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Helle & Death #2
Helle's Hound
A dead art historian. Cold War skulduggery.
An extremely hungry dog.
Dame Charlotte Lazerton - eminent art historian and former mentor of Danish academic Torben Helle - is dead. To make it worse, she was found partially eaten by her own pet dog. While the Metropolitan police believe that she died of natural causes, Torben becomes convinced that Dame Charlotte was murdered, although as usual no-one pays any attention to him. That is, until he gains the confidence of a detective inspector who has watched one too many Nordic Noir dramas, and is ready to listen to any Scandinavian in an extremely woolly jumper.
Aided - often grudgingly - by his old friend Leyla, Torben soon realises that there are plenty of people who might have wanted Dame Charlotte dead, from her competitors for a prestigious academic chair, to old enemies from her time in intelligence during the Cold War. One thing is for sure: Torben Helle is woefully unqualified to catch a killer, and the killer knows it...
This witty murder mystery puts a modern spin on the classic Golden Age whodunnit. A must-read for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman and Janice Hallett.
An extremely hungry dog.
Dame Charlotte Lazerton - eminent art historian and former mentor of Danish academic Torben Helle - is dead. To make it worse, she was found partially eaten by her own pet dog. While the Metropolitan police believe that she died of natural causes, Torben becomes convinced that Dame Charlotte was murdered, although as usual no-one pays any attention to him. That is, until he gains the confidence of a detective inspector who has watched one too many Nordic Noir dramas, and is ready to listen to any Scandinavian in an extremely woolly jumper.
Aided - often grudgingly - by his old friend Leyla, Torben soon realises that there are plenty of people who might have wanted Dame Charlotte dead, from her competitors for a prestigious academic chair, to old enemies from her time in intelligence during the Cold War. One thing is for sure: Torben Helle is woefully unqualified to catch a killer, and the killer knows it...
This witty murder mystery puts a modern spin on the classic Golden Age whodunnit. A must-read for fans of Agatha Christie, Richard Osman and Janice Hallett.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published January 30, 2025
9 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Oskar Jensen
10 books38 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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February 5, 2025Very entertaining murder mystery with Danish art historian Torben Helle on his second outing. Notably stronger than the first, to my mind. It's entertainingly nuts, with ridiculous leads and secondaries, a crazed plot, lots of fun references, a spot of fourth-wall-breaking that approaches Edgar Cantero levels, and the most spectacularly gratuitous final line I can remember. Props. But for all that the murder mystery is both clever and fair, and that's a tricky thing to pull off. The author also pulls off a bait and switch as to What's Going On that absolutely had me breathless in a OH YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY way.
I really hope we get more of this series, it's a hell (oh dear) of a lot of fun.
I really hope we get more of this series, it's a hell (oh dear) of a lot of fun.
February 4, 2025
This book got better and better
I will admit i struggled at the beginning and really thought id have to foece my way through. Partly this was that i hadnt read book 1, didnt know the characters and not getting references and comments about the previous case but mostly i found the writing slightly clunky, sentences were quite choppy, short and blunt. (I had just come off a very easy to read female written fantasy and wondering if the difference in style between the two was just too much).
The writing either improved or i got used to it and when the investigation started i started to enjoy it .
I liked the two main characters and their interactions with each other. The situation the author put them in to be able to amateurly investigate was believable. There is a good danish glossary at the beginning for rhe small bits of danish the character says (mainly expletives) but i didnt need to use it as you can understand it all by context.
I liked the random funny comments in this. A few even made me chuckle out loud. Its a lighthearted book.
I thought the whole whodunnit was actually very good. Original, quirky and whilst i did work out bits...it was very late in the game (almost seconds before the reveal) so ill give the author this one! There were a good amount of clues sprinkled in were
I would be interested in reading more from this author.
P.s the cover of this is gorgeous
Thank you Viper books for my Arc copy to review. This review reflects my honest opinions.
I will admit i struggled at the beginning and really thought id have to foece my way through. Partly this was that i hadnt read book 1, didnt know the characters and not getting references and comments about the previous case but mostly i found the writing slightly clunky, sentences were quite choppy, short and blunt. (I had just come off a very easy to read female written fantasy and wondering if the difference in style between the two was just too much).
The writing either improved or i got used to it and when the investigation started i started to enjoy it .
I liked the two main characters and their interactions with each other. The situation the author put them in to be able to amateurly investigate was believable. There is a good danish glossary at the beginning for rhe small bits of danish the character says (mainly expletives) but i didnt need to use it as you can understand it all by context.
I liked the random funny comments in this. A few even made me chuckle out loud. Its a lighthearted book.
I thought the whole whodunnit was actually very good. Original, quirky and whilst i did work out bits...it was very late in the game (almost seconds before the reveal) so ill give the author this one! There were a good amount of clues sprinkled in were
I would be interested in reading more from this author.
P.s the cover of this is gorgeous
Thank you Viper books for my Arc copy to review. This review reflects my honest opinions.
August 2, 2025
No one can say this book is predictable, whoever boasted about discovering the killer early on in their review has to have read the last chapters first. Remember, it is not only who does it but why and how.
I find this series charming and original but the plot moved slower than the first installment. It is a true homage to the Golden Age of Mystery. We get a map again although this one didn’t help unlike the map in his first book, also the Danish dictionary was again a hilarious plus.
You have to read this series in order, there is a lot of references to his last book.
I also love the reference to artists, public figures, books and music in order to make a point. In this book Leyla is fun but also behaves like an opportunist, her attraction to Torben grows more when he acquires the home. Beryl was for my taste the most interesting character.
I find this series charming and original but the plot moved slower than the first installment. It is a true homage to the Golden Age of Mystery. We get a map again although this one didn’t help unlike the map in his first book, also the Danish dictionary was again a hilarious plus.
You have to read this series in order, there is a lot of references to his last book.
I also love the reference to artists, public figures, books and music in order to make a point. In this book Leyla is fun but also behaves like an opportunist, her attraction to Torben grows more when he acquires the home. Beryl was for my taste the most interesting character.
November 30, 2024
I didn't realise, until I was a couple of chapters in, that Helle's Hound is actually part of a series. As it is book #2 however, I didn't feel as though I'd missed anything crucial. I do really want to read book #1 though.
Back to Helle's Hound. 🐕 This is a wonderfully entertaining mystery, with some very likeable characters. The Helle of the title is Torben Helle, a Danish academic living in London. Torben is something of an amateur sleuth, and when his mentor, Dame Professor (Emerita) Charlotte Lazerton, is found dead, Torben suspects foul play. With the help of his friend, Leyla Moradi, Torben sets out to find out what really happened.
Helle's Hound is a well paced, suspenseful mystery. Dare I call it a cosy mystery? Yes, I dare. With its likeable characters and its sprinkles of humour, this is a captivating read. 🐕
Thanks to Viper, Serpent's Tail, Profile Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Back to Helle's Hound. 🐕 This is a wonderfully entertaining mystery, with some very likeable characters. The Helle of the title is Torben Helle, a Danish academic living in London. Torben is something of an amateur sleuth, and when his mentor, Dame Professor (Emerita) Charlotte Lazerton, is found dead, Torben suspects foul play. With the help of his friend, Leyla Moradi, Torben sets out to find out what really happened.
Helle's Hound is a well paced, suspenseful mystery. Dare I call it a cosy mystery? Yes, I dare. With its likeable characters and its sprinkles of humour, this is a captivating read. 🐕
Thanks to Viper, Serpent's Tail, Profile Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2025
Dame Charlotte is found dead at the bottom of her stairs, partially eaten by her very hungry dog. Hm, yeah, takes a while to un-see that bit, don't it? The police believe she died of natural causes but Torben is convinced his old mentor was murdered. As it happens, the list of suspects stands out like a sore thumb at Charlotte's funeral. Competitors, maybe sometime friends, and enemies, range from an academic chair, to a politician to, quite possibly, a spy. It seems Dame Charlotte had her fingers in lots of pies during her lifetime.
Help, or more like a level of distraction, is coming from Torben's old friend Leyla. She is a rather reluctant assistant at first, but slowly finds herself entirely sucked into this investigation and even begins coming up with theories of her own. But between Leyla, renovating an old house and his job, it sometimes feels as if Torben is missing clues that might be right in front of his nose.
Not that I spotted them. I couldn't at all figure out which of the suspects was responsible for this death. It seemed each one could have had a motive, from being afraid of the competition, to needing to keep a secret hidden, to revenge. I had no idea, nor could I quite put my finger on these characters. Even more importantly though, the "how" was an even bigger mystery. Was Charlotte spooked by something that made her fall down the stairs? Was she drugged? Or was Torben wrong after all and did Charlotte simply trip?
I must admit that it took me quite a while to get into this second outing with Torben. Through absolutely no fault of his, I should add. He remains the most wonderful character, providing the wittiness, even if most of it seems to come from his clumsy interactions with Leyla. I also liked how she became involved and created this fabulous investigative partnership, brainstorming together, piecing information together. Although maybe their communication could use some work.
The investigation seemed to take quite a long time in getting going. I often felt there was a lot of information that maybe wasn't quite necessary. Although in hindsight, maybe I just missed a ton of clues. The latter chapters definitely made up for all of it though, and I flew through those. The reveal rather shocked me. In more ways than one. The manner in which things were done and the reason why. Vague, I know. It's for you to discover, isn't it.
As with its predecessor, that golden age crime fiction feeling, this glorious "ye olde world" vibe, remains throughout this story and really makes this series feel wonderfully different from other crime fiction out there. 'Helle's Hound' is a well-plotted whodunnit with the most delightful Danish sleuth. It's impossible not to like Torben and I can't wait to see what's next for him. Although hopefully whatever happens won't befall someone he knows again. He'll quickly run out of people he knows 😉.
Help, or more like a level of distraction, is coming from Torben's old friend Leyla. She is a rather reluctant assistant at first, but slowly finds herself entirely sucked into this investigation and even begins coming up with theories of her own. But between Leyla, renovating an old house and his job, it sometimes feels as if Torben is missing clues that might be right in front of his nose.
Not that I spotted them. I couldn't at all figure out which of the suspects was responsible for this death. It seemed each one could have had a motive, from being afraid of the competition, to needing to keep a secret hidden, to revenge. I had no idea, nor could I quite put my finger on these characters. Even more importantly though, the "how" was an even bigger mystery. Was Charlotte spooked by something that made her fall down the stairs? Was she drugged? Or was Torben wrong after all and did Charlotte simply trip?
I must admit that it took me quite a while to get into this second outing with Torben. Through absolutely no fault of his, I should add. He remains the most wonderful character, providing the wittiness, even if most of it seems to come from his clumsy interactions with Leyla. I also liked how she became involved and created this fabulous investigative partnership, brainstorming together, piecing information together. Although maybe their communication could use some work.
The investigation seemed to take quite a long time in getting going. I often felt there was a lot of information that maybe wasn't quite necessary. Although in hindsight, maybe I just missed a ton of clues. The latter chapters definitely made up for all of it though, and I flew through those. The reveal rather shocked me. In more ways than one. The manner in which things were done and the reason why. Vague, I know. It's for you to discover, isn't it.
As with its predecessor, that golden age crime fiction feeling, this glorious "ye olde world" vibe, remains throughout this story and really makes this series feel wonderfully different from other crime fiction out there. 'Helle's Hound' is a well-plotted whodunnit with the most delightful Danish sleuth. It's impossible not to like Torben and I can't wait to see what's next for him. Although hopefully whatever happens won't befall someone he knows again. He'll quickly run out of people he knows 😉.
January 7, 2025
I was very kindly given an e-ARC of this book via Netgalley and Serpent's Tail / Viper.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, despite its middling Goodreads reviews and was eager to pick up the next one. However, I only really found this book to be 'ok', with some odd writing choices and a mystery that both attempted to do too much and left too much up to the imagination. It follows the death of Torben's mentor, which he believes is murder, and the investigation he goes on with Layla in tow to try and figure out the truth.
Layla is sort of my key problem with the book - namely, that her POV was just not necessary. Not only does she end up having little to do with the overall conclusion, but her chapters seemed to be entirely dedicated to running hot and cold as to whether she wanted to date Torben. The chapters tend to alternate POV's between the two and hers just isn't needed based on the writing we currently get.
I also found the mystery rather under-developed. There are many, many characters involved in it and I got completely lost as to who was who after a while, they all seemed to blend into one. It took a long time to get to the conclusion and when we did, more seemed to happen off the page than it did on. We get a pretty decent twist around the 80% mark and I was expecting more, but it just never came.
Honestly, the feeling I came out of this book with was just confusion. Like none of it has implanted on my brain or I didn't absorb the plot properly. What I mainly remember is Torben going to a lot of different restaurants and - to the author's credit - some rather delicious descriptions of food. And an election for an art museum. Really, anything beyond that has entirely escaped my mind.
'Helle's Hound' will be released on January 30th.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, despite its middling Goodreads reviews and was eager to pick up the next one. However, I only really found this book to be 'ok', with some odd writing choices and a mystery that both attempted to do too much and left too much up to the imagination. It follows the death of Torben's mentor, which he believes is murder, and the investigation he goes on with Layla in tow to try and figure out the truth.
Layla is sort of my key problem with the book - namely, that her POV was just not necessary. Not only does she end up having little to do with the overall conclusion, but her chapters seemed to be entirely dedicated to running hot and cold as to whether she wanted to date Torben. The chapters tend to alternate POV's between the two and hers just isn't needed based on the writing we currently get.
I also found the mystery rather under-developed. There are many, many characters involved in it and I got completely lost as to who was who after a while, they all seemed to blend into one. It took a long time to get to the conclusion and when we did, more seemed to happen off the page than it did on. We get a pretty decent twist around the 80% mark and I was expecting more, but it just never came.
Honestly, the feeling I came out of this book with was just confusion. Like none of it has implanted on my brain or I didn't absorb the plot properly. What I mainly remember is Torben going to a lot of different restaurants and - to the author's credit - some rather delicious descriptions of food. And an election for an art museum. Really, anything beyond that has entirely escaped my mind.
'Helle's Hound' will be released on January 30th.
December 17, 2024
***advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
I read the first book last year, also for NetGalley, and after a slow start it built to a genuinely interesting and unusual reveal, so I was quite excited to read the next instalment.
Unfortunately this one does not meet the standard of the previous. It feels overlong and complicated, where the previous book benefited from being confined to one spot this isn’t and I think the plot suffers for it.
Intertwined with particularly slow murder mystery is an equally slow romance - or, at least, a requited interest on both parts that the other seems not to notice.
The payoff and reveal is weak, and for me at least a little silly. It also became obvious to an extent when I stopped and thought about what was staring me in the face about the book - this revelation for me came about half way through the book but sadly not until the last handful of pages for our intrepid amateur Poirot, so it was a bit of a slog.
I read the first book last year, also for NetGalley, and after a slow start it built to a genuinely interesting and unusual reveal, so I was quite excited to read the next instalment.
Unfortunately this one does not meet the standard of the previous. It feels overlong and complicated, where the previous book benefited from being confined to one spot this isn’t and I think the plot suffers for it.
Intertwined with particularly slow murder mystery is an equally slow romance - or, at least, a requited interest on both parts that the other seems not to notice.
The payoff and reveal is weak, and for me at least a little silly. It also became obvious to an extent when I stopped and thought about what was staring me in the face about the book - this revelation for me came about half way through the book but sadly not until the last handful of pages for our intrepid amateur Poirot, so it was a bit of a slog.
January 2, 2025
I got this as an ARC from NetGalley
This is decidedly more entertaining than the previous outing for Toben Helle (which I also read as an ARC) but that had more to do with the romance than the mystery. I resisted the urge to reread Helle & Death as I knew it would make me more critical of this one but my intense frustration with Helle forgetting or overlooking blindingly obvious vital information came with a heavy dose of deja vu.
However, where Helle & Death left me spitting feathers over the sheer improbability of the killer's method, this was within the bounds of my suspended disbelief. And the final solution leaves me asking questions but I can't claim Jensen kept the criminal mastermind off-page.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a cosy mystery with a Scandi twist
This is decidedly more entertaining than the previous outing for Toben Helle (which I also read as an ARC) but that had more to do with the romance than the mystery. I resisted the urge to reread Helle & Death as I knew it would make me more critical of this one but my intense frustration with Helle forgetting or overlooking blindingly obvious vital information came with a heavy dose of deja vu.
However, where Helle & Death left me spitting feathers over the sheer improbability of the killer's method, this was within the bounds of my suspended disbelief. And the final solution leaves me asking questions but I can't claim Jensen kept the criminal mastermind off-page.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a cosy mystery with a Scandi twist
February 17, 2025
*3.5?
I absolutely adore the characters of this series (except for the repeated mentionings about how Layla just doesn't get on with other women. Guess she's not like other girls or something). I love Helle and his friends, they have a lot of depth. I even enjoyed Charlotte as a character, even though she spends most of the novel being dead.
But the mystery didn't really do it for me this time. The investigation was too slow and the twist at the end not really interesting. Torben's escapades to vegetarianism and climate marches were interesting (I always find it interesting to learn how outsiders see movements or groups that I feel I'm part of) and sympathetic. I like that this series has a political stance and it is quite likeable from my pov, the copaganda is somewhat turned down and the social commentary turned up. At the same time, it stays VERY liberal and reformist - which I guess is fitting for white 30something scholars. I do appreciate that this series does explore some progressive politics though, nevertheless.
All in all, not my favourite mystery for sure, but as I enjoy the characters, the humour and the writing, I'll sure be back for the next installment.
I absolutely adore the characters of this series (except for the repeated mentionings about how Layla just doesn't get on with other women. Guess she's not like other girls or something). I love Helle and his friends, they have a lot of depth. I even enjoyed Charlotte as a character, even though she spends most of the novel being dead.
But the mystery didn't really do it for me this time. The investigation was too slow and the twist at the end not really interesting. Torben's escapades to vegetarianism and climate marches were interesting (I always find it interesting to learn how outsiders see movements or groups that I feel I'm part of) and sympathetic. I like that this series has a political stance and it is quite likeable from my pov, the copaganda is somewhat turned down and the social commentary turned up. At the same time, it stays VERY liberal and reformist - which I guess is fitting for white 30something scholars. I do appreciate that this series does explore some progressive politics though, nevertheless.
All in all, not my favourite mystery for sure, but as I enjoy the characters, the humour and the writing, I'll sure be back for the next installment.
November 19, 2024
3.5 stars. Torben Helle is back trying to solve a death with the help of his conveniently trained friends Leyla (barrister) and Ruth (police) - his mentor Dame Charlotte Lazerton is found at the bottom of her stairs at home, gnawed on by her Irish Wolfgound, Mortimer. At first only Torben suspects anything is amiss, but gradually he persuades those around him to investigate.
It’s again a slower pace for most of the book, until it all speeds up and resolves at the end - so bear this in mind if you like your mysteries more evenly paced. But the characters are pretty likeable and the writing humorous, so I’d recommend it as a series.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
It’s again a slower pace for most of the book, until it all speeds up and resolves at the end - so bear this in mind if you like your mysteries more evenly paced. But the characters are pretty likeable and the writing humorous, so I’d recommend it as a series.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
March 3, 2025
CAWPILE 6.43
3.5 STARS
Borrowed this from my local library- there is quite the waiting list so a very popular new release!
I enjoyed the first one which was set up in my home county of Northumberland, this one however is set primarily in London.
I enjoyed the setting, the mystery/crime was compelling but this was more about the relationships between Torben and his friends.
I'm quite eager to pick up the sequel, if/when it releases.
3.5 STARS
Borrowed this from my local library- there is quite the waiting list so a very popular new release!
I enjoyed the first one which was set up in my home county of Northumberland, this one however is set primarily in London.
I enjoyed the setting, the mystery/crime was compelling but this was more about the relationships between Torben and his friends.
I'm quite eager to pick up the sequel, if/when it releases.
April 7, 2025
Would have given 3 1/2 stars if that were possible. Entertaining.
July 30, 2025
Some very funny writing, but didn't quite land for me.
September 22, 2025
3 stars
A great sequel, strong plot with the old crime who-dunnit feel. I did feel personally that this one was a bit slower than the first book, it took a bit more time to get into the investigation and I sometimes struggled to follow who the characters were.
The audiobook was solid and added to the experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A great sequel, strong plot with the old crime who-dunnit feel. I did feel personally that this one was a bit slower than the first book, it took a bit more time to get into the investigation and I sometimes struggled to follow who the characters were.
The audiobook was solid and added to the experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 28, 2025
I’ve heard a lot of people talking about this crime fiction author, so I thought I’d better take a look. I haven’t read the first in the series, Helle and Death and it hasn’t impacted on my enjoyment of this book at all.
Torben Helle is a good humoured Danish academic, specialising in the history of Art. His mentor was Dame Charlotte Lazerton, an intelligent, sharp- tongued woman who did not suffer fools gladly. Charlotte was well connected and really very formidable. I liked her a lot. Sadly, as the book opens, Charlotte is lying at the bottom of her stairs and well, I won’t go into detail, but let’s just say this is not entirely cosy crime!
The authorities rule it an accidental death but Torben is convinced her death was anything but an accident – though he isn’t clear just how the murder could have been committed. Almost as if she had foreseen her own murder, Charlotte has left Torben some clear clues as to her closest contacts and rivals. Together with the attractive barrister, Leyla Moradi, and Torben’s friend, DI Ruth Thompson, (who’s about to leave the force), they search for any of Charlotte’s contacts who might have both the opportunity and the motive to commit such a crime.
Torben is almost charmingly clueless. He spins round in circles and has no compunction about ruffling feathers when he wants answers, though his preferred method of interrogation tends to be over a very good meal in a top restaurant.
Leyla and Torben are in constant disagreement over who the perpetrator might be and none of it is helped by the fact that Dame Charlotte knew some figures in the intelligence community and the Home Office as well as in art and academia. So, asking questions is fraught with concerns about upsetting some pretty senior people who have the means to thwart Torben’s quest.
The plotting is cleverly done; a locked house mystery with credible suspects and lots of secrets to uncover. There’s a lot to enjoy in the way that Torben exposes some truths and the way in which he gets some things hopelessly wrong.
The overwhelming sense when reading this book is of a charming, somewhat hapless detective who nevertheless, through a combination of good research and inspired guesswork finally manages to reach the truth. To be fair, Oskar Jensen lays all the clues out in plain sight, but I confess, I hadn’t got the answer by the time Torben revealed it, which is always a bonus.
Verdict: There is wit and intelligence in these characters and this relatively slow paced series. Not quite cosy, not quite Golden Age, nevertheless it contains many elements of such crime fiction. I loved the Scandinavian jumpers, the Danish sweary words and phrases and the bantering between Torben and Layla. Helles Hound is contemporary Scandi lys crime, immensely enjoyable and really funny.
Torben Helle is a good humoured Danish academic, specialising in the history of Art. His mentor was Dame Charlotte Lazerton, an intelligent, sharp- tongued woman who did not suffer fools gladly. Charlotte was well connected and really very formidable. I liked her a lot. Sadly, as the book opens, Charlotte is lying at the bottom of her stairs and well, I won’t go into detail, but let’s just say this is not entirely cosy crime!
The authorities rule it an accidental death but Torben is convinced her death was anything but an accident – though he isn’t clear just how the murder could have been committed. Almost as if she had foreseen her own murder, Charlotte has left Torben some clear clues as to her closest contacts and rivals. Together with the attractive barrister, Leyla Moradi, and Torben’s friend, DI Ruth Thompson, (who’s about to leave the force), they search for any of Charlotte’s contacts who might have both the opportunity and the motive to commit such a crime.
Torben is almost charmingly clueless. He spins round in circles and has no compunction about ruffling feathers when he wants answers, though his preferred method of interrogation tends to be over a very good meal in a top restaurant.
Leyla and Torben are in constant disagreement over who the perpetrator might be and none of it is helped by the fact that Dame Charlotte knew some figures in the intelligence community and the Home Office as well as in art and academia. So, asking questions is fraught with concerns about upsetting some pretty senior people who have the means to thwart Torben’s quest.
The plotting is cleverly done; a locked house mystery with credible suspects and lots of secrets to uncover. There’s a lot to enjoy in the way that Torben exposes some truths and the way in which he gets some things hopelessly wrong.
The overwhelming sense when reading this book is of a charming, somewhat hapless detective who nevertheless, through a combination of good research and inspired guesswork finally manages to reach the truth. To be fair, Oskar Jensen lays all the clues out in plain sight, but I confess, I hadn’t got the answer by the time Torben revealed it, which is always a bonus.
Verdict: There is wit and intelligence in these characters and this relatively slow paced series. Not quite cosy, not quite Golden Age, nevertheless it contains many elements of such crime fiction. I loved the Scandinavian jumpers, the Danish sweary words and phrases and the bantering between Torben and Layla. Helles Hound is contemporary Scandi lys crime, immensely enjoyable and really funny.
February 20, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½ (3.5 stars!)
Cold War intrigue? Check.
A very hungry dog? Check.
A clueless academic turned amateur sleuth? DOUBLE check!
In Helle's Hound, Oskar Jensen combines humour with murderous mischief in this twisty whodunnit.
Picture this: Dame Charlotte Lazerton, a renowned art historian, is discovered partially eaten by her pet dog, and the Metropolitan police think it's just a natural cause. (Uh, is that really how this works?!)
But enter Torben Helle, the disgruntled academic who’s convinced there’s more to this death than meets the eye. And trust me, he’s not just mulling over it in a coffee shop. This Scandinavian sleuth is about to make things VERY complicated for himself.
What I Liked:
1. Witty, Dry Humour : The banter is sharp. Torben’s quirky character, forever in a woolly jumper and bumbling through the investigation, adds a fun layer to the traditional whodunnit. And let's not forget the overly enthusiastic detective inspector who’s spent way too much time binge-watching Nordic Noir. This combo? PURE GOLD.
2. Cold War Drama : The plot weaves through a tangled web of espionage, old enemies, and academic rivalries. Think Agatha Christie meets Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Everyone has a motive and a past, making for an unpredictable ride. Who can you trust? NO ONE. Except maybe the dog... (but let's not get ahead of ourselves 😬).
What Could’ve Been Better:
1. Slow Pacing in the Middle : While the start is intriguing and the ending is a wild ride, the middle of the book feels a bit like Torben’s investigation itself, wandering aimlessly through the cold, snow-covered streets of London. But hey, at least you get a lot of character development (and a lot of confusing theories).
2. Torben’s Lack of Sleuthing Skills 🙈: While he’s endearing in his cluelessness, sometimes it’s a bit frustrating to watch him trip over himself. Can he not just figure it out already?!
This is a lighthearted, clever mystery perfect for fans of classic whodunnits, but with a cheeky modern twist. It's like a Nordic Noir version of your favourite cozy mystery, but with a bit more wit, a lot more confusion.
Cold War intrigue? Check.
A very hungry dog? Check.
A clueless academic turned amateur sleuth? DOUBLE check!
In Helle's Hound, Oskar Jensen combines humour with murderous mischief in this twisty whodunnit.
Picture this: Dame Charlotte Lazerton, a renowned art historian, is discovered partially eaten by her pet dog, and the Metropolitan police think it's just a natural cause. (Uh, is that really how this works?!)
But enter Torben Helle, the disgruntled academic who’s convinced there’s more to this death than meets the eye. And trust me, he’s not just mulling over it in a coffee shop. This Scandinavian sleuth is about to make things VERY complicated for himself.
What I Liked:
1. Witty, Dry Humour : The banter is sharp. Torben’s quirky character, forever in a woolly jumper and bumbling through the investigation, adds a fun layer to the traditional whodunnit. And let's not forget the overly enthusiastic detective inspector who’s spent way too much time binge-watching Nordic Noir. This combo? PURE GOLD.
2. Cold War Drama : The plot weaves through a tangled web of espionage, old enemies, and academic rivalries. Think Agatha Christie meets Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Everyone has a motive and a past, making for an unpredictable ride. Who can you trust? NO ONE. Except maybe the dog... (but let's not get ahead of ourselves 😬).
What Could’ve Been Better:
1. Slow Pacing in the Middle : While the start is intriguing and the ending is a wild ride, the middle of the book feels a bit like Torben’s investigation itself, wandering aimlessly through the cold, snow-covered streets of London. But hey, at least you get a lot of character development (and a lot of confusing theories).
2. Torben’s Lack of Sleuthing Skills 🙈: While he’s endearing in his cluelessness, sometimes it’s a bit frustrating to watch him trip over himself. Can he not just figure it out already?!
This is a lighthearted, clever mystery perfect for fans of classic whodunnits, but with a cheeky modern twist. It's like a Nordic Noir version of your favourite cozy mystery, but with a bit more wit, a lot more confusion.
November 25, 2024
Torben is back! And again the Danish glossary on the first page sets the tone and lets you know it is going to be an original and funny read.
Helle's Hound is a captivating and humorous blend of classic mystery and academic intrigue. The novel follows Torben Helle, a Danish academic with a penchant for unraveling mysteries, who becomes embroiled in a case involving his former mentor, Charlotte Lazerton, an eminent art historian found dead under peculiar circumstances. Though the police chalk it up to natural causes, the scene is far too bizarre—Charlotte was found partially eaten by her own dog. Torben, unconvinced by the official verdict, embarks on an investigation that leads him into a tangled web of Cold War-era secrets, academic rivalries, and the murky world of intelligence.
Jensen's writing excels in blending suspense with biting wit. Torben, a neurotic, often clueless character, makes for a wonderfully unlikely detective, which injects a refreshing layer of comedy into the story. His interactions with his friend Leyla, who reluctantly joins his amateur sleuthing, are both tense and humorous. Their dynamic provides a rich contrast to the darker themes of the book, as Torben grapples with a world he is ill-prepared to navigate.
What makes this book stand out is its sharp commentary on the academic world, espionage, and the human tendency to ignore inconvenient truths. The Cold War backdrop adds an extra dimension to the plot, with old grudges and hidden alliances resurfacing in the search for the truth. Torben's persistence is both admirable and frustrating—he is out of his depth, but his refusal to back down makes him a compelling protagonist.
Ultimately, Helle's Hound is well-paced and engaging, offering a unique twist on the traditional detective story. Jensen’s ability to balance humor, suspense, and character development makes for a gripping read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viper, Serpent's Tail and Profile Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my review.
Helle's Hound is a captivating and humorous blend of classic mystery and academic intrigue. The novel follows Torben Helle, a Danish academic with a penchant for unraveling mysteries, who becomes embroiled in a case involving his former mentor, Charlotte Lazerton, an eminent art historian found dead under peculiar circumstances. Though the police chalk it up to natural causes, the scene is far too bizarre—Charlotte was found partially eaten by her own dog. Torben, unconvinced by the official verdict, embarks on an investigation that leads him into a tangled web of Cold War-era secrets, academic rivalries, and the murky world of intelligence.
Jensen's writing excels in blending suspense with biting wit. Torben, a neurotic, often clueless character, makes for a wonderfully unlikely detective, which injects a refreshing layer of comedy into the story. His interactions with his friend Leyla, who reluctantly joins his amateur sleuthing, are both tense and humorous. Their dynamic provides a rich contrast to the darker themes of the book, as Torben grapples with a world he is ill-prepared to navigate.
What makes this book stand out is its sharp commentary on the academic world, espionage, and the human tendency to ignore inconvenient truths. The Cold War backdrop adds an extra dimension to the plot, with old grudges and hidden alliances resurfacing in the search for the truth. Torben's persistence is both admirable and frustrating—he is out of his depth, but his refusal to back down makes him a compelling protagonist.
Ultimately, Helle's Hound is well-paced and engaging, offering a unique twist on the traditional detective story. Jensen’s ability to balance humor, suspense, and character development makes for a gripping read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viper, Serpent's Tail and Profile Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my review.
January 13, 2025
Was Dame Charlotte Lazerton's death really an accident? Or is Torben following the right path when he thinks it could be murder?
Murder and mayhem with a charmingly clumsy detective! I enjoyed this story, even though I found the pace a bit slow to start with, it only really picks up at the end of the book. Torben is a likeable character, and I found myself urging him on to find the killer. He is witty and a bit clumsy with his interactions with Layla, which just makes him more relatable. Their playful banter added a touch of humor to the story.
I enjoyed the narrator's accent and found it was easy to follow and listen to. Torben could have had slightly more emphasis on his accent, but I appreciate that can make it harder for listeners to follow. There was good emphasis on character emotions, and when the pace picked up, the narrator managed to include the feeling of urgency when needed in his voice.
It felt like a golden age mystery in a modern setting, and while the ending might not have been the most satisfying conclusion, I enjoyed following the story along and trying to work out whodunit. While this is the second novel in the series, I have not read the first but had no issues following the story. It can be read as a standalone book. There are some references to the previous story, but not enough to play a vital role in this book.
The back-and-forth brainstorming between Torben and Layla was most enjoyable, and I think what held my interest, plus the ongoing miscommunication/misreading of each other, provided some lighter entertainment in what could have ended up being a boring fact-listing conversation. Plenty of scope for Torben to follow different theories kept me guessing (I will admit I don't read many murder mysteries, so for a seasoned reader, the conclusion may be obvious).
I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy crime novel with a Scandi twist. Get ready for a delightful dose of Scandi noir with a side of awkward charm.
Thank you to NetGalley and Profile Books Audio for the ARC
Murder and mayhem with a charmingly clumsy detective! I enjoyed this story, even though I found the pace a bit slow to start with, it only really picks up at the end of the book. Torben is a likeable character, and I found myself urging him on to find the killer. He is witty and a bit clumsy with his interactions with Layla, which just makes him more relatable. Their playful banter added a touch of humor to the story.
I enjoyed the narrator's accent and found it was easy to follow and listen to. Torben could have had slightly more emphasis on his accent, but I appreciate that can make it harder for listeners to follow. There was good emphasis on character emotions, and when the pace picked up, the narrator managed to include the feeling of urgency when needed in his voice.
It felt like a golden age mystery in a modern setting, and while the ending might not have been the most satisfying conclusion, I enjoyed following the story along and trying to work out whodunit. While this is the second novel in the series, I have not read the first but had no issues following the story. It can be read as a standalone book. There are some references to the previous story, but not enough to play a vital role in this book.
The back-and-forth brainstorming between Torben and Layla was most enjoyable, and I think what held my interest, plus the ongoing miscommunication/misreading of each other, provided some lighter entertainment in what could have ended up being a boring fact-listing conversation. Plenty of scope for Torben to follow different theories kept me guessing (I will admit I don't read many murder mysteries, so for a seasoned reader, the conclusion may be obvious).
I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy crime novel with a Scandi twist. Get ready for a delightful dose of Scandi noir with a side of awkward charm.
Thank you to NetGalley and Profile Books Audio for the ARC
January 24, 2025
This is book two in the series featuring Danish academic Torben Helle who we first met when he solved the murder of a university friend during a reunion. This time he is not content with the Met Police's ruling of the death of his mentor, Dame Charlotte Lazerton, as suicide. He is convinced she was murdered prior to being subsequently nibbled by her pet dog, after a fall down the stairs. Initially they ignore his cries for foul play, until they land at the ears of a DI with a penchant for Nordic Noir drama of all things. But, an in is an in, and at least someone is listening. Which turns out to be helpful when the list of potential suspects grows and grows. Even Torben himself has something to gain from her death!
I connected well with Torben in his first outing and that that relationship continued throughout this book. He's a bit of a character, and a bit on the quirky side, which is right up my street but he also could take a while to gel with if you are not as inclined as me. The mystery itself is well plotted and executed and the rest of the cast play their parts well. There were all the usual secrets and lies to come to terms with and a host of suspects to whittle down. And indeed, with a "locked room mystery" such as this, the main focus being on the "how on earth". Which was very well explored and exposed, along with, eventually, the "who". And boy is it a tangled web.
One of the things that kept me going through all the confusion over the who and why was Torben's relationship with Leyla - some of their interactions and banter are priceless! But I'll leave you to find that out yourself.
Pacing was good and, on the whole, matched the narrative all the way through. Occasionally it did drag but I think that was more down to incompetence of Torben's attempt at detecting rather than anything else. He's only an amateur with scant resources after all. Part of his charm!
All in all, a worthy followup to what was also a solid series opener. Roll on book three. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
I connected well with Torben in his first outing and that that relationship continued throughout this book. He's a bit of a character, and a bit on the quirky side, which is right up my street but he also could take a while to gel with if you are not as inclined as me. The mystery itself is well plotted and executed and the rest of the cast play their parts well. There were all the usual secrets and lies to come to terms with and a host of suspects to whittle down. And indeed, with a "locked room mystery" such as this, the main focus being on the "how on earth". Which was very well explored and exposed, along with, eventually, the "who". And boy is it a tangled web.
One of the things that kept me going through all the confusion over the who and why was Torben's relationship with Leyla - some of their interactions and banter are priceless! But I'll leave you to find that out yourself.
Pacing was good and, on the whole, matched the narrative all the way through. Occasionally it did drag but I think that was more down to incompetence of Torben's attempt at detecting rather than anything else. He's only an amateur with scant resources after all. Part of his charm!
All in all, a worthy followup to what was also a solid series opener. Roll on book three. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
May 9, 2025
Book Review: Helle’s Hound by Oskar Jensen
Rating: 4 stars
I recently finished Helle’s Hound by Oskar Jensen, and I have to say, it was a refreshing and enjoyable read. This witty murder mystery follows Danish art historian Torben Helle as he stumbles into a puzzling case involving the death of his mentor, Dame Charlotte Lazerton. Dame Charlotte, an eminent figure in the art world with a shadowy Cold War past, is found dead — partially eaten by her own Irish wolfhound, Mortimer. While the police chalk her death up to natural causes, Torben suspects foul play and embarks on an investigation that quickly spirals into a tangled web of academic rivalries and old espionage grudges.
What I really appreciated about this book was how it cleverly blends the classic elements of a Golden Age whodunit with a modern twist — all set against a Scandinavian backdrop that fans of Nordic Noir will recognize (and enjoy). Torben, despite being completely out of his depth as an amateur detective, is a charming and relatable protagonist. His partnership with Leyla, an old friend, adds a nice dynamic that keeps the story engaging.
The plot is well-crafted and intelligent, with plenty of twists that kept me guessing without feeling contrived. Plus, the cast of characters is memorable and well-drawn, making the mystery not just about whodunnit but also about the complex relationships and motivations behind the crime.
Also, I can’t help but mention the book’s cover — it’s absolutely delightful and really caught my eye right away. All in all, Helle’s Hound is a thoroughly entertaining mystery that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a smart, character-driven whodunnit with a bit of Scandinavian flair. I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures with Torben Helle.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 stars
I recently finished Helle’s Hound by Oskar Jensen, and I have to say, it was a refreshing and enjoyable read. This witty murder mystery follows Danish art historian Torben Helle as he stumbles into a puzzling case involving the death of his mentor, Dame Charlotte Lazerton. Dame Charlotte, an eminent figure in the art world with a shadowy Cold War past, is found dead — partially eaten by her own Irish wolfhound, Mortimer. While the police chalk her death up to natural causes, Torben suspects foul play and embarks on an investigation that quickly spirals into a tangled web of academic rivalries and old espionage grudges.
What I really appreciated about this book was how it cleverly blends the classic elements of a Golden Age whodunit with a modern twist — all set against a Scandinavian backdrop that fans of Nordic Noir will recognize (and enjoy). Torben, despite being completely out of his depth as an amateur detective, is a charming and relatable protagonist. His partnership with Leyla, an old friend, adds a nice dynamic that keeps the story engaging.
The plot is well-crafted and intelligent, with plenty of twists that kept me guessing without feeling contrived. Plus, the cast of characters is memorable and well-drawn, making the mystery not just about whodunnit but also about the complex relationships and motivations behind the crime.
Also, I can’t help but mention the book’s cover — it’s absolutely delightful and really caught my eye right away. All in all, Helle’s Hound is a thoroughly entertaining mystery that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a smart, character-driven whodunnit with a bit of Scandinavian flair. I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures with Torben Helle.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
February 20, 2025
oh, charlotte lazerton, they could never make me hate you.
oskar jensen's narrative voice has really developed since his debut novel, "helle & death", into a funny yet compelling storyteller - there is no other word. perhaps my biggest problem with the previous book was the constant switching of perspective, but jensen manages in this one to create two distinct voices in torben and leyla, and falls into a neat rhythm switching between the two.
this book feels more accessible in its references than its predecessor and, though it echoes perhaps one of the most infamous detective novels of all time (easter-egged, of course, by all those sherlock references!), i found that the plot this time was less predictable and better executed. i really enjoyed all the call-backs, both pertaining to this book and the last: none felt forced or out of place. and that god-awful podcast! for fangen, as helle might say. entertaining, if nothing else.
there's something really special about the balance jensen strikes in his style between candid introspection and humorous jest. this book acknowledges its own silliness and, at times, pretentiousness with a few amusing fourth-wall breaks and various references to modernity (though the author notes that he amalgamates london over several years, with institutions co-existing where they do not outside of the fiction - to me, this is simply the nature of an ever-changing city like london. each of its guests experiences it as their own and hence remembers it in waves of nostalgia, truth be damned). jensen's writing is addictive. the nerve of him to have only written two books, both of which i have read - det svin!
ah, torben, what a character. i look forward to seeing him again. in this meantime, i resolve never to trust a swede. vi ses, dr helle!
oskar jensen's narrative voice has really developed since his debut novel, "helle & death", into a funny yet compelling storyteller - there is no other word. perhaps my biggest problem with the previous book was the constant switching of perspective, but jensen manages in this one to create two distinct voices in torben and leyla, and falls into a neat rhythm switching between the two.
this book feels more accessible in its references than its predecessor and, though it echoes perhaps one of the most infamous detective novels of all time (easter-egged, of course, by all those sherlock references!), i found that the plot this time was less predictable and better executed. i really enjoyed all the call-backs, both pertaining to this book and the last: none felt forced or out of place. and that god-awful podcast! for fangen, as helle might say. entertaining, if nothing else.
there's something really special about the balance jensen strikes in his style between candid introspection and humorous jest. this book acknowledges its own silliness and, at times, pretentiousness with a few amusing fourth-wall breaks and various references to modernity (though the author notes that he amalgamates london over several years, with institutions co-existing where they do not outside of the fiction - to me, this is simply the nature of an ever-changing city like london. each of its guests experiences it as their own and hence remembers it in waves of nostalgia, truth be damned). jensen's writing is addictive. the nerve of him to have only written two books, both of which i have read - det svin!
ah, torben, what a character. i look forward to seeing him again. in this meantime, i resolve never to trust a swede. vi ses, dr helle!
January 29, 2025
This time last year, I read Helle & Death - Torben Helle's first outing and a locked room case that was packed with twists.
When I spotted this new release, I was so excited to dive in and see what was in store for Torben this time around.
This was a case much closer to home with one of Helle's mentors coming to a rather gruesome ending only a few days after they last met.
Again, a seemingly innocent natural death that Torben just couldn't believe wasn't murder.
With the help of his good friend Leyla, the pair start to take a look into who would like Charlotte dead.
This was another great case and I loved the complexities within the investigation.
There were a fair few suspects around, but nothing seemed concrete and as such, it was really difficult for us to spot what had happened.
I tried to come up with a couple of theories along the way, but never managed to grasp enough before the next twist would come and send me back to square one.
The ending being a total shock when it came - really quite a clever twist.
I really like Helle as a character. Lots of Nordic noir vibes to be had - but with familiar settings and culture that kept this relatable too.
I liked seeing some of the returning characters from the first book - albeit only briefly - but loved seeing the relationship between Helle and Leyla develop (slowly!).
I did really enjoy this read, but it just didn't quite grab me in as much as Helle & Death - probably because I loved the locked room setting, which was missing here.
That said, wouldn't it get very boring if every case was the same!?
Still a strong 4* read and I'll definitely be looking out for book 3 coming out in the future.
It will be great to see what Helle has done to the house since.....
When I spotted this new release, I was so excited to dive in and see what was in store for Torben this time around.
This was a case much closer to home with one of Helle's mentors coming to a rather gruesome ending only a few days after they last met.
Again, a seemingly innocent natural death that Torben just couldn't believe wasn't murder.
With the help of his good friend Leyla, the pair start to take a look into who would like Charlotte dead.
This was another great case and I loved the complexities within the investigation.
There were a fair few suspects around, but nothing seemed concrete and as such, it was really difficult for us to spot what had happened.
I tried to come up with a couple of theories along the way, but never managed to grasp enough before the next twist would come and send me back to square one.
The ending being a total shock when it came - really quite a clever twist.
I really like Helle as a character. Lots of Nordic noir vibes to be had - but with familiar settings and culture that kept this relatable too.
I liked seeing some of the returning characters from the first book - albeit only briefly - but loved seeing the relationship between Helle and Leyla develop (slowly!).
I did really enjoy this read, but it just didn't quite grab me in as much as Helle & Death - probably because I loved the locked room setting, which was missing here.
That said, wouldn't it get very boring if every case was the same!?
Still a strong 4* read and I'll definitely be looking out for book 3 coming out in the future.
It will be great to see what Helle has done to the house since.....
January 12, 2025
3.25* overall
This is a joint review for the Ebook and Audiobook of Helle's Hound:
4* audiobook
2.75* for the book overall
I was so excited to see that Torben Helle was coming back after the highly enjoyable 'Helle & Death' last year. Unfortunately 'Helle's Hound' didn't live up to the first book for me.
In this latest mystery for Torben, friend and mentor Dame Charlotte Lazerton is dead, found at the foot of her staircase partially eaten by her Irish wolfhound, Mortimer. Torben believes it's suspicious, the police, aside of one one Nordic Noir fan, don't, so it's up to Torben and Leyla to try and prove that it's murder.
This was overall a fun read but sadly was too long and winding and very slow to get going. It was also unevenly paced The final quarter of the book came at you like a train of information which, after the slow pace of much of the rest of the book, felt like an overload, especially as there were too many characters involved who weren't fully fleshed out for me. All of these points and what I felt was an overall unsatisfying conclusion means that sadly this one wasn't the win I hoped for.
For the audiobook, I felt that Gunnar Cauthery did a really good job with the narration. He really characterised our Torben and Leyla and their budding romance really helped break through the monotony of the bulk of the middle section of the book. He also brought out the humour of the narrative which I thoroughly enjoyed. He wasn't able to help break out the more minor characters as much as was needed to make them become proper characters but I feel that is because there were too many people involved with too few distinguishing features.
The audiobook was also really well edited and produced but was let down by the story not being as enjoyable for me.
This series has a lot of potential. The cosy scandi/nordic noir mystery set up is really appealing to me. I much preferred the tightly plotted, limited cast and isolated setting of Book 1 and hope we return to a similar style for Book 3 (if we're due another installment).
Thank you to NetGalley and Serpent's Tail / Viper / Profile Books | Viper for a digital review copy of "Helle's Hound" and Profile Books Audio | Viper for a review copy of the Audiobook, both in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
This is a joint review for the Ebook and Audiobook of Helle's Hound:
4* audiobook
2.75* for the book overall
I was so excited to see that Torben Helle was coming back after the highly enjoyable 'Helle & Death' last year. Unfortunately 'Helle's Hound' didn't live up to the first book for me.
In this latest mystery for Torben, friend and mentor Dame Charlotte Lazerton is dead, found at the foot of her staircase partially eaten by her Irish wolfhound, Mortimer. Torben believes it's suspicious, the police, aside of one one Nordic Noir fan, don't, so it's up to Torben and Leyla to try and prove that it's murder.
This was overall a fun read but sadly was too long and winding and very slow to get going. It was also unevenly paced The final quarter of the book came at you like a train of information which, after the slow pace of much of the rest of the book, felt like an overload, especially as there were too many characters involved who weren't fully fleshed out for me. All of these points and what I felt was an overall unsatisfying conclusion means that sadly this one wasn't the win I hoped for.
For the audiobook, I felt that Gunnar Cauthery did a really good job with the narration. He really characterised our Torben and Leyla and their budding romance really helped break through the monotony of the bulk of the middle section of the book. He also brought out the humour of the narrative which I thoroughly enjoyed. He wasn't able to help break out the more minor characters as much as was needed to make them become proper characters but I feel that is because there were too many people involved with too few distinguishing features.
The audiobook was also really well edited and produced but was let down by the story not being as enjoyable for me.
This series has a lot of potential. The cosy scandi/nordic noir mystery set up is really appealing to me. I much preferred the tightly plotted, limited cast and isolated setting of Book 1 and hope we return to a similar style for Book 3 (if we're due another installment).
Thank you to NetGalley and Serpent's Tail / Viper / Profile Books | Viper for a digital review copy of "Helle's Hound" and Profile Books Audio | Viper for a review copy of the Audiobook, both in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
January 24, 2025
Torben's mentor and friend, Dame Charlotte was found at the bottom of her stairs. But did she fall or was she pushed. The evidence may be tainted either way since her Irish Wolfhound, well he a little nibble on her whilst trapped in the house with the body!
At her funeral Torben observes a swathe of suspects; former colleagues and competitors, former students and some decidedly "Spyish" folk! What in the world was this Art academic involved with during her long and eccentric life?
Torben is once again relying on his oldest friends, including his crush, Leyla. She really doesn't want to be involved in another murder but she really can't pass up the chance to help Torben and picks up another refugee to save along the way.
There are some amazing twists through the book, and whilst I loved the vintage feel of the mystery, the story is very modern, although with roots in the Cold War. Charlotte was a woman ahead of her time, LGBTQ and partaking in thrupples before is was trendy.
Torben is once again his witty, awkward, slightly out of sync self. His brain sometimes leaps 3 steps ahead and he doesn't always get the right end of the stick. His crush on Leyla sometimes clouds his judgement but I really enjoyed the way he kind folded his new friend, and new police officer, into his fold. I really felt for her, death messages are not the easiest thing in the world to do.
The baddies were definitely in for the long haul! It was a really inventive way to commit an untraceable murder. A superb whodunnit with a Danish flair!
At her funeral Torben observes a swathe of suspects; former colleagues and competitors, former students and some decidedly "Spyish" folk! What in the world was this Art academic involved with during her long and eccentric life?
Torben is once again relying on his oldest friends, including his crush, Leyla. She really doesn't want to be involved in another murder but she really can't pass up the chance to help Torben and picks up another refugee to save along the way.
There are some amazing twists through the book, and whilst I loved the vintage feel of the mystery, the story is very modern, although with roots in the Cold War. Charlotte was a woman ahead of her time, LGBTQ and partaking in thrupples before is was trendy.
Torben is once again his witty, awkward, slightly out of sync self. His brain sometimes leaps 3 steps ahead and he doesn't always get the right end of the stick. His crush on Leyla sometimes clouds his judgement but I really enjoyed the way he kind folded his new friend, and new police officer, into his fold. I really felt for her, death messages are not the easiest thing in the world to do.
The baddies were definitely in for the long haul! It was a really inventive way to commit an untraceable murder. A superb whodunnit with a Danish flair!
January 18, 2025
‘Helle’s Hound’ by Oskar Jensen is an interesting whodunnit starring Swedish Londoner art historian Torben Helle and his friends, acquaintances and suspects… The same elements that made the first of the series (fiendishly clever country house mystery ‘Helle And Death’) so fun to read were present here - Torben’s wittiness, his burgeoning relationship with friend Leyla, and the exploration of British academic society. This time, the action sprawled across an exclusive enclave of London and the suspects shrouded in secrecy included politicians, financiers and professors as Torben’s mentor Charlotte Lazerton perished in unknown circumstances.
Smartly plotted, this book kept me hooked from start to finish, and gave me a fair few laughs along the way… I especially adored a scene where our main character smoothly charmed and thoroughly bamboozled an information source by dressing himself in stereotypical scandi noir attire (hello, cable knit jumper in the summer!) and faking Sherlock-like levels of deduction.
I don’t want to give away too much of the conclusion, but expect the unexpected! I’d highly recommend picking up this book if you’re a fan of Ben Stevenson, Louise Hegarty, Tom Hindle or Ellery Lloyd. This gets 4.5 stars from me!
I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Serpent’s Tail / Viper Books via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Smartly plotted, this book kept me hooked from start to finish, and gave me a fair few laughs along the way… I especially adored a scene where our main character smoothly charmed and thoroughly bamboozled an information source by dressing himself in stereotypical scandi noir attire (hello, cable knit jumper in the summer!) and faking Sherlock-like levels of deduction.
I don’t want to give away too much of the conclusion, but expect the unexpected! I’d highly recommend picking up this book if you’re a fan of Ben Stevenson, Louise Hegarty, Tom Hindle or Ellery Lloyd. This gets 4.5 stars from me!
I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Serpent’s Tail / Viper Books via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 16, 2024
4.5 rounded up
Torben Helle is back and what a treat it is! First of all, you needn’t have read Helle & Death to enjoy Helle’s Hound, the story stands alone and the various relationships are clear without any background. On the other hand, it was an excellent debut and you should read it anyway!
So, Torben Helle is back and this time, he introduces us to his former mentor, Dame Charlotte Lazerton, whom I immediately took a liking to. Quick wit and a sharp tongue under a proper English lady veneer, I was all: oh Dame Charlotte, we are going to have A BALL! And then she died. Yes, I could have known that by reading the blurb, but what’s a blurb between old friends, and that’s most certainly what Torben Helle feels like, so no, I didn’t pay attention.
Even though she doesn’t make it past the first few chapters, this is very much Dame Charlotte’s story, as Helle is convinced she didn’t have an accident and die, she was in fact murdered. And off he goes, combing through the Dame’s desk, inspecting her memoirs and stacks of other papers, sifting through possible suspects and plausible motives, trying to enlist help from old friends and a few select police officers.
I won’t spoil what ensues, suffice it to say that Helle’s Hound is another engrossing, clever and highly inventive murder mystery that takes all the classic Golden Age whodunnit elements into the 21st century, adding the most disarmingly charming protagonist and a healthy dose of wit to boot. I loved it and I can’t wait to find out what Torben gets up to next.
Massive thanks to Viper Books and NetGalley for the DRC. All opinions are my own.
Torben Helle is back and what a treat it is! First of all, you needn’t have read Helle & Death to enjoy Helle’s Hound, the story stands alone and the various relationships are clear without any background. On the other hand, it was an excellent debut and you should read it anyway!
So, Torben Helle is back and this time, he introduces us to his former mentor, Dame Charlotte Lazerton, whom I immediately took a liking to. Quick wit and a sharp tongue under a proper English lady veneer, I was all: oh Dame Charlotte, we are going to have A BALL! And then she died. Yes, I could have known that by reading the blurb, but what’s a blurb between old friends, and that’s most certainly what Torben Helle feels like, so no, I didn’t pay attention.
Even though she doesn’t make it past the first few chapters, this is very much Dame Charlotte’s story, as Helle is convinced she didn’t have an accident and die, she was in fact murdered. And off he goes, combing through the Dame’s desk, inspecting her memoirs and stacks of other papers, sifting through possible suspects and plausible motives, trying to enlist help from old friends and a few select police officers.
I won’t spoil what ensues, suffice it to say that Helle’s Hound is another engrossing, clever and highly inventive murder mystery that takes all the classic Golden Age whodunnit elements into the 21st century, adding the most disarmingly charming protagonist and a healthy dose of wit to boot. I loved it and I can’t wait to find out what Torben gets up to next.
Massive thanks to Viper Books and NetGalley for the DRC. All opinions are my own.
January 17, 2025
I was underwhelmed by the first book (everything from prose choices to character to pacing of the climax) but I was willing to give book two a go, and I had a better time. The POV was once more either a narrow omniscient or a head-hopping close third, I’m not sure what the author was going for, but unlike last time none of the POV characters are also suspects (which massively irritated me in book 1). I was also more interested in the actual murder mystery, which we got to earlier. The cast of suspects was provided plenty of intrigue. There was also some development in the potential romance between Torben and Leyla.
Some complaints: I’m so very tired of fat characters being sweaty with “piggy little eyes” etc. It’s so boring. Your job is to be creative, authors, maybe give that a try some time. The pacing was too slow for my taste in the first half, although it did pick up momentum towards the end. As far as the climax, I prefer to know what is happening rather than having it explained to me afterwards.
I can firmly say that I gave this series a second chance, but it’s not really for me. Fine for when I don’t have something more my taste to read, but otherwise meh.
I received a free copy of the audiobook from NetGalley in return for an honest review. The narrator was Gunnar Cauthery who did a good job juggling all the accents.
Some complaints: I’m so very tired of fat characters being sweaty with “piggy little eyes” etc. It’s so boring. Your job is to be creative, authors, maybe give that a try some time. The pacing was too slow for my taste in the first half, although it did pick up momentum towards the end. As far as the climax, I prefer to know what is happening rather than having it explained to me afterwards.
I can firmly say that I gave this series a second chance, but it’s not really for me. Fine for when I don’t have something more my taste to read, but otherwise meh.
I received a free copy of the audiobook from NetGalley in return for an honest review. The narrator was Gunnar Cauthery who did a good job juggling all the accents.
January 7, 2025
Fresh from his adventures in a country mansion in Northumbria, Art History academic Torben Helle is back, and this time his canvas is the city of London.
His mentor Dame Charlotte Lazerton is found dead at the foot of her stairs, and Helle suspects there’s more to her death than a mere accident. When five high-profile people turn up at Dame Charlotte’s funeral, Helle suspects they may know more about her death, and drags in old University friend, barrister Leyla to “help” investigate.
I really enjoyed this follow up to Helle and Death. Seeing Helle given more freedom to roam the city as opposed to being snowed in at a country mansion keeps the pace of the story going. However, with this longer leash, there’s more scope for him to get things wrong, and bumble around. He’s a man for details, often missing the bigger picture, and he’s a character I just adore.
The novel reads like a classic golden age mystery in a modern setting, with laugh out loud moments. Torben Helle is such a delightful character, I can’t wait to follow more of his adventures. Seeing London through Helle’s eyes almost makes me want to get on the train and visit.
Helle’s Hound is out on January 30 2025.
Many thanks to Viper Books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this novel.
His mentor Dame Charlotte Lazerton is found dead at the foot of her stairs, and Helle suspects there’s more to her death than a mere accident. When five high-profile people turn up at Dame Charlotte’s funeral, Helle suspects they may know more about her death, and drags in old University friend, barrister Leyla to “help” investigate.
I really enjoyed this follow up to Helle and Death. Seeing Helle given more freedom to roam the city as opposed to being snowed in at a country mansion keeps the pace of the story going. However, with this longer leash, there’s more scope for him to get things wrong, and bumble around. He’s a man for details, often missing the bigger picture, and he’s a character I just adore.
The novel reads like a classic golden age mystery in a modern setting, with laugh out loud moments. Torben Helle is such a delightful character, I can’t wait to follow more of his adventures. Seeing London through Helle’s eyes almost makes me want to get on the train and visit.
Helle’s Hound is out on January 30 2025.
Many thanks to Viper Books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this novel.
February 20, 2025
3.5, rounded up because I couldn’t bare to give this author a 3 star rating
Ah, I’m so sad to say this book didn’t live up to my expectations after absolutely loving his first book in the series. The main characters in Helle’s Hound were great, as interesting and likable as before. The setting was absolutely perfect — all over London in some of my very favorite places. The action starts out in Bloomsbury and mentions Lamb’s Conduit many times. I used to make my way there from my hotel on Euston Road every time I visited so I could go to Persephone Books, now a bit sadly moved to Bath. But every location was perfect. The plot? It could have been more interesting, honestly. The suspects were generally not in interesting lines of work for the most part. The motive, when finally revealed was pretty pedestrian. There’s quite a thrilling scene near the end that helped, but a lot of the book was sadly a bit dull. This breaks my heart to write. I will still read whatever comes next from this author. The details just let him down this time. When you are expecting spectacular fun, as with the previous book, just bits of fun don’t quite cut it. It’s still a good book. I was hoping for more.
Ah, I’m so sad to say this book didn’t live up to my expectations after absolutely loving his first book in the series. The main characters in Helle’s Hound were great, as interesting and likable as before. The setting was absolutely perfect — all over London in some of my very favorite places. The action starts out in Bloomsbury and mentions Lamb’s Conduit many times. I used to make my way there from my hotel on Euston Road every time I visited so I could go to Persephone Books, now a bit sadly moved to Bath. But every location was perfect. The plot? It could have been more interesting, honestly. The suspects were generally not in interesting lines of work for the most part. The motive, when finally revealed was pretty pedestrian. There’s quite a thrilling scene near the end that helped, but a lot of the book was sadly a bit dull. This breaks my heart to write. I will still read whatever comes next from this author. The details just let him down this time. When you are expecting spectacular fun, as with the previous book, just bits of fun don’t quite cut it. It’s still a good book. I was hoping for more.
January 21, 2025
This is a second meeting with the jumper wearing Danish throb and amateur sleuth Torben Helle. His friend and mentor Charlotte Lazerton is dead and he is suspicious, as Charlotte confided in him before her death about someone tapping her phone calls. He has five suspects and a trusty sidekick, Leyla, but also no idea how to proceed. I think Torben is such a peculiar character that people either love him or find him incredibly annoying. I am in the first group, of course. The book takes place (mostly) in a very posh and intellectual part of London, and I enjoyed following the characters through the streets and landmarks, visiting restaurants and cafes, talking about art and alibis. Once again Oskar Jensen created a funny and engaging story with very likeable characters and some nice detecting action, but this book in particular tickled me because of all the amount of food eaten. It also made me hungry. In order to interrogate people Torben invites them to different restaurants and I am telling you, I want a schnitzel and a cheesecake now. I also want another book about Torben, for helvede!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the free ecopy of the book.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the free ecopy of the book.
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