The Killing Forest

Louise Rick #8

by Sara Blaedel

Sara Blaedel, author of the #1 international bestseller The Forgotten Girls--which was roundly praised as "gripping" with "uncompromising realism" (Washington Post) and "tautly suspenseful" (BookPage)--returns with the thrilling next book in her series featuring police investigator Louise Rick.
THE KILLING FOREST
Following an extended leave, Louise Rick returns to work at the Special Search Agency, an elite unit of the National Police Department. She's assigned a case involving a fifteen-year-old who vanished a week earlier. When Louise realizes that the missing teenager is the son of a butcher from Hvalsoe, she seizes the opportunity to combine the search for the teen with her personal investigation of her boyfriend's long-ago death . . . Louise's investigation takes her on a journey back through time. She reconnects with figures from her past, including Kim, the principal investigator at the Holbaek Police Department, her former in-laws, fanatic ancient religion believers, and her longtime close friend, journalist Camilla Lind. As she moves through the small town's cramped network of deadly connections, Louise unearths toxic truths left unspoken and dangerous secrets.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Nordic Noir, Audiobook

338 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 14, 2015

About the author

Sara Blaedel is the author of the #1 international bestselling series featuring Detective Louise Rick. Her books are published in thirty-seven countries. In 2014 Sara was voted Denmark’s most popular novelist for the fourth time. She is also a recipient of the Golden Laurel, Denmark’s most prestigious literary award.

In 2016 she published the first book "The Undertakers Daughter" in a new trilogy set in Racine, Wisconsin:

Already widowed by the age of forty, Ilka Nichols Jensen, a school portrait photographer, leads a modest, regimented, and uneventful life in Copenhagen. Until unexpected news rocks her quiet existence: Her father–who walked out suddenly and inexplicably on the family more than three decades ago–has died. And he’s left her something in his will: his funeral home. In Racine, Wisconsin.

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Louise's last case left her shattered emotionally and physically. Her first case back after her absence finds her once again in her old stomping grounds, more unanswered questions about her past and the case of a young missing teenager.

An old religion and their followers will figure prominently. This religion follows the old practice of worshipping and blood sacrifices to Nordic Gods. Many good twists and turns, a fast moving story that will again involve Louise's friends and past acquaintances. Still did not like this one as much as her precious one. Think maybe it is time for Louise to, leave the past behind and venture out of the forest.

ARC from publisher.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course, I would stumble upon the eighth book in a series I have never heard of and now live with the desire of needing to read them all. The Killing Forest is the eighth book featuring Danish Detective Louise Rick. I didn't feel at a loss as to the relationship between characters or storyline and assure newcomers like me that it is possible to be read as a standalone.


A brotherhood that practices the old religion, a dead woman, a missing teenage boy and the death of an old boyfriend Louise Rick's- what might they all have in common? I 'll never tell.....


Very easy to see why the author is known as the Danish "Queen of Crime" because this was an intense read from beginning to end.


Goodreads review published 09/11/19

[Χρύσα Βασιλείου · Rating 4 out of 5]

Η Sara Blaedel επιστρέφει με το νέο της βιβλίο με τις περιπέτειες της Λουίσε Ρικ, η οποία μπλέκεται σε μια ακόμα σκοτεινή περιπέτεια.

Το «Φονικό δάσος» αποτελεί όχι μόνο το όγδοο βιβλίο με ηρωίδα τη Λουίσε, αλλά και το δεύτερο μέρος μιας ιδιότυπης ξεχωριστής ‘τριλογίας’ μέσα στη σειρά βιβλίων. Στο προηγούμενο της σειράς, τα «Ξεχασμένα κορίτσια», η ηρωίδα εκτός από την αστυνομική υπόθεση που ανέλαβε να εξιχνιάσει μπλέχτηκε και σε μία ακόμη, ερχόμενη κατευθείαν από το παρελθόν της, ξυπνώντας της μνήμες που θα προτιμούσε να ξεχάσει, αλλά και τους προσωπικούς της εφιάλτες. Ανακάλυψε πως για χρόνια πίστευε σε ένα ψέμα, αφού νόμιζε πως ο άλλοτε φίλος της είχε αυτοκτονήσει λίγο μετά την απόφασή τους να παντρευτούν· όμως τα πράγματα ήταν πολύ πιο περίπλοκα απ’ όσο φαίνονταν. Επιπλέον, είχε έρθει αρκετά κοντά με τον καινούριο συνεργάτη της, τον Άικ Νόορστρεμ.
Σ’ αυτό το βιβλίο λοιπόν, τα γεγονότα εξελίσσονται λίγο καιρό αφότου είχαν συμβεί τα παραπάνω. Η Λουίσε, έπειτα από μια παρατεταμένη άδεια, επιστρέφει και πέφτει με τα μούτρα στη δουλειά. Είναι αποφασισμένη να εξιχνιάσει εκείνο το παλιό έγκλημα και να οδηγήσει στη δικαιοσύνη τους υπεύθυνους για τον θάνατο του πρώην φίλου της· ταυτόχρονα, θα πρέπει να αποφασίσει τι θα κάνει σε ό,τι αφορά τη σχέση της με τον Άικ.
Και μέσα σ’ όλα αυτά, ένα δεκαπεντάχρονο αγόρι εξαφανίζεται από το δάσος. Η Λουίσε και ο Άικ ξεκινούν τις έρευνες, όμως δεν αργούν να ανακαλύψουν μερικά πτώματα νεαρών γυναικών θαμμένα στο ίδιο δάσος, στο οποίο γίνονται τελετές από μια ομάδα οπαδών μιας αρχαίας σκανδιναβικής θρησκείας. Πώς συνδέονται οι νεκρές γυναίκες, το εξαφανισμένο αγόρι κι οι φανατισμένοι οπαδοί αυτής της ομάδας; Ποια μυστικά κρύβονται ανάμεσα στα πυκνά φυλλώματα του δάσους; Η Λουίσε δεν αργεί να ανακαλύψει πως η δύναμη του Κακού είναι πολύ πιο ισχυρή όταν υπηρετείται τυφλά, και πως θα πρέπει να ξεπεράσει τον ίδιο της τον εαυτό προκειμένου να βρει τις απαντήσεις στους πολλαπλούς γρίφους που καλείται να εξιχνιάσει.

Η Blaedel, η οποία αποδεικνύεται ολοένα και καλύτερη σε κάθε βιβλίο της, καταπιάνεται τώρα με τους σκοτεινούς μύθους της σκανδιναβικής μυθολογίας και τις θρησκευτικές ομάδες των οπαδών της· ένα θέμα που της επιτρέπει να δημιουργήσει μια εξαιρετικά φιλόδοξη πλοκή, μυστικιστική και συναρπαστική, που τυλίγει στα ιντριγκαδόρικα δίχτυα της τον αναγνώστη και του συστήνει ένα εντελώς διαφορετικό σύμπαν, ‘φορτωμένο’ με σκοτεινούς θρύλους που χάνονται στα βάθη των αιώνων. Εξάλλου, η σκανδιναβική μυθολογία θεωρείται από τις πιο ‘αιμοβόρες’ παγκοσμίως, και το υλικό που προσφέρει στη λογοτεχνία είναι άφθονο και ποικίλο. Η Sara Blaedel το εκμεταλλεύεται στο έπακρο, δημιουργώντας μια αρκούντως σκοτεινή ιστορία, που συναρπάζει.
Οι ήρωες έχουν επίσης ωριμάσει λογοτεχνικά, αν και παλεύουν ακόμα με τα προσωπικά τους διλήμματα. Η Λουίσε φαίνεται να βρίσκει σιγά σιγά τις ισορροπίες της, από τη στιγμή που έμαθε την αλήθεια για το παρελθόν της και αποφάσισε πια να το αντιμετωπίσει. Ξορκίζοντας τους εφιάλτες της, μεταμορφώνεται σταδιακά σε μια γυναίκα που ξέρει τι θέλει, που νιώθει ικανή να ατενίσει το μέλλον με αισιοδοξία και ελπίδα. Ο Άικ, πάντα δίπλα της, περιμένει ακούραστα αυτήν της την ωρίμανση, με την προσμονή μιας ευκαιρίας για να δοκιμάσουν τα όρια της σχέσης τους. Οι φίλοι της, ήρωες που επίσης έχουμε συναντήσει στα προηγούμενα βιβλία, επίσης παίζουν τον δικό τους ρόλο εδώ· έναν ρόλο κάπως δευτερεύοντα μεν, αλλά εξίσου σημαντικό. Στην λογοτεχνική σκακιέρα της Blaedel κανείς δεν μοιάζει με διακοσμητικό πιόνι. Όλοι οι ήρωες, καλοί και κακοί, παίζουν τον δικό τους ρόλο με εσωτερικότητα και έμφαση, απολύτως δοσμένοι στην επιρροή που ασκούν κάθε φορά στις εξελίξεις, και περιμένοντας την τελική ετυμηγορία που θα καθορίσει την τύχη τους· μια ετυμηγορία που προέρχεται από την πένα της συγγραφέως, αλλά και την κρίση του αναγνώστη.
Το στυλ γραφής της Blaedel, μεστό κι ατμοσφαιρικό, επικεντρωμένο κυρίως στα γεγονότα και τις εξελίξεις της πλοκής, εμπλουτίζεται με ατμοσφαιρικές, λυρικές περιγραφές του δάσους και των τελετών της θρησκευτικής ομάδας, χρωματίζοντας μια ξεκάθαρη, ζωντανή εικόνα για τα μάτια του αναγνώστη, προσφέροντάς του την αίσθηση πως αποτελεί κι ο ίδιος μέρος του όλου σκηνικού. Οι τρεις υποθέσεις που εκτυλίσσονται ταυτόχρονα –η εξαφάνιση του παιδιού, τα ανακαλυφθέντα γυναικεία πτώματα και το κυνήγι των ενόχων για τον θάνατο του παλιού φίλου της Λουίσε– αποδεικνύονται άκρως ‘χορταστικές’. Έχουν κι οι τρεις το ίδιο ενδιαφέρον, καμία δεν υπερβαίνει σε σημασία ή ουσία την άλλη, ενώ ο δεσμός εκείνος που συνδέει τα πάντα κρατάει ζωντανή την ίντριγκα και το ενδιαφέρον μέχρι το συναρπαστικό τέλος, όπου και αναμένεται να αποκαλυφθεί σε όλο του το μεγαλείο.

Ολοκληρωμένο και ώριμο, το «Φονικό δάσος» αποτελεί μια εξαιρετική λογοτεχνική επιλογή· ό,τι αποζητά ένας λάτρης ενός καλού αστυνομικού θρίλερ, και κάτι ακόμα παραπάνω, θα το βρει σίγουρα στο συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο της Sara Blaedel.

[Magdalena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the previous book in this series last year and it was great to return to this series and to finally find out what really happened to Louise boyfriend Klaus 20 years ago when he allegedly killed himself. Louise Rick is an interesting character whose personal life has been affected deeply by Klaus suicide and in this case, with a missing boy must she confront old acquaintances of her and Klaus. In so will both she and those that she love risk danger because there are some secrets are people ready to kill to protect!

It's the case that really makes this book so intriguing because the missing boy is a member of an Asatru cult, people that worship Odin, Thor and the rest of the Nordic Gods. It was quite interesting, especially since I have always had an interest in Nordic mythology and to read about people that have returned to the old ways with blot (sacrificial feast) was fascinating. Well, it would have been even better if they didn't seem to use the cult to do bad things.

I enjoyed this book, just as much as I enjoyed the previous book. I do want to read the previous six book so that I can get to know Louise more and to learn more about her and Camilla and the rest of the characters in the book. And, I want to read the next book in the series now that she has finally put the past to rest and moved on. What's next for her and family?

[Abby • Crime by the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

My love for Sara Blaedel continues. This book is an addictive blend of action, creepiness, social commentary, and endearing characters. Sara writes Nordic noir at its best, and I highly recommend this book!! Be sure to check out this book's prequel (THE FORGOTTEN GIRLS) first - you won't want to miss the background info provided in that story!! Full review to come on CBTB.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve found a new series to obsess over. Sara Blaedel’s complex and creepy storylines and this cast of characters have me hooked. I totally adore Louise and Eik.

I picked up this book immediately after finishing The Forgotten Girls. It wasn’t much of a choice really – I had to. I was left with so many unanswered questions – Would Louise and Eik make a go of it? Would Thomsen and René get what was coming to them? And most of all – What really happened to Klaus? I'm one happy girl. I got all of the answers I was hoping for.

This story opens in such a dramatic way. It’s an initiation for 15-year-old Sune in the middle of the night, deep in the woods (creepy right?). He’s confirming his Asatro (old Nordic religion) beliefs and joining the inner circle as a man. It’s an evening riddled with ritual, sacrifice, sacred oaths, plenty of blood and more than one crime. When things go terribly wrong Sune is forced to make a choice - take the oath or betray his brothers.

At the end of The Forgotten Girls, Louise was confronted with a heartbreaking truth. She took some time to clear her head and now she’s back investigating Sune’s disappearance. What looks like a missing person’s case on the surface is so much more. She has no idea that she’s about to face her past head-on. There's no more hiding from what really happened to Klaus, even if it tears her heart out.

The suspense in this series is top-notch, but even more than that is the love I have for these characters. From the beginning Louise and Eik just spoke to me. Both of them tortured by their pasts, but somehow finding solace in one another. . . I couldn’t get enough! I have to be honest, I was hoping for a teeny tiny bit more romance between them in this one, but it makes sense that Louise needed time to process what she learned about Klaus and to really let him go. Eik was so incredibly sweet and patient with her. I was crushing on him big time. Seeing him with Charlie, watching him support Louise and just being a bad-ass in general, won me over.

It was his awkward charm, the personality that behind his scrubby leather jacket was mild, full of warmth and empathy. He was both darkness and light.

Even the secondary characters in this series are great. A story can have suspense and mystery, but if you don’t feel a connection with the characters, what’s the point? Fingers crossed book 9 is released in the U.S. I have to have more Louise and Eik.

*Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[Judy Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A special thank you to Grand Central and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Danish, Sara Blaedel, ‘The Queen of Crime,” returns following The Forgotten Girls, with THE KILLING FOREST (Louise Rick #8) —another multi-leveled gripping and twisted crime suspense of a missing teen, old legends, dangerous rituals, Asatro (worship of the ancient Norse gods), and a powerful connection to the detective’s own haunted past.

As the book opens in a dark creep forest at midnight, there is a ritual-- a fifteen- year-old boy, Sune is preparing for the party, when he would leave as a child and return as a man. His mom was dying, and now he had to make his father Lars proud. The midnight sacrifice in his honor. He would join the men’s circle. Two gifts to the gods. After tonight he would be bound by his vow. He would be a man.

They brought him a surprise present? A woman, perform the fertility ritual? Strengthen your manhood? Why was this woman undressing in front of everyone? He was mesmerized. When she tries undressing him, he has to get away- to escape. He does not want to do the things the men are forcing him to do. He watches from his hiding place. Even his own father is pushing him. He would escape the forest, the torches and the cruel men.

They were all forcing themselves onto her, even his own father. What happens next—is horrific—he cannot bear the acts, he knows the woman is dead. He cannot allow them to find him. He prayed to the gods they would not find him. Was he supposed to be a part of this oath of silence?

Detective Inspector, Louise Rick has been on sick leave returning to her apartment in Fredericksburg and her job at National Police Headquarters. She and adopted son Jonas had been staying in at a small cottage and it was just what they had needed.

There had been a shooting at the gamekeeper’s house where a man had been killed while attempting to rape her. The worst part of the entire fatal night was what Rene Gamst said about Klaus, Louise’s first love, who had hanged himself the day after they moved in together. His words still echoed in her head. Reaching the private place, she had hidden away for many years.

She and Klaus had been together since Louise was in the ninth grade in Hvalso and on her eighteenth birthday he had given her an engagement ring. A year later after he finished his apprenticeship as a butcher, they had moved into an old farmhouse. Two nights later he was dead. All these years she had been plagued by guilt. Why would he have taken his life? She had never understood what had happened, and if Gamst was telling the truth, Klaus had not slipped the noose around his own neck.

Even Detective Lieutenant Mik Rasmussen knew she was hiding something. They had been lovers. Now the story came out. Since Klaus’s death, she had entered relationships only halfheartedly. She has to find out more.

Then there is Eik Nordstrom, her partner—they are different in many ways. Louise had to deal with her past in order to move forward.

Sune is alone, he misses his mom, how will he survive? Things get personal, when the dead prostitute is found near the sacred oak and Louise suspects the young boy may have witnessed the death and why he may be on the run--and in great danger.

The case ends up on her desk—she knows something is deadly wrong. In addition, she soon suspects Klaus’s death may be caught up in the same religious cult. She will find out what happened the night Klaus was killed. She was looking forward to confronting her old demons.

From Louise’s journalist friend, Camilla and others from her past, she begins to undercover deadly secrets, from long ago. Hvalso, where the best defense is a good offense. A brotherhood. A vow to stand together and protect one another. A rite of passage. Human sacrifices. They are called blood brothers (Nordic mythology). Initiation ceremonies. Two cases are connected. No one gets out. Punishment. How many people are covering? Who is the gothi? (male cult priest)

Things get complicated. Hvalso Cemetry. A missing girl from 1988. Then Jonas may be in danger. If anyone harms Louise’s son, she would KILL. Outraged. She has to find Sune, to protect him, and also he would be a witness to the killing, plus a key to her own questions regarding her past love.

Blaedel, has created a flawed, smart, driven main protagonist, experiencing many traumatic events in her life. From the riveting topics of prostitution, assisted suicide, and dangerous rituals, there is the parallel story of Louise and her dear friend, Camilla. An ongoing friendship of growth and change-- amid crime scenes, cop procedures, danger, mystery, and suspense. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

The author definitely knows how to blend fact with fiction—and liberties taken addressed in her acknowledgements. Well researched, from Norse mythology, old legends and myths-- mixed with her own brilliant imagination. And a first class strong and driven DI, you will root for! As always, enjoy learning about other cultures and controversial topics. Watch Video

The old Nordic religion (Asatro) today. I found the old Nordic religion fascinating, and at the same time frightening. I did some other research and found Thor and Odin are still going strong 1000 years after the Viking Age. Many think that the old Nordic religion - the belief in the Norse gods – disappeared with the introduction of Christianity. However, it did not, but was instead practiced secretly or under a Christian cloak. Today there are between 500 and 1000 people in Denmark who believe in the old Nordic religion and worship its ancient gods.

JDCMustReadBooks

[Vicky Ziliaskopoulou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ας αρχίσω με το βασικότερο: Το βιβλίο είναι συνέχεια ενός άλλου, του "Ξεχασμένα κορίτσια", οπότε θα ήταν καλύτερα να ξεκινήσετε διαβάζοντας το άλλο πρώτα. Εγώ δεν το ήξερα και διάβασα κατευθείαν το "Φονικό δάσος". Γίνεται φυσικά αναδρομή στα γεγονότα του παρελθόντος και τα βασικά στοιχεία εξηγούνται, αλλά σίγουρα θα είναι πιο εύκολο να κατανοήσεις το χαρακτήρα και τις αντιδράσεις της Λουίσε αν έχεις διαβάσει τα βιβλία με τη σειρά.
Η βασική ιστορία αφορά την εξαφάνιση ενός εφήβου, τον οποίο η Λουίσε και ο συνεργάτης της (ο Άικ) αναλαμβάνουν να βρουν. Δευτερευόντως παρακολουθούμε την εξέλιξη της προσωπικής ιστορίας της Λουίσε η οποία καλείται να λύσει θέματα από το παρελθόν της ώστε να μπορέσει να αφεθεί στη σχέση της με τον νέο της σύντροφο.
Μου άρεσε που προσπάθησε να βάλει μέσα στο βιβλίο στοιχεία της σκανδιναβικής μυθολογίας, αυτός ήταν εξάλλου και ο λόγος για τον οποίο ήθελα να διαβάσω αυτό το βιβλίο. Όμως τελικά τα στοιχεία αυτά ήταν ελάχιστα, για την ακρίβεια ήταν απλή αναφορά σε κάποιους Θεούς με την ιδιότητά τους (πχ η "τάδε" ήταν Θεά της γονιμότητας) και δεν με κάλυψαν, ήλπιζα ότι οι αναφορές στην "αναβίωση" της αρχαίας θρησκείας θα ήταν περισσότερες.
Επίσης δεν υπήρχαν αρκετές περιγραφές του χαρακτήρα της Λουίσε, το μόνο συναίσθημα που κατάφερε να μου μεταφέρει από αυτήν ήταν ο θυμός της και το άγχος της κάποιες συγκεκριμένες στιγμές. Αφήνω βέβαια μια μικρή επιφύλαξη να γίνεται καλύτερη ανάλυση του χαρακτήρα της στο προηγούμενο βιβλίο...
Γενικά θα πρέπει να πω ότι δεν με ενθουσίασε. Η ιστορία σαν αστυνομική είναι καλή, η εξέλιξη γρήγορη και δεν βαριέσαι διαβάζοντάς το, η επεξήγηση είναι σωστή και η δομή εντάξει, όμως δεν με κάλυψε. Φαντάζομαι ότι απλά δεν μου ταίριαξε ο τρόπος που γράφει η συγγραφέας.

http://kiallovivlio.blogspot.gr/

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Killing Forest is classic, reliable Scandi-Noir. Louise Rick is a compelling character, suitably flawed and complex. This is a well-plotted novel, which moved quickly, and didn't rely to heavily on the readers' knowledge of earlier books in the series. This was just what I needed for a midterm read.

[Katerina Martini · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Στο ‘Φονικό Δάσος’, καταστάσεις και εγκλήματα που στοιχειώνουν το σήμερα και αποσιωπήθηκαν για χρόνια έρχονται σίγα σιγά στο φως . Ο δυνατός (κοινωνικά / οικονομικά) , κυριαρχεί απέναντι στον αδύναμο. Ο φανατισμός και η ακρότητα κυριαρχούν. Τα συναισθήματα είναι πιο έντονα. Έχουμε μυστήριο, γρήγορη εξέλιξη και μεγάλες αλλαγές, στις ζωές των ανθρώπων μιας κλειστής κοινωνίας η οποία έχει υποστεί πολλά και έχει κρύψει ακόμα περισσότερα….
- Για άλλη μια φορά η Sara Blaedel, γράφει ένα αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα που έχει να δώσει πολλά στον αναγνώστη.

[Farah Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Nordic Noir addicts this book will not disappoint you! Conventional crime novel with a clever back story and twist, and supreme female protagonist full of flaws. Loved it, and will be reading more from this Danish author.

[Vera Brandão · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://verovsky-meninadospoliciais.bl...

[JoAnna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well..... The ending really disappointed me. It feels like the awful men in the story got away with everything. And I am really upset about it. They raped women.... They cut off a horses head and put it on a pike.... They drowned newborn kittens.... I wanted all those bastards dead. The only reasons this book even got two stars from me was for the fact Lousie finally got the closure she deserved and the the lady who did the audio was phenomenal.🙍

[Elif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aslında kitap çok daha iyi olabilirmiş. Sanki yazar büyük bir aşkla başladığı kitabı yarıladığında bu şevkini kaybetmiş. Sonunu güzel yazamamış.
Diğer kitaptan tanıdığım karakterleri özlemişim. Louise, Eik, Jonas, Melvin. Hepsini daha dün okumuşum gibi hatırladım. Bugün goodreads’te dolaşırken bu kitapta yan karakter olan Camilla’nın kendine ait bir üçlemesi olduğunu fark ettim. Onu da okurum çevrilince, henüz çevrilmemiş. Duy beni yabanciyayinlari 🥰
Kitapta İskandinav ögeleri vardı. En sevdiğimden. Konuyla ilgili spoiler vermek istemiyorum. Bu tür kitaplarda her şey spoiler’a giriyor. O yüzden fazla bahsetmek istemiyorum. Kitabı beğendim. Dediğim gibi sonu pek mutlu etmedi. Onun dışında olay örgüsü güzeldi. Temposu yüksekti. Kendini okuttu. Okuyabilirsiniz 👍🏻

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nordijska mitologija i radnja koja ne gnjavi nego knjigu pročitaš za dan-dva... Meni dovoljno za čistu peticu, jer je to ono što najviše volim kod trilera - da ih pročitam za dva dana! 😄 To što je ovo 8. dio i tek drugi koji je prevelo Znanje je veliki minus njima. Sara mi se sviđa.


»Pakleni kotao«, promumlja on, ne pogledavši je. »To je još jedno mjesto na kojem se prinose žrtve bogovima, ali najpoznatije je po ljudskim žrtvama. U drevna su se doba ondje svake devete godine okupljali seljaci i prinosili žrtve. Prema predaji, žrtvovali bi 99 muškaraca, 99 sokolova, 99 pasa i 99 svinja. Žrtve su prinosili božici smrti Hel, Lokijevoj kćeri i vladarici Kraljevstva mrtvih.«

[Bill Riggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

A finely crafted crime thriller from Danish author Sara Blaedel. A mysterious forest, a strange religious sect performing arcane rituals to ancient Nordic gods, and now a young boy has gone missing. Detective Louise Rick returns to the small town she was raised in to solve the mystery and face secrets from her past that have been long buried.

[Fabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gostei muito venha o terceiro!

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

So it turns our that this was the 5th book in a series. I read it as a standalone 🙃

And here's My Review:

[Bill H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel from the “Queen of Crime” in Denmark was quite disappointing. For one thing, the style is thin, simple sentences and a tendency to load in adjectives and adverbs, creating a melodramatic effect. Perhaps it’s the translation. The lead character, a detective, barely has control of her emotions, seethes inside (adverbs). That she had a personal stake in the investigation should have disqualified her from being the lead. Too, if this is supposed to be a police procedural, there is a marked lack of attention to teamwork in the station house. In fact, The Killing Forest, is a thriller and should be approached as such.

[Mira Margitta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nije loš triler,ali ovo je 8.nastavak,a Znanje ne prevodi po redu.
Tako se glavna inspektorica vraća u prošlost i prisjeća nekih momenata koji su se desili u prethodnim dijelovima o kojima čitatelj nema pojma.
Ne volim kad se ne prevodi po redu.
Zanimljivi su mi rituali žrtvovanja i spominjanje nordijske mitologije.

[Morana Mazor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Zaboravljene djevojke i Šuma smrti dobri su trileri. Oba imaju, svaki na svoj način, pomalo spooky atmosferu... Moglo bi čak reći da je to nešto po čemu se Blaedel (pomalo) izdvaja iz mora pisaca ovog žanra.

[Adelaide Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apesar de este ser o 8º livro da série, foi o 2° a ser editado em Portugal, as histórias lêem-se bem per si mas perde um pouco por não ter continuidade, no entanto a sua leitura é viciante e compulsiva

[Alejandra Arévalo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creo que este es el último libro traducido al español que puedo leer de Sara Blaedel y aunque no fue algo extraordinario sí siento que extraño a Louise Rick, se ha convertido en una buena compañera de misterios. Este libro no tiene escenas que me gustan pero sí abre mucho la conversación sobre el pasado de Louise y eso me gustó.

[Fictionophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense, dark, and often disturbing novel, "The Killing Forest" is a great example of 'Nordic Noir'.  Originally published in Danish, and set in Zealand, Denmark, this crime thriller was an enthralling read.

The novel features Lousie Rick, an officer on a Missing Persons task force with the Danish police.  Formerly a homicide detective, Louise has brought her many years of experience with her to her new role.  She lives with her adopted teenage son, Jonas in Copenhagen, but the setting of the novel is predominantly a small Danish town called Hvalsø, Louise's childhood hometown.

Louise is tasked with finding Sune, a fifteen year old boy who has gone missing. The reader is made aware of what happened to the boy very early on in the novel. On his fifteenth birthday he was taken into the forest by his father and other men for his Asatru initiation ritual into manhood. He witnessed something terrible and is now traumatized and fearful for his life. Complicating that, his mother, whom he is very close to, is dying. He longs to see her.

When the body of a young single mother is found in an amateur forest burial, Louise suspects that this case and her missing teenager case could be connected. She is a driven and skilled investigator who will stop at nothing to attain justice. Her familiarity with the area aids her in her investigation.

Louise's friend Camilla Lind plays an important role in this novel, because Camilla and her new husband, Frederick, own the land on which the 'killing' forest stands. Also, her police partner, Eik Nordstrom plays a central role both as her work partner and a man who Louise is beginning to have feelings for.

Along with the present day investigations, Louise discovers new information about her boyfriend Klaus's death many years previously.

The novel delves into Nordic legend and myth along with the modern day Asatru, a Norse pagan sect. The Old Religion. Blood sacrifices. Blood vengeance.

With a ramp up of tension and danger near the end, "The Killing Forest", was an adrenaline fuelled thriller.

This is the eighth book in the Louise Rick series. Normally, I would never entertain the idea of reading a series out of order. That aside, the book can be enjoyed without reading all of the previous novels, though I highly recommend you read the seventh, "The Forgotten Girls" before this one. It holds much of the backstory for this novel. In my opinion, these books are two halves of the same story, Part A and Part B.

"The Killing Forest" is an excellent example of compelling Nordic Noir. Recommended to all crime and mystery fans!

[Paulo Pires · Rating 4 out of 5]

« O Trilho da Morte é o 8º livro da série #Louise Rick, e o segundo da trilogia da Unidade Especial de Busca. Após a publicação de "As raparigas esquecidas" pela TopSeller, o primeiro desta trilogia, fiquei muito curioso em aprofundar os conhecimentos da obra de Sara Blædel.

Por isso, foi com satisfação, que peguei neste livro.

Um adolescente de 15 anos, Sune, desapareceu na floresta de Hvalsø após um estranho ritual de iniciação. Dias depois descobrem corpos nessa mesma floresta. Haverá relação entre os casos?

Luise Rick, ao investigar o caso começa a descobrir conexões com o seu passado e os fantasmas que envolvem o aparente suicídio de Klaus (o seu primeiro grande amor) regressam com mais força. No meio de rituais que têm no seu cerne práticas ancestrais nórdicas e um pacto a toda a prova entre os seus membros, Luise terá dificuldades em quebrar esta corrente e descobrir as verdades inconvenientes que teimam em esconder-lhe.


Gostei como foi projectado o enredo. Uma investigação que começa fria, sem grandes aspirações a que se torne algo mais do que a fuga de um adolescente, por vontade própria, com dificuldades em gerir a doença da mãe, uma fuga de uma realidade difícil, para passar para um crescendo na dinâmica e na complexidade do desaparecimento.

O foco do livro não é o de descobrir a razão do desaparecimento do jovem nem sequer encontrar o responsável pelo crime, até porque desde cedo o leitor é conhecedor das motivações da fuga e do contexto em que a mesma aconteceu. Há assim um direccionar da atenção do leitor para o caminho em si, quer a nível da investigação quer a nível da progressão pessoal da personagem principal, Louise. Parece haver uma divisão de atenção, se assim se puder dizer, do caso de desaparecimento e da procura de saber o que aconteceu a Klauss, que se tornou uma obsessão para a detective.

No campo emocional, vemos a personagem a começar uma relação com o seu colega que também trás os seus fantasmas na bagagem. Mas que se mostra muito compreensivo perante os dilemas e os rasgos de intempestividades que assolam Louise quando o assunto é Klaus.

No seguimento do livro anterior, Sara Blaedel, cria situações de grande tensão propiciando uma leitura fluída e prazerosa. O livro vale também (...)»

Ler mais em:
Opinião: O Trilho da Morte de Sarah Blaedel |Livros e Marcadores

[Tita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neste novo livro, Louise está responsável pelo caso de um jovem de 15 anos, Sune, que desapareceu após o ritual de iniciação à passagem adulta. Enquanto investiga este caso, encontra também outros cadáveres, em campas duplas, e, uma vez mais, a investigação mistura-se com a vida pessoal.
Acho as cenas de investigação e de ligação entre personagens/caso, muito forçado. Ainda assim gostei de ficar a saber mais sobre a religião e deuses nórdicos.
Segundo livro que leio da autora e novamente, não me convenceu e julgo que não irei ler mais nada da autora.
Vejam a minha opinião mais detalhada em vídeo, AQUI

[Carla Marques · Rating 4 out of 5]

O Trilho da Morte é o segundo livro da Sara Blaedel e a continuação do livro "As Raparigas Esquecidas", apesar de se conseguir ler um sem o outro.
Se lermos os dois conseguimos perceber melhor a história de Louise, o seu passado e os seus fantasmas.
Opinião completa em: http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by this author and the second Louise Rick novel as well. Yet, this time I was really into the whole story and experience. I don't remember much of the prior novel or the past ordeal that Louise endured; however, it was ok even though it was part of the focal point in this book. Because I felt that Louise did get her closure due to the fact that most of the gaps were brought together in this book, so even if you have not read the prior novel, you will not be lost reading this book and can figure out what happened before.

The legends and rituals of the Nordic ways of praying to the Gods were intriguing. As I stated I was more engaged reading this book thus all of this intrigued me very much. Getting to know Louise more as a person and not just a detective was great. Where she came from and the people helped give me more insight into the type of person she is present. I do look forward to reading more books by this author. The Killing Forest is an engaging story that you won't want to miss!

[Sonia Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gostei muito, achei melhor que o anterior e foi uma leitura tão rápida! :) No enredo inserem-se dois casos, a procura de Sune e as razões para ter fugido e a descoberta do que realmente aconteceu com Markus, o primeiro amor de Louise que se teria suicidado mais de 20 anos antes. Os personagens envolvidos nos 2 casos são os mesmos, pois Markus era amigo desses personagens, um deles agora pai de Sune.

É uma história estranha como tudo, no que se refere ao que os personagens estão envolvidos, o que fazem, porque são tão próximos. Que coisa mais aterradora. E as mulheres sabiam que faziam coisas estranhas, como os rituais de fertilidade com prostitutas, e não faziam nada, continuava tudo bem?! Bolas, que coisa estranha, mesmo sendo numa aldeola.


O final podia ser melhor, ficou ali a faltar um pouco, queria ler, preto no branco, se ficaram todos presos, se tiveram todos acusações graves, especialmente aquele anterior chefe de Polícia.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy! Nithing poles, warden trees, and sacrificial oaks! I thought that Scandinavia was Christianized between the 8th and 12th centuries, and Denmark helped launch the Northern Crusades. But, The Forn Siðr association is Danish nationwide religious organization recognized since 2003. Good thing Ásatrú isn’t always an excuse to murder and rape.