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Alexander Blix & Emma Ramm #3
Slagside
Etterforsker Sofia Kovic har funnet en sammenheng mellom flere drap og dødsfall i Oslo det siste året. Den siste oppdagelsen hun gjør, fører til at hun prøver å få tak i sin sjef, Alexander Blix. Sofias oppdagelser får uhyggelige konsekvenser for henne selv, sjefen hennes, og ikke minst hans datter, Iselin. Slagside er historien om hvordan en drapsmann blir til.
362 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2020
201 people are currently reading
828 people want to read
About the author
Jørn Lier Horst
152 books1,614 followersJorn Lier Horst (born in Bamble, Telemark 1970) is a former Senior Investigating Officer at the Norwegian police force. He made his literary debut as a crime writer in 2004 and is considered one of the foremost Nordic crime writers.
His series of mystery novels starring chief inspector William Wisting provides a detailed and authentic insight into how criminal cases are investigated and how it affects those involved, whether private or professional. The books represent a simple and accurate picture of the modern Nordic societies and is characterized by political and social commentary subtext.
His series of mystery novels starring chief inspector William Wisting provides a detailed and authentic insight into how criminal cases are investigated and how it affects those involved, whether private or professional. The books represent a simple and accurate picture of the modern Nordic societies and is characterized by political and social commentary subtext.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
March 3, 2022
Back to read the latest collaborative work between Jørn Lier Horst and Thomas Enger, I had high expectations. The pair have crafted a great series that taps into many aspects of crime and investigation, using strong protagonists to get their point across. While at a speaking engagement, DI Alexander Blix receives numerous calls from one of his colleagues and his daughter. It is only later that he learns that a gunman entered their flat and killed the police officer. When Blix insists his daughter receive some therapy, things go awry as she is kidnapped from the office and held captive. Blix takes matters into his own hands and kills that man holding his daughter. However, questions arise as to whether this was the shooter, or if Blix was blinded by rage and simply shot a man for his own revenge. Horst and Enger work their magic again in this stunning piece!
While Detective Inspector Alexander Blix is speaking to a large group, he receives several calls on his mobile, both from Inspector Sofia Konica and his own daughter, Iselin. It is only after the fact that Blix learns of the horror they went through, where Kovic was murdered, execution style, and Iselin barely escaped the killer as she hid in her apartment below. Blix begins trying to piece it all together, working with crime reporter, Emma Ramm, only to learn that Kovic had been working on some corruption within the department.
After convicting Iselin to receive some therapy from one of the psychologists on staff, Blix feels slightly at ease, especially when Emma agrees to take her. Things get turned on their head when Iselin is kidnapped from the office and taken into custody, fuelling Blix’s desire to save his daughter at any cost. When he tracks down where Iselin is being held, things go awry as she is almost killed again and Blix shoots the man, unarmed, in the back. Thus begins a series of issues for the decorated officer.
While Blix is being interrogated by Oslo Police ,Iselin clings to life in the hospital. Emma, feeling guilty for not being there for Iselin, straddles both worlds and tries to help her friend as well as be supportive. It is only then that the truth comes out and Blix begins to discover that things may not be as they seem. Could the killer still be on the loose? Fuelled by a need for answers and a tragic turn of events, Blix does all he can to reveal the truth, once and for all. Another great novel in this new series that is sure to have readers intrigued.
Horst and Enger have shown that they can effectively work in collaboration without losing any of their personal style. I have long been a fan of Jørn Lier Horst’s work, but this was a refreshing spin on things, allowing me to see how the ideas can vary between the two popular authors. A gritty story that takes the reader in many directions, there is a little of everything to culminate in a stunning ending. While I do love Horst’s solo work, I have come to enjoy this series as well, hoping that there is more to come.
Alexander Blix and Emma Ramm share the limelight as protagonists once again. Personal stories flood the narrative, as the reader will discover, but there is a strong sense of character development within, even as Blix struggles with the friendship he has with Ramm. This is surely a darker story, one that taps into things that many authors do not reveal about their leads, but I felt it necessary to show the realism they share and the struggles that permeate just below the surface on occasion. I will gladly accept more development and backstory when the authors return for another instalment of the series, as I have come to really enjoy these two, working alone or in tandem.
This was likely one of the darkest Scandinavian noir books that I have read in a while, though not because of the crime being presented. Rather, it was more the angst and personal pain presented throughout and the attempt to set things straight once more. The narrative was strong and kept me wondering throughout, as things progressed and took turns I could not have expected. Great characters fit well alongside a plot that left me hooked as I read well into the evening. Short chapters offered a tease of what is to come and I could not get enough, even as I tried to put the book down doer a period of time. This is a series worth noting for those who love Scandinavian thrillers like no other. The translation was once again quite seamless, making me wonder how this could not have been a book penned in English from the outset. I am eager to see if Horst and Enger have more collaborative plans, as there is something to be said for two powerhouses working together to create something even better!
Kudos, Messrs. Horst and Enger, for another great story. Series fans are in a for a treat with this.
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April 22, 2022
UNHINGED is the 3rd instalment in the gripping Nordic Noir Crime Series by Jørn Lier Horst , Thomas Enger and Megan Turney (Translator), published through Orenda books. This is a fast-paced read and one that is hard to put down!
The novels in the Alexander Blix & Emma Ramm Series Include:
Death Deserved (Book 1) (2019)
Smoke Screen (Book 2) (2020)
Unhinged (Book 3) (2021)
This is the review of Unhinged. Although third in the series it reads well as a standalone.
Investigator Sofia Kovic has uncovered a corruption connection between several deaths and murder cases in Oslo over the last year and a half. She tries to call her closest superior, DCI Alexander Blix, Homicide Oslo Police District, but before Blix has time to return her call, Kovic is shot and killed in her own home – execution style. And in the apartment below, Blix’s daughter Iselin narrowly escapes becoming the killer’s next victim.
Blix soon finds out that a gunman entered their flat and killed the police officer.
Crime-fighting duo DI Alexander Blix and crime journalist/blogger Emma Ramm join forces to investigate the case, and learn that Kovic had been working on some corruption within the department.
Soon after Iselin agrees to receiving counselling therapy after this ordeal, she is kidnapped from the office and held captive. Blix in rage kills the man holding his daughter. But was this the shooter?
Four days later, Alexander Blix and Emma Ramm are inside the Oslo Police interrogation room, facing the National Criminal Investigation Service. Blix has shot and killed a man, and Ramm saw it all happen. In the hospital, Iselin’s life hangs in the balance. Blix no longer knows who he can trust. And he’s not even certain he’s killed the right man…
This was a fast-paced read with translation that is both clear and seamless, that will appeal to a wide audience, with its elaborate plot and well-developed relatable characters and climatic ending. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the authors and translator and the Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
The novels in the Alexander Blix & Emma Ramm Series Include:
Death Deserved (Book 1) (2019)
Smoke Screen (Book 2) (2020)
Unhinged (Book 3) (2021)
This is the review of Unhinged. Although third in the series it reads well as a standalone.
Investigator Sofia Kovic has uncovered a corruption connection between several deaths and murder cases in Oslo over the last year and a half. She tries to call her closest superior, DCI Alexander Blix, Homicide Oslo Police District, but before Blix has time to return her call, Kovic is shot and killed in her own home – execution style. And in the apartment below, Blix’s daughter Iselin narrowly escapes becoming the killer’s next victim.
Blix soon finds out that a gunman entered their flat and killed the police officer.
Crime-fighting duo DI Alexander Blix and crime journalist/blogger Emma Ramm join forces to investigate the case, and learn that Kovic had been working on some corruption within the department.
Soon after Iselin agrees to receiving counselling therapy after this ordeal, she is kidnapped from the office and held captive. Blix in rage kills the man holding his daughter. But was this the shooter?
Four days later, Alexander Blix and Emma Ramm are inside the Oslo Police interrogation room, facing the National Criminal Investigation Service. Blix has shot and killed a man, and Ramm saw it all happen. In the hospital, Iselin’s life hangs in the balance. Blix no longer knows who he can trust. And he’s not even certain he’s killed the right man…
This was a fast-paced read with translation that is both clear and seamless, that will appeal to a wide audience, with its elaborate plot and well-developed relatable characters and climatic ending. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the authors and translator and the Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
January 1, 2024
In between NG and EW books, I'm reading books I bought or found for free in the last couple of years. This was my first book by Enger and Horst, but I had no problems whatsoever getting to know Blix and Emma. Later I found part one of this series in my in my tbr list, so I will probably read that one soon.
I enjoyed the book because for me it had just the right amount of everything: a dark story, main characters with a different background, police procedural stories (and politics) and above all a good pace, a great writing style and a very unexpected ending.
Somehow it reminded me a little of the Gillard series by Nick Louth, a series that I discovered only recently, mainly because Blix reminded me of Craig Gillard. I'm happy to have discovered this Blix and Ramm series now and I hope to read the whole series (so many books, so little time ;-)).
I enjoyed the book because for me it had just the right amount of everything: a dark story, main characters with a different background, police procedural stories (and politics) and above all a good pace, a great writing style and a very unexpected ending.
Somehow it reminded me a little of the Gillard series by Nick Louth, a series that I discovered only recently, mainly because Blix reminded me of Craig Gillard. I'm happy to have discovered this Blix and Ramm series now and I hope to read the whole series (so many books, so little time ;-)).
May 11, 2023
In this novel, the third collaboration between two of Norway’s foremost crime writers, police investigator Sofia Kovic is murdered in her own home and Alexander Blix’s daughter, Iselin, narrowly manages to escape, only later to be abducted.
Blix, accompanied by his friend, journalist Emma Ramm, manages to locate Iselin’s whereabouts and shoots and kills her abductor. The novel’s timeline alternates between Blix and Ramm being separately interrogated about the incident and the events which led up to it. For a long while we don’t know what Sofia Kovic was investigating which made her a target, nor how, or even if, her murder and Iselin’s abduction are related. Is it possible that there is no connection between Sofia’s killer and Iselin’s abductor?
As the story progresses, Blix’s personal woes build relentlessly and Emma Ramm too finds herself in a near impossible situation. The key seems to lie in the cases Sofia Kovic was investigating at the time of her murder. At first, it seems as if they are totally unrelated, but Blix eventually discovers there is one character peripherally involved in all three.
Once again, the two author’s contrasting styles mesh perfectly. Jorn Lier Horst’s authentic police procedural is given an added edge by Thomas Enger’s gritty psychological elements. The overall result is a fast-paced and emotionally intense story which firmly puts the “noir” in Nordic Noir.
Blix, accompanied by his friend, journalist Emma Ramm, manages to locate Iselin’s whereabouts and shoots and kills her abductor. The novel’s timeline alternates between Blix and Ramm being separately interrogated about the incident and the events which led up to it. For a long while we don’t know what Sofia Kovic was investigating which made her a target, nor how, or even if, her murder and Iselin’s abduction are related. Is it possible that there is no connection between Sofia’s killer and Iselin’s abductor?
As the story progresses, Blix’s personal woes build relentlessly and Emma Ramm too finds herself in a near impossible situation. The key seems to lie in the cases Sofia Kovic was investigating at the time of her murder. At first, it seems as if they are totally unrelated, but Blix eventually discovers there is one character peripherally involved in all three.
Once again, the two author’s contrasting styles mesh perfectly. Jorn Lier Horst’s authentic police procedural is given an added edge by Thomas Enger’s gritty psychological elements. The overall result is a fast-paced and emotionally intense story which firmly puts the “noir” in Nordic Noir.
December 3, 2021
Die Bücher „Blutzahl“ (Band 1) sowie „Blutnebel“ (Band 2) fand ich im Allgemeinen gut gelungen. Aus diesem Grund habe ich mich schon seit längerem auf den dritten sowie vermutlich letzten Band der Blix & Ramm Reihe gefreut … und ich kann sagen, dass ich nicht enttäuscht worden bin.
Im dritten Band kommt eine Ermittlerin namens Sofia, welche eine Bekanntin von Alexander Blix ist, ums Leben. Sie war auf der Suche nach der Lösung einer rätselhaften Mordserie. Blix geht von einer grausamen Hinrichtung aus und stellt gemeinsam mit der Reporterin Emma Ramm Ermittlungen auf. Doch vier Tage später stehen die beiden Protagonisten des Buches selbst im Fokus der Polizei, da Alex einen Mann erschossen hat, während Emma der blutigen Tat beiwohnte. Was ist genau passiert und hat Blix einen unschuldigen Mann auf dem Gewissen?
Das Buch war für mich das stärkste Band dieser Reihe, da der Thriller ein großes Maß an Spannung verknüpft mit einem Hauch an Emotionen aufweist. Schon seit längerem hat mich ein Thriller nicht so emotional ergriffen, wie es jetzt beim dritten Band der Blix & Ramm Reihe der Fall war. Natürlich auch wenn in den ersten beiden Bändern die Fälle emotional waren sowie die Fälle das Privatleben unserer Protagonisten sehr beeinflusst haben, legen Enger und Lier Horst bei diesem Band noch eine Schippe drauf. Diesmal wird es nicht die Emma belasten, sondern Alexander. Bleiben sie gespannt und holen sie sich viel Nervennahrung!
Das Buch ist im Vergleich zu den ersten Büchern anders gestaltet. In den einzelnen Kapiteln wird jeweils die Handlung aus den letzten paar Tagen sowie aus der Gegenwart (Verhör Blix) erzählt. Auch wenn ich unübersichtliche Zeit- und Handlungswechsel innerhalb von Kapitel nicht mag, fand ich, dass bei diesem Buch das Erzählkonzept so durchgängig war, sodass ich keinerlei Probleme hatte.
Alex sowie Emma sind mir seit dem ersten Band irgendwie ans Herz gewachsen, sodass ich es schade fand, dass die Reihe höchstwahrscheinlich zu Ende gehen wird. So kann ich sehr positiv auf die Reihe zurückblicken und spreche somit eine Leseempfehlung für jeden Thriller-LiebhaberIn aus. Begebt euch ins kalte Norwegen!
Fazit: Was war das für ein guter Band! Enger und Lier Horst steigern sich mal wieder und konzipieren einen spannenden Thriller mit einem Hauch an emotionalen Szenen! Ich bewerte das Buch mit 4,5 Sternen, Tendenz nach oben!
Im dritten Band kommt eine Ermittlerin namens Sofia, welche eine Bekanntin von Alexander Blix ist, ums Leben. Sie war auf der Suche nach der Lösung einer rätselhaften Mordserie. Blix geht von einer grausamen Hinrichtung aus und stellt gemeinsam mit der Reporterin Emma Ramm Ermittlungen auf. Doch vier Tage später stehen die beiden Protagonisten des Buches selbst im Fokus der Polizei, da Alex einen Mann erschossen hat, während Emma der blutigen Tat beiwohnte. Was ist genau passiert und hat Blix einen unschuldigen Mann auf dem Gewissen?
Das Buch war für mich das stärkste Band dieser Reihe, da der Thriller ein großes Maß an Spannung verknüpft mit einem Hauch an Emotionen aufweist. Schon seit längerem hat mich ein Thriller nicht so emotional ergriffen, wie es jetzt beim dritten Band der Blix & Ramm Reihe der Fall war. Natürlich auch wenn in den ersten beiden Bändern die Fälle emotional waren sowie die Fälle das Privatleben unserer Protagonisten sehr beeinflusst haben, legen Enger und Lier Horst bei diesem Band noch eine Schippe drauf. Diesmal wird es nicht die Emma belasten, sondern Alexander. Bleiben sie gespannt und holen sie sich viel Nervennahrung!
Das Buch ist im Vergleich zu den ersten Büchern anders gestaltet. In den einzelnen Kapiteln wird jeweils die Handlung aus den letzten paar Tagen sowie aus der Gegenwart (Verhör Blix) erzählt. Auch wenn ich unübersichtliche Zeit- und Handlungswechsel innerhalb von Kapitel nicht mag, fand ich, dass bei diesem Buch das Erzählkonzept so durchgängig war, sodass ich keinerlei Probleme hatte.
Alex sowie Emma sind mir seit dem ersten Band irgendwie ans Herz gewachsen, sodass ich es schade fand, dass die Reihe höchstwahrscheinlich zu Ende gehen wird. So kann ich sehr positiv auf die Reihe zurückblicken und spreche somit eine Leseempfehlung für jeden Thriller-LiebhaberIn aus. Begebt euch ins kalte Norwegen!
Fazit: Was war das für ein guter Band! Enger und Lier Horst steigern sich mal wieder und konzipieren einen spannenden Thriller mit einem Hauch an emotionalen Szenen! Ich bewerte das Buch mit 4,5 Sternen, Tendenz nach oben!
July 14, 2025
Jørn Lier Horst and Thomas Enger are two amazing Norwegian crime fiction writers, well known for the William Wisting series (Horst) and Henning Juul series (Enger). Both series I have enjoyed every much over the past few years. The Alexander Blix and Emma Ramm series sees them join forces and bring their superb talents together to create a really commendable set of procedurals where police and journalist come together in a very unique way.
Will Dean (a Scandi crime sensation - think Tuva Moodyson) describes these as “superb Nordic Noir. Dark, intricate and extremely compelling. Contemporary Scandinavian fiction at its best”. I generally agree.
Unhinged is the third in the series and I would have to say the best I’ve read yet. The continual development of Alexander Blix as a very dark character is amazing and I found myself getting wrapped up in him. There are no pat answers, or happily ever afters with Blix. He’s actually morose, depressing and very damaged, the kind of character we love in Nordic Noir, iced over like the atmosphere.
The narrative proceeds in a methodical manner and Horst and Enger unwrap the plot in a layer by layer way, no left field twists but a steady burn that is not obvious but at the same time, logical and draws a satisfying conclusion, albeit left on a cliffhanger that I will need to go back to when I eventually get to book 4 which is a sure thing. 4 big stars.
Will Dean (a Scandi crime sensation - think Tuva Moodyson) describes these as “superb Nordic Noir. Dark, intricate and extremely compelling. Contemporary Scandinavian fiction at its best”. I generally agree.
Unhinged is the third in the series and I would have to say the best I’ve read yet. The continual development of Alexander Blix as a very dark character is amazing and I found myself getting wrapped up in him. There are no pat answers, or happily ever afters with Blix. He’s actually morose, depressing and very damaged, the kind of character we love in Nordic Noir, iced over like the atmosphere.
The narrative proceeds in a methodical manner and Horst and Enger unwrap the plot in a layer by layer way, no left field twists but a steady burn that is not obvious but at the same time, logical and draws a satisfying conclusion, albeit left on a cliffhanger that I will need to go back to when I eventually get to book 4 which is a sure thing. 4 big stars.
February 10, 2022
After Death Deserved and Smoke Screen, Unhinged is the third book featuring police officer Alexander Blix and crime blogger Emma Ramm. I’ve been with this series from the start, it’s an absolute corker and this third instalment is the very best yet. If you’re new to the series, note that you can definitely read Unhinged as a standalone, but when you’ve finished it you’re gonna want to read the others too so you might as well start there, just saying.
Unhinged kicks off with an interrogation room scene: Blix is being interrogated at Kripos, the Norwegian National Crime Investigation Service, for shooting a suspect. Through this interrogation and Emma’s as well, and a number of flashback chapters, we are able to put the pieces of this puzzle together. However, there is a lot more going on than meets the eye and it’ll be up to Blix and Ramm to uncover what I consider to be a veritable evil.
Unhinged, to me, felt a lot darker than its predecessors. It raises the stakes for Blix considerably, by involving his daughter (with Blix channeling his inner Liam Neeson). And as a consequence, it raises the stakes for the reader as well: if we haven’t already been there, I’m sure we can all imagine what it must be like to have a loved one whose life is hanging by a thread, while we’re powerless and waiting for news, any news. For me, it made Unhinged the most emotional, but also the most powerful instalment in this series so far.
Unhinged is another tour de force from two Norwegian masters of crime. It never ceases to amaze me that you never know where Thomas Enger stops and Jørn Lier Horst begins, and vice versa. Kudos as well to Megan Turney for another fantastic translation that manages to keep the Norwegian vibe going, preserving the authors’ voices throughout, while presenting a story that could have been written originally in English.
I just have to take a minute here, if you’ll allow it, to talk about Thomas Enger’s music. I never listen to music while I read, it’s too distracting, but for some reason I thought I might enjoy some instrumental music while reading Unhinged. What better music to choose than the music created by one of the authors? Moods from Norway and Pure & Simple were the perfect audio companions to this story. These songs set the mood perfectly, simultaneously fragile and powerful, which means they fit the story and its main characters perfectly, and it made for the loveliest reading experience.
Unhinged is a brilliant book, it’s as easy as that. I said in my last review that this series is rapidly becoming my favourite Nordic Noir series to date, well kids, I think we’re there. Intelligent, intricate, but extremely readable, it gives you mystery galore, action, shooting scenes, police procedural, emotion, and the very best characters, while teeming with atmosphere. It draws you in and spits you back out after 300-something pages, feeling utterly bereft. (Fortunately, there’s the acknowledgements to ease your pain before you go.)
Unhinged kicks off with an interrogation room scene: Blix is being interrogated at Kripos, the Norwegian National Crime Investigation Service, for shooting a suspect. Through this interrogation and Emma’s as well, and a number of flashback chapters, we are able to put the pieces of this puzzle together. However, there is a lot more going on than meets the eye and it’ll be up to Blix and Ramm to uncover what I consider to be a veritable evil.
Unhinged, to me, felt a lot darker than its predecessors. It raises the stakes for Blix considerably, by involving his daughter (with Blix channeling his inner Liam Neeson). And as a consequence, it raises the stakes for the reader as well: if we haven’t already been there, I’m sure we can all imagine what it must be like to have a loved one whose life is hanging by a thread, while we’re powerless and waiting for news, any news. For me, it made Unhinged the most emotional, but also the most powerful instalment in this series so far.
Unhinged is another tour de force from two Norwegian masters of crime. It never ceases to amaze me that you never know where Thomas Enger stops and Jørn Lier Horst begins, and vice versa. Kudos as well to Megan Turney for another fantastic translation that manages to keep the Norwegian vibe going, preserving the authors’ voices throughout, while presenting a story that could have been written originally in English.
I just have to take a minute here, if you’ll allow it, to talk about Thomas Enger’s music. I never listen to music while I read, it’s too distracting, but for some reason I thought I might enjoy some instrumental music while reading Unhinged. What better music to choose than the music created by one of the authors? Moods from Norway and Pure & Simple were the perfect audio companions to this story. These songs set the mood perfectly, simultaneously fragile and powerful, which means they fit the story and its main characters perfectly, and it made for the loveliest reading experience.
Unhinged is a brilliant book, it’s as easy as that. I said in my last review that this series is rapidly becoming my favourite Nordic Noir series to date, well kids, I think we’re there. Intelligent, intricate, but extremely readable, it gives you mystery galore, action, shooting scenes, police procedural, emotion, and the very best characters, while teeming with atmosphere. It draws you in and spits you back out after 300-something pages, feeling utterly bereft. (Fortunately, there’s the acknowledgements to ease your pain before you go.)
March 27, 2022
Inspecteur Sofia Kovic ontdekt een verband tussen een aantal verschillende moordzaken in Oslo in het afgelopen anderhalf jaar. Ze probeert haar baas, Alexander Blix, te bereiken voordat iemand anders de politie op de hoogte brengt. Voordat Blix haar kan terugbellen, wordt Kovic doodgeschoten in haar huis. Is ze een willekeurig slachtoffer of is het een keiharde afrekening?
Op het moment van de schietpartij is Iselin, de dochter van Blix, in het appartement onder dat van Kovic. Ze weet maar net aan hetzelfde lot te ontsnappen. Vier dagen later zitten Blix en misdaadjournalist Emma Ramm in een verhoorkamer tegenover de nationale recherche...
Blix heeft namelijk een man doodgeschoten en Ramm heeft dit zien gebeuren. Ondertussen vecht Iselin in het ziekenhuis voor haar leven. Blix weet niet meer wie hij kan vertrouwen. En wat nog erger is: hij weet niet of zijn dochter het zal gaan redden. Ook is hij er niet zeker van of hij de juiste man heeft neergeschoten...
'Slagzij' is al weer het derde deel in de Blix en Ramm serie en wat is het tempo hoog! Je begint meteen met het verhoor van Blix. Daarna maak je een sprongetje naar tweeëndertig uur eerder, om vervolgens weer telkens terug te springen naar het verhoor. Op deze manier kom je steeds meer te weten over de gebeurtenissen die hebben plaatsgevonden.
Het is al gauw duidelijk dat er iets is gebeurd met de dochter van Blix en dat er een dode is gevallen. Dit deel draait nu voornamelijk om Blix en Ramm. En ook collega Kovic speelt een grote rol. 'Slagzij' is een beetje anders dan de voorgaande delen, maar ook nu is het verhaal weer interessant en spannend.
De spanning is meteen voelbaar en eigenlijk kon ik niet stoppen met lezen. Het plot is verrassend en het einde laat je met een "raar" gevoel zitten. Dat had ik tenminste. Ik hoop echt dat er nog een vervolg komt, want dit duo schrijft echt heel goed!
Verder wil ik @awbruna heel erg bedanken voor dit recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
Op het moment van de schietpartij is Iselin, de dochter van Blix, in het appartement onder dat van Kovic. Ze weet maar net aan hetzelfde lot te ontsnappen. Vier dagen later zitten Blix en misdaadjournalist Emma Ramm in een verhoorkamer tegenover de nationale recherche...
Blix heeft namelijk een man doodgeschoten en Ramm heeft dit zien gebeuren. Ondertussen vecht Iselin in het ziekenhuis voor haar leven. Blix weet niet meer wie hij kan vertrouwen. En wat nog erger is: hij weet niet of zijn dochter het zal gaan redden. Ook is hij er niet zeker van of hij de juiste man heeft neergeschoten...
'Slagzij' is al weer het derde deel in de Blix en Ramm serie en wat is het tempo hoog! Je begint meteen met het verhoor van Blix. Daarna maak je een sprongetje naar tweeëndertig uur eerder, om vervolgens weer telkens terug te springen naar het verhoor. Op deze manier kom je steeds meer te weten over de gebeurtenissen die hebben plaatsgevonden.
Het is al gauw duidelijk dat er iets is gebeurd met de dochter van Blix en dat er een dode is gevallen. Dit deel draait nu voornamelijk om Blix en Ramm. En ook collega Kovic speelt een grote rol. 'Slagzij' is een beetje anders dan de voorgaande delen, maar ook nu is het verhaal weer interessant en spannend.
De spanning is meteen voelbaar en eigenlijk kon ik niet stoppen met lezen. Het plot is verrassend en het einde laat je met een "raar" gevoel zitten. Dat had ik tenminste. Ik hoop echt dat er nog een vervolg komt, want dit duo schrijft echt heel goed!
Verder wil ik @awbruna heel erg bedanken voor dit recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
December 27, 2024
3.5 sterren. Een emotioneel slagveld dit deel. Op zich spannend, maar niet mijn favoriete deel in de serie. Wel erg benieuwd naar de volgende nu.
April 28, 2022
This is the third in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone without feeling like you've missed anything, although I would recommend you to read the first two books because they're just so good!
Ah, another book hangover courtesy of Orenda Books! I genuinely have been thinking about this book since I finished it.
Unhinged is a non-stop, emotional, twist packed thriller that I honestly was sad when it ended.
Blix really goes through it in this book, his behaviour becoming a bit unhinged as the story went on. There were a good few times where I thought, 'why can't the writers just give him a bit of a break??' But then again, the story probably wouldn't have been half as entertaining.
There were so many shocks in this book that reminded me I shouldn't get too bloody attached to the characters because you never know what is going to happen to them.
I would highly recommend Unhinged to anyone who loves a good police procedural/crime thriller. I can't wait to read more books featuring Blix and Ramm!
Ah, another book hangover courtesy of Orenda Books! I genuinely have been thinking about this book since I finished it.
Unhinged is a non-stop, emotional, twist packed thriller that I honestly was sad when it ended.
Blix really goes through it in this book, his behaviour becoming a bit unhinged as the story went on. There were a good few times where I thought, 'why can't the writers just give him a bit of a break??' But then again, the story probably wouldn't have been half as entertaining.
There were so many shocks in this book that reminded me I shouldn't get too bloody attached to the characters because you never know what is going to happen to them.
I would highly recommend Unhinged to anyone who loves a good police procedural/crime thriller. I can't wait to read more books featuring Blix and Ramm!
December 22, 2021
This is the third installment in the "Blix and Ramm" series written in collaboration by two of the most outstanding representatives of Norwegian crime fiction, Jorn Lier Horst and Thomas Enger. The former is primarily known for his Wisting series which had been adapted into the television, starring Sven Nordin as the protagonist. Enger is the man behind the brilliant Henning Jull series, comprising of five books in total and of several important standalones such as the excellent Inborn. There are several differences between the authors' writing styles and choice of themes so this collusion becomes all the more interesting as we have the opportunity to witness the merging of two distinct voices. Each author uses his past professional experience as the guide to create the two protagonists, Horst as an ex-police officer and Enger as a journalist, thus the characters feel authentic and true to life.
To read my full review, visit https://tapthelinemag.com/post/unhinged
To read my full review, visit https://tapthelinemag.com/post/unhinged
January 17, 2023
Finished reading: January 16th 2023
“How processing grief always begins with a phase of feeling utter despair. Followed by anger. And then, maybe, hatred. Until the bottomless pit of emptiness drags us in entirely. Into its nothingness.”
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
June 4, 2022
It was great catching up with the protagonists of this outstanding crime series for a third time.
In this installment, Blix's partner Sofia Kovic is murdered, execution style, in her apartment. Blix's daughter, who rents a room from Sofia, was also injured from the gunman but escaped. Sofia had been trying to reach Blix by phone shortly before she was killed... Because of Blix's close connection with both Sofia and Iselin, he is told that another detective, Abelvik, will lead the case.
We jump forward four days. Iselin, Blix's daughter, is fighting for her life in hospital. Blix is being interrogated by internal affairs for his fatal shooting of Timo Polmar.
What could have caused Blix to break so many rules and jeopardize his career? He didn't know the man he shot and is even uncertain he shot the right man. AND, Will Iselin pull through?
The book covers some fascinating themes such as parental guilt, corruption, abduction, and grief. The characters wonder 'what if' they had made different, better, choices. We are made to realize once again that one impetuous decision can alter the course of a life. The consequences of some actions are irreversible.
I am eternally amazed when I learn that two authors have co-written a book. The fact that two minds can cause a seamless narrative is astounding. Add in the fact that this book is written by two authors AND is a translation, makes the achievement even more astounding.
Ingenious plotting, formidable tension, and great characterization mark this novel as a crime thriller a worthy read. All in all, this is an outstanding crime series which I shall follow avidly.
Relationships are shattered, and tested in the most profound ways. The denouement was both suspenseful and included a cliffhanger which makes me wonder... just how are these authors going to write a follow-up to "Unhinged"?
"Unhinged" is an absorbing and engrossing crime thriller that I can highly recommend to all fans of the genre.
In this installment, Blix's partner Sofia Kovic is murdered, execution style, in her apartment. Blix's daughter, who rents a room from Sofia, was also injured from the gunman but escaped. Sofia had been trying to reach Blix by phone shortly before she was killed... Because of Blix's close connection with both Sofia and Iselin, he is told that another detective, Abelvik, will lead the case.
We jump forward four days. Iselin, Blix's daughter, is fighting for her life in hospital. Blix is being interrogated by internal affairs for his fatal shooting of Timo Polmar.
What could have caused Blix to break so many rules and jeopardize his career? He didn't know the man he shot and is even uncertain he shot the right man. AND, Will Iselin pull through?
The book covers some fascinating themes such as parental guilt, corruption, abduction, and grief. The characters wonder 'what if' they had made different, better, choices. We are made to realize once again that one impetuous decision can alter the course of a life. The consequences of some actions are irreversible.
I am eternally amazed when I learn that two authors have co-written a book. The fact that two minds can cause a seamless narrative is astounding. Add in the fact that this book is written by two authors AND is a translation, makes the achievement even more astounding.
Ingenious plotting, formidable tension, and great characterization mark this novel as a crime thriller a worthy read. All in all, this is an outstanding crime series which I shall follow avidly.
Relationships are shattered, and tested in the most profound ways. The denouement was both suspenseful and included a cliffhanger which makes me wonder... just how are these authors going to write a follow-up to "Unhinged"?
"Unhinged" is an absorbing and engrossing crime thriller that I can highly recommend to all fans of the genre.
December 12, 2022
The third installment in this series lives up to its title - it's truly unhinged! I've enjoyed the previous two books and the storytelling quality remains consistently good. What is notable about this series is that it’s not afraid to kill off important characters. Unhinged has shocking deaths of prominent characters who you've met in previous books. This grief causes a ripple in Blix and Emma’s relationship.
The book tackles many dark themes, showcasing the worst moments of the characters’ lives yet ensuring their humanity remains intact. It's a police procedural that allows the characters to shine. The twisty storylines surprised me and kept me turning the pages. The ending ends on a cliffhanger, I can’t wait to read more!
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The book tackles many dark themes, showcasing the worst moments of the characters’ lives yet ensuring their humanity remains intact. It's a police procedural that allows the characters to shine. The twisty storylines surprised me and kept me turning the pages. The ending ends on a cliffhanger, I can’t wait to read more!
book blog | twitter | instagram
July 20, 2024
Tenho sentimentos contraditórios relativamente a este livro.
Gostei bastante da escrita e das personagens, tal como tinha gostado nos dois livros anteriores.
No entanto a história não me cativou totalmente. Achei-a muito fantasiosa e muito pouco credível.
Além disso, até meio do livro, a história arrasta-se e é até um pouco enfadonha (salva-a a escrita que é viciante). Depois o ritmo acelera, mas no final acelera demais. É tudo muito apressado e ficam muitas pontas por fechar.
Até entendo a forma como os autores quiseram terminar o livro, de maneira a deixar o leitor com vontade de ler o livro seguinte de imediato. Mas existem esclarecimentos que deviam ter sido feitos neste livro e que não sei sequer se lhes irá ser dada a devida atenção no próximo volume.
Quero obviamente ler o próximo, mas este, para mim, só vale 3.5 estrelas.
Gostei bastante da escrita e das personagens, tal como tinha gostado nos dois livros anteriores.
No entanto a história não me cativou totalmente. Achei-a muito fantasiosa e muito pouco credível.
Além disso, até meio do livro, a história arrasta-se e é até um pouco enfadonha (salva-a a escrita que é viciante). Depois o ritmo acelera, mas no final acelera demais. É tudo muito apressado e ficam muitas pontas por fechar.
Até entendo a forma como os autores quiseram terminar o livro, de maneira a deixar o leitor com vontade de ler o livro seguinte de imediato. Mas existem esclarecimentos que deviam ter sido feitos neste livro e que não sei sequer se lhes irá ser dada a devida atenção no próximo volume.
Quero obviamente ler o próximo, mas este, para mim, só vale 3.5 estrelas.
December 27, 2021
Endlich ist er da der dritte und letzte Teil der Reihe um Emma Ramm und Alexander Blix. Auch dieser verspricht wieder spannende Unterhaltung:
Eine rätselhafte Mordserie beschäftigt die Ermittlerin Sofia Kovic. Sie zieht ihren Partner Alexander Blix ins Vertrauen – und nur ihn, denn sie fürchtet, die Osloer Polizei könnte eine Rolle in diesem blutigen Spiel einnehmen. Wenig später wird Kovic Opfer eines Mordanschlags und grausam hingerichtet. Hat sie mit ihren Nachforschungen in ein Wespennest gestochen? Vier Tage danach stehen Blix und die Kriminalreporterin Emma Ramm im Zentrum der Ermittlung, denn Alexander hat einen Mann erschossen, während Emma der blutigen Tat beiwohnte. Wie konnte es dazu kommen? Wem kann Blix vertrauen? Und hat er womöglich den Falschen getötet?
Die Reihe um Blix und Ramm ist mir immer mehr ans Herz gewachsen und auch das Finale dieser tollen Reihe konnte mich wieder begeistern. Diesmal zielen die Autoren mitten ins Herz der Ermittler und der Leser, denn der Fall wird sehr persönlich für Alexander Blix. Die Geschichte wird diesmal nicht nur in der Gegenwart erzählt, sondern durch Rückblicke unterstützt, was dem ganzen nochmal eine neue Dynamik gibt.
Wir erleben die beiden Protagonisten nochmal in voller Aktion und die Autoren vertiefen sowohl Emmas als auch Alexanders Charakter und zeigen uns nochmal, was für ein tolles Team die beiden inzwischen bilden und wo ihre Stärken liegen. Der Focus liegt hier allerdings vorrangig auf Alexander Blix, der einiges zu verarbeiten hat und man sich als Leser oftmals fragt wie man mit solchen Ereignisse überhaupt umgehen kann.
Die Geschichte ist von der ersten Seite an spannend erzählt und aufgebaut, sodass man sofort in ihren Bann gezogen wird und das Buch nicht mehr aus der Hand legen möchte. Die Plottwists sind unheimlich gut gelegt und die Spannungskurve steigt mit jeder neuen Seite und fesselt einen dadurch an die Seiten. Eine sehr düster und teilweise auch melancholische Stimmung durchzieht die Geschichte, sodass man die Verzweiflung der Charaktere am eigenen Leib spüren kann.
Mit jedem Band haben die Autoren eine Schippe drauf gelegt und Bluttat bildet den grandiosen Abschluss. Ein absoluter Pageturner der einen sowohl auf der Spannungs- als auch auf der emotionalen Ebene abholt. Für mich gehört die Reihe zu den besten, die die nordische Thriller-Welt zu bieten hat. Ganz großes Kino und eine absolute Leseempfehlung für diese Reihe.
5 von 5 Sternen
Eine rätselhafte Mordserie beschäftigt die Ermittlerin Sofia Kovic. Sie zieht ihren Partner Alexander Blix ins Vertrauen – und nur ihn, denn sie fürchtet, die Osloer Polizei könnte eine Rolle in diesem blutigen Spiel einnehmen. Wenig später wird Kovic Opfer eines Mordanschlags und grausam hingerichtet. Hat sie mit ihren Nachforschungen in ein Wespennest gestochen? Vier Tage danach stehen Blix und die Kriminalreporterin Emma Ramm im Zentrum der Ermittlung, denn Alexander hat einen Mann erschossen, während Emma der blutigen Tat beiwohnte. Wie konnte es dazu kommen? Wem kann Blix vertrauen? Und hat er womöglich den Falschen getötet?
Die Reihe um Blix und Ramm ist mir immer mehr ans Herz gewachsen und auch das Finale dieser tollen Reihe konnte mich wieder begeistern. Diesmal zielen die Autoren mitten ins Herz der Ermittler und der Leser, denn der Fall wird sehr persönlich für Alexander Blix. Die Geschichte wird diesmal nicht nur in der Gegenwart erzählt, sondern durch Rückblicke unterstützt, was dem ganzen nochmal eine neue Dynamik gibt.
Wir erleben die beiden Protagonisten nochmal in voller Aktion und die Autoren vertiefen sowohl Emmas als auch Alexanders Charakter und zeigen uns nochmal, was für ein tolles Team die beiden inzwischen bilden und wo ihre Stärken liegen. Der Focus liegt hier allerdings vorrangig auf Alexander Blix, der einiges zu verarbeiten hat und man sich als Leser oftmals fragt wie man mit solchen Ereignisse überhaupt umgehen kann.
Die Geschichte ist von der ersten Seite an spannend erzählt und aufgebaut, sodass man sofort in ihren Bann gezogen wird und das Buch nicht mehr aus der Hand legen möchte. Die Plottwists sind unheimlich gut gelegt und die Spannungskurve steigt mit jeder neuen Seite und fesselt einen dadurch an die Seiten. Eine sehr düster und teilweise auch melancholische Stimmung durchzieht die Geschichte, sodass man die Verzweiflung der Charaktere am eigenen Leib spüren kann.
Mit jedem Band haben die Autoren eine Schippe drauf gelegt und Bluttat bildet den grandiosen Abschluss. Ein absoluter Pageturner der einen sowohl auf der Spannungs- als auch auf der emotionalen Ebene abholt. Für mich gehört die Reihe zu den besten, die die nordische Thriller-Welt zu bieten hat. Ganz großes Kino und eine absolute Leseempfehlung für diese Reihe.
5 von 5 Sternen
July 7, 2020
«Slagside» er tredje bok i serien om politimannen Alexander Blix og journalisten Emma Ramm, og det må sies at det er tre bøker som er forunderlig ulike i både plott, form, dramaturgi og prosa. Jeg ser de to herrene Horst og Enger har fått ramsalt kritikk i landets to største aviser for denne krimromanen. Jeg vil påstå at det er fordi anmelderne ikke har vært våkne nok i lesingen. De har ikke sett hva det er forfatterne har forsøkt å gjøre. Jeg vil forsøke å oppklare hvorfor de etter min mening tar så feil:
Prosaen kritiseres for å være flat, stivbeint, følelsesløs og uengasjerende. Ja, det stemmer for første halvdel av romanen. IKKE for andre halvdel. Grunnen er enkel. Første halvdel baserer seg på Blix og Emmas politiforklaringer. Det veksles mellom rene avhør på politistasjonen, og det jeg oppfatter som karakterenes tankereferater om noe som har skjedd tidligere. DERFOR er prosaen kort, refererende og nesten utelukkende basert på fakta. Kun det som skjer refereres. Slik det er i rapporter. Men, i det øyeblikket vi befinner oss i nåtid (cirka side 200) skifter prosaen til å bli skildrende, følelsesladet og svært levende. Kjære VG og Dagbladet ... Dette er etter min mening et vågalt litterært virkemiddel brukt bevisst! Ikke slurvete arbeid fra forfattere som ikke bryr seg. (Om jeg tar feil nå, så blir jeg tidenes narr i Horst og Engers øyne. En nyttig idiot. Men jeg våger å ta den sjansen)
I tillegg så er dette en hjerterå, tøff, og langt fra forutsigbar historie. Her er det plott-tvister og vendinger som vil sjokkere og opprøre leserne. Som krimroman er dette svært spennende lesing, og du utsettes for et beundringsverdig driv som maner deg fram til en opprørende avslutning som garantert vil ta pusten fra deg. En langt bedre roman en Røykteppe. Dette plottet sitter! Modig, tøft og rått gjort av to forfattere som tydeligvis vet langt mer om hva de holder på med enn Akersgatas anmeldere.
Prosaen kritiseres for å være flat, stivbeint, følelsesløs og uengasjerende. Ja, det stemmer for første halvdel av romanen. IKKE for andre halvdel. Grunnen er enkel. Første halvdel baserer seg på Blix og Emmas politiforklaringer. Det veksles mellom rene avhør på politistasjonen, og det jeg oppfatter som karakterenes tankereferater om noe som har skjedd tidligere. DERFOR er prosaen kort, refererende og nesten utelukkende basert på fakta. Kun det som skjer refereres. Slik det er i rapporter. Men, i det øyeblikket vi befinner oss i nåtid (cirka side 200) skifter prosaen til å bli skildrende, følelsesladet og svært levende. Kjære VG og Dagbladet ... Dette er etter min mening et vågalt litterært virkemiddel brukt bevisst! Ikke slurvete arbeid fra forfattere som ikke bryr seg. (Om jeg tar feil nå, så blir jeg tidenes narr i Horst og Engers øyne. En nyttig idiot. Men jeg våger å ta den sjansen)
I tillegg så er dette en hjerterå, tøff, og langt fra forutsigbar historie. Her er det plott-tvister og vendinger som vil sjokkere og opprøre leserne. Som krimroman er dette svært spennende lesing, og du utsettes for et beundringsverdig driv som maner deg fram til en opprørende avslutning som garantert vil ta pusten fra deg. En langt bedre roman en Røykteppe. Dette plottet sitter! Modig, tøft og rått gjort av to forfattere som tydeligvis vet langt mer om hva de holder på med enn Akersgatas anmeldere.
August 1, 2023
In 1 dag gelezen, stoppen was absoluut geen optie. Er waren nagelbijtende stukken, maar soms ook wat herhaling. Ik was, en blijf, geen fan van Emma (eigenlijk ben ik zelden fan van vrouwelijke journalistes in thrillers). Triest boek en dito verloop.
Denk dat dit het einde van de serie is.
Denk dat dit het einde van de serie is.
July 7, 2020
Ganske spennende, med litt uventede hendelser. Nokså svart når det gjelder skjebnene til hovedpersonene. Godt skrevet.
April 14, 2024
Schreibstil top, Story mit unerwarteten Wendungen... wow...
December 4, 2025
retegoed
February 12, 2022
Goodness me but Unhinged is a dark, emotional journey. It’s a book where you begin with your heart in your mouth and end up with it in shreds. This time Blix and Ramm will find that everything they are to each other is tested to the extreme and more than one body will be lying at their feet.
Here Jorn Lier Horst and Thomas Enger bring their combined skills to bear on a book that has all their fine hallmarks. In Unhinged we have the methodical, relentless pursuit of the truth personified this time by Emma Ramm and the dark, intense and deeply affecting emotional pursuit of a ruthless killer by Alexander Blix.
What Unhinged brings to our reading table is not just a riveting, unexpected crime thriller, but also a study in how tragedy brings character to the fore and the impact that grief can have on the most upstanding and robust of interrogators.
Here you see a man changing in front of you. A man whose life has been dedicated to the law and the pursuit of justice. Now he is a man almost destroyed by a life changing event. The authors cleverly mix together past and present as we follow a trail that leads from the past to the present, learning as we go what has brought both Blix and Ramm into an interrogation room, facing the National Criminal Investigation Service. A man is dead, shot by Blix and in an uncanny throwback to Emma’s childhood, Ramm saw it happen.
We learn at the beginning that Blix’s partner, Sofia Kovich has been murdered. It is that shocking event that drives everything that follows as Blix and Ramm try to work out from her past cases and the case files Kovich was looking at, why she has been murdered. It’s a complex and the investigation trail is less than obvious, leading you in one direction while you try to deal with the fallout from a tragic mistake that drives a wedge between Blix and Ramm. Blix is left horribly isolated and struggling to deal with his loss, even as his own motives and past are questioned by his colleagues.
Tracking down a ruthless killer requires understanding the mind of this perpetrator and that’s difficult when you’re driven by rage and hurt. Blix is under suspicion and Emma, who is finding it hard to forgive her own mistakes, becomes driven to understand why this has happened and who is behind it.
I don’t know when I have felt such terrible anguish from one protagonist, let alone two, and it is hard to bear. Together this pair feels on the brink of imploding and that tears at your heart strings. I couldn’t look away, but I was scared for the fragility of their mental health and for their relationship.
As an exploration of human nature and especially of grief, it is spell-binding. What we get is a world of hurt but most of it is without physical violence. This is mental anguish and it feels so very real. It is clear that neither Blix nor Ram will ever be the same people they were before this started; what is less clear is whether they will ever again be able to work together.
Unhinged delves deep into the mind of the killer to find the motive at the same time as it gives us a sense of the blind rage and hopelessness that drives Blix. In contrast, it is Emma Ramm who must become the methodical analyser of the evidence to lead them to the chilling truth.
Megan Turney’s flawless translation conveys the grief and heart-break so well and the coldness of the killer and the white heat of Blix’s anger is beautifully contrasted.
Verdict: This is such an emotional book; sometimes unbearably tense, other times raw and shocking. I don’t think I’ve read another like it. It’s vivid and visceral; compelling and breath-taking in the rawness of feeling. Beautifully written, hugely moving and seriously good crime fiction that deserves to be on everyone’s must read list.
Here Jorn Lier Horst and Thomas Enger bring their combined skills to bear on a book that has all their fine hallmarks. In Unhinged we have the methodical, relentless pursuit of the truth personified this time by Emma Ramm and the dark, intense and deeply affecting emotional pursuit of a ruthless killer by Alexander Blix.
What Unhinged brings to our reading table is not just a riveting, unexpected crime thriller, but also a study in how tragedy brings character to the fore and the impact that grief can have on the most upstanding and robust of interrogators.
Here you see a man changing in front of you. A man whose life has been dedicated to the law and the pursuit of justice. Now he is a man almost destroyed by a life changing event. The authors cleverly mix together past and present as we follow a trail that leads from the past to the present, learning as we go what has brought both Blix and Ramm into an interrogation room, facing the National Criminal Investigation Service. A man is dead, shot by Blix and in an uncanny throwback to Emma’s childhood, Ramm saw it happen.
We learn at the beginning that Blix’s partner, Sofia Kovich has been murdered. It is that shocking event that drives everything that follows as Blix and Ramm try to work out from her past cases and the case files Kovich was looking at, why she has been murdered. It’s a complex and the investigation trail is less than obvious, leading you in one direction while you try to deal with the fallout from a tragic mistake that drives a wedge between Blix and Ramm. Blix is left horribly isolated and struggling to deal with his loss, even as his own motives and past are questioned by his colleagues.
Tracking down a ruthless killer requires understanding the mind of this perpetrator and that’s difficult when you’re driven by rage and hurt. Blix is under suspicion and Emma, who is finding it hard to forgive her own mistakes, becomes driven to understand why this has happened and who is behind it.
I don’t know when I have felt such terrible anguish from one protagonist, let alone two, and it is hard to bear. Together this pair feels on the brink of imploding and that tears at your heart strings. I couldn’t look away, but I was scared for the fragility of their mental health and for their relationship.
As an exploration of human nature and especially of grief, it is spell-binding. What we get is a world of hurt but most of it is without physical violence. This is mental anguish and it feels so very real. It is clear that neither Blix nor Ram will ever be the same people they were before this started; what is less clear is whether they will ever again be able to work together.
Unhinged delves deep into the mind of the killer to find the motive at the same time as it gives us a sense of the blind rage and hopelessness that drives Blix. In contrast, it is Emma Ramm who must become the methodical analyser of the evidence to lead them to the chilling truth.
Megan Turney’s flawless translation conveys the grief and heart-break so well and the coldness of the killer and the white heat of Blix’s anger is beautifully contrasted.
Verdict: This is such an emotional book; sometimes unbearably tense, other times raw and shocking. I don’t think I’ve read another like it. It’s vivid and visceral; compelling and breath-taking in the rawness of feeling. Beautifully written, hugely moving and seriously good crime fiction that deserves to be on everyone’s must read list.
January 29, 2022
„Bluttat“ ist nach „Blutzahl“ und „Blutnebel“ die dritte Zusammenarbeit der norwegischen Bestsellerautoren Thomas Enger und Jørn Lier Horst und zugleich auch der dritte Roman um den Kriminalkommissar Alexander Blix und die Reporterin Emma Ramm. Und für Fans der als Trilogie angelegten Reihe beginnt der Abschlussband gleich mit mehreren Aufregern: zuvorderst findet sich Alexander Blix zu Beginn der Geschichte in einem Verhörraum wieder – allerdings diesmal nicht in der Rolle des Vernehmenden, sondern der des Verdächtigen. Kurz zuvor hat er einen Mann mit vier Schüssen getötet und die Situation legt nahe, dass Blix dabei womöglich nicht im Rahmen seiner Befugnisse gehandelt hat. Sein Dilemma ist jedoch noch größer, denn neben seiner misslichen Lage steht es auch um seine Tochter Iselin sehr schlecht, denn diese liegt zum Zeitpunkt des Verhörs schwer verletzt in der Notaufnahme und kämpft um ihr Leben. Und als wäre das noch nicht genug für einen hochexplosiven Auftakt, so lässt das Duo Enger/Lier Horst gleich zu Beginn auch noch eine beliebte Figur über die Klinge springen, denn Blix’ sympathische Kollegin Sofia Kovic wurde in ihrer eigenen Wohnung attackiert und kaltblütig hingerichtet.
Ein Knallauftakt zum Abschluss
Diese vielen Nackenschläge muss man auch als Leser:in am Anfang erst einmal verkraften und sieht sich mit der großen Frage konfrontiert, wie zur Hölle es zu dieser katastrophalen Situation überhaupt kommen konnte. Die Antwort darauf lassen sich die beiden Autoren allerdings nicht so schnell entlocken, auch wenn die Geschichte bereits im zweiten Kapitel um 32 Stunden zu den letzten Minuten zurückspringt, in denen die Welt für Blix und Co. noch in Ordnung war. Allerdings wechseln Thomas Enger und Jørn Lier Horst im Anschluss immer wieder zwischen den Zeitebenen hin und her und liefern so fortwährend neue Puzzlestücke, welche nach und nach erklären, wie Alexander Blix im Verhörraum, seine Tochter Iselin in der Notaufnahme und Kollegin Kovic in der Leichenhalle gelandet sind. Dieses Story- und Figurengeflecht ist sehr komplex und mag auf den ersten Seiten noch etwas verwirren, allerdings fügt das Autorenduo die einzelnen Handlungsfäden überaus gekonnt zusammen und sorgt so für eine sehr spannende Erzählweise, ohne dabei jedoch bei den Lesenden Frustration aufkommen zu lassen. So entwickelt „Bluttat“ schon früh eine regelrechte Sogwirkung, die bis zur letzten Seite des Romans kaum nachlässt.
Kompromisslos, nervenaufreibend und emotional
Theoretisch lässt sich das Buch unabhängig von den beiden Vorgängern als eigenständige Geschichte konsumieren, denn für das reine Verständnis der Handlung sind keine besonderen Vorkenntnisse notwendig. Wer die ersten beiden Bände jedoch gelesen hat weiß um die teilweise sehr besonderen und intensiven Beziehungen zwischen den Hauptfiguren, was deren missliche Lage im Abschlussband emotional zusätzlich verstärkt und auch das Mitfiebern mit den Charakteren beim Lesen noch einmal nervenaufreibender macht. Thomas Enger und Jørn Lier Horst machen dabei auch schnell klar, dass sie bei ihrer dritten Zusammenarbeit zu keinen Kompromisse bereit sind und gehen mit ihren Protagonist:innen zuweilen sehr schonungslos um. Besonders Alexander Blix ist davon sehr hart betroffen, was ihn letztlich auch zur dominierenden Person in dieser Geschichte werden lässt und seine Co-Ermittlerin Emma Ramm manchmal etwas in den Hintergrund drängt. Das ist womöglich etwas schade für Fans dieser Figur, fällt bei dem hohen Tempo und der großen emotionalen Wucht dieser Geschichte beim Lesen selbst allerdings kaum auf.
Ein herausforderndes, aber absolut würdiges Ende der Trilogie
Auch beim finalen Band dieser Trilogie wird wieder einmal klar, dass mit dem Journalisten Thomas Enger und dem Ex-Kommissar Jørn Lier Horst zwei echte Thriller- bzw. Krimi-Experten am Werk sind. Ab der ersten Seite ist die Spannung auf einem hohen Niveau und durch die zwar komplexe, aber insgesamt auch sehr kompakte Erzählweise – ein Großteil der Handlung spielt sich innerhalb weniger Stunden ab – wird dieses Level auch durchgehend gehalten, da es praktisch keine Ruhephasen in dieser Geschichte gibt. Die Auflösung selbst ist am Ende dabei vielleicht keine ganz große Überraschung mehr, allerdings endet dieser Roman dennoch so, wie er bereits angefangen hat: mit einem echten Knalleffekt, den man anschließend erst einmal sacken lassen muss. Insgesamt ist „Bluttat“ ohne Frage der stärkste Band der ohnehin bisher schon überzeugenden Reihe und somit auch ein mehr als würdiger Abschluss, der seinen Figuren und damit auch den Lesenden jedoch auch alles abverlangt. Da kann man als Thriller-Fan eigentlich nur hoffen, dass dieses Buch nicht die letzte Gemeinschaftsproduktion der beiden Norweger war.
Ein Knallauftakt zum Abschluss
Diese vielen Nackenschläge muss man auch als Leser:in am Anfang erst einmal verkraften und sieht sich mit der großen Frage konfrontiert, wie zur Hölle es zu dieser katastrophalen Situation überhaupt kommen konnte. Die Antwort darauf lassen sich die beiden Autoren allerdings nicht so schnell entlocken, auch wenn die Geschichte bereits im zweiten Kapitel um 32 Stunden zu den letzten Minuten zurückspringt, in denen die Welt für Blix und Co. noch in Ordnung war. Allerdings wechseln Thomas Enger und Jørn Lier Horst im Anschluss immer wieder zwischen den Zeitebenen hin und her und liefern so fortwährend neue Puzzlestücke, welche nach und nach erklären, wie Alexander Blix im Verhörraum, seine Tochter Iselin in der Notaufnahme und Kollegin Kovic in der Leichenhalle gelandet sind. Dieses Story- und Figurengeflecht ist sehr komplex und mag auf den ersten Seiten noch etwas verwirren, allerdings fügt das Autorenduo die einzelnen Handlungsfäden überaus gekonnt zusammen und sorgt so für eine sehr spannende Erzählweise, ohne dabei jedoch bei den Lesenden Frustration aufkommen zu lassen. So entwickelt „Bluttat“ schon früh eine regelrechte Sogwirkung, die bis zur letzten Seite des Romans kaum nachlässt.
Kompromisslos, nervenaufreibend und emotional
Theoretisch lässt sich das Buch unabhängig von den beiden Vorgängern als eigenständige Geschichte konsumieren, denn für das reine Verständnis der Handlung sind keine besonderen Vorkenntnisse notwendig. Wer die ersten beiden Bände jedoch gelesen hat weiß um die teilweise sehr besonderen und intensiven Beziehungen zwischen den Hauptfiguren, was deren missliche Lage im Abschlussband emotional zusätzlich verstärkt und auch das Mitfiebern mit den Charakteren beim Lesen noch einmal nervenaufreibender macht. Thomas Enger und Jørn Lier Horst machen dabei auch schnell klar, dass sie bei ihrer dritten Zusammenarbeit zu keinen Kompromisse bereit sind und gehen mit ihren Protagonist:innen zuweilen sehr schonungslos um. Besonders Alexander Blix ist davon sehr hart betroffen, was ihn letztlich auch zur dominierenden Person in dieser Geschichte werden lässt und seine Co-Ermittlerin Emma Ramm manchmal etwas in den Hintergrund drängt. Das ist womöglich etwas schade für Fans dieser Figur, fällt bei dem hohen Tempo und der großen emotionalen Wucht dieser Geschichte beim Lesen selbst allerdings kaum auf.
Ein herausforderndes, aber absolut würdiges Ende der Trilogie
Auch beim finalen Band dieser Trilogie wird wieder einmal klar, dass mit dem Journalisten Thomas Enger und dem Ex-Kommissar Jørn Lier Horst zwei echte Thriller- bzw. Krimi-Experten am Werk sind. Ab der ersten Seite ist die Spannung auf einem hohen Niveau und durch die zwar komplexe, aber insgesamt auch sehr kompakte Erzählweise – ein Großteil der Handlung spielt sich innerhalb weniger Stunden ab – wird dieses Level auch durchgehend gehalten, da es praktisch keine Ruhephasen in dieser Geschichte gibt. Die Auflösung selbst ist am Ende dabei vielleicht keine ganz große Überraschung mehr, allerdings endet dieser Roman dennoch so, wie er bereits angefangen hat: mit einem echten Knalleffekt, den man anschließend erst einmal sacken lassen muss. Insgesamt ist „Bluttat“ ohne Frage der stärkste Band der ohnehin bisher schon überzeugenden Reihe und somit auch ein mehr als würdiger Abschluss, der seinen Figuren und damit auch den Lesenden jedoch auch alles abverlangt. Da kann man als Thriller-Fan eigentlich nur hoffen, dass dieses Buch nicht die letzte Gemeinschaftsproduktion der beiden Norweger war.
February 23, 2022
Described by the Sunday Times as ‘An exercise in literary tag-teaming from two of Norway’s biggest crime writers’, Unhinged is the third in the authors’ crime series featuring police investigator Alexander Blix and young news blogger Emma Ramm. I haven’t read either of the previous two books in the series and I’m kicking myself for not having done so now because there are too many references to events in the earlier books to make it worthwhile. However, that does mean Unhinged can definitely be read as a standalone.
The book opens with Blix being questioned about how and why he came to shoot a man whose identity he claims not to have known. The story then alternates between Blix’s interrogation and descriptions of the events which led up to that moment, including how his daughter, Iselin, came to become involved. As the book demonstrates, actions have consequences – often unintended – and the results can be life-changing. A dramatic event part way through the book threatens to destroy Blix and Emma’s relationship irreparably, a relationship already complicated by their past experiences. It also makes Blix reflect on actions he’s taken in the past, wondering if his interventions have done more harm than good and sending him into a spiral of depression that sees him lonely, isolated and in a very dark place. He is emotionally ‘unhinged’.
Meanwhile, Emma’s journalistic instincts see her continue to investigate just why someone might have wanted to kill Sofia Kovic. What did Sofia know that would make her a target for an execution style killing? Perhaps someone else out there is also ‘unhinged’ but in a much more destructive way?
At one point Blix describes his approach to a new case: ‘He always looked for things like this in an investigation. Discrepancies. Things that didn’t quite fit.’ When reading crime fiction this reader is the same but the authors are masters in the art of inserting red herrings and laying false trails that you can’t resist following but which usually result in a dead end. The book is full of ‘I can’t believe you just did that’ and ‘I wasn’t expecting that’ moments along with a few ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea, Blix’ and ‘I definitely don’t think that’s a good idea, Emma’.
The ending of the book had me cursing and wiping away tears at the same time. But after all, as Thomas Enger confides in the authors’ acknowledgments – which, by the way, is sheer genius – ‘I know all about cliffhangers’.
Thanks to Orenda Books and the skill of translator Megan Turney, English speaking crime fans can enjoy another fabulous helping of Nordic Noir. I’m not a fan of the word ‘unputdownable’ and I’m not going to use it now (okay, I just have) but the deliciously complex plot and relentless pace of Unhinged makes it the perfect one sitting read. It’s brilliant.
The book opens with Blix being questioned about how and why he came to shoot a man whose identity he claims not to have known. The story then alternates between Blix’s interrogation and descriptions of the events which led up to that moment, including how his daughter, Iselin, came to become involved. As the book demonstrates, actions have consequences – often unintended – and the results can be life-changing. A dramatic event part way through the book threatens to destroy Blix and Emma’s relationship irreparably, a relationship already complicated by their past experiences. It also makes Blix reflect on actions he’s taken in the past, wondering if his interventions have done more harm than good and sending him into a spiral of depression that sees him lonely, isolated and in a very dark place. He is emotionally ‘unhinged’.
Meanwhile, Emma’s journalistic instincts see her continue to investigate just why someone might have wanted to kill Sofia Kovic. What did Sofia know that would make her a target for an execution style killing? Perhaps someone else out there is also ‘unhinged’ but in a much more destructive way?
At one point Blix describes his approach to a new case: ‘He always looked for things like this in an investigation. Discrepancies. Things that didn’t quite fit.’ When reading crime fiction this reader is the same but the authors are masters in the art of inserting red herrings and laying false trails that you can’t resist following but which usually result in a dead end. The book is full of ‘I can’t believe you just did that’ and ‘I wasn’t expecting that’ moments along with a few ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea, Blix’ and ‘I definitely don’t think that’s a good idea, Emma’.
The ending of the book had me cursing and wiping away tears at the same time. But after all, as Thomas Enger confides in the authors’ acknowledgments – which, by the way, is sheer genius – ‘I know all about cliffhangers’.
Thanks to Orenda Books and the skill of translator Megan Turney, English speaking crime fans can enjoy another fabulous helping of Nordic Noir. I’m not a fan of the word ‘unputdownable’ and I’m not going to use it now (okay, I just have) but the deliciously complex plot and relentless pace of Unhinged makes it the perfect one sitting read. It’s brilliant.
February 22, 2022
This is the third book in Blix & Ramm series. I haven’t read the previous two, but I quickly caught up with the characters and the relationships between them.
The book begins with Detective Chief Inspector Blix being interrogated by Kripos, The National Criminal Investigation Service of Norway, for shooting a man four times. The action moves between the interrogation room and the events leading up to the shooting. In another room, Emma Ramm, a journalist who assisted Blix, is also questioned. I liked this structure as it kept the pace and momentum going.
The reader finds out how Sofia Kovic, Blix’s colleague, was shot in her flat. As Blix’s daughter, Iselin was renting a room in Sofia’s place, she was also targeted, but she managed to escape with minor injuries.
Blix and his team investigate the murder of Kovic. They suspect it’s work related, as Kovic was interested in closed cases, but they can’t find a common denominator. Soon, tragedy strikes very close to Blix, and he is pushed away from the case. He goes rogue and with Ramm’s help, he is adamant to find justice…
This book gripped and captivated my interest from the start all the way to the end. I found myself sympathising with Blix after what happened to him. I really liked the professional relationship between Blix and Ramm, policeman and journalist, and how they helped one another to solve the case.
There were a couple of people that were the obvious suspects, however, I didn’t guess the perpetrator correctly, which I suppose it is what you want when you write a book.
This will not be the last book I will read by the authors, I plan to read their previous work in this series.
I offer my applause to the translator, Megan Turney. I think she did an amazing job.
The book begins with Detective Chief Inspector Blix being interrogated by Kripos, The National Criminal Investigation Service of Norway, for shooting a man four times. The action moves between the interrogation room and the events leading up to the shooting. In another room, Emma Ramm, a journalist who assisted Blix, is also questioned. I liked this structure as it kept the pace and momentum going.
The reader finds out how Sofia Kovic, Blix’s colleague, was shot in her flat. As Blix’s daughter, Iselin was renting a room in Sofia’s place, she was also targeted, but she managed to escape with minor injuries.
Blix and his team investigate the murder of Kovic. They suspect it’s work related, as Kovic was interested in closed cases, but they can’t find a common denominator. Soon, tragedy strikes very close to Blix, and he is pushed away from the case. He goes rogue and with Ramm’s help, he is adamant to find justice…
This book gripped and captivated my interest from the start all the way to the end. I found myself sympathising with Blix after what happened to him. I really liked the professional relationship between Blix and Ramm, policeman and journalist, and how they helped one another to solve the case.
There were a couple of people that were the obvious suspects, however, I didn’t guess the perpetrator correctly, which I suppose it is what you want when you write a book.
This will not be the last book I will read by the authors, I plan to read their previous work in this series.
I offer my applause to the translator, Megan Turney. I think she did an amazing job.
February 27, 2021
Slagside är riktigt bra och spännande norsk krim. Den startar mitt i dramatiska händelser och utspelar sig under några få dagar. Jag gillar att den beskriver både dramatiska händelser, och karaktärernas tankar, känslor och ångest. Den är välskriven och lättläst, och historien drivs framåt bra. Jag gillar blandningen av polisiära beskrivningar och de mer thrillerartade inslagen.
Slagside är klart mörkare än de två föregående delarna i serien och den är så mörk att det bitvis gör ont att läsa berättelsen. Jag blir verkligen berörd, inte minst av slutet av boken. Jag tycker om karaktärerna Emma och Alexander, och deras beroende av varandra på gott och ont. I Slagside lär läsaren känna dem ännu bättre, och man får se sidor av dem som inte är helt positiva.
Jag rekommenderar verkligen den här serien för dig som vill ha fartfylld norsk krim. De första två delarna finns på svenska, och Slagsida kommer i slutet av juni. Jag har inte hittat någon information om det här är en trilogi eller om det kan komma fler böcker i serien. Just nu lutar jag åt att det här var den sista boken. I så fall hoppas jag Jørn Lier Horst och Thomas Enger fortsätter skriva annat ihop, för det är ju uppenbarligen ett lyckat koncept.
Betyg: 4+
https://lottensbokblogg.wordpress.com...
Slagside är klart mörkare än de två föregående delarna i serien och den är så mörk att det bitvis gör ont att läsa berättelsen. Jag blir verkligen berörd, inte minst av slutet av boken. Jag tycker om karaktärerna Emma och Alexander, och deras beroende av varandra på gott och ont. I Slagside lär läsaren känna dem ännu bättre, och man får se sidor av dem som inte är helt positiva.
Jag rekommenderar verkligen den här serien för dig som vill ha fartfylld norsk krim. De första två delarna finns på svenska, och Slagsida kommer i slutet av juni. Jag har inte hittat någon information om det här är en trilogi eller om det kan komma fler böcker i serien. Just nu lutar jag åt att det här var den sista boken. I så fall hoppas jag Jørn Lier Horst och Thomas Enger fortsätter skriva annat ihop, för det är ju uppenbarligen ett lyckat koncept.
Betyg: 4+
https://lottensbokblogg.wordpress.com...
June 13, 2021
„Nieobliczalni” to trzecia część znanej i lubianej skandynawskiej serii kryminalnej. Tym razem Horst i Enger postanowili poprowadzić akcję nieco inaczej niż do tej pory a mnie niestety się to nie podobało.
Komisarz Alexander Blix i dziennikarka Emma Ramm składają zeznania w sprawie wydarzeń, które miały katastrofalne skutki. Pewien mężczyzna został zastrzelony a córka głównego bohatera walczy o życie. Co się stało? Dlaczego Iselin znalazła się w szpitalu? Jak zaczęła się cała ta historia i co ma z nią wspólnego Sofia Kovic – współpracownica Blixa – zamordowana jakiś czas wcześniej?
Pierwsza część tej serii podobała mi się tak bardzo, że ślepo wierzyłam w to, że będzie coraz lepiej. Niestety ta książka okazała się dla mnie sporym rozczarowaniem. Nie potrafiłam się w nią wciągnąć, ciągle odkładałam ją na bok i nie interesowało mnie zbytnio to, co stanie się z bohaterami. Może wynikać to z tego, że akcja była poprowadzona dwutorowo a część wątków była z tego względu powtarzalna. Tym razem autorzy nie potrafili mnie zaintrygować, gdyż część wątków rozwiązałam bez większych problemów. Zakończenie było smutne, ale myślę, że w przyszłości pojawi się kolejny tom z tej serii a sprawa nie jest jeszcze ostatecznie przesądzona.
Polecam tym, którzy przeczytali już dwie poprzednie części, bo mimo wszystko warto poznać dalsze losy bohaterów.
Komisarz Alexander Blix i dziennikarka Emma Ramm składają zeznania w sprawie wydarzeń, które miały katastrofalne skutki. Pewien mężczyzna został zastrzelony a córka głównego bohatera walczy o życie. Co się stało? Dlaczego Iselin znalazła się w szpitalu? Jak zaczęła się cała ta historia i co ma z nią wspólnego Sofia Kovic – współpracownica Blixa – zamordowana jakiś czas wcześniej?
Pierwsza część tej serii podobała mi się tak bardzo, że ślepo wierzyłam w to, że będzie coraz lepiej. Niestety ta książka okazała się dla mnie sporym rozczarowaniem. Nie potrafiłam się w nią wciągnąć, ciągle odkładałam ją na bok i nie interesowało mnie zbytnio to, co stanie się z bohaterami. Może wynikać to z tego, że akcja była poprowadzona dwutorowo a część wątków była z tego względu powtarzalna. Tym razem autorzy nie potrafili mnie zaintrygować, gdyż część wątków rozwiązałam bez większych problemów. Zakończenie było smutne, ale myślę, że w przyszłości pojawi się kolejny tom z tej serii a sprawa nie jest jeszcze ostatecznie przesądzona.
Polecam tym, którzy przeczytali już dwie poprzednie części, bo mimo wszystko warto poznać dalsze losy bohaterów.
January 2, 2022
Having read the two previous books in the Blix & Ramm series, I was super excited to open the first page of Unhinged. The opening chapter had me gripped! In a storyline that was utterly explosive with shocking twists, it was easy to read Unhinged in a matter of days.
I have to be careful describing the book as I really do not want to give anything away, but for fans for this series – your world will be rocked!!
We visit the story from two points of view the present and the past and in this style the events unfold in the usual slick and gripping way that Jorn lier Horst & Thomas Enger write together, Theirs is a spectacular combination of top class crime fiction writing, they are able to weave a storyline so professionally that its hard to see that this was written by two authors.
The plot is not revealed at the beginning, its a twisty, melting pot of sumptuous prose and the character of Alexander Blix must surely be one of THE best in Nordic Noir, we feel everything he does so deeply, only writers with extreme talent can write books like Unhinged, that shock you, that make you gasp, that make you hurt – just like Blix!
I must also give praise to Megan Turney who skillfully translated Unhinged from Norwegian to English, in doing so she has not lost any of the story or indeed nuances of language, well done Megan, for without you I would not get to read books like this by my two favourite authors!
So for the third book in the Blix & Ramm series, it’s a magnificent 5 star read for me, I just hope there are more to come!
I have to be careful describing the book as I really do not want to give anything away, but for fans for this series – your world will be rocked!!
We visit the story from two points of view the present and the past and in this style the events unfold in the usual slick and gripping way that Jorn lier Horst & Thomas Enger write together, Theirs is a spectacular combination of top class crime fiction writing, they are able to weave a storyline so professionally that its hard to see that this was written by two authors.
The plot is not revealed at the beginning, its a twisty, melting pot of sumptuous prose and the character of Alexander Blix must surely be one of THE best in Nordic Noir, we feel everything he does so deeply, only writers with extreme talent can write books like Unhinged, that shock you, that make you gasp, that make you hurt – just like Blix!
I must also give praise to Megan Turney who skillfully translated Unhinged from Norwegian to English, in doing so she has not lost any of the story or indeed nuances of language, well done Megan, for without you I would not get to read books like this by my two favourite authors!
So for the third book in the Blix & Ramm series, it’s a magnificent 5 star read for me, I just hope there are more to come!
March 13, 2022
Thriller set in and around OSLO
I do love a good writing duo. This is no. 3 in the Blix and Ramm series. The book opens with DCI Alexander Blix in police custody, having to explain why he shot someone. Emma Ramm, a journalist with whom he works on cases, saw what happened.
The story then moves back over the events that led to this point. Sofia Kovic who reported to Blix has been shot at close range. Blix’s daughter Iselin has been renting a room on the top floor of Sofia’s house and is at home when she hears the tell tale sound of a gun being fired and has to escape down scaffolding on the outside of the building. For now, she is safe and gives her statement to the police.
She flags to her father that Sofia seemed to be working on police files but it transpires that the relevant documents and her computer are missing. They perhaps prove to be integral to what is going on.
This is a well crafted story that has wheels within wheels and some unexpected twists and turns, shocking at points. The characters are nicely defined and there is certainly sense of the city and its surroundings.
I do love a good writing duo. This is no. 3 in the Blix and Ramm series. The book opens with DCI Alexander Blix in police custody, having to explain why he shot someone. Emma Ramm, a journalist with whom he works on cases, saw what happened.
The story then moves back over the events that led to this point. Sofia Kovic who reported to Blix has been shot at close range. Blix’s daughter Iselin has been renting a room on the top floor of Sofia’s house and is at home when she hears the tell tale sound of a gun being fired and has to escape down scaffolding on the outside of the building. For now, she is safe and gives her statement to the police.
She flags to her father that Sofia seemed to be working on police files but it transpires that the relevant documents and her computer are missing. They perhaps prove to be integral to what is going on.
This is a well crafted story that has wheels within wheels and some unexpected twists and turns, shocking at points. The characters are nicely defined and there is certainly sense of the city and its surroundings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews