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Das Walmesser
Eine kleine Inselgruppe im Nordatlantik. Dreihundert Tage im Jahr Regen. Die Menschen leben von Fischfang, Schafzucht und der Jagd auf Grindwale. Wer freiwillig hierherkommt, ist anderswo vor etwas geflohen. Dass er seine Vergangenheit nicht einfach hinter sich lassen kann, erkennt John Callum erst, als er eines Morgens auf einem Steinklotz im Hafen erwacht - ohne Erinnerung an den letzten Abend, aber mit einem blutigen Messer in seiner Tasche. Und in der färöischen Hauptstadt Tórshavn gibt es an diesem Tag nur ein Gesprächsthema: den Mord.
512 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 3, 2014
John Callum arrives on the Faroe Islands in order to find anonymity. To the northwest of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway, the eighteen islands which comprise the Faroe Islands are isolated, windswept and seem a good place for Callum to leave behind the demons which pursue him. Formerly a teacher in Glasgow, Callum has constant nightmares about an incident which happened there. No longer able to teach, he is willing to undertake any job and manages to find work in a fish factory and a home in a deserted little shack, belonging to his employer.
Before long, Callum finds that he is uneasily settling into his new surroundings. Some accept his statement that he wants to live there; others are more questioning, or even resentful. Although befriended by local man, Tummas Barthel and French photographer, Serge Gottori, others are not so friendly. When Callum meets attractive young artist, Karis Lisberg, he attracts the attention of her aggressive ex-boyfriend, Aron Dam, and the displeasure of her pastor father. Plus, there is another troublemaker, Toki, at work. The rural idyll is not turning out quite the way he expected, with warnings and threats being left outside his new home. When a man is stabbed to death, Callum – the outsider, the foreigner, the stranger –and a man who was seen arguing with the victim shortly before his death, is the obvious suspect.
This is a truly stunning crime novel, in which the Faroe Islands themselves are almost a character in the story. With long winters, little daylight and inhabitants with Viking ancestry and a language he does not understand, this is very much stepping into the unknown for Callum. Everyone knows everyone else and there is nowhere to hide. Two Danish investigators, Detective Inspector Silas Nymann and Sergeant Kim Kielstrup, arrive from Copenhagan, along with forensic expert Nicoline Munk; and their attention is centred on Callum. A man who longs for sleep and yet fears it; who has no idea himself whether or not he is guilty of the crime he is accused of. Only the local Inspector, Broddi Tunheim, seems willing to consider that there might be another suspect in the case, but will he be able to prove Callum’s innocence?
If you begin this novel, then put everything else aside and be willing to immerse yourself in the storyline. Past paced, well plotted and with excellent characters, this is a joy for crime lovers. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, for review.
Before long, Callum finds that he is uneasily settling into his new surroundings. Some accept his statement that he wants to live there; others are more questioning, or even resentful. Although befriended by local man, Tummas Barthel and French photographer, Serge Gottori, others are not so friendly. When Callum meets attractive young artist, Karis Lisberg, he attracts the attention of her aggressive ex-boyfriend, Aron Dam, and the displeasure of her pastor father. Plus, there is another troublemaker, Toki, at work. The rural idyll is not turning out quite the way he expected, with warnings and threats being left outside his new home. When a man is stabbed to death, Callum – the outsider, the foreigner, the stranger –and a man who was seen arguing with the victim shortly before his death, is the obvious suspect.
This is a truly stunning crime novel, in which the Faroe Islands themselves are almost a character in the story. With long winters, little daylight and inhabitants with Viking ancestry and a language he does not understand, this is very much stepping into the unknown for Callum. Everyone knows everyone else and there is nowhere to hide. Two Danish investigators, Detective Inspector Silas Nymann and Sergeant Kim Kielstrup, arrive from Copenhagan, along with forensic expert Nicoline Munk; and their attention is centred on Callum. A man who longs for sleep and yet fears it; who has no idea himself whether or not he is guilty of the crime he is accused of. Only the local Inspector, Broddi Tunheim, seems willing to consider that there might be another suspect in the case, but will he be able to prove Callum’s innocence?
If you begin this novel, then put everything else aside and be willing to immerse yourself in the storyline. Past paced, well plotted and with excellent characters, this is a joy for crime lovers. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, for review.
February 7, 2017
FINALLYYYYYY. Anfang: oookaaay? Mittelteil: ... Wieso passiert nichts? Ende: Ich will es doch nur beenden- aber es ist echt gut wieder :D
Damn also gibt es drei Sterne ^^
Damn also gibt es drei Sterne ^^
July 23, 2022
“Then it happened... The Gásadalur waterfall, a creation of nature, was also at the whim of it. It dashed headlong from the top of the cliff and launched itself down towards the ocean, but failed to get there. Instead, it lifted out and up in an arc, back on itself. It became a water rise, a celebration of the strength of its creator, a phenomenon that was somehow even more dramatic and spectacular that’s the after fall had been when plunging to the sea below” p 216-7.
The Faroe Islands are centre stage and cast as a principal character in Craig Robertson’s tautly atmospheric novel, The Last Refuge. Remote, rugged, isolated and majestic, Robertson captures this stunning landscape in intricate poetic detail, from its natural wonders to its people, architecture, streetscapes and culture, leaving me tantalised, thirsting to know more of these islands in the middle of nowhere.
Everything about this novel breathes remoteness. It is a destination that John Callum has fled to in an attempt to not be known, to start afresh, to not be found. But even in this far flung corner of the world it is impossible to escape who you are.
Cast as narrator, we are privy to the the nightmares that plague John Callum. Piece by piece and layer by layer, we come to understand some of the horror that he is fleeing from Scotland. This is revealed in tantalisingly small morsels are aesthetic and figurative in their description and convey stark hopelessness.
“A last look around to make sure that no one is watching, then I jump in feet first, till I am completely inside, swallowed up and on my way down. I pass through the middle of nowhere, hurtling towards the end of somewhere. I know I can hide under here forever, no one will find me, no one will even thing of looking for me down here, I fall and fall and there is no end to my falling...” p 261.
There’s a certain tragedy contained in The Last Refuge and Robertson has assembled a cast of Faroese and foreign national actors amidst the stunning landscape and islands where everyone knows everyone. Utterly broken, John Callum arrives on the Faroes and he ultimately leaves all the lighter. What I loved about this book is that the reader accompanies John on his journey to the depths of himself not in a cliche way but has the voyeuristic insight to his deepest thoughts, dreams and nightmares. This is exactly the kind of story I love to read because it gives me the chance to reflect and ponder what plumbing those same depths look like for me. The Faroes is the perfect setting for this story. I can’t imagine it could have been set anywhere else. Definitely 5 stars from me.
The Faroe Islands are centre stage and cast as a principal character in Craig Robertson’s tautly atmospheric novel, The Last Refuge. Remote, rugged, isolated and majestic, Robertson captures this stunning landscape in intricate poetic detail, from its natural wonders to its people, architecture, streetscapes and culture, leaving me tantalised, thirsting to know more of these islands in the middle of nowhere.
Everything about this novel breathes remoteness. It is a destination that John Callum has fled to in an attempt to not be known, to start afresh, to not be found. But even in this far flung corner of the world it is impossible to escape who you are.
Cast as narrator, we are privy to the the nightmares that plague John Callum. Piece by piece and layer by layer, we come to understand some of the horror that he is fleeing from Scotland. This is revealed in tantalisingly small morsels are aesthetic and figurative in their description and convey stark hopelessness.
“A last look around to make sure that no one is watching, then I jump in feet first, till I am completely inside, swallowed up and on my way down. I pass through the middle of nowhere, hurtling towards the end of somewhere. I know I can hide under here forever, no one will find me, no one will even thing of looking for me down here, I fall and fall and there is no end to my falling...” p 261.
There’s a certain tragedy contained in The Last Refuge and Robertson has assembled a cast of Faroese and foreign national actors amidst the stunning landscape and islands where everyone knows everyone. Utterly broken, John Callum arrives on the Faroes and he ultimately leaves all the lighter. What I loved about this book is that the reader accompanies John on his journey to the depths of himself not in a cliche way but has the voyeuristic insight to his deepest thoughts, dreams and nightmares. This is exactly the kind of story I love to read because it gives me the chance to reflect and ponder what plumbing those same depths look like for me. The Faroes is the perfect setting for this story. I can’t imagine it could have been set anywhere else. Definitely 5 stars from me.
February 15, 2025
In an attempt to escape his past life in Glasgow, John Callum travels to the remote and desolate Faroe Islands, into a community largely dependent on fishing and, more controversially, whaling.
At first, he is largely welcomed by most of the locals, although he is still plagued by nightmares from his past life concerning a character called Liam Dornan. Then, after a night of heavy drinking, John wakes up on a pile of fish slabs in the harbour with no idea how he got there. Soon afterwards he finds himself accused of the murder of Aron Dam, a man with whom he’d had previous altercations.
From then on, John sets about to prove his innocence, even though he isn’t certain he didn’t kill Aron Dam. The victim certainly hadn’t endeared himself to many on the island so the list of suspects is quite large, although, in the eyes of the specialist detectives who arrive from Denmark, John is certainly suspect number one.
As well as being a chilling and gripping murder mystery, this novel paints a vivid “warts and all” picture of existence in a remote and isolated location.
At first, he is largely welcomed by most of the locals, although he is still plagued by nightmares from his past life concerning a character called Liam Dornan. Then, after a night of heavy drinking, John wakes up on a pile of fish slabs in the harbour with no idea how he got there. Soon afterwards he finds himself accused of the murder of Aron Dam, a man with whom he’d had previous altercations.
From then on, John sets about to prove his innocence, even though he isn’t certain he didn’t kill Aron Dam. The victim certainly hadn’t endeared himself to many on the island so the list of suspects is quite large, although, in the eyes of the specialist detectives who arrive from Denmark, John is certainly suspect number one.
As well as being a chilling and gripping murder mystery, this novel paints a vivid “warts and all” picture of existence in a remote and isolated location.
December 31, 2017
The location and the descriptive writing about it , I would rate at 5 stars. John Callum travels to the Faroe Islands to start anew. He was from Scotland and is very troubled about his past. He has nightmares, sweats and emotionally a temper that seems it could flare up at anytime. Even though he is a stranger on the island, there are menacing hulks that stare and glare at him. The first half of the book seems to be about pressure building temper, anger and guilt to top it off. He sees red and black when his temper starts to build.
The second half of the book did pick up after a murder occurs. John was drunk when crime occurred and lost his memory. There are several suspects that could have done the crime. John is the main suspect as he was in an argument with the menacing hulk that was murdered. The book is very well written. However, I was somewhat disappointed with it. The plot and characters are why I gave it 3 stars even though it had a wonderful sense of place. I did not care for the characters and all this brooding and menacing staring didn't interest me.
The second half of the book did pick up after a murder occurs. John was drunk when crime occurred and lost his memory. There are several suspects that could have done the crime. John is the main suspect as he was in an argument with the menacing hulk that was murdered. The book is very well written. However, I was somewhat disappointed with it. The plot and characters are why I gave it 3 stars even though it had a wonderful sense of place. I did not care for the characters and all this brooding and menacing staring didn't interest me.
July 15, 2017
I am completely enthralled by this book so far. I'm 20% in and living the life of John Callum, hiding out on the Faroe Islands. The scenery is described so wonderfully that I immediately start looking up holidays on the Faroes. The plot is intriguing, just my kind of thing: guy hiding out, suffering nightmares from something he's done in his past in Glasgow; inevitably being drawn into events on the Islands he doesn't want to get involved with. The writing is perfect and the action paced just right. There's a real sense of something dreadful building.
I will update. If this book can continue being this good this will be my book of the year so far.
I finished this last night. It's the kind of book you don't want to put down. And, amazingly, the author kept the tension going right up to the very end, to a very satisfactory ending, one that fit entirely with the spirit of the plot.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a really, really good novel.
I will update. If this book can continue being this good this will be my book of the year so far.
I finished this last night. It's the kind of book you don't want to put down. And, amazingly, the author kept the tension going right up to the very end, to a very satisfactory ending, one that fit entirely with the spirit of the plot.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a really, really good novel.
June 25, 2017
Als erfahrener Leser nordisch-kühler Kriminalromane ist man vermutlich schon weit herumgekommen und kennt Stockholm besser als die eigene Westentasche, hat mit Kult-Ermittlern wie Jo Nesbøs Harry Hole oder Henning Mankells Kurt Wallander vermeintliche Verbrechens-Hochburgen wie Oslo oder das beschauliche schwedische Ystad ein klein wenig sicherer gemacht und vielleicht sogar schon den ein oder anderen literarischen Ausflug in einsame Gegenden wie Lappland oder Island unternommen. Doch selbst für derart reisefreudige Krimi-Leser dürfte das Setting von C.R. Neilsons Roman „Das Walmesser“ Neuland sein, denn dieses düstere und oft schwermütige Buch hat die Färöer zum Schauplatz, eine zu Dänemark gehörende Inselgruppe im Nordatlantik, die bei weitem mehr Schafe als Menschen beheimatet – nicht ohne Grund bedeutet der Landesname wortwörtlich „die Schafsinseln“.
Mord auf den Schafsinseln
Mit gerade einmal 50.000 Einwohnern und einer fast nicht existenten Kriminalitätsrate scheinen die Färöer auf den ersten Blick nicht unbedingt die besten Voraussetzungen für einen packenden Krimi zu bieten, für John Callum – C.R. Neilsons Hauptfigur – sind die 18 Inseln jedoch der perfekte Ort, um der eigenen Vergangenheit zu entfliehen und fernab aller früherer Verstrickungen einen Neustart zu wagen. Dass dieser jedoch nicht sonderlich erfolgreich zu verlaufen scheint, wird den Lesern bereits auf den ersten Seiten klar: Callum erwacht nach einer offenbar alkoholgeschwängerten Nacht ohne Kurzzeitgedächtnis, dafür aber mit einem dicken Kater auf einem Steinblock im Hafen Torshavns (der Hauptstadt der Färöer). Noch schlimmer wird es aber bei einem Blick in die eigene Manteltasche, der ein blutbeschmiertes Grindaknívur, das traditionelle und titelgebende Walmesser der Färinger, zu Tage fördert. Als John Callum wenig später erfährt, dass es in der vergangenen Nacht einen Mord gegeben hat, steht der Protagonist nicht nur für den Leser, sondern auch für sich selbst ganz oben auf der Liste der Verdächtigen.
Flucht vor einer düsteren Vergangenheit
Nach diesem blutigen Auftakt dreht der Autor die Zeit aber erst einmal um drei Monate zurück und berichtet in aller Seelenruhe von den ersten Schritten Callums nach seiner Flucht aus dem schottischen Glasgow als nun neuer Bürger der Färöer. Wovor John in seiner Heimat weggelaufen ist, bleibt dabei zunächst ein Geheimnis, man ahnt aber früh, dass der Neu-Färinger bereits dort auf irgendeine Weise mit dem Gesetz in Konflikt gekommen ist. Dabei scheint der Mann in den Mitt-Dreißigern eigentlich gar nicht so ein unsympathischer Zeitgenosse zu sein: vielleicht etwas rau und eher vom Typ einsamer Wolf, trotzdem begegnet Callum seiner neuen Umgebung aufgeschlossen und mit Demut – mit den offenbar dramatischen Ereignissen seiner Vergangenheit im Hinterkopf braucht er nicht viel, um zufrieden zu sein. Ein Dach über dem Kopf, am Tag zumindest eine warme Mahlzeit und ein kleiner Lohn für die Schwerstarbeit in der örtlichen Fischzucht – Callums neue Existenz ist vor allem von Bescheidenheit geprägt.
Kriminalroman und Reiseführer
C.R. Neilson braucht rund 200 der insgesamt 500 Seiten des Buches, um rückblickend die Geschehnisse bis zu jenem bösen Erwachen am Anfang des Romans zu erzählen und für Leser mit kurzem Geduldsfaden dürfte dies vielleicht zu viel sein, um diesem Werk die Wertschätzung entgegenzubringen, die es eigentlich verdient hat. Denn der Autor begegnet dem Schauplatz seiner Geschichte mit viel Ehrfurcht und nutzt die Gegebenheiten, um ein hohes Maß an Authentizität und eine ungemein dichte Atmosphäre zu erzeugen. Gerade in der ersten Hälfte ist „Das Walmesser“ dabei oft mehr Reiseführer als Kriminalroman und auch wenn der Mordfall erst ab der Mitte des Buches wieder zum Thema wird, so ist die Handlung zu keinem Zeitpunkt langweilig – zumindest, wenn man eine gewisse Begeisterung für die Natur und Kultur des hohen Nordens mitbringt. Neilson beschreibt die Sehenswürdigkeiten der Schafsinseln mit beeindruckender Bildhaftigkeit und so anschaulich, dass man die Landschaft und ihre markanten Punkte stets genau vor Augen hat. Auch die Eigenheiten der färingischen Bevölkerung werden vom Autor sehr detailliert eingefangen – mit all ihren Höhen und Tiefen. Zu den Schattenseiten zählt zum Beispiel auch der Grindadrap – der blutige Walfang der Färinger, bei dem innerhalb von wenigen Stunden Dutzende von Meeressäugern regelrecht abgeschlachtet werden. Neilson schildert dies in all seiner Grausamkeit, ohne jedoch die Einwohner der Inseln zu verurteilen und mit der nötigen Achtung vor der Tradition der Färinger – so schockierend und unverständlich diese für Mitteleuropäer in manchen Punkten auch sein mag.
Nicht immer hochspannend, aber mit tollem Schauplatz und packender Atmosphäre
In der zweiten Hälfte wird „Das Walmesser“ dann doch noch zum Kriminalroman, der zwar nicht das ganz hohe Spannungsniveau erreicht, aber doch gekonnt mit der ein oder anderen falschen Fährte spielt und bis zur letzten Seite fesselt – auch, weil der Autor interessante und vielschichtige Charaktere geschaffen hat, die mit ihren Eigenheiten viel zur Faszination dieses Buches beitragen. „Das Walmesser“ ist mit Sicherheit kein Krimi für Jedermann und dürfte für viele Leser zu unspektakulär, zu langsam oder zu schwermütig sein – wer sich aber vor allem aufgrund des ungewöhnlichen und unverbrauchten Settings für C.R. Neilsons Werk interessiert, der bekommt genau das, was die Beschreibung und die damit hervorgerufene Erwartungshaltung verspricht: einen packenden Roman, der das Potenzial seines Schauplatzes voll ausschöpft und mit beeindruckenden Beschreibungen von Natur und Kultur eine düstere und sehr authentische Atmosphäre erzeugt. Auch wenn Neilsons Geschichte sicherlich alles andere als vor Fröhlichkeit und Optimismus strotzt: unterhaltsamere, spannendere und begeisterndere Werbung für die Färöer könnte sich selbst die dortige Tourismusbehörde kaum wünschen und es wäre sicherlich keine Überraschung, wenn es trotz des vielen Regens und der rauen Landschaft in diesem Roman nach Beendigung dieser Lektüre den ein oder anderen Leser zumindest ein klein wenig jucken würde, in den nächsten Flieger in Richtung Schafsinseln zu steigen.
Mord auf den Schafsinseln
Mit gerade einmal 50.000 Einwohnern und einer fast nicht existenten Kriminalitätsrate scheinen die Färöer auf den ersten Blick nicht unbedingt die besten Voraussetzungen für einen packenden Krimi zu bieten, für John Callum – C.R. Neilsons Hauptfigur – sind die 18 Inseln jedoch der perfekte Ort, um der eigenen Vergangenheit zu entfliehen und fernab aller früherer Verstrickungen einen Neustart zu wagen. Dass dieser jedoch nicht sonderlich erfolgreich zu verlaufen scheint, wird den Lesern bereits auf den ersten Seiten klar: Callum erwacht nach einer offenbar alkoholgeschwängerten Nacht ohne Kurzzeitgedächtnis, dafür aber mit einem dicken Kater auf einem Steinblock im Hafen Torshavns (der Hauptstadt der Färöer). Noch schlimmer wird es aber bei einem Blick in die eigene Manteltasche, der ein blutbeschmiertes Grindaknívur, das traditionelle und titelgebende Walmesser der Färinger, zu Tage fördert. Als John Callum wenig später erfährt, dass es in der vergangenen Nacht einen Mord gegeben hat, steht der Protagonist nicht nur für den Leser, sondern auch für sich selbst ganz oben auf der Liste der Verdächtigen.
Flucht vor einer düsteren Vergangenheit
Nach diesem blutigen Auftakt dreht der Autor die Zeit aber erst einmal um drei Monate zurück und berichtet in aller Seelenruhe von den ersten Schritten Callums nach seiner Flucht aus dem schottischen Glasgow als nun neuer Bürger der Färöer. Wovor John in seiner Heimat weggelaufen ist, bleibt dabei zunächst ein Geheimnis, man ahnt aber früh, dass der Neu-Färinger bereits dort auf irgendeine Weise mit dem Gesetz in Konflikt gekommen ist. Dabei scheint der Mann in den Mitt-Dreißigern eigentlich gar nicht so ein unsympathischer Zeitgenosse zu sein: vielleicht etwas rau und eher vom Typ einsamer Wolf, trotzdem begegnet Callum seiner neuen Umgebung aufgeschlossen und mit Demut – mit den offenbar dramatischen Ereignissen seiner Vergangenheit im Hinterkopf braucht er nicht viel, um zufrieden zu sein. Ein Dach über dem Kopf, am Tag zumindest eine warme Mahlzeit und ein kleiner Lohn für die Schwerstarbeit in der örtlichen Fischzucht – Callums neue Existenz ist vor allem von Bescheidenheit geprägt.
Kriminalroman und Reiseführer
C.R. Neilson braucht rund 200 der insgesamt 500 Seiten des Buches, um rückblickend die Geschehnisse bis zu jenem bösen Erwachen am Anfang des Romans zu erzählen und für Leser mit kurzem Geduldsfaden dürfte dies vielleicht zu viel sein, um diesem Werk die Wertschätzung entgegenzubringen, die es eigentlich verdient hat. Denn der Autor begegnet dem Schauplatz seiner Geschichte mit viel Ehrfurcht und nutzt die Gegebenheiten, um ein hohes Maß an Authentizität und eine ungemein dichte Atmosphäre zu erzeugen. Gerade in der ersten Hälfte ist „Das Walmesser“ dabei oft mehr Reiseführer als Kriminalroman und auch wenn der Mordfall erst ab der Mitte des Buches wieder zum Thema wird, so ist die Handlung zu keinem Zeitpunkt langweilig – zumindest, wenn man eine gewisse Begeisterung für die Natur und Kultur des hohen Nordens mitbringt. Neilson beschreibt die Sehenswürdigkeiten der Schafsinseln mit beeindruckender Bildhaftigkeit und so anschaulich, dass man die Landschaft und ihre markanten Punkte stets genau vor Augen hat. Auch die Eigenheiten der färingischen Bevölkerung werden vom Autor sehr detailliert eingefangen – mit all ihren Höhen und Tiefen. Zu den Schattenseiten zählt zum Beispiel auch der Grindadrap – der blutige Walfang der Färinger, bei dem innerhalb von wenigen Stunden Dutzende von Meeressäugern regelrecht abgeschlachtet werden. Neilson schildert dies in all seiner Grausamkeit, ohne jedoch die Einwohner der Inseln zu verurteilen und mit der nötigen Achtung vor der Tradition der Färinger – so schockierend und unverständlich diese für Mitteleuropäer in manchen Punkten auch sein mag.
Nicht immer hochspannend, aber mit tollem Schauplatz und packender Atmosphäre
In der zweiten Hälfte wird „Das Walmesser“ dann doch noch zum Kriminalroman, der zwar nicht das ganz hohe Spannungsniveau erreicht, aber doch gekonnt mit der ein oder anderen falschen Fährte spielt und bis zur letzten Seite fesselt – auch, weil der Autor interessante und vielschichtige Charaktere geschaffen hat, die mit ihren Eigenheiten viel zur Faszination dieses Buches beitragen. „Das Walmesser“ ist mit Sicherheit kein Krimi für Jedermann und dürfte für viele Leser zu unspektakulär, zu langsam oder zu schwermütig sein – wer sich aber vor allem aufgrund des ungewöhnlichen und unverbrauchten Settings für C.R. Neilsons Werk interessiert, der bekommt genau das, was die Beschreibung und die damit hervorgerufene Erwartungshaltung verspricht: einen packenden Roman, der das Potenzial seines Schauplatzes voll ausschöpft und mit beeindruckenden Beschreibungen von Natur und Kultur eine düstere und sehr authentische Atmosphäre erzeugt. Auch wenn Neilsons Geschichte sicherlich alles andere als vor Fröhlichkeit und Optimismus strotzt: unterhaltsamere, spannendere und begeisterndere Werbung für die Färöer könnte sich selbst die dortige Tourismusbehörde kaum wünschen und es wäre sicherlich keine Überraschung, wenn es trotz des vielen Regens und der rauen Landschaft in diesem Roman nach Beendigung dieser Lektüre den ein oder anderen Leser zumindest ein klein wenig jucken würde, in den nächsten Flieger in Richtung Schafsinseln zu steigen.
September 1, 2015
Damning it with faint praise...
John Callum has moved to the Faroe Islands to get away from his past and make a new start for himself. At first things go fairly well – some of the Islanders are welcoming and he soon finds a place to stay and a job. But the nightmares from his past continue to haunt him. And one drunken night, he wakes up on a fish-slab in the harbour to find that he has a bloody knife in his pocket. Next day, he hears that a man has been stabbed to death – the jealous ex-lover of the girl with whom Callum has begun to fall in love. The worst thing is that Callum has no memory of what happened after he left the pub the night before, but he does know he's been violent in the past – so even he isn't certain that he's not the murderer...
Where I'm struggling with crime novels these days is that, if I can't like the main character, why would I want to spend time in his/her company? Callum is a violent drunk, with no redeeming features and no moral justification for his actions. Sometimes a bad guy can be interesting or entertaining, but I fear Callum is neither. I wouldn't spend ten minutes with him in real life and my antipathy towards him meant I didn't care whether he was the murderer or not – his actions justified a long prison sentence regardless of whether he was guilty or innocent of the main crime. And yet, despite him being a violent drunk with a shady past, living in a shack, suspected of murder, penniless and with no obvious future prospects, we supposed to believe that an intelligent, successful professional woman would be romantically interested in him. We're not talking about 17-year-olds here, where 'bad boy' syndrome might apply – we're talking about mature, nearly middle-aged adults. But with Callum we are supposed to believe that not one, but two, women find him attractive – standards on the Faroe Islands must be pretty low.
Having got that out of my system, there are some positives. The descriptive writing is great – Robertson brings this isolated weather-beaten community to life. In fact, the writing overall is well above average standards for current crime fiction. From the start, when Robertson describes the flight over and Callum's first impressions of the islands, I thought I was in for a real treat, and the sense of place that he creates kept me hooked even after I had grown to dislike Callum himself. While many of the characters are unlikeable, they are well-drawn and credible (if you exclude the women's strange romantic proclivities). There is a good deal of laziness in the plotting at points – unlikely, even near-miraculous, things happen and the how of them is never explained. I'm not suggesting a mystical element, there's none of that, thank goodness. Just “and then he escaped” type of thing, with no explanation of how. But while the plotting leaves much to be desired in terms of credibility, the story flows along and holds the interest for the most part.
So, despite the unlikeable protagonist and the plot problems, the quality of the writing and excellent sense of place still lifts it above the average contemporary crime novel. Though I appreciate I'm damning it with faint praise...
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John Callum has moved to the Faroe Islands to get away from his past and make a new start for himself. At first things go fairly well – some of the Islanders are welcoming and he soon finds a place to stay and a job. But the nightmares from his past continue to haunt him. And one drunken night, he wakes up on a fish-slab in the harbour to find that he has a bloody knife in his pocket. Next day, he hears that a man has been stabbed to death – the jealous ex-lover of the girl with whom Callum has begun to fall in love. The worst thing is that Callum has no memory of what happened after he left the pub the night before, but he does know he's been violent in the past – so even he isn't certain that he's not the murderer...
Where I'm struggling with crime novels these days is that, if I can't like the main character, why would I want to spend time in his/her company? Callum is a violent drunk, with no redeeming features and no moral justification for his actions. Sometimes a bad guy can be interesting or entertaining, but I fear Callum is neither. I wouldn't spend ten minutes with him in real life and my antipathy towards him meant I didn't care whether he was the murderer or not – his actions justified a long prison sentence regardless of whether he was guilty or innocent of the main crime. And yet, despite him being a violent drunk with a shady past, living in a shack, suspected of murder, penniless and with no obvious future prospects, we supposed to believe that an intelligent, successful professional woman would be romantically interested in him. We're not talking about 17-year-olds here, where 'bad boy' syndrome might apply – we're talking about mature, nearly middle-aged adults. But with Callum we are supposed to believe that not one, but two, women find him attractive – standards on the Faroe Islands must be pretty low.
Having got that out of my system, there are some positives. The descriptive writing is great – Robertson brings this isolated weather-beaten community to life. In fact, the writing overall is well above average standards for current crime fiction. From the start, when Robertson describes the flight over and Callum's first impressions of the islands, I thought I was in for a real treat, and the sense of place that he creates kept me hooked even after I had grown to dislike Callum himself. While many of the characters are unlikeable, they are well-drawn and credible (if you exclude the women's strange romantic proclivities). There is a good deal of laziness in the plotting at points – unlikely, even near-miraculous, things happen and the how of them is never explained. I'm not suggesting a mystical element, there's none of that, thank goodness. Just “and then he escaped” type of thing, with no explanation of how. But while the plotting leaves much to be desired in terms of credibility, the story flows along and holds the interest for the most part.
So, despite the unlikeable protagonist and the plot problems, the quality of the writing and excellent sense of place still lifts it above the average contemporary crime novel. Though I appreciate I'm damning it with faint praise...
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March 20, 2019
There was some predictability into this murder mystery. A remote and dank place, a man with a mysterious past and a hot temper, a femme fatale both beautiful and talented, and plenty of people not liking the newcomer to the Faroes. There's plenty of rain, alcohol, melancholia, bad dreams, violence and a bit of sex.
The description of the Faroes and the antics of the local police chief made the book interesting enough to read to the end.
The description of the Faroes and the antics of the local police chief made the book interesting enough to read to the end.
March 11, 2019
I didn’t manage to finish this book , I got to page 72 and just hadn’t got into the book, for me if by 72pages I have lost interest and have no desire to read the book then it is time to stop and find a different boom. I am sure lots of people will love this book but for me it needed to hook me straight away and keep me hooked
March 13, 2022
Fairly run of the mill thriller. Took me a wee while to get into it. I had a suspicion about the ending too
March 5, 2024
So far so great!
The audiobook version is narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds and there could be no other voice more suitable. Amazing
It's getting tense now half way into the story. Strong characters are being portrayed and the "plot thickens"!
Finished!
My longing to go exploring and experience the remote isles of Faroe, Ireland and Scotland, made this book even better!
I could almost feel the rain and wind. The beauty and the unforgiving elements.
Story about a man in need of redemption from himself. Love, traditions, families and ancient cultures still ruling.
A crime...or many?
Characters described and made real to perfection. I walked with them even when I wasn't listening to the audiobook.
Go ahead and take a trip to a part of our world that is like no other part of the world!
Narrated by the amazing Tim Gerard Reynolds!
The audiobook version is narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds and there could be no other voice more suitable. Amazing
It's getting tense now half way into the story. Strong characters are being portrayed and the "plot thickens"!
Finished!
My longing to go exploring and experience the remote isles of Faroe, Ireland and Scotland, made this book even better!
I could almost feel the rain and wind. The beauty and the unforgiving elements.
Story about a man in need of redemption from himself. Love, traditions, families and ancient cultures still ruling.
A crime...or many?
Characters described and made real to perfection. I walked with them even when I wasn't listening to the audiobook.
Go ahead and take a trip to a part of our world that is like no other part of the world!
Narrated by the amazing Tim Gerard Reynolds!
May 19, 2014
Wow. I don't even know where to start with attempting to review this book. It's without a doubt Craig's best book yet and I am feeling a little privileged at getting to be one of the first people to read it thanks to the publisher via Net Galley! I have to admit when I read the blurb it excited me but left me feeling a bit apprehensive, I absolutely love Craig's books set in Scotland and so I was wondering whether I would enjoy this standalone set on the Faroe Islands as much. Well I did love it as much, and then some.
The book opens with our main character John Callum carrying a bloodied knife, completely disorientated he has no idea how he came across the knife or who the blood belongs to. This opening scene was very different to his previous books and also very atmospheric. The reader is just as confused as John and I just wanted to keep on reading to find out more. We discover that John has came to the island to escape from his mysterious past, he manages to find a job and a home from his boss, Martin Hojgaard but has to move to an old shack when his boss hears him screaming something in his nightmares. Martin won't elaborate on what he heard which again just adds to the mystery and makes you want to read on.
I found the character names a bit hard to get used to just because they are so unusual. This is definitely the first book I've read with such a unique set of character names. After a while I did get used to them however. To say John is unwelcome in Torshavn would be an understatement. People are wondering why he is trying to build a life for himself in their small town but he does make a friend in Serge Gotteri (for the first part of the book at least...) and also has a relationship of sorts with Karis. John then faces the jealous wrath of Aron Dam who along with his brother Nils is quite an intimidating character on the island.
I loved the setting of the Faroe Islands. I really felt as if I was there myself, I Googled pictures of the island to help familiarise myself with the places that were being described by the author. It certainly does have a unique set of beliefs and cultures and I feel that the author captured these incredibly well, he has certainly written both a believable and authentic story. It's made me want to read up more about the Islands and their history as there were snippets of it here which left me feeling very intrigued.
As for the story, well it was fantastic. From start to finish I was gripped. If you've read the blurb then you'll know a murder takes place on the island and can assume from the final part that perhaps John may be responsible? What I loved most about the book is the reader had absolutely no idea just who was responsible. Pretty much all of my theories were proved incorrect and the last few chapters of the book especially I couldn't read quick enough. I love a book which keeps you guessing and this one definitely did that.
I can't recommend this book highly enough for people looking for a book with a fantastic mystery element, great characterisation and a fantastic setting. This is definitely one of the best books I have read lately and I hope it is a massive success for Craig. It's always a brave decision when an author steps away from what they are used to but I can definitely say it has worked for Craig as it has resulted in what I feel is his best work yet. I can't wait to see what is to come next from this author.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy
I loved the setting of this book and really enjoyed this interview with Craig over on CrimeFictionLover.com about why you shouldn't set your book on the Faroe Islands: http://www.crimefictionlover.com/2014...
The book opens with our main character John Callum carrying a bloodied knife, completely disorientated he has no idea how he came across the knife or who the blood belongs to. This opening scene was very different to his previous books and also very atmospheric. The reader is just as confused as John and I just wanted to keep on reading to find out more. We discover that John has came to the island to escape from his mysterious past, he manages to find a job and a home from his boss, Martin Hojgaard but has to move to an old shack when his boss hears him screaming something in his nightmares. Martin won't elaborate on what he heard which again just adds to the mystery and makes you want to read on.
I found the character names a bit hard to get used to just because they are so unusual. This is definitely the first book I've read with such a unique set of character names. After a while I did get used to them however. To say John is unwelcome in Torshavn would be an understatement. People are wondering why he is trying to build a life for himself in their small town but he does make a friend in Serge Gotteri (for the first part of the book at least...) and also has a relationship of sorts with Karis. John then faces the jealous wrath of Aron Dam who along with his brother Nils is quite an intimidating character on the island.
I loved the setting of the Faroe Islands. I really felt as if I was there myself, I Googled pictures of the island to help familiarise myself with the places that were being described by the author. It certainly does have a unique set of beliefs and cultures and I feel that the author captured these incredibly well, he has certainly written both a believable and authentic story. It's made me want to read up more about the Islands and their history as there were snippets of it here which left me feeling very intrigued.
As for the story, well it was fantastic. From start to finish I was gripped. If you've read the blurb then you'll know a murder takes place on the island and can assume from the final part that perhaps John may be responsible? What I loved most about the book is the reader had absolutely no idea just who was responsible. Pretty much all of my theories were proved incorrect and the last few chapters of the book especially I couldn't read quick enough. I love a book which keeps you guessing and this one definitely did that.
I can't recommend this book highly enough for people looking for a book with a fantastic mystery element, great characterisation and a fantastic setting. This is definitely one of the best books I have read lately and I hope it is a massive success for Craig. It's always a brave decision when an author steps away from what they are used to but I can definitely say it has worked for Craig as it has resulted in what I feel is his best work yet. I can't wait to see what is to come next from this author.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy
I loved the setting of this book and really enjoyed this interview with Craig over on CrimeFictionLover.com about why you shouldn't set your book on the Faroe Islands: http://www.crimefictionlover.com/2014...
July 23, 2016
The Last Refuge grabbed me from the first page and wouldn't let go until the very end. The setting is absolute perfection. Few people have even heard of the Faroe Islands. (I am one of the lucky ones; after seeing a stunningly beautiful photograph of towering green cliffs and cascading waterfalls, I learned that it was taken on one of the eighteen islands that make up the archipelago.) Craig Robertson puts readers right in the middle of this incredible landscape and shares not only its beauty, wildlife and remoteness, but the towns, the people, and the customs and language as well. My reaction to the setting was visceral and immediate.
But setting alone does not make a book. To it, Robertson adds a strong cast of characters. John Callum is a man filled with secrets, and although readers quickly learn how horrifying his nightmares are and how quick-tempered he can be, they somehow know that he is a man who can be trusted, a man who can be a friend. Robertson makes them want to shake Callum until he tells them why he ran away from Scotland-- and it's a secret that takes a long time to unveil.
Karis, the woman with whom Callum falls in love, is alluring and mercurial. She has secrets, too. Many of the secondary characters do, and Callum even has a difficult time figuring out the local inspector, Broddi Tunheim, who refuses to go quietly into that good night once the Danish police have made their entrance. These three characters-- and others-- shine brightly in this tightly woven plot that has so many twists and turns.
Yes indeed-- The Last Refuge is a perfect blend of story, character and setting, each of which illuminate and strengthen the others. Sometimes bleak and desolate, it's an enthralling look deep into a man's soul and deep into a fascinating place. I highly recommend it.
But setting alone does not make a book. To it, Robertson adds a strong cast of characters. John Callum is a man filled with secrets, and although readers quickly learn how horrifying his nightmares are and how quick-tempered he can be, they somehow know that he is a man who can be trusted, a man who can be a friend. Robertson makes them want to shake Callum until he tells them why he ran away from Scotland-- and it's a secret that takes a long time to unveil.
Karis, the woman with whom Callum falls in love, is alluring and mercurial. She has secrets, too. Many of the secondary characters do, and Callum even has a difficult time figuring out the local inspector, Broddi Tunheim, who refuses to go quietly into that good night once the Danish police have made their entrance. These three characters-- and others-- shine brightly in this tightly woven plot that has so many twists and turns.
Yes indeed-- The Last Refuge is a perfect blend of story, character and setting, each of which illuminate and strengthen the others. Sometimes bleak and desolate, it's an enthralling look deep into a man's soul and deep into a fascinating place. I highly recommend it.
July 28, 2014
Maybe I am missing something, looking at all the 5-star reviews on here, but The Last Refuge did not quite deliver for me.
The best part of the book: the setting. Robertson beautifully evokes the wild and unspoiled setting of the Faroe Islands, which transported me there through his words and made me want to jump on a plane immediately and travel! The setting is spectacular, unusual and the highlight of the novel.
The worst part of the book: despite digging deep for empathy and understanding, I could not muster up much liking for the main character John Callum. From day one on the island he spells nothing but trouble and came across to me as a hotheaded bully who has not learned much from his past misadventures. Harsh, perhaps, but I struggled to connect and never really managed to get into his head - which is probably the biggest disappointment of the novel for me.
All in all an ok read, redeamed by the unusual atmospheric setting, and certainly a different crime novel from the ones currently out there.
The best part of the book: the setting. Robertson beautifully evokes the wild and unspoiled setting of the Faroe Islands, which transported me there through his words and made me want to jump on a plane immediately and travel! The setting is spectacular, unusual and the highlight of the novel.
The worst part of the book: despite digging deep for empathy and understanding, I could not muster up much liking for the main character John Callum. From day one on the island he spells nothing but trouble and came across to me as a hotheaded bully who has not learned much from his past misadventures. Harsh, perhaps, but I struggled to connect and never really managed to get into his head - which is probably the biggest disappointment of the novel for me.
All in all an ok read, redeamed by the unusual atmospheric setting, and certainly a different crime novel from the ones currently out there.
May 21, 2014
This is a departure from Robertson's earlier series featuring Tony Winter, the police photographer, and takes place on the Faroe Islands. The opening feels like a scene that's a familiar one in crime fiction - a man who wakes to find that he's clutching a blood-covered knife with no idea how it got there, or whether or not he may have committed a crime. Don't let this put you off - there's nothing clichéd about this story.
Turn back the clock three months and John Callum arrives on the Faroe Islands from Scotland. For reasons that are unclear Callum is seeking somewhere remote to take refuge and initially it seems that he has made the right move, until of course he has to find a job to support himself. Gradually he starts to become involved with more people - a job at a fish farm, a few acquaintances in the local bars and a potential romance. But this is where the trouble starts. There is an inherent violence about Callum, something he tries to resist but there are occasions when it erupts, to the surprise of the locals.
Callum's dreams, or rather nightmares, are interspersed through the story and provide an insight into the events that led him to escape his Scottish home - but it is inevitable that the reader asks themselves how reliable nightmares are. Despite this it's clear that they never cease to shake Callum, whatever took place in Scotland is something that he has some regrets over, and his mind is torturing him. This all serves to make him an intriguing character - should the reader find him sympathetic without knowing what it is he is running away from? But told in the first person, it's hard not to be drawn in.
In some ways this is a book of two halves - the first setting the scene and the background, where the mystery is what led Callum to be clutching the bloody knife. The second half is solving the riddle of whether or not he is guilty of the crime in which he is implicated - he doesn't know and neither does the reader. Once the crime becomes clear then we're in police procedural / detective territory - and this benefits from some antagonism between the local force and the team called in from Denmark.
The location is a really interesting choice, the isolation, small population and the harsh and varied environment give the book the feel of a 'Nordic noir'. The bleak and gloomy weather and surroundings matching the dark tone of Callum's past and the situation that he finds himself in. Seeing the setting through Callum's eyes, as an outsider, is the perfect way to introduce an unusual location, and all I know about the Faroe Islands I found out from this story. There are some quirks of the Islands that lend themselves very well to the story (or more likely have been cleverly drawn on by the author) and add to the plot.
I thought the plotting was excellent and the way Robertson told Callum's story was intriguing. I was completely drawn in and have to confess to being baffled about the 'whodunnit' aspect for quite some time. An excellent read that I can't recommend highly enough. I could ramble on for even longer - but I suggest you go out and buy a copy for yourself.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
Turn back the clock three months and John Callum arrives on the Faroe Islands from Scotland. For reasons that are unclear Callum is seeking somewhere remote to take refuge and initially it seems that he has made the right move, until of course he has to find a job to support himself. Gradually he starts to become involved with more people - a job at a fish farm, a few acquaintances in the local bars and a potential romance. But this is where the trouble starts. There is an inherent violence about Callum, something he tries to resist but there are occasions when it erupts, to the surprise of the locals.
Callum's dreams, or rather nightmares, are interspersed through the story and provide an insight into the events that led him to escape his Scottish home - but it is inevitable that the reader asks themselves how reliable nightmares are. Despite this it's clear that they never cease to shake Callum, whatever took place in Scotland is something that he has some regrets over, and his mind is torturing him. This all serves to make him an intriguing character - should the reader find him sympathetic without knowing what it is he is running away from? But told in the first person, it's hard not to be drawn in.
In some ways this is a book of two halves - the first setting the scene and the background, where the mystery is what led Callum to be clutching the bloody knife. The second half is solving the riddle of whether or not he is guilty of the crime in which he is implicated - he doesn't know and neither does the reader. Once the crime becomes clear then we're in police procedural / detective territory - and this benefits from some antagonism between the local force and the team called in from Denmark.
The location is a really interesting choice, the isolation, small population and the harsh and varied environment give the book the feel of a 'Nordic noir'. The bleak and gloomy weather and surroundings matching the dark tone of Callum's past and the situation that he finds himself in. Seeing the setting through Callum's eyes, as an outsider, is the perfect way to introduce an unusual location, and all I know about the Faroe Islands I found out from this story. There are some quirks of the Islands that lend themselves very well to the story (or more likely have been cleverly drawn on by the author) and add to the plot.
I thought the plotting was excellent and the way Robertson told Callum's story was intriguing. I was completely drawn in and have to confess to being baffled about the 'whodunnit' aspect for quite some time. An excellent read that I can't recommend highly enough. I could ramble on for even longer - but I suggest you go out and buy a copy for yourself.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
July 5, 2017
Im Original: The Last Refuge
Mixed bag: stuff I liked (the description of the islands), stuff I didn't like (hunting of the whales, the slow development of the crime - it started with a bang and then 200 pages of backstory, but nothing of what's the reason John decided to come here). I didn't like the 'love story' between John and Karis, no chemistry whatsoever. I didn't like the amount of alcohol they all drunk here, couldn't imagine any of the people functioning even half normal.
At least the whole thing started moving on around 50% and then, in parts, it got quite gruesome.
Overall - sorry, book, there wasn't much to like.
I stick to 2 stars.
Mixed bag: stuff I liked (the description of the islands), stuff I didn't like (hunting of the whales, the slow development of the crime - it started with a bang and then 200 pages of backstory, but nothing of what's the reason John decided to come here). I didn't like the 'love story' between John and Karis, no chemistry whatsoever. I didn't like the amount of alcohol they all drunk here, couldn't imagine any of the people functioning even half normal.
At least the whole thing started moving on around 50% and then, in parts, it got quite gruesome.
Overall - sorry, book, there wasn't much to like.
I stick to 2 stars.
February 10, 2025
I didn't mind this book, although found it hard to sympathise with the main character.
He was a violent man, who resorted to using his fists instead of his voice. He clearly needed psychiatric help.
The overall story was good - the whodunit element and questioning whether or not the main character was in fact guilty of THIS crime.
He was a violent man, who resorted to using his fists instead of his voice. He clearly needed psychiatric help.
The overall story was good - the whodunit element and questioning whether or not the main character was in fact guilty of THIS crime.
August 13, 2014
Gripping psychological mystery set in the hauntingly beautiful Faroe Islands. Loved the mythic resonance.
June 25, 2021
John Callum seeks an escape from his past and a new beginning a long way from home. Murder, mystery and romance in the Faroe Islands.
December 31, 2018
I recieved this book as a Christmas gift from my Godfather which surprised me as he generally goes more for mysterious books than muder mystery's but I have to say, once I got around the 30% mark I really enjoyed this book and it was a great choice by him.
The begining of this book is, in my opinion, a bit of a slog to be honest. We begin the day after someone is murdered, then jump back in time around three months to when our lead, John, arrives in the Faroe Islands. We then work back to the murder, and it's aftermath. Now once you're into the book this works really well, but the first part of this is so mundane almost that you just want something exciting (like the murder... if you'll forgive me for describing a murder as exciting) to happen to liven things up a bit. Once the book gets going though this slow build to the murder really provides you with a vivid backdrop, of the people and the place. In hindsight it also presents some very subtle clues as to the true murderer.
For me, the book got better, as I said, around the 30% mark. This was somewhere around page 150 so a lot of people may well give up on the book before then. This is a reason I say I will always finish a book (even if they go on hiatus for months or years) because you never know if the book will turn around and you'll be rewarded with a great story. I wouldn't say this is a great story but it is an interesting one. I was guessing, somewhat correctly, at who the murderer was around the 75% mark but I remained interested until the end, and would have done so even without some of the twists and turns that took place.
Typically I need to like my main character to enjoy a book, though as I branch out into different genres and authors that element is changing. However John really isn't a likable character I thought. His past, which as the blurb on the cover says "will not stay buried", is an ethically interesting one but morally he's a bit of a b*st*rd. His actions to try and prove his innocence show he is not an innocent man at all and honestly had this ended with him going to jail for murder I wouldn't have been surprised or unhappy.
For me, it was the description of the Faroes that made me read and enjoy this book. I have no idea if the descriptions of the people are accurate (and I really hope the whale hunts are exagerrated though I believe they aren't, unfortunately) but the way of life sounds so simple almost in this modern day and age. The only reason I have even ever heard of the Faroes is through an online comic, Scandinavia and the World, so making them the setting for a murder is interesting as it's so different from the usual locations. I guess this makes this a sort of Scandi-murder book that is becoming more popular since the Millenium series...
Overall this does end up being a strong book, though perhaps not one I'd pick up and read in the next few years. I think it has the potential for a strong re-read value and I'd be tempted to come back to it to see if my opinion of the first 30% changes.
The begining of this book is, in my opinion, a bit of a slog to be honest. We begin the day after someone is murdered, then jump back in time around three months to when our lead, John, arrives in the Faroe Islands. We then work back to the murder, and it's aftermath. Now once you're into the book this works really well, but the first part of this is so mundane almost that you just want something exciting (like the murder... if you'll forgive me for describing a murder as exciting) to happen to liven things up a bit. Once the book gets going though this slow build to the murder really provides you with a vivid backdrop, of the people and the place. In hindsight it also presents some very subtle clues as to the true murderer.
For me, the book got better, as I said, around the 30% mark. This was somewhere around page 150 so a lot of people may well give up on the book before then. This is a reason I say I will always finish a book (even if they go on hiatus for months or years) because you never know if the book will turn around and you'll be rewarded with a great story. I wouldn't say this is a great story but it is an interesting one. I was guessing, somewhat correctly, at who the murderer was around the 75% mark but I remained interested until the end, and would have done so even without some of the twists and turns that took place.
Typically I need to like my main character to enjoy a book, though as I branch out into different genres and authors that element is changing. However John really isn't a likable character I thought. His past, which as the blurb on the cover says "will not stay buried", is an ethically interesting one but morally he's a bit of a b*st*rd. His actions to try and prove his innocence show he is not an innocent man at all and honestly had this ended with him going to jail for murder I wouldn't have been surprised or unhappy.
For me, it was the description of the Faroes that made me read and enjoy this book. I have no idea if the descriptions of the people are accurate (and I really hope the whale hunts are exagerrated though I believe they aren't, unfortunately) but the way of life sounds so simple almost in this modern day and age. The only reason I have even ever heard of the Faroes is through an online comic, Scandinavia and the World, so making them the setting for a murder is interesting as it's so different from the usual locations. I guess this makes this a sort of Scandi-murder book that is becoming more popular since the Millenium series...
Overall this does end up being a strong book, though perhaps not one I'd pick up and read in the next few years. I think it has the potential for a strong re-read value and I'd be tempted to come back to it to see if my opinion of the first 30% changes.
December 26, 2021
Regentage
Mit ungefähr dreihundert Regentagen zeichnen sich die Faröer Inseln nicht gerade durch gutes Wetter aus. Trotzdem verschlägt es den Schotten John Callum eben dort hin. Zwar hat niemand dort auf ihn gewartet, dennoch findet er recht schnell einen Job in einer Fischfarm. Sein Chef Martin stellt ihm auch eine Unterkunft zur Verfügung. Callum merkt schnell, dass die Einheimischen meist recht offen und freundlich sind. Doch es gibt Ausnahmen, wie die Brüder Aaron und Nils, die es wohl sofort auf ihn abgesehen haben. Da sucht er doch lieber die Gesellschaft der hübschen Karis, nicht ahnend in welche Schwierigkeiten ihn das bringen könnte.
Als Schotte auf den Faröer Inseln ist John Callum prädestiniert für die Rolle des Außenseiters. Zwar findet er schnell Bekannte, aber er eckt auch an. Und er weckt Neugier, denn warum sollte jemand ausgerechnet auf den Inseln einen Neustart wagen. Callum will sich mit niemandem anlegen. Eigentlich möchte er nur zur Ruhe kommen, doch macht ihm das ein spezieller Kollege nicht leicht. Seine Wanderungen über die Insel sind zwar hilfreich, aber nicht alles. Und während der Kneipentouren fließt der Alkohol reichlich. Nach einer dieser Touren erwacht John Callum mit einem Filmriss und einem blutigen Messer in der Tasche.
Dieser Kriminalroman hat einen interessanten Aufbau, den man als Leser schnell entdeckt und der einen mit Neugier weiterlesen lässt. Zwar wartet das Buch mit einigen brutalen Szenen auf, die gerne etwas weniger explizit hätten ausfallen können. Doch die Geschicke des John Callum sind fesselnd komponiert und die Beschreibungen der kargen und wilden Landschaft lassen den Wunsch entstehen, einmal eine Reise zu tun. Nicht mal das mit den Regentagen scheint so schlimm zu sein. Callums Geschichte und die, in die er hineingerät, sind allerdings schon heftig. Beide sind von Gewalt und Schuld geprägt. Sie machen die Lektüre zu einer Achterbahnfahrt, die einen ordentlich durchrüttelt, aber auch ordentlich fesselt.
Mit ungefähr dreihundert Regentagen zeichnen sich die Faröer Inseln nicht gerade durch gutes Wetter aus. Trotzdem verschlägt es den Schotten John Callum eben dort hin. Zwar hat niemand dort auf ihn gewartet, dennoch findet er recht schnell einen Job in einer Fischfarm. Sein Chef Martin stellt ihm auch eine Unterkunft zur Verfügung. Callum merkt schnell, dass die Einheimischen meist recht offen und freundlich sind. Doch es gibt Ausnahmen, wie die Brüder Aaron und Nils, die es wohl sofort auf ihn abgesehen haben. Da sucht er doch lieber die Gesellschaft der hübschen Karis, nicht ahnend in welche Schwierigkeiten ihn das bringen könnte.
Als Schotte auf den Faröer Inseln ist John Callum prädestiniert für die Rolle des Außenseiters. Zwar findet er schnell Bekannte, aber er eckt auch an. Und er weckt Neugier, denn warum sollte jemand ausgerechnet auf den Inseln einen Neustart wagen. Callum will sich mit niemandem anlegen. Eigentlich möchte er nur zur Ruhe kommen, doch macht ihm das ein spezieller Kollege nicht leicht. Seine Wanderungen über die Insel sind zwar hilfreich, aber nicht alles. Und während der Kneipentouren fließt der Alkohol reichlich. Nach einer dieser Touren erwacht John Callum mit einem Filmriss und einem blutigen Messer in der Tasche.
Dieser Kriminalroman hat einen interessanten Aufbau, den man als Leser schnell entdeckt und der einen mit Neugier weiterlesen lässt. Zwar wartet das Buch mit einigen brutalen Szenen auf, die gerne etwas weniger explizit hätten ausfallen können. Doch die Geschicke des John Callum sind fesselnd komponiert und die Beschreibungen der kargen und wilden Landschaft lassen den Wunsch entstehen, einmal eine Reise zu tun. Nicht mal das mit den Regentagen scheint so schlimm zu sein. Callums Geschichte und die, in die er hineingerät, sind allerdings schon heftig. Beide sind von Gewalt und Schuld geprägt. Sie machen die Lektüre zu einer Achterbahnfahrt, die einen ordentlich durchrüttelt, aber auch ordentlich fesselt.
September 14, 2025
INHALT
John Callum kommt eigentlich aus Schottland, ist jetzt aber auf der Suche nach einer neuen Heimat. Er möchte sich an einem Ort niederlassen, an dem ihn sicher niemand kennt und an dem er nochmal ganz von vorne beginnen kann. So landet er auf den Färöer-Inseln und wird in der Hauptstadt Torshavn sesshaft. Zunächst scheint es ziemlich gut für John zu laufen. Er findet eine Wohnung, einen Arbeitsplatz und auch eine Frau hat es ihm sehr angetan. Als er dann jedoch eines Morgens am Hafen aufwacht, ohne eine Erinnerung an die vergangene Nacht, und ein blutiges Messer in seiner Tasche findet, wird er von seiner Vergangenheit eingeholt.
MEINUNG
"Das Walmesser" beginnt mit einem spannenden Intro. Man lernt gleich den Hauptcharakter John Callum kennen, der sich in einer äußerst misslichen Lage befindet. Danach springt die Handlung einige Woche zurück und man erlebt die Ankunft von John auf den Färöer-Inseln. Nach dem spannenden Einstieg geht es dann erst mal ruhiger weiter. In Andeutungen und vor allem in Johns Träumen erfährt der Leser von Johns bewegter Vergangenheit. Allerdings bleibt es zunächst bei den Andeutungen, Details werden nicht verraten. Das ist der Teil des Krimis, der mich nicht ganz überzeugen konnte, weil mir hier einfach die Spannung gefehlt hat. Zum Ende hin geht es dann aber wieder rund und die Ereignisse überschlagen sich.
Besonders interessant an diesem Buch waren die Charaktere, die allesamt in keine Schubladen gepasst haben. Jede Person hat ihre Ecken und Kanten und gibt der Geschichte einen ganz besonderen Charme. Das Setting auf den Färöer-Inseln trägt natürlich auch seinen Teil zur besonderen Atmosphäre des Buches bei.
FAZIT
Ein bisschen mehr Spannung hätte der Geschichte gut getan, deshalb gehen fast alle Däumchen hoch.
John Callum kommt eigentlich aus Schottland, ist jetzt aber auf der Suche nach einer neuen Heimat. Er möchte sich an einem Ort niederlassen, an dem ihn sicher niemand kennt und an dem er nochmal ganz von vorne beginnen kann. So landet er auf den Färöer-Inseln und wird in der Hauptstadt Torshavn sesshaft. Zunächst scheint es ziemlich gut für John zu laufen. Er findet eine Wohnung, einen Arbeitsplatz und auch eine Frau hat es ihm sehr angetan. Als er dann jedoch eines Morgens am Hafen aufwacht, ohne eine Erinnerung an die vergangene Nacht, und ein blutiges Messer in seiner Tasche findet, wird er von seiner Vergangenheit eingeholt.
MEINUNG
"Das Walmesser" beginnt mit einem spannenden Intro. Man lernt gleich den Hauptcharakter John Callum kennen, der sich in einer äußerst misslichen Lage befindet. Danach springt die Handlung einige Woche zurück und man erlebt die Ankunft von John auf den Färöer-Inseln. Nach dem spannenden Einstieg geht es dann erst mal ruhiger weiter. In Andeutungen und vor allem in Johns Träumen erfährt der Leser von Johns bewegter Vergangenheit. Allerdings bleibt es zunächst bei den Andeutungen, Details werden nicht verraten. Das ist der Teil des Krimis, der mich nicht ganz überzeugen konnte, weil mir hier einfach die Spannung gefehlt hat. Zum Ende hin geht es dann aber wieder rund und die Ereignisse überschlagen sich.
Besonders interessant an diesem Buch waren die Charaktere, die allesamt in keine Schubladen gepasst haben. Jede Person hat ihre Ecken und Kanten und gibt der Geschichte einen ganz besonderen Charme. Das Setting auf den Färöer-Inseln trägt natürlich auch seinen Teil zur besonderen Atmosphäre des Buches bei.
FAZIT
Ein bisschen mehr Spannung hätte der Geschichte gut getan, deshalb gehen fast alle Däumchen hoch.
March 4, 2025
Hard to review without spoiling, but I was drawn in by the setting in the Faroe Islands. The theme of necessity and survival, various perceptions and ideals around this theme, appealed to me. What is one willing to do out of survival or necessity? The plot navigates these things through the eyes of John Callum and a few Faroese he encounters in this story. Conflicts and clashes of ideals, beliefs, and traditions are explored in a measured yet thought-provoking manner. The Faroe Islands intrigue me with their stunning natural beauty, remoteness, and the hardy people who have and continue to thrive in beautiful yet harsh conditions. The book has done a fine job of expanding my understanding of the strength of the Faroese and offered an outsider's glimpse into life on these islands. The book delves into the grey areas of morality and how far one would go to survive and presents some difficult conditions and situations that test a person's boundaries of what they would do or how far they would go. This is the first book I have enjoyed from this author, and the details of the protagonist’s predicament were sparingly revealed until being fully revealed past the climax of the story. This certainly kept me on the edge of my seat and engaged throughout. The plot’s twists and turns went in directions I had not expected, and that is something I really enjoyed.
October 23, 2023
"The Last Refugee" by Craig Robertson offers a suspenseful and atmospheric tale set on the remote Faroe Islands. John Callum's quest for a fresh start in a tight-knit island community takes an unexpected turn when a murder occurs. The book keeps you guessing as detectives from Denmark join the investigation, revealing the tensions and secrets of the locals.
The novel masterfully captures the isolating beauty of the Faroe Islands, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding mystery. John Callum's haunting nightmares add an intriguing layer to the story, leaving readers questioning his own innocence.
However, while "The Last Refugee" weaves a compelling narrative, it doesn't quite reach its full potential, earning a 3-star rating. The novel's pacing might leave some readers wanting more urgency in the plot, and certain elements could have been explored in greater depth. Despite this, it remains an engaging and atmospheric read, particularly for those who appreciate crime mysteries set in unique, remote locales.
The novel masterfully captures the isolating beauty of the Faroe Islands, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding mystery. John Callum's haunting nightmares add an intriguing layer to the story, leaving readers questioning his own innocence.
However, while "The Last Refugee" weaves a compelling narrative, it doesn't quite reach its full potential, earning a 3-star rating. The novel's pacing might leave some readers wanting more urgency in the plot, and certain elements could have been explored in greater depth. Despite this, it remains an engaging and atmospheric read, particularly for those who appreciate crime mysteries set in unique, remote locales.
February 20, 2018
This was a book that gripped from the beginning and did not let go!
John Callum leaves his past behind his past in Glasgow to start a new life in the wilds of the Faroe Islands. But will he be able to leave it behind? He is still plagued by nightmares.
he hopes for a new life and things look good as he is assimilated and welcomed by the local people.
But all is not what it seems and his new life falls begins to disintergrate and all is not all it seems.
This is a narrative that pulls, no drags the reader along.
The characters are superbly drawn and well rounded. All are vital to the story in which there is not a wasted word. The descriptions of the Islands are superb. The majesty of the hills and sea, the bleakness of the weather are conveyed well in Craig's writing. His writing informs the reader of the raw power of nature and the underlying menace that is intruding into John's life.
A well deserved 4 stars and I look forward to reading more of Craig's work.
John Callum leaves his past behind his past in Glasgow to start a new life in the wilds of the Faroe Islands. But will he be able to leave it behind? He is still plagued by nightmares.
he hopes for a new life and things look good as he is assimilated and welcomed by the local people.
But all is not what it seems and his new life falls begins to disintergrate and all is not all it seems.
This is a narrative that pulls, no drags the reader along.
The characters are superbly drawn and well rounded. All are vital to the story in which there is not a wasted word. The descriptions of the Islands are superb. The majesty of the hills and sea, the bleakness of the weather are conveyed well in Craig's writing. His writing informs the reader of the raw power of nature and the underlying menace that is intruding into John's life.
A well deserved 4 stars and I look forward to reading more of Craig's work.
May 27, 2018
A gripping tale of soul searching
John Callum relocates to the Faroes to escape from a past he cannot forget. The brooding climate engulfs him as he attempts to start his new life. Falling for a quirky local girl causes a certain amount of friction, and following a wildly drunken night a body is found. Has Callum's past returned to haunt him just like his nightmares?
An excellent read that has you walking the streets of Torshavn as you follow Callum's tortured soul amidst the overpowering Faroe climate.
John Callum relocates to the Faroes to escape from a past he cannot forget. The brooding climate engulfs him as he attempts to start his new life. Falling for a quirky local girl causes a certain amount of friction, and following a wildly drunken night a body is found. Has Callum's past returned to haunt him just like his nightmares?
An excellent read that has you walking the streets of Torshavn as you follow Callum's tortured soul amidst the overpowering Faroe climate.
February 2, 2020
A dark, gripping thriller, with realistic characters, an unusual background and well crafted prose. the structure of the tale is unusual form the initial introduction development of the players and then a few twists and turns which lead towards a clean and satisfying finish. Not a book to be devoured in a single sitting, this is one to be savoured and considered over several sessions.
Well worth reading.
Well worth reading.
April 20, 2019
No, not comparable to his Glasgow police series. I'm hoping this is a stand-alone as the main character didn't appeal, partly because of the way the plot only very gradually unveiled his secrets so you were never sure what he'd done or why. The Faeroe isles sound amazing though despite being a hard place to live with the weather and daylight playing havoc with life.
December 6, 2017
Gave up after 34%.... The writing was beautifully evocative and painted an incredible picture but unfortunately, the story took too long to get going.... I need a quick fix just now and this isn’t doing it for me. May come back later.
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