unit, travels to a remote island in Northern Norway to find his former partner and his best detective, Mia Kruger. He shows her the case file of a gruesome killing of a 6 year old girl and convinces her reluctantly to join him in tracking down the killer.
A dark, violent thriller with many plot lines, the book is smart with many likable characters. Holger and Mia are a great team. Both have other issues going on which adds to multiple plot twists. Gabriel Mork, computer geek and hacker, is hired and brings a fresh face to the crime scene. There is a lot going on in this book with plenty of details which is my kind of thriller.
Interesting is that the author, Samuel Bjork, is a pen name. He is actually a Norwegian novelist, playwright, and singer/songwriter named Frode Sander Øien.
The novel is the first in a new series. #2 has been translated and is waiting on my Kindle. This is definitely one of the better Scandi Nordic series out there and I am looking forward to continuing on.
4.5 out of 5 stars
A dark, violent thriller with many plot lines, the book is smart with many likable characters. Holger and Mia are a great team. Both have other issues going on which adds to multiple plot twists. Gabriel Mork, computer geek and hacker, is hired and brings a fresh face to the crime scene. There is a lot going on in this book with plenty of details which is my kind of thriller.
Interesting is that the author, Samuel Bjork, is a pen name. He is actually a Norwegian novelist, playwright, and singer/songwriter named Frode Sander Øien.
The novel is the first in a new series. #2 has been translated and is waiting on my Kindle. This is definitely one of the better Scandi Nordic series out there and I am looking forward to continuing on.
4.5 out of 5 stars
June 16, 2020
A little disappointment .. The idea of a two-strong team investigating is a pattern which authors often emply. One is experienced, with some problems, the other is young, with traumatic past and some exceptional gifts. I accept such presentation, however, not all books deliver .. Probably it was just me, but despite the idea behind the mystery was intriguing, I was tired of Munch & Kruger at some point .. The description of the series was entincing and I wanted to start with Book 1, unfortunately, I was tempeted to buy Book 2 as well at the same time, in consequence, I have another offering by Mr Bjork to read. I hope it will turn out much more engaging ..
October 18, 2016
Svi mi koji već godinama čitamo skandinavce dobro znamo koliko daleko može ići njihova brutalnost u knjigama (a djeluju tako fin narod :P)
I nekako su već postali sinonim za trilere,
Ovaj triler je nekako iznimka - nema gnjusnih scena ali odiše tom nekom depresivnoću koja krasi sve skandinavske trilere. Ako se izuzmu veliki broj likova kojih ima čak i viška i neke nelogičnosti u radnji ovo je ok triler, ali u usporedbi sa nekim slavnijim prestavnicima ovo mi dođe ko kamilica.
I nekako su već postali sinonim za trilere,
Ovaj triler je nekako iznimka - nema gnjusnih scena ali odiše tom nekom depresivnoću koja krasi sve skandinavske trilere. Ako se izuzmu veliki broj likova kojih ima čak i viška i neke nelogičnosti u radnji ovo je ok triler, ali u usporedbi sa nekim slavnijim prestavnicima ovo mi dođe ko kamilica.
April 15, 2017
I’ve been drowning in a sea of “meh” books lately. Don’t know whether it’s because I’ve chosen badly or a virulent case of the winter blahs but the last few just couldn’t hold my attention due to interminable detail and/or MC’s I found irritating (I’m convinced if they studied my genetic make-up they’d discover hummingbird DNA due to my nonexistent attention span).
Hallelujah, the streak is over.
Set in Norway, the story follows the members of a special police unit that was disbanded after their last case went horribly wrong. But when someone starts snatching 6 year old girls, the powers that be quickly realize their best hope lies in reassembling the group of elite investigators. Yep, the band’s getting back together.
Individually, they are all misfits……2 seasoned detectives, a lawyer, a thug & a hacker. It’s not an original idea but what sets these characters apart is how clearly defined & well developed they are. The author has invested just as much time breathing life into the protagonists as he has in creating a scary, complex mystery.
It begins with several seemingly unconnected story lines unfolding. As we get to know the characters, each subplot develops until they gradually intersect & the big picture comes into focus. And it’s nasty.
At this point, it becomes a full on thriller with plenty of dead ends & misdirection to keep you on your toes. The last 100 pages will have you flipping the pages as all the pieces click into place for a literal race to the finish.
So if you’re looking for a smart & engrossing suspense story give this a try, particularly if you’re a fan of Arne Dahl.
Just as an aside, kudos to the translator. Descriptive passages & dialogue flow smoothly with none of the awkward/stilted phrasing sometimes found when books are translated for the North American market.
December 11, 2019
I saw this Scandinavian thriller a number of years ago whilst killing time at an airport....... the title ‘I’m Travelling Alone’ intrigued me. I got the book almost straight away but only now decided to read it.
A six-year-old girl is found in the countryside, hanging from a tree. Around her neck is a sign that says "I'm traveling alone."
Holger Munch is asked to put a special homicide team together. His first task sees him travelling to a remote island to persuade his previous partner, detective Mia Kruger, to join the team. When Mia is convinced that this could be the start of more deaths she returns to Oslo to help track down the killer.
This section seemed too far fetched to me, but I’m glad I pushed through it, as I loved the rest of the book.
A brilliant fast paced thriller with fantastic characters and plot. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
A six-year-old girl is found in the countryside, hanging from a tree. Around her neck is a sign that says "I'm traveling alone."
Holger Munch is asked to put a special homicide team together. His first task sees him travelling to a remote island to persuade his previous partner, detective Mia Kruger, to join the team. When Mia is convinced that this could be the start of more deaths she returns to Oslo to help track down the killer.
This section seemed too far fetched to me, but I’m glad I pushed through it, as I loved the rest of the book.
A brilliant fast paced thriller with fantastic characters and plot. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 23, 2015
I love Scandinavian crime fiction, so I was hoping this one would be a winner. Unfortunately, I probably hyped myself up a bit for it because it was just ok.
The novel focuses on police officers Mia Kruger and Holger Munch who are reunited to find a killer targeting little girls. Mia has an interesting past and is struggling with an addiction to alcohol and pills. The initial prologue and first chapter grabbed me, as a victim is found almost immediately. However, from then on things slowed down. The characters were well developed, though I found some of Mia's deductions a little unbelievable; she just seemed to know things without having any evidence for them. There were a lot of excessive descriptions, conversations and other stories given. This slowed down the pace of the novel, and at times I was tempted not to finish it. However, there were twists and red herrings which did keep me reading to the end; I just skimmed over the excessive stuff! A lot of people have given this one great reviews. I'd recommend giving it a go to see for yourself. Maybe I just need to work on my patience with descriptive writing?
The novel focuses on police officers Mia Kruger and Holger Munch who are reunited to find a killer targeting little girls. Mia has an interesting past and is struggling with an addiction to alcohol and pills. The initial prologue and first chapter grabbed me, as a victim is found almost immediately. However, from then on things slowed down. The characters were well developed, though I found some of Mia's deductions a little unbelievable; she just seemed to know things without having any evidence for them. There were a lot of excessive descriptions, conversations and other stories given. This slowed down the pace of the novel, and at times I was tempted not to finish it. However, there were twists and red herrings which did keep me reading to the end; I just skimmed over the excessive stuff! A lot of people have given this one great reviews. I'd recommend giving it a go to see for yourself. Maybe I just need to work on my patience with descriptive writing?
November 18, 2020
Wow!! Que livro!!
Os policiais nórdicos são mesmo brutais!!
Um homem que passeia um cão num bosque encontra o corpo de uma criança pendurado numa árvore. Um cenário assustador, onde se descobre que está vítima é apenas a primeira.
Muitas frentes, muito inteligente, com muitas personagens e muitos pormenores que se interligam todos (Adoro, já sabem!). Ao mesmo tempo aborda outros temas como violência doméstica, fanatismo religioso, doença mental, abuso de drogas.
Adorei! É o primeiro de uma série e deixa muita vontade de ler já o seguinte!
Prende do início ao fim, com capítulos muito curtos, com muitas reviravoltas. As últimas 100 páginas foram ainda mais frenéticas sem conseguir parar de ler.
Para quem gosta de policiais nórdicos (não são livros para toda a gente) é completamente a não perder.
June 9, 2019
I honestly think that Norwegian crime novels are the best. I just love reading/listening to crime books set in Norway and now I have one more favorite series. I'm Traveling Alone is the first book in the Holger Much & Mia Kruger series. I listened to the Swedish version of the book and I was hooked. The case with the dead children is both eerie and sad. And both the main characters made a great impression on me, Holger who has not recovered from his divorce 10 years previously and Mia who dreams of reuniting with her dead sister. She actually planned on doing it at the beginning of the book, but Holger came to her in the very last minute. So, this case is a respite for her before she ends it all...
I recommend this book warmly!
I recommend this book warmly!
July 5, 2017
This was a good thriller. But, in my eyes, not spectacular or much better than other thrillers I've read. So, 3*. I wonder why so many people give this book such high ratings, I wonder what makes it so special for them..
October 4, 2020
A minha opinião em vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n18z0...
November 9, 2019
4,5. Lo he disfrutado como un niño chico. Es una pasada cuando encuentras todos los elementos de un buen thriller en una novela y te crea ese nivel de adicción.
Una niña es encontrada muerta, disfrazada de muñeca. Tiene una mochila escolar a la espalda y un cartel en el cuello que dice "viajo sola". El agente Holger Munch, será el encargado del caso y acudirá a su ex compañera Mia Kruger, para que le ayude. Desde el principio descubriran que este no es un caso normal.
No se puede contar mucho, ya que con las novelas negras cuanto menos sepas mejor, y en el caso de esta con más intención. Es de esas historias donde constantemente van sucediendo cosas, y jamás aburre. La trama va avanzando y nunca se estanca. Es curioso porque, aún habiendo varias tramas diferentes, y muchísimos personajes, finalmente todas estas tramas se entrelazan y descubres que todo tenía relevancia. Cada detalle era de vital importancia para la trama y eso me gusta. Muchas veces, en otras novelas del género veo mucho relleno, con la única intención de alargar y añadir, pero suele ser un relleno que finalmente no se usa y no tiene ninguna importancia para la trama. No es el caso de esta novela.
Un gran punto a favor son los personajes. Bien definidos, bien llevados, de esos personajes que te atrapan y consiguen que te importen. Es incluso más difícil conseguir crear vínculos con personajes de este género porque, normalmente, no hay tanto tiempo para desarrollarlos sin perder el ritmo en la trama de suspense. En este caso, el autor consigue magnificamente ambas cosas.
Otro punto favorable es que el misterio es super interesante y engancha. Además, de que como digo, se van abriendo muchas vertientes que van desembocando juntas para crear un final bastante satisfactorio.
En fin, que ya estoy deseando coger la segunda y tercera parte y espero que el autor publique más libros de la saga, por favor, que quiero reencontrarme con Mia, Holger, Anette, Gabriel y el resto de personajes, muchas veces.
Una niña es encontrada muerta, disfrazada de muñeca. Tiene una mochila escolar a la espalda y un cartel en el cuello que dice "viajo sola". El agente Holger Munch, será el encargado del caso y acudirá a su ex compañera Mia Kruger, para que le ayude. Desde el principio descubriran que este no es un caso normal.
No se puede contar mucho, ya que con las novelas negras cuanto menos sepas mejor, y en el caso de esta con más intención. Es de esas historias donde constantemente van sucediendo cosas, y jamás aburre. La trama va avanzando y nunca se estanca. Es curioso porque, aún habiendo varias tramas diferentes, y muchísimos personajes, finalmente todas estas tramas se entrelazan y descubres que todo tenía relevancia. Cada detalle era de vital importancia para la trama y eso me gusta. Muchas veces, en otras novelas del género veo mucho relleno, con la única intención de alargar y añadir, pero suele ser un relleno que finalmente no se usa y no tiene ninguna importancia para la trama. No es el caso de esta novela.
Un gran punto a favor son los personajes. Bien definidos, bien llevados, de esos personajes que te atrapan y consiguen que te importen. Es incluso más difícil conseguir crear vínculos con personajes de este género porque, normalmente, no hay tanto tiempo para desarrollarlos sin perder el ritmo en la trama de suspense. En este caso, el autor consigue magnificamente ambas cosas.
Otro punto favorable es que el misterio es super interesante y engancha. Además, de que como digo, se van abriendo muchas vertientes que van desembocando juntas para crear un final bastante satisfactorio.
En fin, que ya estoy deseando coger la segunda y tercera parte y espero que el autor publique más libros de la saga, por favor, que quiero reencontrarme con Mia, Holger, Anette, Gabriel y el resto de personajes, muchas veces.
April 15, 2015
This is a debut thriller by Samuel Bjork and I was not too surprised to find out that this is a pen name for Norwegian novelist, playwright and singer/songwriter Frode Sander Oien. This is such an assured and confident novel, that I would have been amazed had it been the first book this author had written. Although I love reading many types of books, my ultimate favourite reads are crime books and, as it is currently the most popular genre fiction, it seems I have a lot of company. However, this novel demonstrates why Nordic Noir is still so popular, and this ticks many of the boxes we have come to expect from Scandinavian crime fiction– flawed characters, gritty storylines and quite a lot of violence…
When we meet our two main detectives, the unit they worked for has already been closed down due to a previous incident, in which Mia Kruger killed the man who sold drugs which killed her sister. She is currently hiding out on an isolated island, drinking too much and contemplating her planned suicide. Her former boss, Holger Munch, has been reassigned from Oslo to a smaller community and is depressed and lonely. He has still not recovered from his divorce, several years earlier, his daughter is distant, his mother in a care home and the only bright spot in his life is his six year old granddaughter.
What brings the team back together is a crime which shocks the country. The body of a six year old girl, dressed as though to begin school, is found hanging from a tree – a sign given to children flying alone around her neck. Holger is dispatched to ask Mia to help him investigate the crime and, after looking at the file, she is convinced this is just the first in a series of murders. Before long, she is proved right, as another little girl is found murdered. The reassigned team investigating the crimes, includes one new member, Gabriel Mork, a computer specialist. However, all of the characters in this fast moving book are fleshed out to be believable and sympathetic.
The storyline involves many different strands and viewpoints; from journalists forced to confront the reality of a story to religious sects, child neglect and mental illness. I have no wish to give away the plot of this excellent novel – suffice it to say that if you enjoy crime books and do not mind a certain level of violence, then you will find this immensely interesting, with lots of plot twists and surprises and characters you will care about. Personally, I hope that Munch and Mia return very soon and look forward to reading more novels involving them, and their team, soon.
When we meet our two main detectives, the unit they worked for has already been closed down due to a previous incident, in which Mia Kruger killed the man who sold drugs which killed her sister. She is currently hiding out on an isolated island, drinking too much and contemplating her planned suicide. Her former boss, Holger Munch, has been reassigned from Oslo to a smaller community and is depressed and lonely. He has still not recovered from his divorce, several years earlier, his daughter is distant, his mother in a care home and the only bright spot in his life is his six year old granddaughter.
What brings the team back together is a crime which shocks the country. The body of a six year old girl, dressed as though to begin school, is found hanging from a tree – a sign given to children flying alone around her neck. Holger is dispatched to ask Mia to help him investigate the crime and, after looking at the file, she is convinced this is just the first in a series of murders. Before long, she is proved right, as another little girl is found murdered. The reassigned team investigating the crimes, includes one new member, Gabriel Mork, a computer specialist. However, all of the characters in this fast moving book are fleshed out to be believable and sympathetic.
The storyline involves many different strands and viewpoints; from journalists forced to confront the reality of a story to religious sects, child neglect and mental illness. I have no wish to give away the plot of this excellent novel – suffice it to say that if you enjoy crime books and do not mind a certain level of violence, then you will find this immensely interesting, with lots of plot twists and surprises and characters you will care about. Personally, I hope that Munch and Mia return very soon and look forward to reading more novels involving them, and their team, soon.
February 26, 2016
I am somewhat at odds and unsure how to rate this. For the first 23% of it, I was close to giving up. It felt like a long line of people were being introduced, but the plot wasn't going anywhere. Being the first in a new series, there is certainly a benefit to providing plenty of background to your main characters, and by the end, I have to admit, you really felt you had a solid understanding of who Mia Krüger and Holger Munch were. But in addition to the main characters', there were also copious other perspectives and plotlines that kept switching with each short chapter. It wasn't confusing, but it just stopped me from getting fully involved and I kept putting the book down after a chapter or two and then resuming it for a bit again. I also found the writing style a bit stilted at times, and the frequent repetition of everybody's first and second names became tedious.
Quite possibly, this is all a very personal thing, and if you have more patience than me and enjoy Scandinavian crime fiction, then you will most likely love this. Because, the more I read, the more I enjoyed it and amazingly, all the different strands come together quite effortlessly in the last part, and you end up with a thorough police procedural that felt authentic. You also end up rooting for the entire investigative team because it was full of interesting and diverse characters. The ending was rushed though and I still had questions unanswered, mainly relating to the Christian sect. I think I would give the second book a try once it's available in English because the author succeeded in creating a very complex, intriguing and original story and I liked the investigative team.
Definitely worth reading, but be patient.
I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Quite possibly, this is all a very personal thing, and if you have more patience than me and enjoy Scandinavian crime fiction, then you will most likely love this. Because, the more I read, the more I enjoyed it and amazingly, all the different strands come together quite effortlessly in the last part, and you end up with a thorough police procedural that felt authentic. You also end up rooting for the entire investigative team because it was full of interesting and diverse characters. The ending was rushed though and I still had questions unanswered, mainly relating to the Christian sect. I think I would give the second book a try once it's available in English because the author succeeded in creating a very complex, intriguing and original story and I liked the investigative team.
Definitely worth reading, but be patient.
I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2019
I’m drawn to read Nordic books.....
Having enjoyed Swedish crime authors, Henning Manvell, Stieg Larson, and Jo Nesbo, ( and a couple of great reviews from *Paula* and *Crumb*), I was excited when my Library Overdrive had the audiobook copy to download. The ebook wasn’t even available. But no problem.......
The Audiobook is read by Laura Paton. GREAT AUDIO-READER!!!
The experts are ‘right’..... Comparing Samuel Bjork to Steig Larsson- and Joe Nesbo is a great fair comparison.
Mixing two great detectives…one who is suicidal, - Mia Kruger- the other who is obese - Holger Munch- together like oil and vinegar- makes for a great dressing to toss over the ‘main-meal-hearty- dinner-salad’ ( something we eat a lot of in our house)....
The yummy salad ingredients are: Its ’s a strong-debut’ with enough quirks & tension about each of the characters themselves to be interesting -
Adding more needed ingredients to make this meal enjoyable are:
fresh storytelling-suspense procedurals - great detective work from the main and supporting character - murders of children without exaggerated gory graphics, ( yet we are curiously fascinated with their doll clothes -pill that had them not suffer - and the girls note of “I’m Traveling Alone” airline tag) - a brilliant hacker: Gabriel Mork - religious- cult corruption - drug addicts -mental illness - sinister plot twists and nothing is as it seems- and the enchanting environment of the Norwegian Forest......
This is another Sizzling- Spritzy-Spiffy-Scandinavian-crime novel. I’m in: for the sequel.... “The Owl Always Hunts at Night”.
4.5 stars
Having enjoyed Swedish crime authors, Henning Manvell, Stieg Larson, and Jo Nesbo, ( and a couple of great reviews from *Paula* and *Crumb*), I was excited when my Library Overdrive had the audiobook copy to download. The ebook wasn’t even available. But no problem.......
The Audiobook is read by Laura Paton. GREAT AUDIO-READER!!!
The experts are ‘right’..... Comparing Samuel Bjork to Steig Larsson- and Joe Nesbo is a great fair comparison.
Mixing two great detectives…one who is suicidal, - Mia Kruger- the other who is obese - Holger Munch- together like oil and vinegar- makes for a great dressing to toss over the ‘main-meal-hearty- dinner-salad’ ( something we eat a lot of in our house)....
The yummy salad ingredients are: Its ’s a strong-debut’ with enough quirks & tension about each of the characters themselves to be interesting -
Adding more needed ingredients to make this meal enjoyable are:
fresh storytelling-suspense procedurals - great detective work from the main and supporting character - murders of children without exaggerated gory graphics, ( yet we are curiously fascinated with their doll clothes -pill that had them not suffer - and the girls note of “I’m Traveling Alone” airline tag) - a brilliant hacker: Gabriel Mork - religious- cult corruption - drug addicts -mental illness - sinister plot twists and nothing is as it seems- and the enchanting environment of the Norwegian Forest......
This is another Sizzling- Spritzy-Spiffy-Scandinavian-crime novel. I’m in: for the sequel.... “The Owl Always Hunts at Night”.
4.5 stars
February 5, 2019
Ένα τυπικό αστυνομικό των σκανδιναβικών χωρών με τα γνωστά κλισέ. Τεμαχιοποίηση της ιστορίας, ένα μεσήλικας αστυνομικός με προσωπικές συναισθηματικές διαταραχές, αστυνομικίνες, λανθάνων σεξουαλισμός ανδρών γυναικών και άλλα τέτοια...Σε πολλούς αρέσουν, σε κάποιους δεν αρέσουν. Κάποιοι άλλοι πάλι απλά διαβάζουν τις ιστορίες....
May 1, 2017
В русский текст явно не ступала нога редактора, зато в оригинальный текст явно ступала нога автора, потому что он, блять, весь написан ногами без применения головы и логики.
March 4, 2020
4 STARS.
As you guys know, Scandinavian crime fiction is one of my all time favorite sub genres 🕵🏼♀️🖤 I have been looking forward to reading this book for SO LONG now and I am so happy to say that I really enjoyed it 🙌🏼
What I really loved about this book was how fleshed out the characters were. I truly loved the detectives in this book both as individuals and as a duo. I was attached to one of the main protagonists, Mia, right from the beginning and she was easily my favorite character. One of the main things I love so much about Scandinavian crime novels is that they always have such incredible build up, which is exactly how this book was. This book did a fantastic job at both building up the characters and the plot, making it an incredibly complex and suspenseful read 👌🏼
The main issue I had with this book was that, to me, the ending wasn’t satisfying. I feel like there was A LOT missing from the ending and I was left with so many questions unanswered. While the ending was definitely intense and gripping, it just didn’t have that wow factor that I was hoping for.
TRIGGERS: Substance Abuse, Child Abuse, Suicide, Animal Death
Overall, I would definitely recommend this one to you guys! While this book deals with dark and heavy material, it’s not as gory in comparison to other Scandinavian crime novels so it would be a great one to start out with 🖤🔎
As you guys know, Scandinavian crime fiction is one of my all time favorite sub genres 🕵🏼♀️🖤 I have been looking forward to reading this book for SO LONG now and I am so happy to say that I really enjoyed it 🙌🏼
What I really loved about this book was how fleshed out the characters were. I truly loved the detectives in this book both as individuals and as a duo. I was attached to one of the main protagonists, Mia, right from the beginning and she was easily my favorite character. One of the main things I love so much about Scandinavian crime novels is that they always have such incredible build up, which is exactly how this book was. This book did a fantastic job at both building up the characters and the plot, making it an incredibly complex and suspenseful read 👌🏼
The main issue I had with this book was that, to me, the ending wasn’t satisfying. I feel like there was A LOT missing from the ending and I was left with so many questions unanswered. While the ending was definitely intense and gripping, it just didn’t have that wow factor that I was hoping for.
TRIGGERS: Substance Abuse, Child Abuse, Suicide, Animal Death
Overall, I would definitely recommend this one to you guys! While this book deals with dark and heavy material, it’s not as gory in comparison to other Scandinavian crime novels so it would be a great one to start out with 🖤🔎
April 11, 2023
Gran descubrimiento, vi la reseña de una compañera y todo un acierto.
Novela nordica, con un ritmo pausado pero que te mantiene en intriga todo el rato.
Empieza con el descubrimiento del cuerpo de una niña de 6 años. Se van mezclando varias historias sin aparente sentido pero todas en mayor o menor medida tienen su importancia.
Munch y Mia dos personajes muy buenos, bien perfilados.
Seguiré con la saga.
Novela nordica, con un ritmo pausado pero que te mantiene en intriga todo el rato.
Empieza con el descubrimiento del cuerpo de una niña de 6 años. Se van mezclando varias historias sin aparente sentido pero todas en mayor o menor medida tienen su importancia.
Munch y Mia dos personajes muy buenos, bien perfilados.
Seguiré con la saga.
March 17, 2023
Assuming it is well-written, Nordic Noir is one of my preferred flavors of crime fiction. The main characters are typically troubled, and the story lines are troubled as well, reflecting problems in contemporary Scandinavian life. The plots can be firmly realistic (e.g. Henning Mankell), or include more imaginative elements. This book has a bit of both.
A series of bizarre murders of children has motivated veteran homicide investigator Holger Munch to lure his brilliant colleague, Mia Kruger, back to Oslo from the island retreat where she has spent months recovering (or not, as it happens) from events in which her personal and professional lives collided. Together, and with the help of the rest of the special investigations team, they unwind the threads of the complicated plot and reach a resolution, clearly temporary, to their personal problems as well.
I found a lot to like in this book.
*Although at first we don't generally understand the relationships to the main plotlines of the many tangential characters introduced by the author, he snags our interest in them describing brief moments in their lives. He does an enviable job of achieving this engagement with a minimum of words.
*The list of social ills driving elements of the plot includes physical and psychological child abuse, the misuse of both street and prescription drugs, and the tendency for bureaucratic self-preservation to limit the assistance available to those children with abusive home lives.
*Most of all, I admired the author's pacing. There are no dull moments, and the momentum builds appropriately as the story reaches its climax. Mia's struggle to sort out the wheat from the chaff among all the clues provided by the very clever bad guy came across especially well.
Taken together these qualities were enough to override my "seriously?" reaction to those overly-contrived child murder circumstances that started off the book. Did I mention that the principal characters manage to be interesting even without spending time on intimate descriptions of their love lives? Always a plus for me. :-)
I definitely plan to find time for the next book in the series.
A series of bizarre murders of children has motivated veteran homicide investigator Holger Munch to lure his brilliant colleague, Mia Kruger, back to Oslo from the island retreat where she has spent months recovering (or not, as it happens) from events in which her personal and professional lives collided. Together, and with the help of the rest of the special investigations team, they unwind the threads of the complicated plot and reach a resolution, clearly temporary, to their personal problems as well.
I found a lot to like in this book.
*Although at first we don't generally understand the relationships to the main plotlines of the many tangential characters introduced by the author, he snags our interest in them describing brief moments in their lives. He does an enviable job of achieving this engagement with a minimum of words.
*The list of social ills driving elements of the plot includes physical and psychological child abuse, the misuse of both street and prescription drugs, and the tendency for bureaucratic self-preservation to limit the assistance available to those children with abusive home lives.
*Most of all, I admired the author's pacing. There are no dull moments, and the momentum builds appropriately as the story reaches its climax. Mia's struggle to sort out the wheat from the chaff among all the clues provided by the very clever bad guy came across especially well.
Taken together these qualities were enough to override my "seriously?" reaction to those overly-contrived child murder circumstances that started off the book. Did I mention that the principal characters manage to be interesting even without spending time on intimate descriptions of their love lives? Always a plus for me. :-)
I definitely plan to find time for the next book in the series.
May 17, 2019
Ένα κοριτσάκι βρίσκεται κρεμασμένο από ένα δέντρο. Με αυτό το φρικτό σκηνικό ξεκινά η ιστορία μας....
Η υπόθεση είναι περίεργη και την αναλαμβάνουν ο ντετεκτιβ Χόλγκερ και η Μία.
Η Μία, έχει αποτραβηχτεί από όλους κι έχει βουτηχτεί στο ποτό για να πνίξει τη δυστυχία της. Ο Χόλγκερ δεν πίνει αλλά του αρέσει το φαγητό και σίγουρα οι συνάδελφοι του θα έλεγαν ότι είναι λιγάκι βαρετός αλλά εξαιρετικός στη δουλειά του. Έχουν όμως να αντιμετωπίσουν μια πολύ δύσκολη υπόθεση. Τόσο δύσκολη που η αστυνομία της Νορβηγίας επαναφέρει σε λειτουργία την ειδική ομάδα του Τμήματος Ανθρωποκτονιών της οποίας ηγείται ο Χόλγκερ.
Παράλληλα, μια αίρεση χτίζει ένα σύμπλεγμα κατοικιών μέσα στο δάσος και θέλει να υψώσει το δικό της τείχος-φράγμα. Υπάρχει σύνδεση ανάμεσα τους άραγε?
Αρκετά μπερδεμένη η ιστορία με αλαγές στην πλοκή. Οι εξελίξεις στα τελευταία 2 μέρη του βιβλίου είναι καταιγιστικές.
Θεωρώ πως μιας και το συγκεκριμμένο είναι το πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς, δίνει ένα αρκετά καλό δείγμα για τις δυνατότητες εξέλιξης της γραφής του συγγραφέα.
3,5 αστέρια
Η υπόθεση είναι περίεργη και την αναλαμβάνουν ο ντετεκτιβ Χόλγκερ και η Μία.
Η Μία, έχει αποτραβηχτεί από όλους κι έχει βουτηχτεί στο ποτό για να πνίξει τη δυστυχία της. Ο Χόλγκερ δεν πίνει αλλά του αρέσει το φαγητό και σίγουρα οι συνάδελφοι του θα έλεγαν ότι είναι λιγάκι βαρετός αλλά εξαιρετικός στη δουλειά του. Έχουν όμως να αντιμετωπίσουν μια πολύ δύσκολη υπόθεση. Τόσο δύσκολη που η αστυνομία της Νορβηγίας επαναφέρει σε λειτουργία την ειδική ομάδα του Τμήματος Ανθρωποκτονιών της οποίας ηγείται ο Χόλγκερ.
Παράλληλα, μια αίρεση χτίζει ένα σύμπλεγμα κατοικιών μέσα στο δάσος και θέλει να υψώσει το δικό της τείχος-φράγμα. Υπάρχει σύνδεση ανάμεσα τους άραγε?
Αρκετά μπερδεμένη η ιστορία με αλαγές στην πλοκή. Οι εξελίξεις στα τελευταία 2 μέρη του βιβλίου είναι καταιγιστικές.
Θεωρώ πως μιας και το συγκεκριμμένο είναι το πρώτο βιβλίο της σειράς, δίνει ένα αρκετά καλό δείγμα για τις δυνατότητες εξέλιξης της γραφής του συγγραφέα.
3,5 αστέρια
October 15, 2018
Τελικά αγαπω τα αστυνομικα πού διαβαζω να έχουν βασικούς ηρωες έναν αντρα και μια γυναίκα που συμπλήρωνουν ο ενας τον αλλο. Η Μια Κρούγκερ ειναι μια γυναικα εξαιρετικά ευστροφη με ενα τρόπο σκεψης που θα ήθελα πολυ να εχω αν επρεπε να εξυχνιασω τετοιες δολοφονιες. Από την αλλη ο Χολγκερ Μουνκ ειναι ενας φαινομενικα κανονικος αντρας με τις αδυναμιες του τις λύπες του με τα ολα του. Δεν είναι ο σκληρός και αδυσώπητος μπάτσος που αφήνει πισω του συντρίμμια. Εχει μεθοδο, συστημα, λογικα επιχειρήματα ειναι οργανωτικος. Μαζι με τη Μια αποτελούν το τελειο δίδυμο. Οι διαλογοι τους είναι απολαυστικοι. Αγαπιουνται και βρίζονται ταυτόχρονα. Δε χαραμίζουν ομως το χρόνο τους σε ατερμονες συζήτησεις τυπου "Τι θες να πεις Βιρνα?" Ο δολοφονος εκανε αυτο Γιανγκο. Τι εννοείς ο δολοφονος εκανε αυτο? Το τονιζω γιατι σε αρκετά αστυνομικα παρακολούθουμε συζήτησεις που τραβανε σελίδες επι σελιδων και από δραση ελάχιστα πράγματα. Με το μπλα μπλα και από την καρέκλα δε γινεται δουλίτσα παιδγιά. Και ο Bjørk έχει πιασει το νόημα και οι ηρωες του δε βαζουν τον απαυτο τους κατω για πολλη ωρα. Ολο κάπου τρεχουν. Η ιστορία ειναι πρωτοτυπη. Ο τρόπος που τελειωνουν τα κεφάλαια σε κανει να μην θες να το κλεισεις και να λες αντε λιγο ακομα. Έτσι σε βρισκει το πρωι. Στην αρχη είχα βαλει 4 γιατι μου κακοφάνηκε που η Μια είναι τόσο χαρισματικη αλλα έχει μια ταση να πίνει και να χαπακωνεται συνεχώς σε σημείο που ήθελα να τη δειρω λιγακι. Τωρα που ξεκινησα αμέσως μετά την κουκουβάγια αποφάσισα πως τελικά αν η Μια δεν ήταν έτσι ισως να ηταν λιγότερο αποτελεσματική. Οποτε 5 αστέρια γιατι πραγματικά είναι δύσκολο το πρώτο βιβλίο καποιου να ειναι τόσο αρτιο. Τόσο καλογραμμένο με τοση ακρίβεια στην ψυχοσύνθεση του δολοφονου αλλα και των υπολοίπων ηρωων. Επίσης βρηκα εξαιρετικη τη μετάφραση και την επιμελεια.
December 3, 2019
Daug gero teko girdėti apie šį detektyvą, tad ir aš susigundžiau jį perskaityti. O dar užrašas ant knygos viršelio, jog ši istorija turėtų patikti Jo Nesbo fanams, intrigavo dar labiau.
Norvegijos miškuose du berniukai aptinka mergaitę be jokių gyvybės ženklų. Ji švariai nuprausta, aprengta tarsi lėlė,o jai ant kaklo kabo juostelė su užrašu "Aš keliauju viena". Policija imasi veiksmų ir pradeda tirti šią žiaurią žmogžudystę.
Vyresnysis detektyvas Munkas leidžiasi į svarbią kelionę. Vienoje apleistoje saloje tūno tiesiog neįtikėtinų sugebėjimų detektyvė Mia Kriuger. Saloje ji ieško prieglobsčio nuo ją persekiojančių vidinių demonų.. Moteris kovoja su depresija..
Tiesiog pažvelgusi į nuotraukas Mia pareiškia, jog aukų bus ir daugiau.. O ji tiesiog negali leisti tam nutikti.
Munko įkalbėta ji sutinka imtis šios bylos. Ir tai tik visko pradžia..
Jau nuo pat pirmųjų puslapių ši knyga man labai patiko. Istorija įtraukianti, o įvykiai nenuspėjami. Nors knygoje buvo tikrai daug veikėjų, bet visi jie "lipo" ir pačiam pasakojimui pasirodė tikrai svarbūs.
Skaitydama žavėjausi Mia, ji kaip asmenybė pasirodė labai charizmatiška bei įdomi. Manyčiau, jog sutiksite ir jūs, kad dažniausiai bene pagrindinis veikėjas būna detektyvas.. Nėra labai daug tokio žanro knygų, kuriuose pagrindinis personažas būtų moteris.. Tad visados tokios istorijos sudomina mane. O ši tikrai manęs nenuvylė. Jau su nekantrumu lauksiu, kada skaitysiu antrąją šios knygos dalį. Tikiu, jog neteks nusivilti. Šią tikrai rekomenduočiau perskaityti detektyvų mylėtojams. Garantuoju, jog skaitant laikas neprailgs.
Norvegijos miškuose du berniukai aptinka mergaitę be jokių gyvybės ženklų. Ji švariai nuprausta, aprengta tarsi lėlė,o jai ant kaklo kabo juostelė su užrašu "Aš keliauju viena". Policija imasi veiksmų ir pradeda tirti šią žiaurią žmogžudystę.
Vyresnysis detektyvas Munkas leidžiasi į svarbią kelionę. Vienoje apleistoje saloje tūno tiesiog neįtikėtinų sugebėjimų detektyvė Mia Kriuger. Saloje ji ieško prieglobsčio nuo ją persekiojančių vidinių demonų.. Moteris kovoja su depresija..
Tiesiog pažvelgusi į nuotraukas Mia pareiškia, jog aukų bus ir daugiau.. O ji tiesiog negali leisti tam nutikti.
Munko įkalbėta ji sutinka imtis šios bylos. Ir tai tik visko pradžia..
Jau nuo pat pirmųjų puslapių ši knyga man labai patiko. Istorija įtraukianti, o įvykiai nenuspėjami. Nors knygoje buvo tikrai daug veikėjų, bet visi jie "lipo" ir pačiam pasakojimui pasirodė tikrai svarbūs.
Skaitydama žavėjausi Mia, ji kaip asmenybė pasirodė labai charizmatiška bei įdomi. Manyčiau, jog sutiksite ir jūs, kad dažniausiai bene pagrindinis veikėjas būna detektyvas.. Nėra labai daug tokio žanro knygų, kuriuose pagrindinis personažas būtų moteris.. Tad visados tokios istorijos sudomina mane. O ši tikrai manęs nenuvylė. Jau su nekantrumu lauksiu, kada skaitysiu antrąją šios knygos dalį. Tikiu, jog neteks nusivilti. Šią tikrai rekomenduočiau perskaityti detektyvų mylėtojams. Garantuoju, jog skaitant laikas neprailgs.
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February 1, 2021Kraj januara je nekako pravo vrijeme za čitanje trilera, pogotovo skandinavskih, i moram priznati da još od Nesbeovog Snješka nisam bila opčinjena takvim štivom, dok nisam počela da čitam knjigu Anđeo u šumi Samuela Berka.
Kada u Oslu počnu da se dešavaju slučajevi ubistava šestogodišnjih djevojčica, inspektor Holger Munk i njegova mlada koleginica Mija (koja se istovremeno bori sa ličnim traumama iz prošlosti), preuzimaju ovaj složeni slučaj.
Pokušavajući da dođu do bilo kakvog pomaka u istrazi, koja luta od traga do traga, uvijek ukazujući na nešto novo, ali i na tragove jednog slučaja iz prošlosti, Munk, Mija i njihove simpatične i požrtvovane kolege vode trku sa vremenom u strahu od novih žrtava.
Ovaj napeti triler, sa mnoštvom likova, smješten u tipičnu sumornu atmosferu Osla i njegove okoline, donosi priču o gubitku i osveti, moći i ludilu, a sve ovo obogaćeno je odnosima između pripadnika policijskog tima za istragu, koji u želji da što prije riješi slučaj serijskih ubistava padaju pod uticaj sopstvenih emocija, što u kombinaciji sa detaljima jedne kriminalističke istrage donosi djelo koje se čita munjevitom brzinom.
Četiri zvjezdice dala sam zbog malo zbrzanog kraja, što je, ipak, i razumljivo kada se opisuju dinamične situacije.
Kada u Oslu počnu da se dešavaju slučajevi ubistava šestogodišnjih djevojčica, inspektor Holger Munk i njegova mlada koleginica Mija (koja se istovremeno bori sa ličnim traumama iz prošlosti), preuzimaju ovaj složeni slučaj.
Pokušavajući da dođu do bilo kakvog pomaka u istrazi, koja luta od traga do traga, uvijek ukazujući na nešto novo, ali i na tragove jednog slučaja iz prošlosti, Munk, Mija i njihove simpatične i požrtvovane kolege vode trku sa vremenom u strahu od novih žrtava.
Ovaj napeti triler, sa mnoštvom likova, smješten u tipičnu sumornu atmosferu Osla i njegove okoline, donosi priču o gubitku i osveti, moći i ludilu, a sve ovo obogaćeno je odnosima između pripadnika policijskog tima za istragu, koji u želji da što prije riješi slučaj serijskih ubistava padaju pod uticaj sopstvenih emocija, što u kombinaciji sa detaljima jedne kriminalističke istrage donosi djelo koje se čita munjevitom brzinom.
Četiri zvjezdice dala sam zbog malo zbrzanog kraja, što je, ipak, i razumljivo kada se opisuju dinamične situacije.
October 19, 2018
Four six-year-old girls are murdered in succession. They are found dressed in old-fashioned clothing made to match that of dolls, and they carry satchels with school texts that don’t belong to them. Each has a Roman numeral scratched on a fingernail—according to the order in which the killings occurred. All have apparently died painlessly, with no evidence of a struggle, from an overdose of an anesthetic agent, and all are found wearing cards around their necks which announce: “I’m traveling alone.”
Holger Munch, a Norwegian detective, who carries the same last name as the painter famous for The Scream, is sent to a remote location to convince his former colleague, Mia Kruger, to return to policing. Her remarkable observational skills and intuition are sorely needed to solve the case. Mia had gone into seclusion after shooting the addict boyfriend of her dead twin sister, Sigrid—the man who’d introduced her to the heroin she’d overdosed on. Having now lost all members of her immediate family and having recently experienced a psychological breakdown, Mia feels unbearably alone. She has been intending to join her dead sister by using booze and psychoactive drugs in combination. Munch doesn’t know it, but by traveling to the remote island where Mia lives in order to convince his respected colleague to join the investigation into the killing of the girls, he is actually saving her life. Soon the two discover that the current case is linked to one from six years back, in which an infant was stolen from a maternity ward. The case is also mysteriously connected with the activities of an apocalyptic sect, known as The Church of Methuselah, run by the elderly, charismatic Pastor Simon, with the assistance of his 27-year-old acolyte, Lukas.
Bjork creates a twisty-turny plot, with a large number of characters, most of whom come with interesting backstories. The pacing is good, and the almost 400-page book reads more quickly than might be expected. Having said that, I was ultimately a little disappointed with what was revealed about the personal history and motivations of the serial killer. I wish the psychology (or psychopathy) of the perpetrator had been more nuanced and credible. In spite of this, however, I still found the book fairly engrossing and a diversion from my usual reading—which has lately been less than thrilling and far from rapid. Thanks to my Goodreads friend, Richard, for his solid recommendation of something quite different from my typical fare.
Holger Munch, a Norwegian detective, who carries the same last name as the painter famous for The Scream, is sent to a remote location to convince his former colleague, Mia Kruger, to return to policing. Her remarkable observational skills and intuition are sorely needed to solve the case. Mia had gone into seclusion after shooting the addict boyfriend of her dead twin sister, Sigrid—the man who’d introduced her to the heroin she’d overdosed on. Having now lost all members of her immediate family and having recently experienced a psychological breakdown, Mia feels unbearably alone. She has been intending to join her dead sister by using booze and psychoactive drugs in combination. Munch doesn’t know it, but by traveling to the remote island where Mia lives in order to convince his respected colleague to join the investigation into the killing of the girls, he is actually saving her life. Soon the two discover that the current case is linked to one from six years back, in which an infant was stolen from a maternity ward. The case is also mysteriously connected with the activities of an apocalyptic sect, known as The Church of Methuselah, run by the elderly, charismatic Pastor Simon, with the assistance of his 27-year-old acolyte, Lukas.
Bjork creates a twisty-turny plot, with a large number of characters, most of whom come with interesting backstories. The pacing is good, and the almost 400-page book reads more quickly than might be expected. Having said that, I was ultimately a little disappointed with what was revealed about the personal history and motivations of the serial killer. I wish the psychology (or psychopathy) of the perpetrator had been more nuanced and credible. In spite of this, however, I still found the book fairly engrossing and a diversion from my usual reading—which has lately been less than thrilling and far from rapid. Thanks to my Goodreads friend, Richard, for his solid recommendation of something quite different from my typical fare.
November 24, 2019
Setting: Norway. This is the first outing for a new Scandi-detective series featuring Holger Munch and his former partner Mia Kruger. After Mia got herself into trouble for shooting a drug dealer (whose actions had killed her sister), she bought an cottage on an isolated island off the Norwegian coast and has gone there intending to kill herself on the anniversary of her sister's death. But after a 6 year old girl is found hanging from a tree dressed in a school uniform and with the sign 'I'm Travelling Alone' around her neck, Holger realises that he needs Mia's exceptional detective talents. Having persuaded her to return to work, even Mia's talents cannot stop a mounting death toll of pre-school girls. Holger's attentions are also diverted by his daughter's impending wedding and his elderly mother, living in a care home, who seems to have found God at a church run by the dodgy Pastor Martin and is intending to leave all her money to them. The investigation seems to be going nowhere and the murderer always seems to be one step ahead of the police all the time until the riproaring conclusion brings the whole case to a dramatic end.
I'm a great lover of Scandi-crime, especially Camilla Lackberg and Jo Nesbo, but this first novel in translation by Samuel Bjork is right up there with the characters, storyline and totally gripping tension - I felt I was living the events with Munch and Kruger, particularly towards the end when I was almost having to force myself to breathe. Really glad that I already have the second book waiting on the shelf! - 9.5/10.
I'm a great lover of Scandi-crime, especially Camilla Lackberg and Jo Nesbo, but this first novel in translation by Samuel Bjork is right up there with the characters, storyline and totally gripping tension - I felt I was living the events with Munch and Kruger, particularly towards the end when I was almost having to force myself to breathe. Really glad that I already have the second book waiting on the shelf! - 9.5/10.
May 1, 2020
Ας αρχίσω λέγοντας τα θετικά. Είναι πολύ ωραίο ως βιβλίο. Πολύ ωραίο όμως. Δεν κατάφερα να βρω έγκαιρα τον δολοφόνο - δεν έφταιγα εγώ, απλά ο συγγραφέας δεν έδινε τα στοιχεία που έπρεπε. Συνεπώς, κάθε φορά που η ερευνητική ομάδα ανακάλυπτε ένα νέο στοιχείο που αφορούσε στη δράση και στην αποκάλυψη του δολοφόνου, ήταν για εμένα μια νέα ανατροπή στην πλοκή.
Το πολύ καλό του βιβλίου όμως ποιο είναι; Ότι όσο διάβαζα, κάποιες στιγμές συνειδητοποιούσα ότι με ενδιέφερε το "Τι θα γίνει στην επόμενη σελίδα" και όχι το "ποιος είναι ο δολοφόνος", οπότε και μόνο από αυτό είναι ξεκάθαρο ότι ο συγγραφέας με κέρδισε, τουλάχιστον σε αυτό το βιβλίο. Η ροή είναι γρήγορη και δεν βρήκα κανένα σημείο να κάνει κοιλιά η ιστορία.
Ωστόσο. Είναι ένα κλασικό δείγμα σκανδιναβικής λογοτεχνίας. Η βασική πρωταγωνίστρια έχει ένα φριχτό παρελθόν που τη στοιχειώνει και της έχει αφήσει απωθημένα τα οποία και δεν μπορεί να ξεπεράσει, οπότε είναι εθισμένη στα χάπια και το ποτό. Έχει εξαιρετικό μυαλό και μπορεί και "βλέπει" καλύτερα τα στοιχεία που οι υπόλοιποι συνάδερφοί της δεν μπορούν να εκτιμήσουν σωστά. Ο αστυνομικός διευθυντής δεν τη πολυσυμπαθεί, αλλά τη θέλει οπωσδήποτε μαζί του ο αρχηγός της ομάδας, ο έτερος πρωταγωνιστής, η ήρεμη δύναμη του διδύμου (με μόνο εθισμό στο τσιγάρο και πιο συμβατικό και συνηθισμένο παρελθόν).
Επίσης, πολύ σημαντικό ρόλο στη λύση του αινίγματος έπαιξε ο παράγοντας "τύχη". Το ίδιο και στην αιτιολόγηση των πράξεων του δολοφόνου. Δεν ήταν σε εκνευριστικό βαθμό, μάλιστα δεν με πείραξε ιδιαίτερα, απλά πιστεύω ότι θα μπορούσε να είχε αποφύγει τελείως τον συσχετισμό κάποιων ατόμων χωρίς να αλλάξει κάτι πολύ σημαντικό στην πλοκή.
Θυμάμαι όταν κυκλοφόρησε αυτό το βιβλίο. Είχε κάνει αίσθηση, σχολιάστηκε αρκετά στις ομάδες και τα βιβλιοφιλικά σάιτ, αλλά εγώ διαβάζοντας το οπισθόφυλλο δεν ήθελα να το διαβάσω. Γενικά, τα βιβλία που έχουν σχέση με δολοφονίες παιδιών ή με παιδική κακοποίηση τα αποφεύγω, στεναχωριέμαι και χάνω τον ύπνο μου και δεν το πολυθέλω αυτό. Στο σπίτι το έφερε ο άντρας μου καταχαρούμενος κάποια στιγμή, αλλά απέφυγα να το διαβάσω για χρόνια. Τελικά, τα πράγματα δεν είναι τόσο άσχημα, δεν επικεντρώνεται καθόλου στα συναισθήματα των συγγενών των παιδιών, ούτε και έχει περιγραφές που θα μπορούσα να θεωρήσω προκλητικές ή φρικιαστικές, οπότε το διάβασα με αυτήν τη διεστραμμένη ευχαρίστηση που όλοι έχουμε όταν διαβάζουμε αστυνομικά βιβλία.
Κλείνοντας να πω ότι το συστήνω σε όσους δεν το έχουν διαβάσει. Εγώ θα κοιτάξω τώρα να βρω και τα υπόλοιπα δικά του, νομίζω ότι η Μία είναι ο πιο αγαπημένος "κατεστραμμένος'' μου ήρωας, ενώ ο Χόλγκερ ο ιδανικός αστυνομικός.
https://kiallovivlio.blogspot.com/
https://thematofylakes.gr/
Το πολύ καλό του βιβλίου όμως ποιο είναι; Ότι όσο διάβαζα, κάποιες στιγμές συνειδητοποιούσα ότι με ενδιέφερε το "Τι θα γίνει στην επόμενη σελίδα" και όχι το "ποιος είναι ο δολοφόνος", οπότε και μόνο από αυτό είναι ξεκάθαρο ότι ο συγγραφέας με κέρδισε, τουλάχιστον σε αυτό το βιβλίο. Η ροή είναι γρήγορη και δεν βρήκα κανένα σημείο να κάνει κοιλιά η ιστορία.
Ωστόσο. Είναι ένα κλασικό δείγμα σκανδιναβικής λογοτεχνίας. Η βασική πρωταγωνίστρια έχει ένα φριχτό παρελθόν που τη στοιχειώνει και της έχει αφήσει απωθημένα τα οποία και δεν μπορεί να ξεπεράσει, οπότε είναι εθισμένη στα χάπια και το ποτό. Έχει εξαιρετικό μυαλό και μπορεί και "βλέπει" καλύτερα τα στοιχεία που οι υπόλοιποι συνάδερφοί της δεν μπορούν να εκτιμήσουν σωστά. Ο αστυνομικός διευθυντής δεν τη πολυσυμπαθεί, αλλά τη θέλει οπωσδήποτε μαζί του ο αρχηγός της ομάδας, ο έτερος πρωταγωνιστής, η ήρεμη δύναμη του διδύμου (με μόνο εθισμό στο τσιγάρο και πιο συμβατικό και συνηθισμένο παρελθόν).
Επίσης, πολύ σημαντικό ρόλο στη λύση του αινίγματος έπαιξε ο παράγοντας "τύχη". Το ίδιο και στην αιτιολόγηση των πράξεων του δολοφόνου. Δεν ήταν σε εκνευριστικό βαθμό, μάλιστα δεν με πείραξε ιδιαίτερα, απλά πιστεύω ότι θα μπορούσε να είχε αποφύγει τελείως τον συσχετισμό κάποιων ατόμων χωρίς να αλλάξει κάτι πολύ σημαντικό στην πλοκή.
Θυμάμαι όταν κυκλοφόρησε αυτό το βιβλίο. Είχε κάνει αίσθηση, σχολιάστηκε αρκετά στις ομάδες και τα βιβλιοφιλικά σάιτ, αλλά εγώ διαβάζοντας το οπισθόφυλλο δεν ήθελα να το διαβάσω. Γενικά, τα βιβλία που έχουν σχέση με δολοφονίες παιδιών ή με παιδική κακοποίηση τα αποφεύγω, στεναχωριέμαι και χάνω τον ύπνο μου και δεν το πολυθέλω αυτό. Στο σπίτι το έφερε ο άντρας μου καταχαρούμενος κάποια στιγμή, αλλά απέφυγα να το διαβάσω για χρόνια. Τελικά, τα πράγματα δεν είναι τόσο άσχημα, δεν επικεντρώνεται καθόλου στα συναισθήματα των συγγενών των παιδιών, ούτε και έχει περιγραφές που θα μπορούσα να θεωρήσω προκλητικές ή φρικιαστικές, οπότε το διάβασα με αυτήν τη διεστραμμένη ευχαρίστηση που όλοι έχουμε όταν διαβάζουμε αστυνομικά βιβλία.
Κλείνοντας να πω ότι το συστήνω σε όσους δεν το έχουν διαβάσει. Εγώ θα κοιτάξω τώρα να βρω και τα υπόλοιπα δικά του, νομίζω ότι η Μία είναι ο πιο αγαπημένος "κατεστραμμένος'' μου ήρωας, ενώ ο Χόλγκερ ο ιδανικός αστυνομικός.
https://kiallovivlio.blogspot.com/
https://thematofylakes.gr/
January 3, 2016
My final book of 2015 was this beauty!
As some of you may know, I'm a huge Scandi/Nordic crime fiction book lover, so of course I was excited when I read the premise of Bjork's book.
What a book to end my reading year on! If I had read this before my top ten books post, I'm pretty sure this would have made the list! Maybe I might do a post about my favourite Scandi crime books in the new year! I'm Travelling Alone is a superb thriller. I was unsure when I started it, because it introduced a whole heap of characters and all were seemingly unrelated. Boy was I wrong!!! The intricacies built into the characters and their varying relationships was so well done that at times I was super confused as to who knew whom and from where!
Holger Munch and Mia Krüger are both brilliant leads. Both (as with most police officers) have their own issues, but this instantly displays their vulnerability and I warmed to them both equally and quickly.
I don't want to give too much away as regards the plot, but it's safe to say that the killer in ITA is delusional and deranged to say very least.
My favourite parts of the book were the moments in the interim of the investigation. Quick asides, and hurried phone calls all hold some tiny piece of information for you to try and piece together the puzzle of the killer.
I'm normally pretty good at figuring out the perpetrator, but to be honest, I couldn't figure this one until maybe a couple of chapters before the big reveal!!! It was frustrating, but in a good way.
Happy Reading!
As some of you may know, I'm a huge Scandi/Nordic crime fiction book lover, so of course I was excited when I read the premise of Bjork's book.
What a book to end my reading year on! If I had read this before my top ten books post, I'm pretty sure this would have made the list! Maybe I might do a post about my favourite Scandi crime books in the new year! I'm Travelling Alone is a superb thriller. I was unsure when I started it, because it introduced a whole heap of characters and all were seemingly unrelated. Boy was I wrong!!! The intricacies built into the characters and their varying relationships was so well done that at times I was super confused as to who knew whom and from where!
Holger Munch and Mia Krüger are both brilliant leads. Both (as with most police officers) have their own issues, but this instantly displays their vulnerability and I warmed to them both equally and quickly.
I don't want to give too much away as regards the plot, but it's safe to say that the killer in ITA is delusional and deranged to say very least.
My favourite parts of the book were the moments in the interim of the investigation. Quick asides, and hurried phone calls all hold some tiny piece of information for you to try and piece together the puzzle of the killer.
I'm normally pretty good at figuring out the perpetrator, but to be honest, I couldn't figure this one until maybe a couple of chapters before the big reveal!!! It was frustrating, but in a good way.
Happy Reading!
November 7, 2020
Este é o livro de estreia do autor e o primeiro livro da série da dupla de detetives Holger Munch e Mia Kruger.
Após a descoberta do corpo de uma menina de 6 anos pendurada numa árvore numa floresta, com uma placa a dizer "Viajo sozinha", a equipa especial de homicídios volta a reunir-se.
O detetive Munch vai pessoalmente buscar a colega Kruger que tem estado refugiada do mundo numa ilha remota da Noruega.
Kruger rapidamente descobre que este crime será o primeiro de muitos. Estão perante um assassino em série.
Um thriller nórdico bem construído que abarca várias histórias dentro da trama principal, que agarra o leitor à história e que ao longo da narrativa tudo se vai encaixando na perfeição.
É nos dado também a conhecer o passado da detetive Kruger e os problemas que têm enfrentado que a levaram a refugiar-se na ilha.
Apesar de não me ter arrebatado, foi um livro que gostei bastante de ler e por isso vou ficar atenta aos próximos da série.
Após a descoberta do corpo de uma menina de 6 anos pendurada numa árvore numa floresta, com uma placa a dizer "Viajo sozinha", a equipa especial de homicídios volta a reunir-se.
O detetive Munch vai pessoalmente buscar a colega Kruger que tem estado refugiada do mundo numa ilha remota da Noruega.
Kruger rapidamente descobre que este crime será o primeiro de muitos. Estão perante um assassino em série.
Um thriller nórdico bem construído que abarca várias histórias dentro da trama principal, que agarra o leitor à história e que ao longo da narrativa tudo se vai encaixando na perfeição.
É nos dado também a conhecer o passado da detetive Kruger e os problemas que têm enfrentado que a levaram a refugiar-se na ilha.
Apesar de não me ter arrebatado, foi um livro que gostei bastante de ler e por isso vou ficar atenta aos próximos da série.
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