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Wer heute lügt, ist morgen tot
Der 18-jährige Evan wird über Nacht vom Schulschwarm zum Verdächtigen. Seine Freundin und ein Bandkollege werden nach dem Schulfest tot aufgefunden. Sie hat gerade mit ihm Schluss gemacht, er sich mit Evan gestritten. Als ein belastendes Video auftaucht und Evans Alibi infrage stellt, hält jeder in seinem Heimatort ihn für den Täter. Um seine Welt vor dem endgültigen Einsturz zu bewahren, sucht Evan nach dem wahren Täter. Doch dann geschieht ein weiterer Mord ...
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
112 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Enger
44 books277 followersThomas Enger was born in Oslo in 1973, but grew up in Jessheim. He has an education in journalism, and has also studied sports and history. He worked at the Norwegian online newspaper Nettavisen for nine years.
He has composed music and written books since the age of 18. He is also working on a musical.
Enger's first book, Skinndød, was published in 2010. It is the first book in a series of at least six featuring crime journalist Henning Juul. The second installment, Fantomsmerte, was released in the fall of 2011; Blodtåke, the third book, is scheduled for a 2012 release.
He has composed music and written books since the age of 18. He is also working on a musical.
Enger's first book, Skinndød, was published in 2010. It is the first book in a series of at least six featuring crime journalist Henning Juul. The second installment, Fantomsmerte, was released in the fall of 2011; Blodtåke, the third book, is scheduled for a 2012 release.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 25, 2019
Some of you may remember that I was a huge fan of Thomas Enger’s Henning Juul series, which sadly came to an end a while back. Sniff. I’m okay. Whew. Deep breath. Anyway, since then I’ve been rather impatiently awaiting what he would come up with next and the wait is finally over. Could Thomas Enger meet my slightly high expectations?
Now, admittedly I was a bit worried about Inborn because I kept seeing mention of YA (Young Adult for the uninitiated amongst us) everywhere and I’m a lot closer to SA (Senior Adult). So close in fact I barely remember my young adult days. But of course I shouldn’t have been worried at all! While Inborn is based on a YA novel Thomas Enger wrote a few years ago, it has been completely rewritten to appeal to a wider audience.
The small Norwegian village of Fredheim is shocked to the core when two of its teenagers are found dead in the high school. Soon fingers everywhere are pointing at seventeen year old Even. As Even tries to unravel the truth himself, he realises quite a lot of the residents in Fredheim have secrets they are desperate to hide. Does what happened at the school have its roots in the past? Who can Even trust? And can the reader trust him?
Small town murder mysteries will always be one of my most favourite things and when you throw in some courtroom drama, let’s just say : good luck trying to prise this book out of my hands! Switching seamlessly between the past and the present, I was utterly hooked from beginning to end. The plot is set up in such a remarkable way, which each chapter almost ending on a cliffhanger, that I couldn’t stop reading even if I wanted to.
When we meet Even, he is in the docks during a trial. He’s being questioned, forced to think back to the previous months and the night of the murders, until layer after layer we get to the truth. Being fed little pieces of information like this is such a joy. The detective in me (the really bad one because she often gets it wrong) couldn’t help but try and figure things out, pick up little clues along the way but Thomas Enger kept me guessing until the end. Along the way, we meet a cast of extremely fascinating characters : from Even’s struggling mother, to his uncle Imo, to the detective heading the murder investigation whom I just wanted to wrap up in a big hug.
Thomas Enger is one of those authors who just gets me excited but I can never quite pin down why. There’s something about his style of writing (captivating), something about the way he creates multi-layered and believable characters , and the compelling atmosphere he comes up with time and time again that has me utterly absorbed and desperately wanting more. I knew from the minute I read the first page that I was in for another treat. So yes, this is without a doubt another brilliantly written, suspenseful and hugely addictive page-turner! Slightly high expectations effortlessly met and even exceeded and I do really, really want more!
Now, admittedly I was a bit worried about Inborn because I kept seeing mention of YA (Young Adult for the uninitiated amongst us) everywhere and I’m a lot closer to SA (Senior Adult). So close in fact I barely remember my young adult days. But of course I shouldn’t have been worried at all! While Inborn is based on a YA novel Thomas Enger wrote a few years ago, it has been completely rewritten to appeal to a wider audience.
The small Norwegian village of Fredheim is shocked to the core when two of its teenagers are found dead in the high school. Soon fingers everywhere are pointing at seventeen year old Even. As Even tries to unravel the truth himself, he realises quite a lot of the residents in Fredheim have secrets they are desperate to hide. Does what happened at the school have its roots in the past? Who can Even trust? And can the reader trust him?
Small town murder mysteries will always be one of my most favourite things and when you throw in some courtroom drama, let’s just say : good luck trying to prise this book out of my hands! Switching seamlessly between the past and the present, I was utterly hooked from beginning to end. The plot is set up in such a remarkable way, which each chapter almost ending on a cliffhanger, that I couldn’t stop reading even if I wanted to.
When we meet Even, he is in the docks during a trial. He’s being questioned, forced to think back to the previous months and the night of the murders, until layer after layer we get to the truth. Being fed little pieces of information like this is such a joy. The detective in me (the really bad one because she often gets it wrong) couldn’t help but try and figure things out, pick up little clues along the way but Thomas Enger kept me guessing until the end. Along the way, we meet a cast of extremely fascinating characters : from Even’s struggling mother, to his uncle Imo, to the detective heading the murder investigation whom I just wanted to wrap up in a big hug.
Thomas Enger is one of those authors who just gets me excited but I can never quite pin down why. There’s something about his style of writing (captivating), something about the way he creates multi-layered and believable characters , and the compelling atmosphere he comes up with time and time again that has me utterly absorbed and desperately wanting more. I knew from the minute I read the first page that I was in for another treat. So yes, this is without a doubt another brilliantly written, suspenseful and hugely addictive page-turner! Slightly high expectations effortlessly met and even exceeded and I do really, really want more!
March 11, 2020
After the exquisite Henning Juul series, Thomas Enger returns with ''Inborn'' a standalone crime novel worthy of the author's talent. ''Inborn'' is a fine blend of two genres -courtroom drama and murder mystery- while the narrative is unfolded in two different timelines, the past and the present, the protagonist being a teenager, Even, living in the Norwegian countryside, in the small town of Fredheim.
To read my review, visit https://tapthelinemag.com/post/inborn
To read my review, visit https://tapthelinemag.com/post/inborn
October 20, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this work by Norwegian Enger.
The pace and complexities were the highlights of the character-centric novel. What a great find!
The story is told in a very engaging and engrossing way, with the questions being asked in the court case providing the segue into the events that precipitated the need to be in court.
An excellent read for lovers of interesting, unpredictable crime novels and a great first read for new readers of the genre.
The pace and complexities were the highlights of the character-centric novel. What a great find!
The story is told in a very engaging and engrossing way, with the questions being asked in the court case providing the segue into the events that precipitated the need to be in court.
An excellent read for lovers of interesting, unpredictable crime novels and a great first read for new readers of the genre.
July 9, 2019
I have a confession to make **whispers quietly** I have never read a book by Thomas Enger! So yes maybe I’m late to the party where this author is concerned, but what an entrance. I absolutely loved Inborn, it’s a novel that’s intense, deliciously dark and each page is filled with a mystery that captivates the reader. This is one of those books that should come with the tagline **Assume nothing, question everything** my favourite kind of read, this nothing more satisfying than reading a book where the author misdirects the reader at every opportunity, where nothing is as it first seems, and where each character placed in the spotlight adds to the growing sense of mistrust.
Inborn is set in the small Norwegian village of Fredheim, when the local high school becomes a murder scene, the finger of suspicion is directed at seventeen-year-old Even. As the investigation closes in, Evan finds himself judged on social media, everyone in the insular village has an opinion, ‘guilty to proven innocent’ seems to be the general consensus. As Even tries to unravel the truth and clear his name, it becomes clear that some villagers have hidden secrets, ones they would prefer to stay very much hidden. Inborn is narrated In alternating story lines, one focuses on the courtroom with Even testifying, and the other follows the events after the murders leading up to the trial. Both of the storyline’s merge perfectly, drawing the reader further into the author’s tangled web whilst maintaining a sense of trepidation that continues to grow as the story unfolds.
Thomas Enger has created a fascinating bunch of characters, Even especially is one of those characters you are drawn to, he’s a young man whose whole life comes crashing down, once popular and liked by all, he finds himself the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons, speculation is rife and Evan is left bewildered, angry and scared. Although I wondered if I could trust Evan, after all “there’s no smoke without fire” so they say, or was I been directed by the whispers of the small-minded townsfolk? Chief Inspector Yngve Mork who leads the enquiry, is another character I felt a deep connection to, he’s haunted by grief after loosing his wife whose recently died of cancer.
Inborn is a relatively short read, at 276 pages but “the best things come in small packages” and what it lacks in pages, it more than makes up for in content and drama. A small Norwegian village is the perfect setting for this novel, it feels claustrophobic, a place where gossip becomes the truth, and the relationships of the townsfolk are shrouded in lies and deceit. This book is so many things, courtroom drama, a crime thriller, merged with mystery and lashings of suspense. The author is now definitely on my “must read” authors list, and in case you were wondering “yes” it’s a book I would recommend to anyone who’s looking for a crime read that’s different on so many levels.
All my reviews can be found at http:// thebookreviewcafe.com
Inborn is set in the small Norwegian village of Fredheim, when the local high school becomes a murder scene, the finger of suspicion is directed at seventeen-year-old Even. As the investigation closes in, Evan finds himself judged on social media, everyone in the insular village has an opinion, ‘guilty to proven innocent’ seems to be the general consensus. As Even tries to unravel the truth and clear his name, it becomes clear that some villagers have hidden secrets, ones they would prefer to stay very much hidden. Inborn is narrated In alternating story lines, one focuses on the courtroom with Even testifying, and the other follows the events after the murders leading up to the trial. Both of the storyline’s merge perfectly, drawing the reader further into the author’s tangled web whilst maintaining a sense of trepidation that continues to grow as the story unfolds.
Thomas Enger has created a fascinating bunch of characters, Even especially is one of those characters you are drawn to, he’s a young man whose whole life comes crashing down, once popular and liked by all, he finds himself the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons, speculation is rife and Evan is left bewildered, angry and scared. Although I wondered if I could trust Evan, after all “there’s no smoke without fire” so they say, or was I been directed by the whispers of the small-minded townsfolk? Chief Inspector Yngve Mork who leads the enquiry, is another character I felt a deep connection to, he’s haunted by grief after loosing his wife whose recently died of cancer.
Inborn is a relatively short read, at 276 pages but “the best things come in small packages” and what it lacks in pages, it more than makes up for in content and drama. A small Norwegian village is the perfect setting for this novel, it feels claustrophobic, a place where gossip becomes the truth, and the relationships of the townsfolk are shrouded in lies and deceit. This book is so many things, courtroom drama, a crime thriller, merged with mystery and lashings of suspense. The author is now definitely on my “must read” authors list, and in case you were wondering “yes” it’s a book I would recommend to anyone who’s looking for a crime read that’s different on so many levels.
All my reviews can be found at http:// thebookreviewcafe.com
April 21, 2022
Instinct criminal este ultimul thriller citit de mine, o carte care introduce cititorul in atmosfera sumbra specifica romanelor nordice noir. Autorul Thomas Enger isi invita cititorii sa raspunda la intrebarea „Ce poate transforma un baiat intr-un ucigas?”, provocandu-i sa dezlege misterul unei duble crime petrecute nici mai mult, nici mai putin decat in cadrul unui liceu dintr-un mic orasel norvegian. Principalele victime sunt o tanara extrem de inteligenta si iubita de catre toti ceilalti, care lucra la ziarul scolii, si un tanar rocker, solist intr-o trupa de succes. Principalul si aparent singurul suspect este nimeni altul decat fostul iubit al fetei, Even. Toti il blameaza pentru odioasele crime. Ce motive a avut acesta sa-i omoare pe cei doi? Sa fi fost vorba de un triunghi amoros cu finalitate tragica? Sau de fapt altcineva se face responsabil de crime?
Actiunea romanului penduleaza intre trecut si prezent, oferind cititorului, capitol cu capitol, mici piese de puzzle pe care mai apoi acesta trebuie sa le uneasca pentru a forma imaginea de ansamblu. Imagine pe care eu, in mare parte, am reusit sa o dibuiesc destul de rapid, caci povestea este destul de previzibila. Initial, romanul a fost gandit ca un thriller pentru adolescenti, mai apoi fiind publicata si varianta pentru publicul matur, adica exact aceasta varianta tradusa la noi. Care mie nu mi s-a parut deloc „matura”, caci actiunea este destul de light si de previzibila pentru gusturile mele de cititoare avida dupa thrillere. Personajele mi s-au parut a fi create pe fuga, actiunile lor sunt previzibile, iar dialogurile, seci. In schimb avem parte de multe secrete de familie, familii disfunctionale si un trecut sumbru si incurcat, elemente care au mai salvat povestea. Backgroundul psihologic al personajelor – dupa parerea mea, un detaliu extrem de important cand facem referire la un thriller bun – nu m-a multumit pe deplin, fiind realizat superficial. Trebuie sa recunosc ca ma asteptam, de la un scriitor nordic noir, la un roman foarte reusit, caci atat de multi scriitori nordici de thrillere au ridicat stacheta si au incantat gusturile iubitorilor de thriller. Cartea o recomand in special adolescentilor si celor care vor o lectura rapida si relaxanta, presarata cu mister, enigme si secrete intunecate.
Actiunea romanului penduleaza intre trecut si prezent, oferind cititorului, capitol cu capitol, mici piese de puzzle pe care mai apoi acesta trebuie sa le uneasca pentru a forma imaginea de ansamblu. Imagine pe care eu, in mare parte, am reusit sa o dibuiesc destul de rapid, caci povestea este destul de previzibila. Initial, romanul a fost gandit ca un thriller pentru adolescenti, mai apoi fiind publicata si varianta pentru publicul matur, adica exact aceasta varianta tradusa la noi. Care mie nu mi s-a parut deloc „matura”, caci actiunea este destul de light si de previzibila pentru gusturile mele de cititoare avida dupa thrillere. Personajele mi s-au parut a fi create pe fuga, actiunile lor sunt previzibile, iar dialogurile, seci. In schimb avem parte de multe secrete de familie, familii disfunctionale si un trecut sumbru si incurcat, elemente care au mai salvat povestea. Backgroundul psihologic al personajelor – dupa parerea mea, un detaliu extrem de important cand facem referire la un thriller bun – nu m-a multumit pe deplin, fiind realizat superficial. Trebuie sa recunosc ca ma asteptam, de la un scriitor nordic noir, la un roman foarte reusit, caci atat de multi scriitori nordici de thrillere au ridicat stacheta si au incantat gusturile iubitorilor de thriller. Cartea o recomand in special adolescentilor si celor care vor o lectura rapida si relaxanta, presarata cu mister, enigme si secrete intunecate.
January 18, 2022
Am o mărturisire de făcut.. este primul roman scris de Thomas Enger pe care l-am citit! Deci da, poate am întârziat un pic, dar a meritat așteptarea. "Instinct criminal" este un roman intens, delicios de întunecat și fiecare pagină este plină de un mister care captivează cititorul. Aceasta este una dintre acele cărți care ar trebui să vină cu sloganul "Nu presupune nimic, pune la îndoială totul!", genul meu preferat de lectură. Autorul direcționează greșit cititorul cu orice ocazie, nimic nu este așa cum pare la început și unde fiecare personaj care este plasat în lumina reflectoarelor nu face decât să adauge și mai multă nesiguranță la sentimentul de neîncredere deja existent.
Acțiunea romanului "Instinct criminal" se desfățoară în micul sat norvegian Fredheim. Liceul local devine o scenă a crimei, degetul suspiciunii este îndreptat către Even, în vârstă de doar 17 ani. Pe măsură ce ancheta se desfășoară, Evan se trezește judecat pe rețelele de socializare, toată lumea din oraș are o opinie, „vinovat de dovedit nevinovat” pare să fie consensul general.
În timp ce Even încearcă să descopere adevărul și să-și "spele" reputația, devine clar că unii săteni au secrete ascunse, pe care ar prefera să rămână îngropate adânc. Cartea este povestită pe două planuri narative: unul este în prezent și se concentrează pe sala de judecată cu Even depunând mărturie, iar celălalt plan urmărește evenimentele de după comiterea crimelor care au condus la acest proces. Ambele povești se îmbină perfect, atragând cititorul mai mult în rețeaua încâlcită creată de autor, menținând - în același timp - un sentiment de trepidare care continuă să crească pe măsură ce povestea se desfășoară.
Thomas Enger a creat o grămadă fascinantă de personaje. Unul dintre acele personaje, chiar personajul principal, este un tânăr a cărui viață se prăbușește de peo zi pe așta, care a fost cândva popular și adorat de toți și care se găsește acum în centrul atenției din motive greșite. Speculațiile se răspândesc rapid, iar Evan rămâne uluit, furios și speriat, neștiind cum să acționeze mai departe. Și eu m-am întrebat dacă pot avea încredere în Evan, la urma urmei „nu există fum fără foc” sau cel puțin așa spune o vorbă din popor. Inspectorul șef Yngve Mork, cel care conduce ancheta, este un alt personaj cu care am simțit o legătură profundă, încearcă să își revină de pe urma pierderii soției sale care a murit de cancer.
"Instinct criminal" este o lectură relativ scurtă, de puțin peste 300 de pagini, dar „cele mai bune lucruri vin în pachete mici”. Un mic sat norvegian este decorul perfect pentru acest roman. Piesajul își dă impresoa de claustrofobie, este un loc unde bârfa și specula devine adevăr, iar relațiile orășenilor sunt învăluite în minciuni și trădare. Această carte are tot ceea ce își poți dori, fiind un thriller polițist, ce îmbină excelent misterul și suspansul. Romanul a fost rescris de Thomas Enger pentru a putea fi citit și de adolescenți. Cartea nu conține nicio fază explicită și îți lasă doar imaginația să lucreze.
Datorită acestei prime cărți pot spune că autorul se află acum pe lista mea de autori favoriți și, în cazul în care vă întrebați, „da”, este o carte pe care aș recomanda-o oricui caută un roman polițist altfel, diferit de tot ceea ce ați citit până acum la atât de multe niveluri. Urmează să citesc seria de cinci cărți Henning Juul, o serie foarte apreciată de cititori și specialiști.
Acțiunea romanului "Instinct criminal" se desfățoară în micul sat norvegian Fredheim. Liceul local devine o scenă a crimei, degetul suspiciunii este îndreptat către Even, în vârstă de doar 17 ani. Pe măsură ce ancheta se desfășoară, Evan se trezește judecat pe rețelele de socializare, toată lumea din oraș are o opinie, „vinovat de dovedit nevinovat” pare să fie consensul general.
În timp ce Even încearcă să descopere adevărul și să-și "spele" reputația, devine clar că unii săteni au secrete ascunse, pe care ar prefera să rămână îngropate adânc. Cartea este povestită pe două planuri narative: unul este în prezent și se concentrează pe sala de judecată cu Even depunând mărturie, iar celălalt plan urmărește evenimentele de după comiterea crimelor care au condus la acest proces. Ambele povești se îmbină perfect, atragând cititorul mai mult în rețeaua încâlcită creată de autor, menținând - în același timp - un sentiment de trepidare care continuă să crească pe măsură ce povestea se desfășoară.
Thomas Enger a creat o grămadă fascinantă de personaje. Unul dintre acele personaje, chiar personajul principal, este un tânăr a cărui viață se prăbușește de peo zi pe așta, care a fost cândva popular și adorat de toți și care se găsește acum în centrul atenției din motive greșite. Speculațiile se răspândesc rapid, iar Evan rămâne uluit, furios și speriat, neștiind cum să acționeze mai departe. Și eu m-am întrebat dacă pot avea încredere în Evan, la urma urmei „nu există fum fără foc” sau cel puțin așa spune o vorbă din popor. Inspectorul șef Yngve Mork, cel care conduce ancheta, este un alt personaj cu care am simțit o legătură profundă, încearcă să își revină de pe urma pierderii soției sale care a murit de cancer.
"Instinct criminal" este o lectură relativ scurtă, de puțin peste 300 de pagini, dar „cele mai bune lucruri vin în pachete mici”. Un mic sat norvegian este decorul perfect pentru acest roman. Piesajul își dă impresoa de claustrofobie, este un loc unde bârfa și specula devine adevăr, iar relațiile orășenilor sunt învăluite în minciuni și trădare. Această carte are tot ceea ce își poți dori, fiind un thriller polițist, ce îmbină excelent misterul și suspansul. Romanul a fost rescris de Thomas Enger pentru a putea fi citit și de adolescenți. Cartea nu conține nicio fază explicită și îți lasă doar imaginația să lucreze.
Datorită acestei prime cărți pot spune că autorul se află acum pe lista mea de autori favoriți și, în cazul în care vă întrebați, „da”, este o carte pe care aș recomanda-o oricui caută un roman polițist altfel, diferit de tot ceea ce ați citit până acum la atât de multe niveluri. Urmează să citesc seria de cinci cărți Henning Juul, o serie foarte apreciată de cititori și specialiști.
October 10, 2019
Bei diesem Buch handelt es sich um einen sehr spannenden Bericht, in dem es vor Mord und Totschlag nur so wimmelt. Ja, ich sage Bericht. Nicht Jugendbuch, nicht Krimi, sondern Bericht. Aber ich schätze, es ist eine Mischung aus allen dreien. Der Grund dafür ist der Erzählstil: Die Geschichte besteht aus zwei Teilen, die gleichzeitig erzählt werden. Die Hauptfigur, Evan, ist vor Gericht im Zeugenstand und erzählt, was passiert ist. Dann ist der Wechsel und wir befinden uns in der Zeit, über die er erzählt. Der Wechsel geschieht auch optisch: Die Schrift ändert sich, wird schmaler und kleiner. Diese Entscheidung fand ich gut, so fühlte sich der Wechsel einfach viel natürlicher an.
Die Hauptfigur der Geschichte ist Evan. Er ist ein normaler Jugendlicher mit einem komplizierten Familienleben. Sein Vater starb bei einem Autounfall, seine Mutter trinkt und an seinen jüngeren Bruder kommt er nicht mehr so wirklich ran, weil dieser sich total von ihm abschottet. Nur sein Onkel ist noch für ihn da, aber auch er ist eher ein guter Freund, als eine Vaterfigur. Was Evan Halt gibt, ist vor allem eins: Seine Freundin Mari. Doch damit ist jetzt Schluss, denn ohne ihm zu sagen warum, trennt sie sich von ihm und macht per SMS mit ihm Schluss. Autsch. Doch es kommt noch schlimmer: Am nächsten Tag wird Maris Leiche gefunden. Sie wurde ermordet. Ihr könnt euch sicher denken, wer da zum Kreis der Verdächtigen gehört? Und das Schlimmste ist nicht, dass die Polizei ihn für Verdächtig hält, sondern dass die ganze Stadt ihn schon verurteilt zu haben scheint. Die Menschen wollen einen Schuldigen und da bietet sich Evan einfach perfekt an. Vor allem online hat er keine Ruhe mehr: Angebliche Beweise werden gepostet, Beleidigungen und so weiter. So wie das Internet eben sein kann! Ich denke, wir kennen uns aus. Ich fand es total gut, dass die Autorin so viel über die Sozialen Netzwerke ablaufen ließ. Die Beschreibung des Shitstorms fand ich ziemlich gut.
Auch den Schreibstil fand ich gut. Teilweise erzählte mir Evan etwas zu erwachsen für sein Alter, vor allem, wenn man bemerkt, dass seine Gedanken und Handlungen halt doch typisch jugendlich sind. Das könnte man eventuell nochmal stellenweise überarbeiten, aber größtenteils fand ich den Schreibstil total super und mitreißend. Mich konnte er fesseln und das ist für mich das Wichtigste.
Die Geschichte fand ich großartig. Vieles habe ich schon sehr bald, sagen wir mal, geahnt, doch das machte die ganzen großen Enthüllungen nicht weniger spannend. Im Gegenteil: Ich habe das ganze Buch gehofft, ich könnte mich irren. Der Schock, dass ich Recht hatte, war dann einfach nur riesig. Ich werde nicht schreiben, welche Plottwists ich meine - wenn ihr das Buch gelesen habt, wisst ihr, was ich meine. Und wenn ihr es noch nicht gelesen habt, dann würdet ihr wohl die Mistgabeln auspacken, wenn ich euch schon jetzt alles verrate. Nein, nein, das lass ich lieber!
Kommen wir besser zum Fazit! Sehr spannendes Buch, das mich sogar im allhalbjährlichen Chaos des Semesterbeginns begeistern konnte.
Die Hauptfigur der Geschichte ist Evan. Er ist ein normaler Jugendlicher mit einem komplizierten Familienleben. Sein Vater starb bei einem Autounfall, seine Mutter trinkt und an seinen jüngeren Bruder kommt er nicht mehr so wirklich ran, weil dieser sich total von ihm abschottet. Nur sein Onkel ist noch für ihn da, aber auch er ist eher ein guter Freund, als eine Vaterfigur. Was Evan Halt gibt, ist vor allem eins: Seine Freundin Mari. Doch damit ist jetzt Schluss, denn ohne ihm zu sagen warum, trennt sie sich von ihm und macht per SMS mit ihm Schluss. Autsch. Doch es kommt noch schlimmer: Am nächsten Tag wird Maris Leiche gefunden. Sie wurde ermordet. Ihr könnt euch sicher denken, wer da zum Kreis der Verdächtigen gehört? Und das Schlimmste ist nicht, dass die Polizei ihn für Verdächtig hält, sondern dass die ganze Stadt ihn schon verurteilt zu haben scheint. Die Menschen wollen einen Schuldigen und da bietet sich Evan einfach perfekt an. Vor allem online hat er keine Ruhe mehr: Angebliche Beweise werden gepostet, Beleidigungen und so weiter. So wie das Internet eben sein kann! Ich denke, wir kennen uns aus. Ich fand es total gut, dass die Autorin so viel über die Sozialen Netzwerke ablaufen ließ. Die Beschreibung des Shitstorms fand ich ziemlich gut.
Auch den Schreibstil fand ich gut. Teilweise erzählte mir Evan etwas zu erwachsen für sein Alter, vor allem, wenn man bemerkt, dass seine Gedanken und Handlungen halt doch typisch jugendlich sind. Das könnte man eventuell nochmal stellenweise überarbeiten, aber größtenteils fand ich den Schreibstil total super und mitreißend. Mich konnte er fesseln und das ist für mich das Wichtigste.
Die Geschichte fand ich großartig. Vieles habe ich schon sehr bald, sagen wir mal, geahnt, doch das machte die ganzen großen Enthüllungen nicht weniger spannend. Im Gegenteil: Ich habe das ganze Buch gehofft, ich könnte mich irren. Der Schock, dass ich Recht hatte, war dann einfach nur riesig. Ich werde nicht schreiben, welche Plottwists ich meine - wenn ihr das Buch gelesen habt, wisst ihr, was ich meine. Und wenn ihr es noch nicht gelesen habt, dann würdet ihr wohl die Mistgabeln auspacken, wenn ich euch schon jetzt alles verrate. Nein, nein, das lass ich lieber!
Kommen wir besser zum Fazit! Sehr spannendes Buch, das mich sogar im allhalbjährlichen Chaos des Semesterbeginns begeistern konnte.
February 28, 2019
My Review: This is my first book by Norwegian author Thomas Enger and I can guarantee it won’t be my last. Inborn is, in my opinion, a fascinating and gritty courtroom thriller which grabbed my attention from page one.
Narrated through the voice of Even, a 17 year old schoolboy who becomes the main suspect in a brutal killing at his high school when his ex-girlfriend and another pupil are murdered after a school concert. Cleverly retold through the present via his court appearance and the past Even tries to defend himself and find out who killed his friends at the same time.
There are so many moments when the reader thinks they have worked out the why’s, where’s and when’s and then the author springs a smooth little twist into the plot and everything is turned upside down and back to front.
Chief Inspector Yngve Mork, a recent widower and close to retirement is put in charge of finding the killer(s) and I absolutely LOVED him from the minute he appeared in the book. Having to deal with his own grief, he maintains his professionalism throughout and is determined to find out the truth behind these brutal killings.
A spectacular Nordic Noir story which should appeal to readers of all ages who love legal and crime thrillers.
Narrated through the voice of Even, a 17 year old schoolboy who becomes the main suspect in a brutal killing at his high school when his ex-girlfriend and another pupil are murdered after a school concert. Cleverly retold through the present via his court appearance and the past Even tries to defend himself and find out who killed his friends at the same time.
There are so many moments when the reader thinks they have worked out the why’s, where’s and when’s and then the author springs a smooth little twist into the plot and everything is turned upside down and back to front.
Chief Inspector Yngve Mork, a recent widower and close to retirement is put in charge of finding the killer(s) and I absolutely LOVED him from the minute he appeared in the book. Having to deal with his own grief, he maintains his professionalism throughout and is determined to find out the truth behind these brutal killings.
A spectacular Nordic Noir story which should appeal to readers of all ages who love legal and crime thrillers.
April 10, 2019
Visit the locations in the novel
This is a unique read from Thomas Enger based on his YA book Killerinstinkt. Maybe it should be called Reborn as that's what it is. A YA book rewritten for an adult audience. When I heard this, I wondered whether it would work and if it anyone else had written a book this way. Answer to the first worry - yes it does. Answer to the second - not sure but they probably should after reading this
There's a nice little author note which explains why and how the author reworked it and what the challenges were. Very interesting to read!
Back to the story and the book however.....
This is a story about a murder trial - a teenager is on trial for the murder of two of his classmates. The story is then told in nice short chapters and captivating sections of then and now. The 'then'takes us back to the events leading up to the murder and the 'now' is set in a courtroom as the trial takes place. It's such an interesting set up and one which totally fascinated and held my attention throughout. The courtroom scenes are gripping as you're never really sure who is on trial and what is going on...
The murder in the school sends shockwaves throughout the close-knit village. The close sense of community in this small place adds to the problems of the case - people are quick to act and quick to assume. There's a nod or three to social media and the real meaning of a web which holds everyone and everything in its grip.
The two timelines move and merge until they catch you as a spider in a very intricate web. To create this from a YA beginning is quite something. The trial in the courtroom is suitably claustrophobic and real. Now I have never been in a courtroom or sat through a trial, but this seemed very authentic and raw.
Enger is a master at what he does. This for me takes him up a notch on the author brilliance scale.
The setting here is fictional but all the more enticing because of it. It's a small Norwegian village filled with darkness and a whole bunch of secrets.
There's dark clouds and a distinct chill in the air and that's not just because of where it is set. The snow, remoteness, sombre mood and sense of dread and foreboding are nicely done and omnipresent.
Enger entices the reader at every step.
March 13, 2019
Bloody freaking brilliant!! Cross a gritty YA novel with a John Grisham and this is what their book baby would read like! Very unique and so entertaining! The alternating time periods made for a quick read. I’m always impressed by the talent of Enger. I’m so very thankful for Karen at Orenda books for sending me this copy:)
November 28, 2017
Well this was refreshing! An actual courtroom drama for young adults! Yay! I loved it. It was perfectly paced and thrilling with surprising twists and turns!
February 2, 2019
https://beverleyhasread.wordpress.com/
Inborn, by Norwegian writer Thomas Enger was originally a crime book for young adults which has been re-worked as a book for ‘grown-ups’ and is a thoroughly great read which explores a myriad of themes. When the bodies of two young students are found in a high school in Fredheim, a small village in Norway, it sends shock waves through the community. Mari and Johannes were both popular at the school, she worked on the school newspaper whilst he was lead singer of the school band. They both had one thing in common; fellow student Even who was not only in the band with Johannes but until very recently was the boyfriend of Mari. He is the prime suspect and it is through his testimony in court that we are taken back to the aftermath of the deaths and the gossip and scrutiny that swirled in this small town.
I really enjoyed this book with its tight, sparse prose and clever narrative structure. Even’s testimony in court unveils a tale of secrets and lies but is he on trial for murder? He is the link between the two students who died and his recent break up with Mari and subsequent anger at her ending their relationship does not paint him in the best light. I love a book which flips between time lines and it is used to great effect in Inborn with the story slowing unfurling allowing me to be drawn deeply in.
This method allows us to feel the confusion and fear felt by Even. His devastation at the death of Mari is further compounded by the accusations levelled at him on Facebook. Rumours swirl about him and his role in the deaths. His phone beeps incessantly with notifications alerting him to tags in comments saying that he was there the night of the murder, that he is aggressive, violent and guilty. This mob mentality is allowed to breed online where behaviour goes unchecked and this constant bombardment becomes unbearable.
Even is a really likeable character and is brilliantly written. He has a complicated background and home life and his love for Mari is the only pure thing that he has. Her loss is a blow to him, but despite this, I still suspected him. This book is so clever as everybody is a suspect and I was so proud of myself for creating a convoluted but oh so clever theory. I was wrong. This is great storytelling which shines a spotlight on some really important issues.
One such issue is death. Obviously we have the death of the two students and the impact of this on their families, friends and wider communities but the detective investigating has recently lost his wife to cancer. I found his chapters incredibly moving. She appears to him as a kind of conscience to advise and support and his grief is palpable. It served as a reminder of mortality and how people can live on after death in the memories of those left behind. This is some seriously beautiful writing.
A small town reeling after murders, families on the brink, a detective grieving for his wife, a myriad of suspects; this book has everything. It is a multi-layered crime novel with lots of heart and I really enjoyed it. Oh, and there’s a lovely little big up to Six Stories by Matt Wesolowski too which made me smile. Great stuff.
Inborn, by Norwegian writer Thomas Enger was originally a crime book for young adults which has been re-worked as a book for ‘grown-ups’ and is a thoroughly great read which explores a myriad of themes. When the bodies of two young students are found in a high school in Fredheim, a small village in Norway, it sends shock waves through the community. Mari and Johannes were both popular at the school, she worked on the school newspaper whilst he was lead singer of the school band. They both had one thing in common; fellow student Even who was not only in the band with Johannes but until very recently was the boyfriend of Mari. He is the prime suspect and it is through his testimony in court that we are taken back to the aftermath of the deaths and the gossip and scrutiny that swirled in this small town.
I really enjoyed this book with its tight, sparse prose and clever narrative structure. Even’s testimony in court unveils a tale of secrets and lies but is he on trial for murder? He is the link between the two students who died and his recent break up with Mari and subsequent anger at her ending their relationship does not paint him in the best light. I love a book which flips between time lines and it is used to great effect in Inborn with the story slowing unfurling allowing me to be drawn deeply in.
This method allows us to feel the confusion and fear felt by Even. His devastation at the death of Mari is further compounded by the accusations levelled at him on Facebook. Rumours swirl about him and his role in the deaths. His phone beeps incessantly with notifications alerting him to tags in comments saying that he was there the night of the murder, that he is aggressive, violent and guilty. This mob mentality is allowed to breed online where behaviour goes unchecked and this constant bombardment becomes unbearable.
Even is a really likeable character and is brilliantly written. He has a complicated background and home life and his love for Mari is the only pure thing that he has. Her loss is a blow to him, but despite this, I still suspected him. This book is so clever as everybody is a suspect and I was so proud of myself for creating a convoluted but oh so clever theory. I was wrong. This is great storytelling which shines a spotlight on some really important issues.
One such issue is death. Obviously we have the death of the two students and the impact of this on their families, friends and wider communities but the detective investigating has recently lost his wife to cancer. I found his chapters incredibly moving. She appears to him as a kind of conscience to advise and support and his grief is palpable. It served as a reminder of mortality and how people can live on after death in the memories of those left behind. This is some seriously beautiful writing.
A small town reeling after murders, families on the brink, a detective grieving for his wife, a myriad of suspects; this book has everything. It is a multi-layered crime novel with lots of heart and I really enjoyed it. Oh, and there’s a lovely little big up to Six Stories by Matt Wesolowski too which made me smile. Great stuff.
February 10, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
OMG this book was addictive!!!!! If you exclude the times where I had to put the book down to feed the mini human and pets (how rude!), I can safely say that I devoured 'Inborn' in a matter of hours. Such a clever, clever novel which highlights the fact that nothing is ever as it seems.
The prologue to 'Inborn' was absolutely cracking and set the wheels in most for the rest of the book. Who was the person there? Why were they there? Who else was in the vicinity at the same time? Something bad had happened, but the reasoning as to why was nowhere to be seen. Well, not for a while anyway.
'Inborn' is a strong case of mistaken identity in the sense that even individual characters were left questioning themselves, even though they knew the truth. But did they really? The fact that I was left questioning every little detail in the book was strong proof that Thomas Enger is incredible at keeping his readers on their toes. I could not believe just how complex each scenario in the storyline was written, whilst also being woven into various other situations seamlessly and flawlessly.
'Inborn' kept me face muscles working until the very last page as my expressions switched between shocked, uncertainty and disbelief, time and time again - I couldn't believe what my eyes were digesting and, to be brutally honest, I still can't!
As I said at the start of the review, I thought this book was so very clever and I loved every single minute of it. From psychologically damaging relationships to uncertain answers, and from complex thoughts to twisted judgements, 'Inborn' is one of the most psychologically twisted books I have read so far this year.
Utterly, utterly brilliant - I urge you all to grab yourselves a copy to be put under Thomas Enger's spell. Looooooved it!!
OMG this book was addictive!!!!! If you exclude the times where I had to put the book down to feed the mini human and pets (how rude!), I can safely say that I devoured 'Inborn' in a matter of hours. Such a clever, clever novel which highlights the fact that nothing is ever as it seems.
The prologue to 'Inborn' was absolutely cracking and set the wheels in most for the rest of the book. Who was the person there? Why were they there? Who else was in the vicinity at the same time? Something bad had happened, but the reasoning as to why was nowhere to be seen. Well, not for a while anyway.
'Inborn' is a strong case of mistaken identity in the sense that even individual characters were left questioning themselves, even though they knew the truth. But did they really? The fact that I was left questioning every little detail in the book was strong proof that Thomas Enger is incredible at keeping his readers on their toes. I could not believe just how complex each scenario in the storyline was written, whilst also being woven into various other situations seamlessly and flawlessly.
'Inborn' kept me face muscles working until the very last page as my expressions switched between shocked, uncertainty and disbelief, time and time again - I couldn't believe what my eyes were digesting and, to be brutally honest, I still can't!
As I said at the start of the review, I thought this book was so very clever and I loved every single minute of it. From psychologically damaging relationships to uncertain answers, and from complex thoughts to twisted judgements, 'Inborn' is one of the most psychologically twisted books I have read so far this year.
Utterly, utterly brilliant - I urge you all to grab yourselves a copy to be put under Thomas Enger's spell. Looooooved it!!
February 24, 2019
This is the first Thomas Enger book that I have read but it certainly won’t be the last.
I found this book to be a bit of a slow burner after the initial shocking chapter, but it kept going and giving and twisting and questioning. I loved so much about it including the way that the author weaves two timelines into the story was brilliant, they fit together perfectly and I loved how it worked.
The story was clever, there were many twists and so many times I thought that I’d worked it out, but of course I hadn’t. So many of the characters seemed to be hiding something and it was hard for the reader to know who to trust.
I talked to a friend about Inborn and tried to explain how translated books are different, she struggled to understand what I meant and in the end I decided that authors from Norway, Iceland etc tend to use their words more wisely with less filler, everything that they say is important and part of the story. Some of these translated books are easier to read than others, but this one I found very easy to read so if you are new to Nordic Noir then I think that Inborn is a great place to start.
I’m not going to give any spoilers about the book and the story, but it is such a clever book and I loved reading it and finding out how it all came together. You’re in for a real treat!
I found this book to be a bit of a slow burner after the initial shocking chapter, but it kept going and giving and twisting and questioning. I loved so much about it including the way that the author weaves two timelines into the story was brilliant, they fit together perfectly and I loved how it worked.
The story was clever, there were many twists and so many times I thought that I’d worked it out, but of course I hadn’t. So many of the characters seemed to be hiding something and it was hard for the reader to know who to trust.
I talked to a friend about Inborn and tried to explain how translated books are different, she struggled to understand what I meant and in the end I decided that authors from Norway, Iceland etc tend to use their words more wisely with less filler, everything that they say is important and part of the story. Some of these translated books are easier to read than others, but this one I found very easy to read so if you are new to Nordic Noir then I think that Inborn is a great place to start.
I’m not going to give any spoilers about the book and the story, but it is such a clever book and I loved reading it and finding out how it all came together. You’re in for a real treat!
December 30, 2021
Un nordic-noir foarte bine scris, a cărui poveste este puțin spus interesantă: autorul a dorit să scrie o poveste pentru tineri, însă i-a ieșit una pentru adulți. Așa că, la sfatul soției sale, a scris două cărți pe același subiect (uciderea a doi liceeni după un concert din interiorul liceului) pentru două tipuri de public (adult și adolescent) diferite, dar din aceeași perspectivă. Despre ce a ieșit, în curând, pe Biblioteca lui Liviu.
December 7, 2021
Thomas Enger has a story that he told to his wife and then he made it into one of the best stories that has been written to date. He starts out with the killing of Johannes Eklund and then he goes into how they found the body. While they were checking the rooms they also found the body of a girl, Mari Lindgren who was strangled. Thomas takes us on a lot of different scenarios with all the people who would have an interest. But, he sticks with one person of interest and that is Even Tollefsen, and has the prosecutor Ms Hakonsen having him testify in court. He shifts form Now to Then quite a bit and it becomes habit forming so you no whats happening. I have to say I had feelings of doubt for Even but it turns out ok. I give the story 5 out of 5 stars.
May 24, 2022
3.5⭐️
Final previzibil, dar am gasit un plot antrenant si actiune in pas rapid.
Un thriller bunicel as spune. Pentru iubitorii nordicilor poate fi un adevarat hit ☺️
Final previzibil, dar am gasit un plot antrenant si actiune in pas rapid.
Un thriller bunicel as spune. Pentru iubitorii nordicilor poate fi un adevarat hit ☺️
January 30, 2019
Review to follow for the tour.
April 11, 2019
Inborn is a clever mix of a locked room YA thriller / mystery and courtroom drama. It’s also a reminder of how readily I jump to conclusions! The locked room trope is reflected in the small town where the murders have been committed. I don’t know about you, but I never seem to tire of those little murderous towns! I love joining the investigator (in this case police officer Yngva, LOVED him) and putting my little grey cells to work! By the time I’d reached the finale those poor little grey cells were exhausted and I was none the wiser! Just when I thought I was right about a certain character, I was proven wrong (although I was right in not trusting them, at least that’s something). The flow of the story was excellent! When a question was asked in the courtroom, a flashback followed, allowing the reader to find out the answer. Very addictive!
Inborn is narrated by David Shaw-Parker. I listened to a sample of the narration and I wasn’t sure whether David and I would be a match. I tend to like female narrators better, I think because women are usually better at the men’s voices than the other way around. This narrator isn’t only a man, he’s a man with a Barry White voice. So sorry for all you Barry White fans out there, but there’s no love lost between Barry and me 😂 I bought Inborn anyway, since you can return Audible books you don’t like and I really wanted to read Inborn but knew I wouldn’t have the time because I had too many blog tour books to read. However, the narrator’s voice kind of grew on me and I ended up really enjoying it (it helped of course that I loved the story so much).
Atmospheric, intricately woven and riddled with red herrings, recommended!
Inborn is narrated by David Shaw-Parker. I listened to a sample of the narration and I wasn’t sure whether David and I would be a match. I tend to like female narrators better, I think because women are usually better at the men’s voices than the other way around. This narrator isn’t only a man, he’s a man with a Barry White voice. So sorry for all you Barry White fans out there, but there’s no love lost between Barry and me 😂 I bought Inborn anyway, since you can return Audible books you don’t like and I really wanted to read Inborn but knew I wouldn’t have the time because I had too many blog tour books to read. However, the narrator’s voice kind of grew on me and I ended up really enjoying it (it helped of course that I loved the story so much).
Atmospheric, intricately woven and riddled with red herrings, recommended!
December 18, 2021
Cartea „Instinct criminal” este un thriller literar captivant și inteligent, mâna antrenată a autorului a scos ce e mai bun din tot ce se putea scrie aducându-ne în față o poveste pe cât de emoționantă, tot pe atât de complicată ce a venit ca o introspecție la tot ce a fost și ce urmează să fie. Deși cartea a fost o lectură ușoară, trezindu-mă complet absorbită de personaje și de intrigă, fiecare punând picătură cu picătură ce au umplut foile cu mister totuși miezul și deznodământul mi-au lăsat un gust amar. Am realizat pe măsură ce citeam că îmi place acest zbucium textual din care ies întrebări; iar cot la cot cu eroul principal Even am deslușit acele taine care sau trebuiau lăsate în negura vremii sau scoase la lumină. Și mai ales am aflat cine e criminalul, cel care a fost în văzul tuturor.
Link blog: https://vorbepentrusufletblog.wordpre...
Link blog: https://vorbepentrusufletblog.wordpre...
February 24, 2020
Thomas Enger says that his wife gave him a 'lightning bolt idea' and this led to him writing two books about the same story. Killerinstinkt was the first book and Inborn is the adult crossover, dealing with the same story.
The small Norwegian town of Fredheim appears quite ordinary; populated by families who've lived there for years, who all know each other well.
However, there's been a terrible tragedy at the High School and two pupils have been found murdered after a concert held at the school.
Thomas Enger tells this story over two time periods. The main voice of the narrative is that of Even Tollefsen who is in the courtroom at the court case dealing with the murders. One of the victims was Mari, until recently, she and Even had been a couple. Mari had broken off their relationship just a couple of weeks before she died. Even was distraught. Mari refused to speak with him, and he had no idea why she had decided to stop seeing him. Everyone in Fredheim knew how upset Even was, everyone knew that he was desperate to win her back. Now everyone suspects him of murdering her.
That's the present time, and the author flicks back to the recent past as Even recounts what happened that night and over the following days. We meet Chief Inspector Yngve Mork; another long-term resident of the town, who knows everyone, and knows their history. Yngve is a wonderfully created character. He's kind and compassionate and also grieving the recent loss of his beloved wife. He takes comfort in her memory, often imagining that she's guiding him through the case.
Inborn is one of those stories that really capture the imagination. It is filled with secrets that are very slowly revealed, casting doubt upon the characters, and changing any motive that the reader has imagined. The small-town, close knit community is described so well, with characters who are perfectly crafted and feel so realistic.
The tension throughout is brilliantly sustained as Even recalls the events and the numerous bombshell secrets that have been revealed over the past weeks. The depiction of Even's grief is tenderly and realistically handled; along with his growing anger, and then his total disbelief at what he discovers. Some of the things that have been hidden from him, and from others, are utterly life changing for him, and his family, and as he struggles to deal with the revelations, his sorrow becomes palpable.
Inborn is constructed with style and precision. The tension mounts as the case unfolds and leads to a dramatic and very clever finale.
Wonderfully addictive. Crime fiction of the highest quality from one of the finest Nordic Noir authors.
The small Norwegian town of Fredheim appears quite ordinary; populated by families who've lived there for years, who all know each other well.
However, there's been a terrible tragedy at the High School and two pupils have been found murdered after a concert held at the school.
Thomas Enger tells this story over two time periods. The main voice of the narrative is that of Even Tollefsen who is in the courtroom at the court case dealing with the murders. One of the victims was Mari, until recently, she and Even had been a couple. Mari had broken off their relationship just a couple of weeks before she died. Even was distraught. Mari refused to speak with him, and he had no idea why she had decided to stop seeing him. Everyone in Fredheim knew how upset Even was, everyone knew that he was desperate to win her back. Now everyone suspects him of murdering her.
That's the present time, and the author flicks back to the recent past as Even recounts what happened that night and over the following days. We meet Chief Inspector Yngve Mork; another long-term resident of the town, who knows everyone, and knows their history. Yngve is a wonderfully created character. He's kind and compassionate and also grieving the recent loss of his beloved wife. He takes comfort in her memory, often imagining that she's guiding him through the case.
Inborn is one of those stories that really capture the imagination. It is filled with secrets that are very slowly revealed, casting doubt upon the characters, and changing any motive that the reader has imagined. The small-town, close knit community is described so well, with characters who are perfectly crafted and feel so realistic.
The tension throughout is brilliantly sustained as Even recalls the events and the numerous bombshell secrets that have been revealed over the past weeks. The depiction of Even's grief is tenderly and realistically handled; along with his growing anger, and then his total disbelief at what he discovers. Some of the things that have been hidden from him, and from others, are utterly life changing for him, and his family, and as he struggles to deal with the revelations, his sorrow becomes palpable.
Inborn is constructed with style and precision. The tension mounts as the case unfolds and leads to a dramatic and very clever finale.
Wonderfully addictive. Crime fiction of the highest quality from one of the finest Nordic Noir authors.
October 26, 2021
A really enjoyable read that crosses over (and does it well) between a court room drama and a thriller that all lead up to the same result.
A teenage boy is the prime suspect when his ex girlfriend and her friend are found murdered in the local school. Then, just hours later, another schoolboy is also found dead at a remote part of the town.
The local detective, still mourning his wife as he edges closer to retirement picks up the case and tries to put it all together.
As he does that, the story rebounds to the current day court case and the events of what happened in the hours/days after the murder.
All in all, a really enjoyable read and the back and to (which can be frustrating in books where it is not done well) works perfectly in this and adds to the overall excitement.
A teenage boy is the prime suspect when his ex girlfriend and her friend are found murdered in the local school. Then, just hours later, another schoolboy is also found dead at a remote part of the town.
The local detective, still mourning his wife as he edges closer to retirement picks up the case and tries to put it all together.
As he does that, the story rebounds to the current day court case and the events of what happened in the hours/days after the murder.
All in all, a really enjoyable read and the back and to (which can be frustrating in books where it is not done well) works perfectly in this and adds to the overall excitement.
September 29, 2024
Ein toller Jugendthriller, der vor allem durch die zwei Erzählebenen gut funktioniert
February 22, 2019
Review to come
February 22, 2019
Bloody loved this. REALLY loved the present day courtroom scenes, and how the questions were then answered by flashback. Really kept the momentum going, making this a super-addictive page-turner. And the writing - always beautiful from Mr Enger. Such a treat. He happens to speak Hull very well, but don't tell everyone...
September 25, 2019
Wer heute lügt, ist morgen tot ist der erste Jugendthriller des norwegischen Thrillerautoren Thomas Enger und vor kurzem im cbt-Verlag erschienen. Das Cover zeigt einen Jungen, der durch einen Wald geht und ist sehr ansprechend gestaltet, auch wenn die Abbildung nicht unbedingt zum Inhalt des Buches passt.
Die Geschichte wird anhand einer Gerichtsverhandlung aus Evens Sicht erzählt. Die meisten Kapitel beginnen mit einem kurzen Abschnitt, in dem die Staatsanwältin Even nach bestimmten Ereignissen befragt, gefolgt von Rückblenden aus Evens Sicht, durch die der Leser alles über die Morde und die Geschehnisse danach erfährt. Da Even schnell verdächtigt wird selbst der Täter zu sein, macht er sich auf die Suche nach dem wahren Mörder und deckt dabei so einiges über sein Umfeld auf, was er niemals erwartet hätte.
Der Schreibstil des Buches war sehr flüssig und ich konnte das Buch durch die recht große Schrift und die geringe Seitenzahl schnell durchlesen. Da es sich um einen Jugendthriller handelt, war er sprachlich etwas lockerer formuliert, was aber an keiner Stelle störend war.
Leider blieben sowohl Even als auch seine Familienmitglieder und Freunde sehr blass beschrieben. Man hat zwar immer die nötigen Informationen über jeden bekommen, um jemanden verdächtigen zu können aber leider auch keinerlei Zusatzinformationen, die die Persönlichkeit der Charaktere weiter herausgearbeitet hätten. Ab etwa der Hälfte des Buches war mir zudem klar worauf die Handlung hinauslaufen wird, sodass der Rest der Geschichte dann nur noch vor sich hingeplätschert ist und für mich persönlich keinerlei Spannung mehr aufkam. Außerdem gab es einige Stellen an denen Dinge passiert sind, die dann nicht mehr wirklich aufgegriffen wurden, sodass das Buch für mich nicht ganz zufriedenstellend geendet hat.
Trotzdem ließ sich das Buch flüssig und angenehm lesen und hat ein schlüssiges Ende gehabt, sodass ich ihm trotz recht langweiliger Handlung 3 Sterne gebe, auch wenn es meiner Meinung nach deutlich bessere Bücher in diesem Genre gibt.
Die Geschichte wird anhand einer Gerichtsverhandlung aus Evens Sicht erzählt. Die meisten Kapitel beginnen mit einem kurzen Abschnitt, in dem die Staatsanwältin Even nach bestimmten Ereignissen befragt, gefolgt von Rückblenden aus Evens Sicht, durch die der Leser alles über die Morde und die Geschehnisse danach erfährt. Da Even schnell verdächtigt wird selbst der Täter zu sein, macht er sich auf die Suche nach dem wahren Mörder und deckt dabei so einiges über sein Umfeld auf, was er niemals erwartet hätte.
Der Schreibstil des Buches war sehr flüssig und ich konnte das Buch durch die recht große Schrift und die geringe Seitenzahl schnell durchlesen. Da es sich um einen Jugendthriller handelt, war er sprachlich etwas lockerer formuliert, was aber an keiner Stelle störend war.
Leider blieben sowohl Even als auch seine Familienmitglieder und Freunde sehr blass beschrieben. Man hat zwar immer die nötigen Informationen über jeden bekommen, um jemanden verdächtigen zu können aber leider auch keinerlei Zusatzinformationen, die die Persönlichkeit der Charaktere weiter herausgearbeitet hätten. Ab etwa der Hälfte des Buches war mir zudem klar worauf die Handlung hinauslaufen wird, sodass der Rest der Geschichte dann nur noch vor sich hingeplätschert ist und für mich persönlich keinerlei Spannung mehr aufkam. Außerdem gab es einige Stellen an denen Dinge passiert sind, die dann nicht mehr wirklich aufgegriffen wurden, sodass das Buch für mich nicht ganz zufriedenstellend geendet hat.
Trotzdem ließ sich das Buch flüssig und angenehm lesen und hat ein schlüssiges Ende gehabt, sodass ich ihm trotz recht langweiliger Handlung 3 Sterne gebe, auch wenn es meiner Meinung nach deutlich bessere Bücher in diesem Genre gibt.
February 21, 2019
Inborn opens with a brutal murder so immediately my interest was piqued! This is both a courtroom drama and a murder mystery in a small town with a bit of a YA edge to it and I loved it! It was one of those reads where you’re not quite sure where its going and it had a back and forth, then and now, timeline which you guys know I love. So at first you think the person on the stand telling the story about what happened is for sure the guilty one but as the story progresses you start to suspect a whole host of others.. suddenly everyone is a suspect.
As the story unfolds and more secrets are uncovered we start to rule out suspects and the pool thins but I still didn’t manage to pin it down which was excellent. Just when you think it’s all over some more secrets are revealed.
I loved the direction this went in and its all told from the perspective of 17-year-old Even who’s recently ex girlfriend is one of the victims and he is on the stand. Did he kill her? Everyone else seems to think so.. I liked Even, he seems genuinely confused as to how he ended up in this situation, he questions himself and everyone else. He discovers things about people who he thought he knew and realises he doesn’t really know those closest to him at all.
An unputdownable highly engaging read, I’m really glad I read it as it was very well done.
As the story unfolds and more secrets are uncovered we start to rule out suspects and the pool thins but I still didn’t manage to pin it down which was excellent. Just when you think it’s all over some more secrets are revealed.
I loved the direction this went in and its all told from the perspective of 17-year-old Even who’s recently ex girlfriend is one of the victims and he is on the stand. Did he kill her? Everyone else seems to think so.. I liked Even, he seems genuinely confused as to how he ended up in this situation, he questions himself and everyone else. He discovers things about people who he thought he knew and realises he doesn’t really know those closest to him at all.
An unputdownable highly engaging read, I’m really glad I read it as it was very well done.
December 17, 2021
Nordic noir is the best kind of noir
Atunci când două crime sunt descoperite, un oraș întreg este șocat iar viața unui adolescent se va schimba radical.
Cartea este un thriller polițist, young-adult potrivit pentru toate gusturile. Zic asta pentru că este relatată din perspectiva unui adolescent considerat suspect în ancheta polițiștilor dar nu avem parte de drame adolescentine, este o carte cu greutate, mister și multe situații messed up.
Am citit cartea asta fără să respir. Felul în care au fost relatate întâmplările cu fragmente din trecut îmbinate cu prezentul au făcut povestea mai interesantă și captivantă.
Am fost curioasă de la primele pagini și m-a ținut în priză până la final. Și ce final!
Dacă sunteți fani scriitori nordici (pentru că au ei un stil aparte) neapărat să citiți și cartea asta, o să vă stoarceți creierii să aflați criminalul 😅
Atunci când două crime sunt descoperite, un oraș întreg este șocat iar viața unui adolescent se va schimba radical.
Cartea este un thriller polițist, young-adult potrivit pentru toate gusturile. Zic asta pentru că este relatată din perspectiva unui adolescent considerat suspect în ancheta polițiștilor dar nu avem parte de drame adolescentine, este o carte cu greutate, mister și multe situații messed up.
Am citit cartea asta fără să respir. Felul în care au fost relatate întâmplările cu fragmente din trecut îmbinate cu prezentul au făcut povestea mai interesantă și captivantă.
Am fost curioasă de la primele pagini și m-a ținut în priză până la final. Și ce final!
Dacă sunteți fani scriitori nordici (pentru că au ei un stil aparte) neapărat să citiți și cartea asta, o să vă stoarceți creierii să aflați criminalul 😅
February 1, 2019
Time taken to read - 1.5 days
Pages - 276
Publisher - Orenda Books
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
When the high school in the small Norwegian village of Fredheim becomes a murder scene, the finger is soon pointed at seventeen-year-old Even. As the investigation closes in, social media is ablaze with accusations, rumours and even threats, and Even finds himself the subject of an online trial as well as being in the dock… for murder? Even pores over his memories of the months leading up to the crime, and it becomes clear that more than one villager was acting suspiciously… and secrets are simmering beneath the calm surface of this close-knit community. As events from the past play tag with the present, he's forced to question everything he thought he knew. Was the death of his father in a car crash a decade earlier really accidental? Has his relationship stirred up something that someone is prepared to kill to protect? It seems that there may be no one that Even can trust. But can we trust him? A taut, moving and chilling thriller, Inborn examines the very nature of evil, and asks the questions: How well do we really know our families? How well do we know ourselves?
My Review
We open at the night of the murder, the prologue and what kicks everything off, a brutal slaying. We then go to "NOW" Even is seventeen and this is his first time in court. The chapters alternate between "THEN" the night of the murder and what follows sequentially and "NOW" with Even in court. As we flip between the two timelines we see the story start to unfold, can we trust the narrator, can we trust anyone? Who has reason to kill and how can you find your killer when everyone is a suspect.
This is another translated book and again another I have really enjoyed, either the books I have read before just didn't work for me, I have grown as a reader or these are just really really good. Even is seventeen and the perfect suspect for the crime, of course he is when so many things point to him. He is tried by social media, suspected by those close to him and being seventeen his actions lead the reader to suspect him too. To be fair I suspected everyone and flip flopped back and forth on so many characters and didn't have a clue to be honest. A book that keeps you on your toes with many red herrings, I felt like the good auld days watching Murder She Wrote everyone was a suspect!
The chapters are pretty short which as you know by now I love as it allows me to dip in and out when working and only get a chance to read after work. It also hinders sleep as you are up half the night with the old chestnut "just one more chapter". This was my first dance with this author it won't be my last. Murder, police procedural, investigation, family, love, teen angst, relationships and whilst duo timelines don't always work it did in this tale. Before and after the events bringing us to an epic finale that will drop your wee jaw, even the readers who work out the motives/killers I think will be hard pushed to solve this bad boy! 4/5 for me this time, I will be checking out the other offerings by this author.
Pages - 276
Publisher - Orenda Books
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
When the high school in the small Norwegian village of Fredheim becomes a murder scene, the finger is soon pointed at seventeen-year-old Even. As the investigation closes in, social media is ablaze with accusations, rumours and even threats, and Even finds himself the subject of an online trial as well as being in the dock… for murder? Even pores over his memories of the months leading up to the crime, and it becomes clear that more than one villager was acting suspiciously… and secrets are simmering beneath the calm surface of this close-knit community. As events from the past play tag with the present, he's forced to question everything he thought he knew. Was the death of his father in a car crash a decade earlier really accidental? Has his relationship stirred up something that someone is prepared to kill to protect? It seems that there may be no one that Even can trust. But can we trust him? A taut, moving and chilling thriller, Inborn examines the very nature of evil, and asks the questions: How well do we really know our families? How well do we know ourselves?
My Review
We open at the night of the murder, the prologue and what kicks everything off, a brutal slaying. We then go to "NOW" Even is seventeen and this is his first time in court. The chapters alternate between "THEN" the night of the murder and what follows sequentially and "NOW" with Even in court. As we flip between the two timelines we see the story start to unfold, can we trust the narrator, can we trust anyone? Who has reason to kill and how can you find your killer when everyone is a suspect.
This is another translated book and again another I have really enjoyed, either the books I have read before just didn't work for me, I have grown as a reader or these are just really really good. Even is seventeen and the perfect suspect for the crime, of course he is when so many things point to him. He is tried by social media, suspected by those close to him and being seventeen his actions lead the reader to suspect him too. To be fair I suspected everyone and flip flopped back and forth on so many characters and didn't have a clue to be honest. A book that keeps you on your toes with many red herrings, I felt like the good auld days watching Murder She Wrote everyone was a suspect!
The chapters are pretty short which as you know by now I love as it allows me to dip in and out when working and only get a chance to read after work. It also hinders sleep as you are up half the night with the old chestnut "just one more chapter". This was my first dance with this author it won't be my last. Murder, police procedural, investigation, family, love, teen angst, relationships and whilst duo timelines don't always work it did in this tale. Before and after the events bringing us to an epic finale that will drop your wee jaw, even the readers who work out the motives/killers I think will be hard pushed to solve this bad boy! 4/5 for me this time, I will be checking out the other offerings by this author.
February 12, 2019
Having enjoyed Thomas Enger’s series of books featuring Henning Juul I was looking forward to reading this standalone YA/ adult fiction novel. My feeling was that it was more adult fiction than YA.
Even, the lead character is only one of the voices. There is also his mother Suzanne, who is to put it mildly, not much support to him or anybody else, and a police officer Yngve. Yngve was a character who I adored. I loved his approach to the investigation, how he tried to support Even whilst wondering if he was responsible for the murders that had taken place. But most of all I loved his conversations with his recently deceased wife Åse.
Because it is YA there is less detail than usual about the killings but it’s believable. The small town community that is stunned by the deaths, the suspicion regarding Even, the gossip and abuse on social media and the self imposed isolation caused by computer gaming.
There are many twists, I didn’t have a clue whether Even was guilty or innocent. I couldn’t even work out if he was the accused or a witness in the court scenes. Or if he wasn’t guilty, who was?
It is a completely different novel to the ones that are from the Henning Juul series but it is just as good.
Even, the lead character is only one of the voices. There is also his mother Suzanne, who is to put it mildly, not much support to him or anybody else, and a police officer Yngve. Yngve was a character who I adored. I loved his approach to the investigation, how he tried to support Even whilst wondering if he was responsible for the murders that had taken place. But most of all I loved his conversations with his recently deceased wife Åse.
Because it is YA there is less detail than usual about the killings but it’s believable. The small town community that is stunned by the deaths, the suspicion regarding Even, the gossip and abuse on social media and the self imposed isolation caused by computer gaming.
There are many twists, I didn’t have a clue whether Even was guilty or innocent. I couldn’t even work out if he was the accused or a witness in the court scenes. Or if he wasn’t guilty, who was?
It is a completely different novel to the ones that are from the Henning Juul series but it is just as good.
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