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The Sleepwalker: Joona Linna Series: #10
MORE THAN 17 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE
The tenth thrilling installment in Lars Kepler's bestselling series— acclaimed for “smart psychological suspense,” “explosive conclusions,” and “gritty portrayals of human evil” (Booklist)—is tense and terrifying.
An emergency call comes in the middle of the night. There is an ongoing burglary at a closed campsite in Bredäng, outside Stockholm. When the police respond to the call, there is a light on in one of the farthest caravans in the otherwise dark area, where the officers are greeted by a horrific sight. The floors, walls, and furniture are completely covered in blood. A person has been killed with an axe and brutally dismembered. In one of the rooms, a young man is sleeping on the floor with a severed arm as his pillow. He is arrested and taken into custody at Kronobergshäktet. There, he is identified as seventeen-year-old Hugo Sand, the son of a famous author.
It turns out that Hugo is suffering from a rare kind of somnambulism, which is triggered by nightmares. He is either the perpetrator or a witness but claims that he remembers nothing from that night.
When Joona Linna is asked to take on the case, he contacts his old friend Erik Marie Bark to use hypnosis in the quest to find out what happened inside the caravan. This is the start of a complicated hunt for a terrifying killer who has just entered an extremely active phase.
The tenth thrilling installment in Lars Kepler's bestselling series— acclaimed for “smart psychological suspense,” “explosive conclusions,” and “gritty portrayals of human evil” (Booklist)—is tense and terrifying.
An emergency call comes in the middle of the night. There is an ongoing burglary at a closed campsite in Bredäng, outside Stockholm. When the police respond to the call, there is a light on in one of the farthest caravans in the otherwise dark area, where the officers are greeted by a horrific sight. The floors, walls, and furniture are completely covered in blood. A person has been killed with an axe and brutally dismembered. In one of the rooms, a young man is sleeping on the floor with a severed arm as his pillow. He is arrested and taken into custody at Kronobergshäktet. There, he is identified as seventeen-year-old Hugo Sand, the son of a famous author.
It turns out that Hugo is suffering from a rare kind of somnambulism, which is triggered by nightmares. He is either the perpetrator or a witness but claims that he remembers nothing from that night.
When Joona Linna is asked to take on the case, he contacts his old friend Erik Marie Bark to use hypnosis in the quest to find out what happened inside the caravan. This is the start of a complicated hunt for a terrifying killer who has just entered an extremely active phase.
512 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2025
104 people are currently reading
1083 people want to read
About the author
Lars Kepler
61 books5,800 followersLars Kepler is the pseudonym of critically acclaimed husband and wife team Alexander Ahndoril and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril, authors of the No. 1 internationally bestselling Joona Linna series. With seven installments to date, the series has sold 13 million copies in 40 languages. The Ahndorils were both established writers before they adopted the pen name Lars Kepler, and have each published several acclaimed novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 17, 2025
An (at times) effectively suspenseful and tension-steeped chapter in Kepler's hit-or-miss series.
August 3, 2025
The nightmares I will have tonight is insane
August 2, 2025
This was such an exciting premise for a book, if you witness a murder while sleepwalking, will you remember it when you wake up? As the deaths mount Jonna Linna has only sleepwalking Hugo as his ‘witness’ to help him put a stop to the vicious murderer. Gruesome, graphic and highly entertaining I thoroughly this latest instalment in the series. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.
August 2, 2025
Love love loved it!!! Another fantastic book in the Joona Lina series.
I’ve followed this series from the beginning and it never disappoints. The was a really good book, fast paced and gory - just how I like it! This has a really clever story line and I would never have guessed who the murderer was.
I would liked to have seen a bit more of Joona and Saga’s lives but I think that’s just because I love them and love their storylines aside from the main mystery in each book.
The only downside for me was the sex scenes, it was a bit much for me but I am a bit of a prude!
A huge 5 stars!!!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
I’ve followed this series from the beginning and it never disappoints. The was a really good book, fast paced and gory - just how I like it! This has a really clever story line and I would never have guessed who the murderer was.
I would liked to have seen a bit more of Joona and Saga’s lives but I think that’s just because I love them and love their storylines aside from the main mystery in each book.
The only downside for me was the sex scenes, it was a bit much for me but I am a bit of a prude!
A huge 5 stars!!!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
August 18, 2025
I think this is one of their best novels yet. Beware, it's not for the faint of heart.
August 15, 2025
Lars Kepler returns with the tenth addictive installment of the Joona Linna series. Set in Sweden, it is once again sure to feed my Scandinavian Noir appetite and Kepler delivers like never before. Joona Linna is called in on a troubling investigation, where a teenage boy sleepwalks and may have been an inadvertent witness to a number of violent murders. While Joona tries to peel back the truth, he will have to eke out memories the teenager has, buried deep in the subconscious. This may be a highly troubling case, but Joona Linna has never given up when the truth is out there. Lars Kepler provides a captivating reading experience.
After an emergency call comes in at a campsite outside Stockholm, the authorities rush to the scene. What they discover is a bloody crime scene, where a man has been hacked up with an axe, his limbs removed. Poking around, the police find a young man fast asleep, using one of the limbs as a pillow. He is arrested and Joona Linna is called in to head the investigation, especially as the suspect has no idea what is going on.
Hugo Sand, the son of a famous author, is unsure what happened. He admits to a long history of sleepwalking. Hugo will drift out and do things he cannot remember, which does not bode well for his innocence. However, Joona is not sure they have their killer, as something just does not add up. Joona will have to use his skills to get answers and try to find a killer.
Working with Hugo, Joona insists they use hypnosis to eke out some truths. It will not only help Hugo with his somnambulism, but also identify shards of memories which could point to a suspect. Joona Linna has found a case that not only has his full attention, but as more brutal murders occur, there is no doubt that answers are essential and a brutal killer must be captured. Lars Kepler stuns readers with this addictive thriller.
I have enjoyed the writing of Lars Kepler since the pen name of two popular Swedish authors began collaborating. The work is next level and the attention to detail makes the thrillers all the more impressive. They are dark, yet also filled with clues as the reader loses themselves in the crime and tries to help solve it. The narrative moves along and keeps the reader attentive, as each chapter adds depth and some evidence to the larger story. Characters are well crafted and keep the reader demanding more of them, especially when details are shared to help visualisation. Plot points are, as usual, well placed and forge the larger story. Suspense and surprises are plentiful, in a story that is not diluted by the translation from Swedish. I cannot wait to see what’s next and how Lars Kepler will keep impressing!
Kudos, Lars Kepler, for a series I recommend to anyone who will listen!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After an emergency call comes in at a campsite outside Stockholm, the authorities rush to the scene. What they discover is a bloody crime scene, where a man has been hacked up with an axe, his limbs removed. Poking around, the police find a young man fast asleep, using one of the limbs as a pillow. He is arrested and Joona Linna is called in to head the investigation, especially as the suspect has no idea what is going on.
Hugo Sand, the son of a famous author, is unsure what happened. He admits to a long history of sleepwalking. Hugo will drift out and do things he cannot remember, which does not bode well for his innocence. However, Joona is not sure they have their killer, as something just does not add up. Joona will have to use his skills to get answers and try to find a killer.
Working with Hugo, Joona insists they use hypnosis to eke out some truths. It will not only help Hugo with his somnambulism, but also identify shards of memories which could point to a suspect. Joona Linna has found a case that not only has his full attention, but as more brutal murders occur, there is no doubt that answers are essential and a brutal killer must be captured. Lars Kepler stuns readers with this addictive thriller.
I have enjoyed the writing of Lars Kepler since the pen name of two popular Swedish authors began collaborating. The work is next level and the attention to detail makes the thrillers all the more impressive. They are dark, yet also filled with clues as the reader loses themselves in the crime and tries to help solve it. The narrative moves along and keeps the reader attentive, as each chapter adds depth and some evidence to the larger story. Characters are well crafted and keep the reader demanding more of them, especially when details are shared to help visualisation. Plot points are, as usual, well placed and forge the larger story. Suspense and surprises are plentiful, in a story that is not diluted by the translation from Swedish. I cannot wait to see what’s next and how Lars Kepler will keep impressing!
Kudos, Lars Kepler, for a series I recommend to anyone who will listen!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 29, 2025
The Sleepwalker by Lars Kepler is the 10th In the Detective Joona Linna series.
It's always nice to be caught up with a series, and yet a little disappointed that there are no more to read at this point.
This was probably one of the best books in this series, although they are all really good. Be warned that this one in particular is quite gory, and quite dark, which didn't really bother me, but it may some. As well, there is a lot of sex, which also didn't bother me - except perhaps the fact that Hugo's girlfriend was twice his age. That may have been fine if he wasn't 17. There are a number of rather seedy characters in this book, and most of them got what was coming to them, so.... There were also a lot of suspects in this book, and I was lead down the rabbit hole a couple of time...which is fun!
As I always say, this series should be read in order. You can't appreciate some of the characters unless you know what they have been through -- in this book that would be Joona. I did miss Saga.
Overall, this was a really well thought-out plot, with a lot of twists, and a lot of suspense, and edge-of-your seat moments.
This Canadian is no longer complaining about the strange place and people names. I am learning to roll over them, because the plots are so good. BTW, the translation to English was perfect.
Anyway, I highly recommend the series, so...until next time!
For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 22, 2025
This was another fascinating story in the Joona Linna series of books. Each can easily be read as a standalone thriller but I found my enjoyment increased dramatically after reading them all. After discovering this series with book 8 I then went back and read them all before continuing with the series further, it was worth it!
This book has quite a sedate pace which is a bit of a relief with how gory the crimes are so there is time to recover between each bloodbath. The narration makes it difficult to put down for me as I wanted to know who was behind all of it and to try to understand why it was happening. I admit to feeling a little shock when it was revealed but with that explanation it all made so much sense of even those things I had thought were going to be just background noise to the tale. This book tells a fabulous story from start to finish in a very easy to read style, it was a very enjoyable read.
This book has quite a sedate pace which is a bit of a relief with how gory the crimes are so there is time to recover between each bloodbath. The narration makes it difficult to put down for me as I wanted to know who was behind all of it and to try to understand why it was happening. I admit to feeling a little shock when it was revealed but with that explanation it all made so much sense of even those things I had thought were going to be just background noise to the tale. This book tells a fabulous story from start to finish in a very easy to read style, it was a very enjoyable read.
September 23, 2025
4.25 I missed Joona and he wasn’t as present in this one
October 27, 2025
Another Swedish thriller. Lars Kepler is the pseudonym of a pair of authors who are also married to each other. The writing is at times graphic and I always wonder which one of them is writing which part. Also what their process is.
Sleepwalker involves a young man accused of a grisly murder while he was sleepwalking. This morphs into a serial murder case and famed detective Joona Lina steps in.
Sleepwalker involves a young man accused of a grisly murder while he was sleepwalking. This morphs into a serial murder case and famed detective Joona Lina steps in.
September 3, 2025
Was really hooked by this book until the final act. The reveal didn’t hit for me and it all felt a bit rushed and unrealistic! Not Kepler’s best.
October 17, 2025
I had to miss out some of the parts of the book that were too graphic but the storyline made me carry on and it was worth it. I am sure we will have a new chapter of Joona Linna in due course😀
October 6, 2025
Brilliant, gory, scary, unthinkable and do readable. Love Joona he needs his partner back though.
August 25, 2025
I've been waiting for this book to come out in the UK for so long and let me tell you ... IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT ... this has to be the most graphic one yet and I am already sad that we now need to wait whilst this couple write another ... 5 stars always
July 15, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for this eCopy to review
The Sleepwalker is everything I want in a Nordic thriller dark, disturbing, and utterly relentless. From the blood-soaked crime scene in a deserted Stockholm campsite to the psychological depths of trauma and memory, this novel gripped me from the first page and didn’t let go. It’s a story about sleep, secrets, and the terrifying things we’re capable of when we’re not even awake.
🧠 Plot Summary
When police respond to a late-night emergency call at a closed campsite, they find a scene straight out of a nightmare: a man brutally dismembered, blood everywhere, and a teenage boy, Hugo Sand sleeping beside a severed arm. Hugo, the son of a famous author, suffers from a rare form of somnambulism triggered by nightmares. He remembers nothing.
Enter Joona Linna, who enlists hypnotist Erik Maria Bark to unlock Hugo’s memories. But what begins as a search for truth quickly spirals into a hunt for a killer who is not only active but escalating. As Joona digs deeper, he uncovers a chilling pattern and realizes that Hugo may not be the only one sleepwalking through horror.
🔍 What Worked
The Premise: The idea of a sleepwalker possibly committing murder is both horrifying and fascinating. Kepler uses it to full effect, blending science and suspense.
Joona Linna: As always, Joona is a compelling lead—relentless, intuitive, and haunted by his own past.
Pacing: The short chapters and cliff hanger endings make this a compulsive read. I flew through it in two sittings.
Psychological Depth: The exploration of sleep disorders, memory repression, and trauma adds a rich layer to the procedural elements.
Atmosphere: Cold, clinical, and claustrophobic—Kepler’s Sweden is a place where danger lurks in every shadow.
Final Thoughts
The Sleepwalker is a chilling, high-stakes thriller that blends forensic detail with psychological suspense. It’s not for the faint of heart, some scenes are very gruesome and genuinely disturbing, but if you’re a fan of dark crime fiction, this one’s for you.
The Sleepwalker is everything I want in a Nordic thriller dark, disturbing, and utterly relentless. From the blood-soaked crime scene in a deserted Stockholm campsite to the psychological depths of trauma and memory, this novel gripped me from the first page and didn’t let go. It’s a story about sleep, secrets, and the terrifying things we’re capable of when we’re not even awake.
🧠 Plot Summary
When police respond to a late-night emergency call at a closed campsite, they find a scene straight out of a nightmare: a man brutally dismembered, blood everywhere, and a teenage boy, Hugo Sand sleeping beside a severed arm. Hugo, the son of a famous author, suffers from a rare form of somnambulism triggered by nightmares. He remembers nothing.
Enter Joona Linna, who enlists hypnotist Erik Maria Bark to unlock Hugo’s memories. But what begins as a search for truth quickly spirals into a hunt for a killer who is not only active but escalating. As Joona digs deeper, he uncovers a chilling pattern and realizes that Hugo may not be the only one sleepwalking through horror.
🔍 What Worked
The Premise: The idea of a sleepwalker possibly committing murder is both horrifying and fascinating. Kepler uses it to full effect, blending science and suspense.
Joona Linna: As always, Joona is a compelling lead—relentless, intuitive, and haunted by his own past.
Pacing: The short chapters and cliff hanger endings make this a compulsive read. I flew through it in two sittings.
Psychological Depth: The exploration of sleep disorders, memory repression, and trauma adds a rich layer to the procedural elements.
Atmosphere: Cold, clinical, and claustrophobic—Kepler’s Sweden is a place where danger lurks in every shadow.
Final Thoughts
The Sleepwalker is a chilling, high-stakes thriller that blends forensic detail with psychological suspense. It’s not for the faint of heart, some scenes are very gruesome and genuinely disturbing, but if you’re a fan of dark crime fiction, this one’s for you.
December 27, 2025
An emergency call comes in the middle of the night. When the police respond to the call, the officers are greeted by a horrific sight. The floors, walls, and furniture are completely covered in blood. A person has been killed with an axe and brutally dismembered. In one of the rooms, a young man is sleeping on the floor with a severed arm as his pillow. He is identified as seventeen-year-old Hugo Sand, the son of a famous author.
It turns out that Hugo is suffering from a rare of sleepwalking, which is triggered by nightmares. He is either the perpetrator or a witness but claims that he remembers nothing from that night.
When Joona Linna is asked to take on the case, he contacts his old friend Erik Marie Bark to use hypnosis in the quest to find out what happened.
Overall, I enjoyed this book! The premise was so interesting and unique, putting a sleepwalker front and centre of the case and wondering whether he would remember when he woke up or whether he was lying to protect himself. This book was very graphic and gory so if that's not your cup of tea, this one may not be for you... I thought some of the characters fell flat and were not necessary to the plot, despite having a lengthy backstory and being really detailed for no real point?
The middle of the story was kinda boring but the short chapters kept my attention so that was a bonus. I also didn't predict the killer in this one!
I'd recommend this one to any crime lovers and those familiar with Keplers writing. This was my first Kepler book and won't be my last! Thanks to @allenandunwinnz for sending this one to me to review ❤️
It turns out that Hugo is suffering from a rare of sleepwalking, which is triggered by nightmares. He is either the perpetrator or a witness but claims that he remembers nothing from that night.
When Joona Linna is asked to take on the case, he contacts his old friend Erik Marie Bark to use hypnosis in the quest to find out what happened.
Overall, I enjoyed this book! The premise was so interesting and unique, putting a sleepwalker front and centre of the case and wondering whether he would remember when he woke up or whether he was lying to protect himself. This book was very graphic and gory so if that's not your cup of tea, this one may not be for you... I thought some of the characters fell flat and were not necessary to the plot, despite having a lengthy backstory and being really detailed for no real point?
The middle of the story was kinda boring but the short chapters kept my attention so that was a bonus. I also didn't predict the killer in this one!
I'd recommend this one to any crime lovers and those familiar with Keplers writing. This was my first Kepler book and won't be my last! Thanks to @allenandunwinnz for sending this one to me to review ❤️
July 10, 2025
The Sleepwalker (Joona Linna No10) by Lars Kepler
2025 Worcester Blue Crime
The Sleepwalker is the tenth book in the Joona Linna series by crime writing duo Alexander Ahndoril and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril.
In The Sleepwalker, the husband-and-wife writing duo known as Lars Kepler once again provide a gripping instalment in the Joona Linna series. This is a dark, sometimes disturbing thriller that is a fine example of Scandinavian noir.
A man is discovered butchered inside a closed campsite outside Stockholm. The walls and floors are covered in blood and close by a teenage boy is found asleep, curled up beside a severed arm as if it were a pillow. The boy is Hugo Sand, son of a renowned author, and he suffers from a rare sleep disorder that may have made him a witness or murderer. A gripping, yet dark opening to the novel which set the tone for the rest of the story.
Detective Joona Linna is assigned the case and brings in hypnotist Erik Maria Bark to help piece together Hugo’s fragmented mind. This is shorty followed by a further murder which leads Joona to think that a serial killer is on the loose.
I thought the hypnotism scenes were particularly sinister and atmospheric. Joona is once again racing against time to solve the case before there are more deaths. The book is very atmospheric, set in cold bleak Scandinavia and an enjoyable read. I thought it was a little drawn out at times but was still glad I read it.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bonnier Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
2025 Worcester Blue Crime
The Sleepwalker is the tenth book in the Joona Linna series by crime writing duo Alexander Ahndoril and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril.
In The Sleepwalker, the husband-and-wife writing duo known as Lars Kepler once again provide a gripping instalment in the Joona Linna series. This is a dark, sometimes disturbing thriller that is a fine example of Scandinavian noir.
A man is discovered butchered inside a closed campsite outside Stockholm. The walls and floors are covered in blood and close by a teenage boy is found asleep, curled up beside a severed arm as if it were a pillow. The boy is Hugo Sand, son of a renowned author, and he suffers from a rare sleep disorder that may have made him a witness or murderer. A gripping, yet dark opening to the novel which set the tone for the rest of the story.
Detective Joona Linna is assigned the case and brings in hypnotist Erik Maria Bark to help piece together Hugo’s fragmented mind. This is shorty followed by a further murder which leads Joona to think that a serial killer is on the loose.
I thought the hypnotism scenes were particularly sinister and atmospheric. Joona is once again racing against time to solve the case before there are more deaths. The book is very atmospheric, set in cold bleak Scandinavia and an enjoyable read. I thought it was a little drawn out at times but was still glad I read it.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bonnier Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2025
The Sleepwalker is my first read by this author and it didn't disappoint in any way at all. I like Scandinavian crime books and from the blurb thought that this read would be for me and it certainly was. The authors story writing is good and engaging, it is very descriptive at times and quite graphic which I liked, although this may not be for everyone and depends on how gory you like your crime reads to be. The plot is well thought out and when Hugo witnesses a murder whilst sleepwalking the Police are desperate to know what he saw and have to work out what is real and what isn't. I really liked Linna and Agneta and although I didn't take to Hugo initially he began to grow on me the more I read. There is a lot of tension and suspense in the story which adds so much atmosphere and really gives the characters good depth. I felt Linna didn't feature much in the first half of the story - I'm more used to the investigating officers having more of a presence in the story. Nevertheless this is still a good and enjoyable read with an ending that surprised me to say the least. I'd like to see what is in store next for Linna and will look to read the previous books in order when I can.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
October 21, 2025
🫣 T E R R I F Y I N G T U E S D A Y review 🫣 featuring “The Sleepwalker” (book 10 of the series) by Lars Kepler!
An emergency call is put forward to a closed campsite outside of Stockholm where a mutilated body is found and the scene is covered in his blood. What is even more unsettling is that a teenaged boy is also found at the crime scene … but fast asleep and surrounded by carnage. Hugo Sand has a long history of sleep walking and night terrors and does not remember anything.
Now it’s up to Joona Linna and his team to find out if Hugo is innocent by using hypnosis to try to undercover some truths about that night. They doubt that Hugo is the actual killer, but he may have witnessed the murder while in his dream state. As the bloodbath continues, Joona must hunt down the relentless predator lurking around that shows his victims no mercy.
💭 Writing duo Lars Kepler has done it again with another DARK and GRITTY crime fiction that put my mind on overdrive and my emotions into a turbulent tailspin! Evil, gruesome, graphic at times, terrifying and tense, this book is not for the faint of heart. There were several times when I was in complete shock while reading and shouted WTF inside my head! Just when you think the book can’t get any darker … think again 🫣! I am already counting down until the next book in the series releases!
An emergency call is put forward to a closed campsite outside of Stockholm where a mutilated body is found and the scene is covered in his blood. What is even more unsettling is that a teenaged boy is also found at the crime scene … but fast asleep and surrounded by carnage. Hugo Sand has a long history of sleep walking and night terrors and does not remember anything.
Now it’s up to Joona Linna and his team to find out if Hugo is innocent by using hypnosis to try to undercover some truths about that night. They doubt that Hugo is the actual killer, but he may have witnessed the murder while in his dream state. As the bloodbath continues, Joona must hunt down the relentless predator lurking around that shows his victims no mercy.
💭 Writing duo Lars Kepler has done it again with another DARK and GRITTY crime fiction that put my mind on overdrive and my emotions into a turbulent tailspin! Evil, gruesome, graphic at times, terrifying and tense, this book is not for the faint of heart. There were several times when I was in complete shock while reading and shouted WTF inside my head! Just when you think the book can’t get any darker … think again 🫣! I am already counting down until the next book in the series releases!
August 26, 2025
It doesn't seem all that long ago, I picked up the first Joona Linna book. Now, here I am, having just finished book 10. And let me tell you folks, this series just gets more twisted and disturbing with each installment. 🪓
Take the baddie in this one, for instance. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you The Widow, an axe wielding serial killer, who targets men who cheat. 🪓
But this is a Joona Linna investigation, so we know that it's not going to be straightforward. Oh, hell no. Twist follows twist, as the body count rises, and just when you (and Joona) think you've figured it out, bam! Think again! 🪓
I loved it, boys and girls. I loved the thrills. I loved the scares. I loved the fact that it gave me goosebumps. I loved that it kept me guessing. I loved that I figured it out at the same time as Joona. I'm just sorry that it came to an end, and now I have to wait for the next instalment. 🪓
Take the baddie in this one, for instance. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you The Widow, an axe wielding serial killer, who targets men who cheat. 🪓
But this is a Joona Linna investigation, so we know that it's not going to be straightforward. Oh, hell no. Twist follows twist, as the body count rises, and just when you (and Joona) think you've figured it out, bam! Think again! 🪓
I loved it, boys and girls. I loved the thrills. I loved the scares. I loved the fact that it gave me goosebumps. I loved that it kept me guessing. I loved that I figured it out at the same time as Joona. I'm just sorry that it came to an end, and now I have to wait for the next instalment. 🪓
December 1, 2025
This was, as advertised, a fast paced thriller. While many novels llay claim to this, few live up to it but in Kepler's case, he has definitely achieved this goal. The case involves gruesome ax murders and the detectives quickly assume it is a serial killer and they have a suspect who was found at a scene with lots of blood on him. Hugo, the supposed murder is a sleepwalker and can not remember any of the details of the crime but he is incarcerated and the case appears to be over. However, when other similar murders occur, he is released and through hypnosis, helps the detectives narrow down their list of suspects. The last third of the book is very fast paced and quite gripping and the actual murderer is eventually caught under highly tense conditions. I know this is the tenth of a series and I must read some of the earlier novels.
December 12, 2025
Vivid and visceral, this latest Joona Linna instalment opens with a young boy found beside a dismembered body—awake, alert, and insistent that he was sleepwalking. It’s a gripping hook, one that leans into the series’ trademark blend of psychological tension and grisly detail.
While the novel delivers on atmosphere and pace, the central mystery wavers slightly in the middle. The question of Hugo’s involvement—arguably the most intriguing thread—feels underused, resolved more as a reveal than as a narrative engine. A deeper exploration of his role could have added greater complexity and suspense.
Even so, this remains a darkly enjoyable slice of Scandinavian crime noir. Fast, gory, and unsettling, it keeps you turning pages—even if it doesn’t quite reach the high point of earlier entries.
While the novel delivers on atmosphere and pace, the central mystery wavers slightly in the middle. The question of Hugo’s involvement—arguably the most intriguing thread—feels underused, resolved more as a reveal than as a narrative engine. A deeper exploration of his role could have added greater complexity and suspense.
Even so, this remains a darkly enjoyable slice of Scandinavian crime noir. Fast, gory, and unsettling, it keeps you turning pages—even if it doesn’t quite reach the high point of earlier entries.
August 11, 2025
In a series where I've consistently read each entry from start to finish in one evening, this latest entry ranks firmly in the middle, leaning toward the upper tier. It delivers the visceral, gruesome crime detail Kepler is known for, combined with character-driven clues that keep the story engaging.
However, it loses a star mainly due to two issues: the sex scenes and the translation. While previous books included intimate scenes tastefully, this one felt excessive and distracting. As for the translation, though generally good throughout the series, this book had several moments that forced me to reread passages, disrupting the story’s flow despite minor plot impact.
Overall, a solid entry in the Killer Instinct series, and it leaves me looking forward once again to the next one.
However, it loses a star mainly due to two issues: the sex scenes and the translation. While previous books included intimate scenes tastefully, this one felt excessive and distracting. As for the translation, though generally good throughout the series, this book had several moments that forced me to reread passages, disrupting the story’s flow despite minor plot impact.
Overall, a solid entry in the Killer Instinct series, and it leaves me looking forward once again to the next one.
July 4, 2025
With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily
Another frantic instalment from the talented duo in the Joona Linna series. This one is highly fascinating as it is based around sleepwalking - a topic I have always found interesting. It's bloody, gruesome, fast paced and full of suspense as Joona goes on the hunt for the mysterious axe murderer. Wonderfully descriptive as the escalating weather adds to the atmosphere in the latter half. Full of twists and I didn't see the final twist coming at all.
My only gripe with this one? It needed Saga Bauer. Personal opinion aside it was another fabulous read in this Scandi Noir series
July 30, 2025
When a young man is found sleeping beside a dismembered body he is arrested for murder. In the course of the investigation, it is proved that he didn't do it, but that he could have vital clues to who did.
Joona Linna and the team are tasked with tracking down this killer before more bodies are found. Not an easy task. The only forensic evidence is a blonde hair found at the scene.
Hugo, the young man first arrested, is the son of author Bernard Sands. He and his girlfriend want to help the investigation as much as possible. They allow Hugo to be hypnotised at the sleep clinic to see if his memories can be recovered.
An interesting and page turning thriller which I absolutely loved.
Joona Linna and the team are tasked with tracking down this killer before more bodies are found. Not an easy task. The only forensic evidence is a blonde hair found at the scene.
Hugo, the young man first arrested, is the son of author Bernard Sands. He and his girlfriend want to help the investigation as much as possible. They allow Hugo to be hypnotised at the sleep clinic to see if his memories can be recovered.
An interesting and page turning thriller which I absolutely loved.
August 12, 2025
The Sleepwalker by Lars Kepler is the tenth book in the excellent Joona Linna Series and I have only read a few of these books and everyone I have read has been excellent. I love the way Lars and his wife writes, their books are so dark and I am drawn to the darkness of Scandi-noir, They are always cleverly written from start to finish, they just draws you into the book especially as it will have you guessing who the Killers or Killers are to the very end!
Superb read! But don't start to read their books as you are about to go to Sleep! You will have nightmares! or you may not be able to put their book/s down, they are so addictive!!!!
Superb read! But don't start to read their books as you are about to go to Sleep! You will have nightmares! or you may not be able to put their book/s down, they are so addictive!!!!
August 13, 2025
A young man is found asleep at a horrific crime scene. Is he the perpetrator or just and innocent witness? Detective Joona Linna has to investigate the phenomenon of sleepwalking. However it is clear the boy cannot recall what happened so hypnosis is employed. As Hugo regresses into his nightmares, so the body count rises.
Lars Kepler is the pseudonym of a writing partnership and this is another excellent Scandi-crime novel from the team. The murders are suitably gruesome and the psychology elements clearly explained. Yes, there's the gratuitous sexual perversion side-plot but it's not overplayed. All in all a very enjoyable addition to the canon
Lars Kepler is the pseudonym of a writing partnership and this is another excellent Scandi-crime novel from the team. The murders are suitably gruesome and the psychology elements clearly explained. Yes, there's the gratuitous sexual perversion side-plot but it's not overplayed. All in all a very enjoyable addition to the canon
June 1, 2025
Read it in Swedish.
While the structure is traditional crime style I still think the story got some real interesting and unique setup of scenes that is highly entertaining to read.
The reason I dont give it a 5 star is that the structure of the book follow a familiar pattern with few surprises. But on the positive side there is plenty of good characters.
Had an unique experience going to supermarket and listen to this book and at some part in the book they seek up someone living in the woods. That was quite interesting.
Like I said there is some really goid scenes in this book
While the structure is traditional crime style I still think the story got some real interesting and unique setup of scenes that is highly entertaining to read.
The reason I dont give it a 5 star is that the structure of the book follow a familiar pattern with few surprises. But on the positive side there is plenty of good characters.
Had an unique experience going to supermarket and listen to this book and at some part in the book they seek up someone living in the woods. That was quite interesting.
Like I said there is some really goid scenes in this book
July 16, 2025
This chilling thriller explores the terrifying idea that someone can sleepwalk and commit murder but remember nothing.The chapters are short yet filled with tension where danger lurks around every corner.
Parts are deeply sinster others brutally graphic this isn't a book for the faint hearted as it really gets under your skin.
This Scandinavian noir really gives the reader what they want as long as you're ready to strap yourself in for the ride.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the Arc
Parts are deeply sinster others brutally graphic this isn't a book for the faint hearted as it really gets under your skin.
This Scandinavian noir really gives the reader what they want as long as you're ready to strap yourself in for the ride.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the Arc
August 17, 2025
A thriller that will keep you in suspense right to the end.
In a closed for winter caravan park, an alarm results in police responding, only to find a horrifically dismembered man. The only “witness” is a teenage sleepwalker, found asleep at the scene. Is Hugo the perpetrator, or merely a witness? The problem is, he has no recollection.
Joona Linna is on the case, where the crimes escalate and he must try and solve this before the victim count spirals. He has to involve his friend Erik Maria Bark to use hypnosis in order to unlock Hugo’s memories.
Chilling !
In a closed for winter caravan park, an alarm results in police responding, only to find a horrifically dismembered man. The only “witness” is a teenage sleepwalker, found asleep at the scene. Is Hugo the perpetrator, or merely a witness? The problem is, he has no recollection.
Joona Linna is on the case, where the crimes escalate and he must try and solve this before the victim count spirals. He has to involve his friend Erik Maria Bark to use hypnosis in order to unlock Hugo’s memories.
Chilling !
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