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Helle & Death #1
Helle & Death
A snowstorm. A country house. Old friends reunited. It's going to be murder...
Torben Helle - art historian, Danish expat and owner of several excellent Scandinavian jumpers - has been dragged to a remote snowbound Northumbrian mansion for a ten-year reunion with old university friends. Things start to go sideways when their host, a reclusive and irritating tech entrepreneur, makes some shocking revelations at the dinner table. And when these are followed by an apparent suicide, the group faces a test of their wits... and their trust.
Snowed in and cut off, surrounded by enigmatic housekeepers and off-duty police inspectors, not to mention a peculiar last will and testament, suspicion and sarcasm quickly turn to panic. As the temperature drops and the tension mounts, Torben decides to draw upon all the tricks of Golden Age detectives past in order to solve the how much money would it take to turn one of his old friends into a murderer? But he'd better be quick, or someone else might end up dead...
This witty murder mystery puts a modern spin on the classic country house whodunnit. A must-read for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman and Janice Hallett.
Torben Helle - art historian, Danish expat and owner of several excellent Scandinavian jumpers - has been dragged to a remote snowbound Northumbrian mansion for a ten-year reunion with old university friends. Things start to go sideways when their host, a reclusive and irritating tech entrepreneur, makes some shocking revelations at the dinner table. And when these are followed by an apparent suicide, the group faces a test of their wits... and their trust.
Snowed in and cut off, surrounded by enigmatic housekeepers and off-duty police inspectors, not to mention a peculiar last will and testament, suspicion and sarcasm quickly turn to panic. As the temperature drops and the tension mounts, Torben decides to draw upon all the tricks of Golden Age detectives past in order to solve the how much money would it take to turn one of his old friends into a murderer? But he'd better be quick, or someone else might end up dead...
This witty murder mystery puts a modern spin on the classic country house whodunnit. A must-read for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman and Janice Hallett.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 18, 2024
79 people are currently reading
2031 people want to read
About the author
Oskar Jensen
10 books37 followersOskar Jensen is an author and academic. He researches songs at Newcastle University, and has written scholarly tomes on Napoleon, ballad-singing, and most recently the London streets, with 2022’s Vagabonds. He is a BBC New Generation Thinker, appearing frequently on Radios 3 and 4, as well as showing up in the New Statesman, on Who Do You Think You Are?, and as historical advisor for 2018’s Vanity Fair and a forthcoming major motion picture. Helle & Death is his first novel for adults. Find him on Twitter @OskarCoxJensen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
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March 5, 2024Entertaining murder mystery that leans hard into the Golden Age tropes in a knowing and slightly meta way (not as bad as the Ernest Cunningham books though). Also classic in their own ways are the set up of Oxford friends reunite after ten years (we namecheck Peter's Friends) and the Danish detective (who is pretty cheerful and has a fine relationship with his dad, ahaha).
So, lots of intertextuality but it manages not to overload the story, which has lots of interesting characters and goings on, and a very engaging fun mystery with some good twists. Enjoyed it a lot, and will definitely get the next. Slightly shonky ebook production with lots of weird gaps in the text, at least on kobo.
So, lots of intertextuality but it manages not to overload the story, which has lots of interesting characters and goings on, and a very engaging fun mystery with some good twists. Enjoyed it a lot, and will definitely get the next. Slightly shonky ebook production with lots of weird gaps in the text, at least on kobo.
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January 11, 2024Helle & Death is a loud and proud homage to the golden age of crime fiction; a rekindling of the cosy vibes and puzzle-box structure that made Agatha Christie a cherished household name. Jensen’s novel follows a group of eight friends in their early thirties who all studied at Oxford together ten years ago. One of those friends made his fortune straight out of uni by developing an app. He has now sold it and lives a reclusive life in a large country manor.
My full thoughts: https://booksandbao.com/modern-myster...
My full thoughts: https://booksandbao.com/modern-myster...
December 5, 2023
3.5 stars
I listened to the audio of Helle and Death which was well read by Gunnar Cauthery although he did do a lot .. of ... dramatic ... pauses. Otherwise he had a good distinct delivery, no melodramatic overacting either. I like to be read to as if I were reading it.
The story is based around a group of old university friends who have been called to a house in the North East of England to visit one of the group. The characters are reasonably ordinary people with ordinary lives except for the host who is a multi-millionaire tech genius. Trouble begins as the weather closes in and a blizzard prevents anyone coming or going. On the first night Antony, the host, gives them some bad news. The following morning a body is discovered.
This book is an homage not so to the locked room and country house mysteries more readily found in Conan Doyle, Sayers or Allingham books. Despite Tor (probably the main character) being Danish this is no Scandi-noir.
If you like a "cosy" mystery with a character driven plot then this is for you. It's well written, easy to follow, some twists but thankfully not so complex you have to keep a notebook by your side. Apart from the dramatic pauses I enjoyed it from start to finish.
Thanks to Netgalley and Profile Books Audio for the advance review copy.
I listened to the audio of Helle and Death which was well read by Gunnar Cauthery although he did do a lot .. of ... dramatic ... pauses. Otherwise he had a good distinct delivery, no melodramatic overacting either. I like to be read to as if I were reading it.
The story is based around a group of old university friends who have been called to a house in the North East of England to visit one of the group. The characters are reasonably ordinary people with ordinary lives except for the host who is a multi-millionaire tech genius. Trouble begins as the weather closes in and a blizzard prevents anyone coming or going. On the first night Antony, the host, gives them some bad news. The following morning a body is discovered.
This book is an homage not so to the locked room and country house mysteries more readily found in Conan Doyle, Sayers or Allingham books. Despite Tor (probably the main character) being Danish this is no Scandi-noir.
If you like a "cosy" mystery with a character driven plot then this is for you. It's well written, easy to follow, some twists but thankfully not so complex you have to keep a notebook by your side. Apart from the dramatic pauses I enjoyed it from start to finish.
Thanks to Netgalley and Profile Books Audio for the advance review copy.
January 31, 2025
This is the kind of book I like; extremely well written, great array of different and multidimensional characters and a locked room mystery as a plot. In this case, a secluded mansion that happens to be snowed in just after a body is discovered, what’s not to love!
Helle is the Poirot of the 21st century only thing is he is not a detective, has a healthy libido, he is not a dapper dresser and his interjections are in Danish not French although his idioms are amusingly translated into English (same as Poirot). Helle is the one who notices things first without the braggadocio and the assistant telling him how brilliant he is. Helle’s sidekick will be Leyla and she is in a class of her own.
This book is certainly an ode to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. I have read many other books claiming it but this book outshine all others. I am anxiously awaiting the next in the series!
Helle is the Poirot of the 21st century only thing is he is not a detective, has a healthy libido, he is not a dapper dresser and his interjections are in Danish not French although his idioms are amusingly translated into English (same as Poirot). Helle is the one who notices things first without the braggadocio and the assistant telling him how brilliant he is. Helle’s sidekick will be Leyla and she is in a class of her own.
This book is certainly an ode to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. I have read many other books claiming it but this book outshine all others. I am anxiously awaiting the next in the series!
March 3, 2025
It's a bit of a boring read, if I'm honest!
A fun setup, let down by a really plodding and slow plot.
A group of friends stuck in a country house due to a snowstorm, tensions are high, and their host is then discovered dead in his bed, it makes for a long weekend.
Sadly, the book plodded on, and I just didn't really feel anything for any of the characters.
A fun setup, let down by a really plodding and slow plot.
A group of friends stuck in a country house due to a snowstorm, tensions are high, and their host is then discovered dead in his bed, it makes for a long weekend.
Sadly, the book plodded on, and I just didn't really feel anything for any of the characters.
January 18, 2024
Torben Helle joins old friends, Frances, Sara, Ruth, Leyla, Wilson, & Tom at the home of Anthony Dodd. Anthony was also one of the friend group at university but he made it big in tech & the house is suitably impressive. There's a strange atmosphere amongst the group from the start, but things take a shocking turn when one of them is found dead the next morning. Suicide or murder? Torben thinks the latter & alongside Ruth (who is a police officer) & Leyla, he tries to work out who would have a motive to kill. As the weather has taken a turn for the worse & the group are isolated from the outside world by snow, Torben views this as an opportunity to try & work out who would have a motive to kill, but an isolated group could also be an opportunity for the killer.
This is one of those books where the reader gets points of view from all the characters over the course of the plotline - with Torben being the main one. Personally I found this book a little underwhelming as there was a lot of meandering talk between Torben & his fellow investigators, Ruth & Leyla. The others, understandably feeling under unfair suspicion, were a little more standoffish. None of the characters really stood out as distinct though, & the LGBTQ+ relationship just felt a bit tacked on with absolutely no chemistry between the characters. Overall I felt it was a bit of a miss. 3.5 stars (rounded down).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Serpent's Tail/Viper/Profile Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
This is one of those books where the reader gets points of view from all the characters over the course of the plotline - with Torben being the main one. Personally I found this book a little underwhelming as there was a lot of meandering talk between Torben & his fellow investigators, Ruth & Leyla. The others, understandably feeling under unfair suspicion, were a little more standoffish. None of the characters really stood out as distinct though, & the LGBTQ+ relationship just felt a bit tacked on with absolutely no chemistry between the characters. Overall I felt it was a bit of a miss. 3.5 stars (rounded down).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Serpent's Tail/Viper/Profile Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
December 8, 2023
Torben Helle hails from Denmark, but many moons ago he left his country and family behind to go study in England, and there he remained. Ten years later, he's invited to a reunion with his old university friends. Naturally, the setting is a remote mansion. Of course there is a snowstorm, which means they can't leave. And unsurprisingly, there is a death during the night. I know, you're thinking "been there, done that" and that's true, but not quite like this.
'Helle & Death' is a classic locked room mystery all wrapped up in a modern jacket. And at its centre, is one the most delightful characters I've met in crime fiction. Torben is an art historian. How many times have you encountered one of those in a crime fiction story? I liked him from the second he appeared on the page. Torben is pretty straightforward in that "get what you see" kind of way. He is comfortable in his own skin, intelligent, perceptive, and extremely witty.
Honestly, the Danish glossary at the beginning of the book already had me hook, line and sinker. That was followed by a fabulous first chapter, which really sets the tone for the rest of the story. Because there are tiny clues spread out between the pages, little things you might possibly pick up on, that could help you solve this mysterious riddle. As always, nothing much is what it seems. And while I was able to figure out some of it, the bigger picture eluded me.
Obviously, the first thing to determine is if this death is a suicide or murder. This group of friends could quite possibly start to turn on one another, point fingers at each other. Especially because there is money involved. But also because it often felt like some amongst them didn't even really like the members of their wee little clique. Or the person who had the misfortune of dying. Some of the friends are hiding secrets. But what, if anything, do they have to do with this apparent suicide? Needless to say, this weekend isn't quite what they signed up for.
'Helle & Death' is wonderfully atmospheric. I find it remarkably difficult to pass up on a locked room mystery, as they're always so intriguing. But there is also often that worry that niggles in the back of your mind, wondering how many of these can possibly be written without becoming massively predictable? While the start of the story was somewhat on the slow side, giving the author the opportunity to introduce these characters, I discovered rather quickly that 'Helle & Death' was something else altogether. Mainly because of Torben, frequently because of me chuckling at something that was said, but mostly due to the absolutely exquisite writing. Admittedly, there were times where I had to re-read a (long) sentence, not quite getting it the first time. However, the writing is also what drew me in and nearly dazzled me. It feels deliciously olde worlde, in a way, and it fits like a glove with this story.
The fabulous surroundings and the diverse cast of characters captivated me from the beginning. 'Helle & Death' has a superb plot, is fabulously descriptive, hugely entertaining and probably one of the best locked room whodunnits I've read in a while. It sometimes goes much deeper than a classic mystery might do, delving into these relationships, seeing what makes these people tick. And throughout, there is this splendid Danish character I would most definitely love to see again in the future. I absolutely loved this!
'Helle & Death' is a classic locked room mystery all wrapped up in a modern jacket. And at its centre, is one the most delightful characters I've met in crime fiction. Torben is an art historian. How many times have you encountered one of those in a crime fiction story? I liked him from the second he appeared on the page. Torben is pretty straightforward in that "get what you see" kind of way. He is comfortable in his own skin, intelligent, perceptive, and extremely witty.
Honestly, the Danish glossary at the beginning of the book already had me hook, line and sinker. That was followed by a fabulous first chapter, which really sets the tone for the rest of the story. Because there are tiny clues spread out between the pages, little things you might possibly pick up on, that could help you solve this mysterious riddle. As always, nothing much is what it seems. And while I was able to figure out some of it, the bigger picture eluded me.
Obviously, the first thing to determine is if this death is a suicide or murder. This group of friends could quite possibly start to turn on one another, point fingers at each other. Especially because there is money involved. But also because it often felt like some amongst them didn't even really like the members of their wee little clique. Or the person who had the misfortune of dying. Some of the friends are hiding secrets. But what, if anything, do they have to do with this apparent suicide? Needless to say, this weekend isn't quite what they signed up for.
'Helle & Death' is wonderfully atmospheric. I find it remarkably difficult to pass up on a locked room mystery, as they're always so intriguing. But there is also often that worry that niggles in the back of your mind, wondering how many of these can possibly be written without becoming massively predictable? While the start of the story was somewhat on the slow side, giving the author the opportunity to introduce these characters, I discovered rather quickly that 'Helle & Death' was something else altogether. Mainly because of Torben, frequently because of me chuckling at something that was said, but mostly due to the absolutely exquisite writing. Admittedly, there were times where I had to re-read a (long) sentence, not quite getting it the first time. However, the writing is also what drew me in and nearly dazzled me. It feels deliciously olde worlde, in a way, and it fits like a glove with this story.
The fabulous surroundings and the diverse cast of characters captivated me from the beginning. 'Helle & Death' has a superb plot, is fabulously descriptive, hugely entertaining and probably one of the best locked room whodunnits I've read in a while. It sometimes goes much deeper than a classic mystery might do, delving into these relationships, seeing what makes these people tick. And throughout, there is this splendid Danish character I would most definitely love to see again in the future. I absolutely loved this!
April 25, 2024
This was a little underwhelming from start to finish for me.
For one, the pace and cast just didn’t really work for me: I mean it kinda feels icky to wait for someone to get murdered but this is a murder mystery after all so I feel like waiting almost one third of the book for the actual plot to begin is a lot if that third is a little boring and only serves to make you dislike half of the characters you’re introduced to immediately - which was only compounded by the fact that they didn’t seem to like each other that much either, even though they’re supposed to be a friend group? While (some of) the characters grew on me and I quite enjoyed that they were all lovingly crafted, fully developed characters on their own, the protagonist (who the reader follows along the most) was a little obnoxious to me and that, in my opinion, isn’t really ideal.
After the mystery part finally began I was just flabbergasted by the way they conducted their investigation: I understood why Ruth, as part of the police, was in charge but it was so random that Torben and Leyla joined. Why were they above reproach? Why weren’t they considered to be suspects? Why would the others not only accept it but even go along with them interviewing them as if they had any authority whatsoever? They also really didn’t have that much of an idea of how to do any of it - which just made me question the other’s (albeit reluctant) acceptance of their authority even more?
I must admit I also wasn’t really a fan of the big reveal. Frankly, it was more so the fact that it happened thrice and the second was just a little deflating to me. I can appreciate a good “oh, you thought?“ but after the second theory/confession any tension that had built up was gone and, personally, I was back to waiting for the book to end. Adding to that the fact that the final reveal, while interesting, felt more like literary analysis with characters referring to ivory towers, “powerful imagery to fuel his anger”, and “undercurrents of toxic masculinity”, it all fell a little flat to me. Thinking about it, the book at times felt like an intellectual exploration of ~the genre~ with numerous intertextual references to other mystery writers and other mystery novels - one character even is a PhD candidate studying, among others, Sherlock Holmes.
So, I guess, the two stars are for the well-developed characters and the quite brilliant final reveal (annoying presentation notwithstanding).
For one, the pace and cast just didn’t really work for me: I mean it kinda feels icky to wait for someone to get murdered but this is a murder mystery after all so I feel like waiting almost one third of the book for the actual plot to begin is a lot if that third is a little boring and only serves to make you dislike half of the characters you’re introduced to immediately - which was only compounded by the fact that they didn’t seem to like each other that much either, even though they’re supposed to be a friend group? While (some of) the characters grew on me and I quite enjoyed that they were all lovingly crafted, fully developed characters on their own, the protagonist (who the reader follows along the most) was a little obnoxious to me and that, in my opinion, isn’t really ideal.
After the mystery part finally began I was just flabbergasted by the way they conducted their investigation: I understood why Ruth, as part of the police, was in charge but it was so random that Torben and Leyla joined. Why were they above reproach? Why weren’t they considered to be suspects? Why would the others not only accept it but even go along with them interviewing them as if they had any authority whatsoever? They also really didn’t have that much of an idea of how to do any of it - which just made me question the other’s (albeit reluctant) acceptance of their authority even more?
I must admit I also wasn’t really a fan of the big reveal. Frankly, it was more so the fact that it happened thrice and the second was just a little deflating to me. I can appreciate a good “oh, you thought?“ but after the second theory/confession any tension that had built up was gone and, personally, I was back to waiting for the book to end. Adding to that the fact that the final reveal, while interesting, felt more like literary analysis with characters referring to ivory towers, “powerful imagery to fuel his anger”, and “undercurrents of toxic masculinity”, it all fell a little flat to me. Thinking about it, the book at times felt like an intellectual exploration of ~the genre~ with numerous intertextual references to other mystery writers and other mystery novels - one character even is a PhD candidate studying, among others, Sherlock Holmes.
So, I guess, the two stars are for the well-developed characters and the quite brilliant final reveal (annoying presentation notwithstanding).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
Solid 3.5 stars for this murder mystery story. A group of old college friends are invited to spend the weekend with one of their group in his luxurious (but very cold), and surprisingly tastefully furnished large home. He's averse to mobiles so they are not allowed, there's a snow storm so everybody is trapped in the house and we quickly see that everyone seems to have something to hide from everybody else. So, the perfect setting for a murder made to look like a suicide.
The book then covers the next couple of days as the group unravel their secrets and try to determine who amongst them is actually a murderer. Could it be the £50K that their host has bequeathed them all in his will that is the motive? Or revenge for a college day slight or stolen idea?
This is a well written and fun story that captures snippets from the golden age of crime writing in the 1920s and 30s without being a copy of that style. It’s original enough to enjoy reading it but not enough to blow me away.
Why then 3 instead of 4 stars? 3 stars tends to be my rating for a decently plotted and well written. To get to 4 the prose has to stand out or there has to be something in the plot that completely takes me by surprise and whilst this is far from predictable the plot/resolution just didn’t have me going “wow, I didn’t see that coming”. Having said all that I would read another book by this author.
The book then covers the next couple of days as the group unravel their secrets and try to determine who amongst them is actually a murderer. Could it be the £50K that their host has bequeathed them all in his will that is the motive? Or revenge for a college day slight or stolen idea?
This is a well written and fun story that captures snippets from the golden age of crime writing in the 1920s and 30s without being a copy of that style. It’s original enough to enjoy reading it but not enough to blow me away.
Why then 3 instead of 4 stars? 3 stars tends to be my rating for a decently plotted and well written. To get to 4 the prose has to stand out or there has to be something in the plot that completely takes me by surprise and whilst this is far from predictable the plot/resolution just didn’t have me going “wow, I didn’t see that coming”. Having said all that I would read another book by this author.
November 6, 2024
Light on context heavy on excessive descriptive language. Impossible to connect with the characters who were poorly developed. It’s trying so hard to be Christie-esque that the time period feels very muddled.
October 10, 2024
The things that will definitely be murdered are your time and will to live. Such a waste of time.
January 6, 2025
This was very much a case of “I’ve started so I’ll finish”. I love a cosy crime novel so when I picked this up in the bookshop, it sounded very promising. About a third of the way in, I got bored and I should have stopped but against my better judgment I continued.
The characters are all two dimensional cutouts of Oxbridge stereotypes and the back drop draws from Christie’s Then There Were None and The Mousetrap. However, unlike Christie, the language was laboured, cosy crime should be easy to read not superfluous. Overly exaggerated descriptions of a castle and art, little of which seemed relevant to the story added about 100 pages that we did not need.
If I was to sum up this book, I would say that it was a chore to read.
The characters are all two dimensional cutouts of Oxbridge stereotypes and the back drop draws from Christie’s Then There Were None and The Mousetrap. However, unlike Christie, the language was laboured, cosy crime should be easy to read not superfluous. Overly exaggerated descriptions of a castle and art, little of which seemed relevant to the story added about 100 pages that we did not need.
If I was to sum up this book, I would say that it was a chore to read.
January 18, 2024
If you like your locked room, cosy murder mysteries and like an Agatha Christie novel then I think this book would be right up your street.
A group of old uni friends reunite at their friend’s huge country house and there are secrets, whispers and jealousy all coming into play. Of course then one of them is murdered and they all know it can only be one of them in the house as outside there is a huge snow storm and with telephone lines down, no signal and no one nearby to help, they are stuck indoors with a killer. But which one of them did it?
I thought I had worked it out but I got outwitted by a few red herrings. The final reveal was executed superbly and I was very shocked by it.
There is a lot of humour which I liked and a great array of characters, some I like others I detested!
Overall, it is an atmospheric whodunnit that is all about friendship and rivalry with a modern twist of a golden age murder mystery
A group of old uni friends reunite at their friend’s huge country house and there are secrets, whispers and jealousy all coming into play. Of course then one of them is murdered and they all know it can only be one of them in the house as outside there is a huge snow storm and with telephone lines down, no signal and no one nearby to help, they are stuck indoors with a killer. But which one of them did it?
I thought I had worked it out but I got outwitted by a few red herrings. The final reveal was executed superbly and I was very shocked by it.
There is a lot of humour which I liked and a great array of characters, some I like others I detested!
Overall, it is an atmospheric whodunnit that is all about friendship and rivalry with a modern twist of a golden age murder mystery
January 15, 2024
3.5* (Beginning and end were 4.5/5*, the middle was 3*) - AD/PR - In Helle & Death we’ve got an old remote Northumbrian mansion during a snowstorm. The PERFECT setting for a locked room murder mystery! Add in a group of old university friends who are mysteriously summoned for the weekend by one of their own (a reclusive tech millionaire). They all followed different career paths with different successes, they’re all holding onto past grudges and current secrets… it’s a brilliant setup for an homage to classic crime!
Despite not being set in a college this has a real dark academic vibe to it. The period feel and details of the house, the old uni friends who studied at Oxford, the academic debates, the darkness. The first part set everything up brilliantly and gave a solid idea of who everyone is and how they feel about each other. I love that we’re told not shown. You pick up on grievances etc by one look or one response. Once the death occurs, there’s a period of exciting chaos with some great Sherlock/Poirot sleuthing. The middle was too long in my opinion. It dragged a bit and lost some momentum. However, the ending 😱👌🏻. Very clever, very sneaky and all the clues were there to find, I just didn’t put them together!
Despite not being set in a college this has a real dark academic vibe to it. The period feel and details of the house, the old uni friends who studied at Oxford, the academic debates, the darkness. The first part set everything up brilliantly and gave a solid idea of who everyone is and how they feel about each other. I love that we’re told not shown. You pick up on grievances etc by one look or one response. Once the death occurs, there’s a period of exciting chaos with some great Sherlock/Poirot sleuthing. The middle was too long in my opinion. It dragged a bit and lost some momentum. However, the ending 😱👌🏻. Very clever, very sneaky and all the clues were there to find, I just didn’t put them together!
January 12, 2024
This is a classic whodunit but with a heavy character focus. The majority of the book was focused around the characters’ relationships and history.
I enjoyed the story and I was surprised by the killer in the end.
Thank you Netgalley and Viper Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the story and I was surprised by the killer in the end.
Thank you Netgalley and Viper Books for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2023
I recently delved into a cozy mystery that expertly weaved a well-done narration, keeping me entertained throughout. The story unfolded with a delightful charm, creating a cozy atmosphere that enveloped the reader in its mystery.
While the narrative was skillfully executed, I found myself yearning for a bit more excitement. The pacing was steady, and the characters were intricately developed, contributing to the overall enjoyment. However, a few more unexpected twists or heightened suspense could have elevated the experience.
Despite the longing for a tad more thrill, the author's storytelling prowess shone brightly. The cozy setting, coupled with a cleverly crafted mystery, made for a satisfying read. If you're a fan of leisurely-paced mysteries with a touch of charm, this book is sure to captivate your attention.
Overall, a well-executed cozy mystery that excels in narration and entertainment, with the potential for an extra layer of excitement.
While the narrative was skillfully executed, I found myself yearning for a bit more excitement. The pacing was steady, and the characters were intricately developed, contributing to the overall enjoyment. However, a few more unexpected twists or heightened suspense could have elevated the experience.
Despite the longing for a tad more thrill, the author's storytelling prowess shone brightly. The cozy setting, coupled with a cleverly crafted mystery, made for a satisfying read. If you're a fan of leisurely-paced mysteries with a touch of charm, this book is sure to captivate your attention.
Overall, a well-executed cozy mystery that excels in narration and entertainment, with the potential for an extra layer of excitement.
November 16, 2025
Good wee wintery whodunnit.
Audiobook listen.
Enjoyed other than the Scottish and American accents 🤮.
Snowed in a big mansion
Bunch of old friends together for the first time in years.
Danish protagonist. Fancy him very much.
Will deffo get the next one.
Audiobook listen.
Enjoyed other than the Scottish and American accents 🤮.
Snowed in a big mansion
Bunch of old friends together for the first time in years.
Danish protagonist. Fancy him very much.
Will deffo get the next one.
January 7, 2024
So disappointed I had high expectations based on the blurb and I love this age of detective fiction but it just felt like a cheap imitation.
The issue I had is an issue I’m finding a lot with this genre at the moment the author seems to be more interested in shoehorning in references to the genre and other books and shows rather than creating an interesting plot.
The reveal and the motive was just awful and I hate to give books one star but it just had nothing I liked about it
The issue I had is an issue I’m finding a lot with this genre at the moment the author seems to be more interested in shoehorning in references to the genre and other books and shows rather than creating an interesting plot.
The reveal and the motive was just awful and I hate to give books one star but it just had nothing I liked about it
November 19, 2024
This was a bookseller’s recommendation. I found this a real slog. The text was verbose, the characters were non-existent with no defining features and the plot was neither clever nor thrilling. The writing wasn’t bad, it was just an example of bland and uninspired storytelling.
January 1, 2024
This is a well-paced, absorbing read with character studies gauged just right at the opening of the novel. Yes, a proclivity for the dramatic pause does tend to dominate Gunnar Cauthery's narration, but he handles accents and character idiosyncrasies skilfully and his bold performance style makes this great for listening to all-at-once.
'Helle & Death' goes down easy; it's a hearty modern winter mystery. Oskar Jensen has pitched just the right touch of classical motifs against a contemporary setting, allusions to that Detection Club timelessness ensuring that the modern elements don't hinder the atmosphere.
My hesitancy regarding the text would be in relation to its slapdash denigration of gender inequality. The novel's teeming with statements declaiming women's subordinate position and marginalised voices, but every time it feels like the author's writing it with his arm twisted behind his back. It's all very heavy on the masculine. I wondered at the relative lack of attention paid to female characters' motivations (for example, Ruth's religiosity). Compounding this is the sexual objectification of the protagonist's two sexual conquests Frances and Layla. I daren't'd even broach the novel's representation of lesbian women.
All female characters here feel like they've each been drawn with very specific colours from the crayon tin: give one a strong accent; make one a person of colour; make one an artist; give one a doctoral thesis and one a law degree. These are all purely functional character facets. There's no exploration of the female characters outside of their dramatic function as each comes into play.
This kind of tokenistic characterisation really comes to typify the novel: 'much as he hated the phrase, he had recently started trying to "check his privilege".'
My thanks to Viper Audio for a digital audiobook eARC via NetGalley.
'Helle & Death' goes down easy; it's a hearty modern winter mystery. Oskar Jensen has pitched just the right touch of classical motifs against a contemporary setting, allusions to that Detection Club timelessness ensuring that the modern elements don't hinder the atmosphere.
My hesitancy regarding the text would be in relation to its slapdash denigration of gender inequality. The novel's teeming with statements declaiming women's subordinate position and marginalised voices, but every time it feels like the author's writing it with his arm twisted behind his back. It's all very heavy on the masculine. I wondered at the relative lack of attention paid to female characters' motivations (for example, Ruth's religiosity). Compounding this is the sexual objectification of the protagonist's two sexual conquests Frances and Layla. I daren't'd even broach the novel's representation of lesbian women.
All female characters here feel like they've each been drawn with very specific colours from the crayon tin: give one a strong accent; make one a person of colour; make one an artist; give one a doctoral thesis and one a law degree. These are all purely functional character facets. There's no exploration of the female characters outside of their dramatic function as each comes into play.
This kind of tokenistic characterisation really comes to typify the novel: 'much as he hated the phrase, he had recently started trying to "check his privilege".'
My thanks to Viper Audio for a digital audiobook eARC via NetGalley.
June 13, 2025
A blurb from Janice Hallett is enough to get me to read any book, and then you add Katy Watson to the mix.
As a love-letter to Christie of sorts, this covers several tropes from the Golden Age:
A manor-house party hosted by a mysterious reclusive billionaire, old college ‘friends’ who actually kind of hate each other, an MC who solves the crime with a foreign accent á la Poirot, large inheritances, trapped by a storm, power outage, a drawing room denouement.
One thing it does differently is that Torben isn’t the typical borderline-autistic superdetective. He’s just… some guy. He isnt blessed/cursed to have eidetic memory, in the first chapter he forgets his hat in a taxi. He’s not in a struggle under the weight of his own genius, he’s an art historian with a fellowship who wrote a forgettable book and has a love affair with architecture. He’s not asexual to the point of neurosis, he wrote a love letter to another character in his college days that he’s still embarrassed about years later. In fact, another member of the group is slightly more suited to the role as her PhD is on Sherlock Holmes.
Torben himself says, “I’d never make a convincing detective, especially not one of the modern Danish ones. I don’t smoke, I like women, and -worst of all- I get on pretty well with my father.”
The quips are strong in this one.
At the suggestion of buying a Tesla, “Both Tom and Anthony looked at him as if he had announced his intention of butchering a human baby.”
“…Tom Goring was waving his drink around and saying something in which the words ‘modern art’ figured ominously.”
“I live and breathe the avant-garde. Why, the first word I ever spoke was ‘Dada’.” I mean, A-plus art history pun right there.
“‘My body is a temple,’ he said. ‘It just happens to be (consecrated) to Bacchus.’”
While this wasn’t a 5-star for me, I think the sequel has potential to be, with the character developed more.
As a love-letter to Christie of sorts, this covers several tropes from the Golden Age:
A manor-house party hosted by a mysterious reclusive billionaire, old college ‘friends’ who actually kind of hate each other, an MC who solves the crime with a foreign accent á la Poirot, large inheritances, trapped by a storm, power outage, a drawing room denouement.
One thing it does differently is that Torben isn’t the typical borderline-autistic superdetective. He’s just… some guy. He isnt blessed/cursed to have eidetic memory, in the first chapter he forgets his hat in a taxi. He’s not in a struggle under the weight of his own genius, he’s an art historian with a fellowship who wrote a forgettable book and has a love affair with architecture. He’s not asexual to the point of neurosis, he wrote a love letter to another character in his college days that he’s still embarrassed about years later. In fact, another member of the group is slightly more suited to the role as her PhD is on Sherlock Holmes.
Torben himself says, “I’d never make a convincing detective, especially not one of the modern Danish ones. I don’t smoke, I like women, and -worst of all- I get on pretty well with my father.”
The quips are strong in this one.
At the suggestion of buying a Tesla, “Both Tom and Anthony looked at him as if he had announced his intention of butchering a human baby.”
“…Tom Goring was waving his drink around and saying something in which the words ‘modern art’ figured ominously.”
“I live and breathe the avant-garde. Why, the first word I ever spoke was ‘Dada’.” I mean, A-plus art history pun right there.
“‘My body is a temple,’ he said. ‘It just happens to be (consecrated) to Bacchus.’”
While this wasn’t a 5-star for me, I think the sequel has potential to be, with the character developed more.
December 21, 2024
First, thanks to viper books for sending me a copy of this book. I love locked in mystery so was excited to read this one.
In this book we follow Torben Helle as he travels to a Northumbrian mansion for a reunion with his old university friends. However, on the second day one of them is found dead, initially made to look like suicide, they quickly come to realise someone in the house murdered them.
This book is very much a character driven book, it took quite a long time to get to the murder as the first 100 pages was spent getting to know the characters. This is a slow burn book, you’re really getting to know the characters. It’s very descriptive and really paints a picture of the setting and situation. It is well written and I found several parts quite entertaining and engaging.
Unfortunately, overall this one wasn’t for me. I prefer books that are much faster paced and a bit more plot driven. It took so long for something to happen initially that I’d lost a bit of interest by the time the investigation started.
If you enjoy a locked in mystery, where you really get to know the characters and enjoy a cosy mystery then this book could be for you. If you want a fast paced, action packed thriller then maybe give this one a miss.
In this book we follow Torben Helle as he travels to a Northumbrian mansion for a reunion with his old university friends. However, on the second day one of them is found dead, initially made to look like suicide, they quickly come to realise someone in the house murdered them.
This book is very much a character driven book, it took quite a long time to get to the murder as the first 100 pages was spent getting to know the characters. This is a slow burn book, you’re really getting to know the characters. It’s very descriptive and really paints a picture of the setting and situation. It is well written and I found several parts quite entertaining and engaging.
Unfortunately, overall this one wasn’t for me. I prefer books that are much faster paced and a bit more plot driven. It took so long for something to happen initially that I’d lost a bit of interest by the time the investigation started.
If you enjoy a locked in mystery, where you really get to know the characters and enjoy a cosy mystery then this book could be for you. If you want a fast paced, action packed thriller then maybe give this one a miss.
October 30, 2024
*4.5
i enjoyed this a lot! nice mystery, very nice prose for a murder mystery and i like the detective for his second languageness and lack of overt misogyny. some of the talk around political correctness felt a little forced and helle had good guy vibes at times, but at the same time it felt somewhat realistic maybe? like he wasn't perfect but he tried and seemed to be a genuinely good friend - and we had the contrast of much worse masculinity which wasn't played down at all. i hope we hear more about leyla's pov in the next installment - i'm certainly looking forward to it!
the pacing was slow at times but i enjoyed the psychological and philosophical examinations gor the most part. the setting wa really nice, too. i liked the solution to the mystery, it may not be completely realistic that this could have worked but it felt satisfying when it came to the motive and the way it unfolded.
what i didn't like was (minor spoiler) the outing of two queer characters as a "clue" without their consent and the mention of the e-word (meaning inuk) for absolutely no reason and without later discussion
i enjoyed this a lot! nice mystery, very nice prose for a murder mystery and i like the detective for his second languageness and lack of overt misogyny. some of the talk around political correctness felt a little forced and helle had good guy vibes at times, but at the same time it felt somewhat realistic maybe? like he wasn't perfect but he tried and seemed to be a genuinely good friend - and we had the contrast of much worse masculinity which wasn't played down at all. i hope we hear more about leyla's pov in the next installment - i'm certainly looking forward to it!
the pacing was slow at times but i enjoyed the psychological and philosophical examinations gor the most part. the setting wa really nice, too. i liked the solution to the mystery, it may not be completely realistic that this could have worked but it felt satisfying when it came to the motive and the way it unfolded.
what i didn't like was (minor spoiler) the outing of two queer characters as a "clue" without their consent and the mention of the e-word (meaning inuk) for absolutely no reason and without later discussion
May 16, 2025
Helle & Death by Oskar Jensen - Very Good
The first of the books that I bought at Bay Tales 25 on the strength of hearing the author talk.
Loved this. Torben Helle is an art historian, Danish expat and an Oxford Graduate. He's invited to a Northumbrian Mansion for a reunion of the students in 'his stair'. They've not seen each other for ten years and there's certainly a lot of catching up to do. There are secrets and lies....and then the snow sets in. The following morning, not only are they snowed in with no communications, but their host is dead - seemingly suicide, but is it? They need to work together to find out what happened but surely, if it was murder, one of them is the murderer! Who can you trust?
Lots of references to golden age crime authors and novels (most of which I've read so I enjoyed them). Lots of humour (particularly liked the glossary of Danish phrases - I need to start using some of them, in particular walking like a cat around hot porridge and shaving a goat).
A lovely homage to golden age country house mysteries, will definitely search out the next book.
#review
The first of the books that I bought at Bay Tales 25 on the strength of hearing the author talk.
Loved this. Torben Helle is an art historian, Danish expat and an Oxford Graduate. He's invited to a Northumbrian Mansion for a reunion of the students in 'his stair'. They've not seen each other for ten years and there's certainly a lot of catching up to do. There are secrets and lies....and then the snow sets in. The following morning, not only are they snowed in with no communications, but their host is dead - seemingly suicide, but is it? They need to work together to find out what happened but surely, if it was murder, one of them is the murderer! Who can you trust?
Lots of references to golden age crime authors and novels (most of which I've read so I enjoyed them). Lots of humour (particularly liked the glossary of Danish phrases - I need to start using some of them, in particular walking like a cat around hot porridge and shaving a goat).
A lovely homage to golden age country house mysteries, will definitely search out the next book.
#review
January 23, 2024
A cozy mystery set in a kind of escape room setting of a high tec millionaire rmansion .
The narrator is spot on. I love the pauses used for dramatic effect. The audio is of a high quality standard. The story is straightforward and easy to follow. Its a whodunit with a couple of extra twists. I loved the final act when the mystery was revealed. It felt like a homage to agatha Christie. I enjoyed every minute it didnt feel too long It was careful written and narrated. A real homage to ll the great mysterys with characters arc and history reveal at critical points. Highly recommended.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator for his 5 star read
The narrator is spot on. I love the pauses used for dramatic effect. The audio is of a high quality standard. The story is straightforward and easy to follow. Its a whodunit with a couple of extra twists. I loved the final act when the mystery was revealed. It felt like a homage to agatha Christie. I enjoyed every minute it didnt feel too long It was careful written and narrated. A real homage to ll the great mysterys with characters arc and history reveal at critical points. Highly recommended.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator for his 5 star read
October 17, 2025
I read the second installment of this murder mystery series featuring a Danish art historian as amateur sleuth, which was absolutely delightful. However, this first book isn't as accomplished. The writing is clumsier, the constant POV changes from head to head serve no purpose I can fathom, and there a few on the nose moments and pieces of dialogue. The mystery ended up somewhat convoluted but it was surprising, so kudos for that, and there were glimpses of the wit that the next novel would have in spades. It's amazing how much more confident his second work is.
All in all, this is a decent quick read, easy and fun, but also kinda skippable.
All in all, this is a decent quick read, easy and fun, but also kinda skippable.
December 31, 2023
3.5* - being the audiobook version, I found I often lost track of things, and I ended up having to restart the book. For a long time I thought this was going to be 3*, but the ending helped round it up a bit. I did kind of guess whodunnit, and it did put me in mind if one of Christie’s books (that’s actually name checked in this story), because of that. Overall a good story, and I’d check out others by the author.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
September 1, 2024
CAWPILE 6.71
3.5 STARS
I've had this one on my radar for a while and finally managed to get my mits on the library's copy.
Set in a remote Northumberland mansion during a snowstorm- a murder mystery, friends who haven't seen each other in years...sounds perfect.
I liked how atmospheric this was, I loved the wide cast of characters, I loved the setting.
I felt a little lost at times given how many characters we were following but I did enjoy it and will pick up the sequel when it comes out.
3.5 STARS
I've had this one on my radar for a while and finally managed to get my mits on the library's copy.
Set in a remote Northumberland mansion during a snowstorm- a murder mystery, friends who haven't seen each other in years...sounds perfect.
I liked how atmospheric this was, I loved the wide cast of characters, I loved the setting.
I felt a little lost at times given how many characters we were following but I did enjoy it and will pick up the sequel when it comes out.
September 14, 2025
“Helle & Death” offers a classic mystery setup with intriguing and well-developed characters, each with rich backgrounds. While the middle section of the novel tends to meander and is quite descriptive, it eventually finds its footing. Torben, a character reminiscent of Poirot, often slips back into his native language and exhibits a pompous attitude, which can overshadow other aspects of the story. Despite this, the novel concludes satisfactorily, providing an enjoyable journey that leaves readers eager to explore the sequel.
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 24, 2024
Because of the comparisons to Christie I was expecting a historical cosy crime so was very surprised to find that it's modern. Must admit that threw me. I'm not really a fan of cosy crime and thought I would like this because of the suggestion of a Christie type read. I must say it didn't tick the boxes for me and I don't think it should be compared to Christie we are more in Richard Osman, Richard Coles territory.
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