‘Killed’ by Thomas Enger

PB: Published by Orenda Books,
28 February 2018.
ISBN: 978-1-910633-99-1

Henning Juul has new information in the search for the killer of his son, but it will put his life at risk – and the lives of those around him.

Henning’s story began with Burned, and this final instalment of the roller-coaster series is complex and violent. Told in short chapters which cut between story strands, Henning’s quest now includes his sister, Trine, who is the disgraced Minister of Justice, and a senior policewoman whose computer has been hacked. Henning’s ex-wife, Nora, is pregnant to Henning’s friend and fellow-reporter, Iven – but Iven has dangerous information he needs to give Henning. The chapters involving enforcers like Durim Redzepi and his boss, Daddy Longlegs, make it clear just how dangerous these people are. The novel begins with a handy ‘cast of characters’ guide, but I didn’t need it, as Enger is careful to explain each new person, and the novel opens with a plausibly-handled recap. The reader is drawn to the key characters, Henning, still filled with self-doubt, but determined to find out the truth, while Nora sinks into self-blame, but there’s depth to every character – even Redzepi has a human reality, with his missing wife and daughter. The plot is satisfyingly challenging, and the tension maintained throughout, with characters like Trine revealing their story in instalments, and swift movement between characters in page-turningly short chapters, and there’s a clever sleight-of-hand ending.

A compelling and ultimately satisfying finish to this Nordic Noir investigation into a ruthless Norwegian gangster.

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Reviewer: Marsali Taylor

 

Thomas Enger Born 1973, is a former journalist. He made his debut with the crime novel Burned (Skinndod) in 2009, which became an international sensation before publication. Burned is the first in a series of 5 books about the journalist Henning Juul, which delves into the depths of Oslo's underbelly, skewering the corridors of dirty politics and nailing the fast-moving world of 24-hour news. Rights to the series have been sold to 28 countries to date. In 2013 Enger published his first book for young adults, a dark fantasy thriller called The Evil Legacy, for which he won the U-prize (best book Young Adult. Enger also composes music, and he lives in Oslo.

 

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland's scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.  Marsali also does a regular monthly column for the Mystery People e-zine.

Click on the title to read a review of her recent book Death in Shetland Waters

www.marsalitaylor.co.uk