Nordic Noir discussion
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Currently Reading - 2014 version
Clair DeWitt and the Bohemian Highway by Sara Gran
Hmm... so far this year of the Nordic crime I've managed to read Presidentens valg (Death in Oslo?) by Anne Holt, Death of the Demon: A Hanne Wilhelmsen Novel, also by her, and Helsinki Homicide: Nothing but the Truth by Jarkko Sipilä. Yet it feels like it's been a while since I read something, so I'm trying to decide what to read next after I finish an Elmore Leonard I started yesterday. Hm...
Loved Anya Lipska Where the Devil Can't Go and Gunnar Staalesen Consorts of Death. And yes, I love G.W, Leif Persson. all of his books especially Linda as in the Linda Murder.
I finished up Missing the other day - I didn't enjoy it as much as Betrayal but it was interesting, I liked the POV used
Well, let me see...I am reading the entire Liza Marklund Annika Bengtzon series in 3 weeks because my genius rear end requested The Long Shadow: A Novelfor review before realizing it wasn't a stand alone!! Sadly, this isn't the first time I have done this!
you think you would have learnt by now...lol! I always check GR before I request books to see if they are a series or not - because i've gotten bitten and requested like book 5 or 6
You would think...wouldn't ya???
Heh that would be too easy. I've learned to look at GR before buying something - if people with similar noir taste have given it 4-5 stars, good enough for me. Never rely on teh ad texts on the back covers of the books.
Although I did find one book recently that I had completely missed the first 1 or 2 parts. Sigh - even worse than a regular series since it apparently was part of some saga, without appropriate warnings.
After starting the year with a bunch of Anne Holt, now it's been two Camilla Lackbergs. The Ice Princess was enjoyable, but Fyrvaktaren aka The Lost Boy aka #7 of the series left a bad taste. (Too many people, non-credible people, too much diaper and mum talk, and above all, a very unsatisfying solution). So now... hmm. I guess finish a book or few I've started, and then time for something new. With more blood, guts, and twists for sure.
I might need to give Annika Bengtzon a try. So far I've only tried it as the TV series in Netflix, and in that format it was boring - plus I kept losing half of the story by having to look at the subtitles.
its weird - I liked the 3rd book in the Camilla Lackberg series (The Stonecutter), but when I went back and listened to the Ice Princess - I just didn't enjoy it as well...same narrator and everything
Cockroaches by Jo Nesbo. Got to love Harry Hole! I'm still waiting for the rest of Anne Holt's books to be translated into English..
At present I am reading The Serbian Dane I am enjoying it. Lot of social history. A hired killer who travels through Germany, Poland and Denmark. I like the commentary he makes e.g. backpacker. Want to see the world for nothing but end up meeting people exactly like themselves, same clothes, age and outlook. Often the same country another the Berlin wall is just a bit of rubble, people's memories will fade like the rubble.Perhaps that is what I like about Nordic books it is not just about the characters.
Reading a book that is based on a true case that plagued Norway in the 1970's Before I Burn: A Novel.
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Hmm... I finished All She Was Worth by Miyuki Miyabe recently and loved it. So continuing with the Japanese theme, Kenzo Kitakata's The Cage.
Since I just joined I wanted to ask if you wanted us to post whatever we are currently reading or just they Nordic ones?
Anna wrote: "Hmm... I finished All She Was Worth by Miyuki Miyabe recently and loved it. So continuing with the Japanese theme, Kenzo Kitakata's The Cage."Didn't you recommend All She Was Worth to me, Anna? That looks so good.
I am finding that I love Japanese mysteries almost as much as I love NN. It seems like some of the NN authors are trying to go with an American style of romance mystery lately.
Oh that does look good.
The second one was on the new release shelf at my local crack house - so I grabbed it and requested the first one
Dee wrote: "The second one was on the new release shelf at my local crack house - so I grabbed it and requested the first one"ah yes the local crack house aka the library. I'm even worse now that they lend kindle books. I think I have 9 of those checked out at the moment. One click instant gratification. ha!
I've almost for the first time reached max number of books...
I think you might like it Naomi. Want to read my copy? :)
Joined this group because I'm plowing through and enjoying Jar City, the first Nordic mystery I've read. Very nice so far, will definitely read more from this author and in this genre.
Richard wrote: "Starting Between Summer's Longing and Winter's End: The Story of a Crime tonight."What did you think of this book Richard? Despite mixed reviews, and I could see their point, I enjoyed it. Loved the history aspect. yes, and I chuckled at the "inner observations". the asides" However, Linda is still my favourite.
I scored big at the library today. Picked up the audiobook of The Purity of Vengeance and the large print Death of the Demon by Anne Holt. woohoo!I think the Dept. Q series is my favorite Nordic series. After reading Keeper of Lost Causes I was hooked by that team in the basement.
Helen wrote: "Richard wrote: "Starting Between Summer's Longing and Winter's End: The Story of a Crime tonight."What did you think of this book Richard? Despite mixed reviews, and I could see th..."
That was my reaction, a mixed bag. Persson is a very self-indulgent writer--he named one of the characters Persson (but I doubt that character is 'him'). It is witty and amusing and does all come together, but the detail gets tedious. This is another book where I wonder about the translation and whether it is capturing the spirit of the book or trying to be literal when the writer is figurative--always an issue in translations.
I'll read the other two when I can find them--library only has this one.
I also finished The Absent One, the second in the Carl Morck series. I didn't find this to be as good as the first book. A lot of the drama is whether Morck will survive, and well, there are more books so that is never compelling. THE ABSENT ONE reminded me of the Aurelio Zen novel where Zen spends his time being chased through tunnels in Sardinia.Perhaps it is merely me being jaded, but series books that have long main character in peril plots don't enthrall me. Danger, sure. But resolve it quickly. The suspense won't kill the main character, so it won't be killing me with anticipation, either.
Richard wrote: "I also finished The Absent One, the second in the Carl Morck series. I didn't find this to be as good as the first book. A lot of the drama is whether Morck will survive, and well, ..."Hi Richard. Have discovered two more Nordic writers. Closed For Winter and Gunner Staalesen
Jorn Lier Horst wrote "Closed for W
inter and "Dregs" The main character (detective) has less hangups then the other Nordic writers. I enjoyed these books and I intend to read more by them.
You're not alone! I can't get enough of Carl and his lousy work ethic. I find myself laughing out loud throughout these books. The characters are a hoot! I keep hoping this author won't quit and move on to something else.
I just finished Death of the Demon: A Hanne Wilhelmsen Novel by Anne Holt and Cockroaches by Jo NesbøI am currently reading Silence of the Grave by Arnaldur Indriðason and purity of vengeance.
Silence of the grave is my favourite of Indridason. That and The Draining Lake.
I am currently listening to The Keeper of Lost Causes, since Sheila recommended it so strongly in another group!
Best book ever Elizabeth. You will be hooked.
About two-thirds of the way through Another Time, Another Life. I'm finding this a bit more enjoyable than the first book, perhaps because Persson is bringing several of the plot threads together. Lots of sitting down and talking, with not much action, however it works for me.I do like reading about Fall of Communism through the eyes of the Swedish police. Persson is most amusing when doing this.
Richard wrote: "About two-thirds of the way through Another Time, Another Life. I'm finding this a bit more enjoyable than the first book, perhaps because Persson is bringing several of the plot thr..."Yes, Richard he has become my favourite Nordic writer. Love the little asides. It gives a different perspective on the Fall of Communism.
I have several going at once. For audiobooks, just finished Silence of the Grave by Arnaldur Indriðason. Voices is not yet @ Audible but I purchased the print vsn. Reading Black Seconds by Karin Fossum. Thank you to Naomi for her reviews of NN that helped me discover so many fab authors!
Fans of Jo Nesbo this is IMO a very thought provoking, good interview. And The Son is due out April 10! http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014...
Dee, I've just started reading Snow Angels!And I've finished My First Murder by Leena Lehtolainen, a bit slow at the beginning but I enjoyed it.
yay Elizabeth! I'm guessing for your SRC task? I'm going LL as well, and also Jim's book 3 - since I got sidetracked
Dee wrote: "yay Elizabeth! I'm guessing for your SRC task? I'm going LL as well, and also Jim's book 3 - since I got sidetracked"That's right! I wanted to fit Jim somewhere and I decided to go for Finland as a setting for my task.
You should add Leena to the group topics, since you're going to read sth of her, as well.
yeah, i'm a bit behind in making threads for newer authors we find ;)
I'll be starting Where Monsters Dwell tonight. Looking forward to a Nordic mystery that starts out in my home town of Richmond, VA.
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Nordic Noir
Books mentioned in this topic
The Redbreast (other topics)The Good Suicides (other topics)
Where Monsters Dwell (other topics)
Snow Angels (other topics)
My First Murder (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Kristina Ohlsson (other topics)Arnaldur Indriðason (other topics)
Anne Holt (other topics)
Jo Nesbø (other topics)
Miyuki Miyabe (other topics)
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What are you reading now?