Strung

Strung Trilogy #1

by Per Jacobsen

Author Randall Morgan is on his way home after spending fourteen days in the secluded cabin where he always goes to write the endings of his books. However, when he arrives in his hometown, East Alin, he is greeted by a disturbing sight.At a traffic light near the city limits, someone has turned a lamppost into a makeshift gallows, and in it a man–dead and decomposing–hangs.The sight of the hanged man is terrifying in itself, but it soon dawns on Randall that there are other–and far greater–problems in the small town. Because while he is waiting in his car for the police to show up, several people pass by the crime scene - and not a single one of them reacts to the fact that a dead man is hanging in the middle of the street.Something has gone completely wrong in East Alin while Randall has been away.Start the Strung Trilogy today.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery, Science Fiction, Apocalyptic, Fiction

341 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2021

About the author

Per Jacobsen is a Danish author best known for writing thrillers with supernatural elements. He got his literary debut in 2018 when he won a writing competition issued by Byens publishing house in Denmark. Shortly afterwards, he signed a contract with the publishing house Valeta, also in Denmark, who published his debut novel, The mirror cabinet. Per Jacobsen's next three books (books 1-3 in the Strung trilogy) were translated and gave him his international breakthrough as they quickly went to the top of the bestseller list in several countries, including the US and England. Today, Per Jacobsen is a full-time writer and lives permanently in southern Spain with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my third book by Jacobsen. I loved the first one so much (The Ride Awakening of Theodor Moody), and I’ve been trying to recapture the magic ever since - unsuccessfully.

I don’t think I’ll read the rest of this series. I’ll give the author one more chance with a standalone book and see if that helps.

This one was a bit repetitive and convoluted for me.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strung was an original and engaging apocalyptic story. It was well written and unique. Too bad we didn't get more answers at the end.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 3 .75 stars**
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Michael Lucio

[Cujo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different type of "end of the world" book. As of now we don't know if it's caused by a virus, biological weapon, or aliens. But I'm curious enough to want to continue the series.

[Scott Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my typical book but it’s a very easy read and I finished it in one day. It felt more like a part of a book than a full book which I guess makes sense because it’s book one in a trilogy. It’s entertaining, but not that deep which I don’t necessarily think is a bad thing from time to time but I do prefer a little more substance in my books. That being said, it held my attention enough that I’ll probably read the other two books just to get the closure.

This is a zombie-esqe story about Randall and his brother Tommy who are searching for Randall’s young son in a world where police are hanging people who they see as “deviants”, or in this world, any one who isn’t essentially a walking zombie. It’s different, and like I said an easy quick read. Not a whole lot happened which is why I gave it 3, but again… I’m invested enough to continue on if I’ve got a day to dedicate to another book.

[Agnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a weird book, not my usual genre but also interesting. Randall Morgan is away writing his book and when he returns home he finds bodies hanging all over town. People are ignoring them and when he reports them, all of a sudden he is a target.

Is everyone possessed? Something in the air? While not my usual genre, I was intrigued by the story itself and really wanted to find out what happens. Its a trilogy so there is much more to the story and worth reading if you are interested in this genre. #kindleunlimited

[Badseedgirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting story and nicely blends horror and mystery together. I just felt like there was something missing in this story. It ended in a huge cliffhanger for book 2. Well if I am being completely honest this entire first book was just a character introduction and set up for the series. The problem is, I'm not sure if I even care to read book 2 to see how the plot develops, or if it ever does.

[Elena Linville-Abdo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars: 3 out of 5

This as a decent read with a central mystery that kept me intrigued even though I wasn't particularly engaged with the characters. With only 220 pages, it's a quick read, but I found that some parts of it dragged anyway, especially the beginning episode with the cop.

Oh, and nothing is resolved by the end of book 1, so you will need to pick up the next book in the trilogy to know what happens. There is mention of other survivors in the epilogue as well as hints that not everything is as it seems with Billy. Since I own the whole trilogy, I will check the next book out.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited about this book!! End times on alien(?) steroids

I read so much, trying to find anything that excites me as much as thrillers used to. This is that book! So grateful to the author for creating this world of uncertainty and danger with scraps of humanity left to make sense of it all. Looking so forward to reading the sequel!!

[Karin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just as it was (supposedly) going to be solved...it ended and I needed to buy Book 2. I hate that.

[Krystle Rouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strung was a breakneck and captivating apocalyptic read that literally leaves you hanging. This book caught me right at the beginning and didn’t let up. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would watch the movie!

[Anja Henriksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced 'end of the world as we know it' story, about an author returning from isolation while finishing his latest book only to find the local society going completely bonkers, and it's spreading. We follow him in his confusion trying futilely to find and safe his family. The success is rather minimal and the story has an open ending leading naturally forward to the second in this trilogy.
The author is Danish like myself, but I chose to listen to the English translated audiobook, which was narrated really well! I'm beginning the second in the trilogy instantly

[cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[bookmarksandbarbells]

DNF. Life is too short for me to be wasting my time reading numerous books just to get some answers. I do not like that, I will not be proceeding. Thank you & good luck to everyone else in the advent group I am in.

[Bree Lyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

"I would rip, tear, throw, shoot, cut, and kill, without hesitation. Without shame or guilt. I am a father. What more need you know?"

Pretty cool storyline that grips you in. It isn't super deep but is a good, surface-level, plot driven book. I would recommend to those who like more "out there" horror/thriller books.

[Lorraine Brown-Veilleux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 Where Are You?!

I literally thought I was reading a Stephen King story! I got sucked in immediately and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough til the end. This author MUST do a Book 2! I need to know what happens!!!

[Danique van Dijk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one starts off strong - Randall finds a guy hanging from a tree and no one around him seems remotely fazed. That alone had me hooked. But then things escalate fast: more bodies start showing up, the local authorities don’t care at all, and then… a police officer tries to hang Randall?! What is going on?!

At first, I was just yelling at him to get out while he still could. But then it becomes clear that something’s seriously wrong - his friends are acting like zombies (minus the flesh-eating part), totally apathetic and oblivious to his injuries. The only one who still seems normal is his brother Tommy. But even worse, all kids seem to have disappeared, including his own son Billy. His ex-wife’s affected too, so it’s not just local - this is happening everywhere.

Things get more intense when we meet David, a teenager who’s been leaving warnings for others. Loved his character, he’s been through hell but still cares about helping people. There’s a real “Walking Dead” vibe here, but it’s more psychological than gory, which I liked.

The mystery of the missing children leads them to a hospital, where it turns out they’re being experimented on and brainwashed. Absolutely chilling. And the fact that David’s dad might’ve been involved?? Disturbing.

Some of the rules in this world are a little murky. People “disappear” when they decay? Ally vanishes, but Billy doesn’t - why? That part felt underexplained. The open ending frustrated me a bit - especially when things started to feel hopeful with Billy maybe coming back to normal - only for it to cut off without answers. But apparently, it’s part of a series? That helps.

Overall, a creepy, intriguing, and fast-paced read that left me wanting more, mostly because I need to know what the hell is going on. Definitely continuing the series.

[luckykarmatx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I typically steer clear of post-apocalyptic stories because they aren't my thing, but this has been so popular on social media that I had to find out what the fuss was about. Strung proved to be an interesting, unique, and very creepy read so I was not disappointed. The ending left me with more questions than answers, but I really enjoyed this one, so I’ll be checking out the rest of the series to see how it evolves.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars…..I don’t know what it is about this book…..It started good and then just like his advent calendar book, I feel like it fizzled and was rushed. However, I still want to read book two…I feel this strange draw to this author…..weird.

[Denise Downing · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright but not enough to make me want to rush out and read books 2 and 3. It was very long and drawn out with nothing really happening. I may read the others at some point, but right now, they are not even on my TBR list. I would not recommend this book.

[Wonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apocalyptic novels are usually my thing, but this one was weird. The premise is just too outlandish for me...Yes, I realize it's fiction!

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephen king-ish read the trilogy pretty fast And “free”on kindle unlimited. Very simplistic page turners. Also the cover for the 3 rd book is kind of a spoiler so just be warned.

[Penny Cipolone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really fast read. Great book for a long plane flight! But one has to keep reading the series to find out what is really going on.

[Brett Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun starter to a “what the heck is going on” apocalyptic type novel. Takes place in modern day, and leaves you asking alllllll the Who/What/Why/How questions. Bring on book 2!

[Mich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook. 5hrs. Not wasted time. Just eh

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept. I will continue the series but I feel like the first book was a little ehh light. I am a new Pee Jacobsen reader and I did like 25 days so I will def continue.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new view on dystopian themes.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caught my attention and such an easy-flowing read. Definitely have interest in continuing the sequel.

[Erin Smeby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to part 2.