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Department Q #9
Natriumkloridi
Lenkki kiristyy Osasto Q:ta luotsaavan Carl Mørckin ympärillä
Nainen tekee itsemurhan 60-vuotispäivänään, ja tapaus johtaa vuosikymmeniä vanhan tutkinnan avaamiseen. Nopeasti Osasto Q yhdistää vuonna 1988 räjähtäneen autokorjaamon moneen tapaturmaiseen kuolemaan. Vaikuttaa siltä, että joku on vuosikymmenien ajan naamioinut murhia onnettomuuksiksi ja itsemurhiksi. Kaikilla tapauksilla on kuitenkin yksi yhdistävä tekijä: suola.
Merkit viittaavat siihen, että salaperäinen tappaja on iskemässä pian uudelleen. Osasto Q:lla on alle kuukausi aikaa saada kiinni murhaaja, joka on pysytellyt varjoissa yli kolmekymmentä vuotta. Heidän työtään hidastaa paitsi koko Tanskaa riepotteleva koronavirus myös Carl Mørckin menneisyydestä nouseva uhka.
Natriumkloridi on yhdeksäs osa Jussi Adler-Olsenin valtavan suositussa Osasto Q -sarjassa. Kovaksikeitetty dekkari kipusi Tanskassa välittömästi bestsellerlistojen kärkeen ja rikkoi 100 000 myydyn kappaleen rajan kuukaudessa.
Nainen tekee itsemurhan 60-vuotispäivänään, ja tapaus johtaa vuosikymmeniä vanhan tutkinnan avaamiseen. Nopeasti Osasto Q yhdistää vuonna 1988 räjähtäneen autokorjaamon moneen tapaturmaiseen kuolemaan. Vaikuttaa siltä, että joku on vuosikymmenien ajan naamioinut murhia onnettomuuksiksi ja itsemurhiksi. Kaikilla tapauksilla on kuitenkin yksi yhdistävä tekijä: suola.
Merkit viittaavat siihen, että salaperäinen tappaja on iskemässä pian uudelleen. Osasto Q:lla on alle kuukausi aikaa saada kiinni murhaaja, joka on pysytellyt varjoissa yli kolmekymmentä vuotta. Heidän työtään hidastaa paitsi koko Tanskaa riepotteleva koronavirus myös Carl Mørckin menneisyydestä nouseva uhka.
Natriumkloridi on yhdeksäs osa Jussi Adler-Olsenin valtavan suositussa Osasto Q -sarjassa. Kovaksikeitetty dekkari kipusi Tanskassa välittömästi bestsellerlistojen kärkeen ja rikkoi 100 000 myydyn kappaleen rajan kuukaudessa.
495 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2021
988 people are currently reading
7472 people want to read
About the author
Jussi Adler-Olsen
44 books5,333 followersJussi Adler-Olsen is a Danish author who began to write novels in the 1990s after a comprehensive career as publisher, editor, film composer for the Valhalla cartoon and as a bookseller.
He made his debut with the thriller “Alfabethuset” (1997), which reached bestseller status both in Denmark and internationally just like his subsequent novels “And She Thanked the Gods” (prev. “The Company Basher”) (2003) and “The Washington Decree” (2006). The first book on Department Q is “Kvinden I buret” (2007) and the second “Fasandræberne” (2008). The main detective is Deputy Superintendent Carl Morck from the Department Q and he is also the star of the third volume, “Flaskepost fra P” which was released in the fall of 2009 and secured Adler-Olsen ”Readers' Book Award” from Berlingske Tidende-readers, the Harald Mogensen Prize as well as the Scandinavian Crime Society's most prestigious price ”Glass Key”. The fourth volume in the Department Q series, “Journal 64” was published in 2010 and he was awarded the once-in-a-lifetime-prize of “The Golden Laurels” for this in 2011”. In December 2012 the fifth novel was published, “Marco Effekten".
Furthermore, Jussi Adler-Olsen was awarded “Favourite Author of the Danes” in 2011, 2012 and 2013 leading the organization behind to change the set-up, so the winner cannot be chosen more than once in a three year period.
Jussi Adler-Olsen's novels have had such an impact abroad, that he has also received a variety of awards there: ”The Sealed Room Award” in Japan for “Kvinden I buret”; ”Best Translated Mystery Novel of the Year”,”The Crime - Blitz Award 2011” in Germany for “Flaskepost til P” given to the best international crime, Elle magazine's French reader award: ”Prix de Lectrices the Elle” for “Kvinden I buret” as well as ”The Barry Award” in the US for “Kvinen I buret” that was elected ”Best Novel of the Year”.
His first novel “Alfabethuset” and the first four books of the Department Q series have been sold for film adaptation. “Kvinden I buret” premiered in 2013 and “Fasandræberne” opens in Denmark October 2014.
He made his debut with the thriller “Alfabethuset” (1997), which reached bestseller status both in Denmark and internationally just like his subsequent novels “And She Thanked the Gods” (prev. “The Company Basher”) (2003) and “The Washington Decree” (2006). The first book on Department Q is “Kvinden I buret” (2007) and the second “Fasandræberne” (2008). The main detective is Deputy Superintendent Carl Morck from the Department Q and he is also the star of the third volume, “Flaskepost fra P” which was released in the fall of 2009 and secured Adler-Olsen ”Readers' Book Award” from Berlingske Tidende-readers, the Harald Mogensen Prize as well as the Scandinavian Crime Society's most prestigious price ”Glass Key”. The fourth volume in the Department Q series, “Journal 64” was published in 2010 and he was awarded the once-in-a-lifetime-prize of “The Golden Laurels” for this in 2011”. In December 2012 the fifth novel was published, “Marco Effekten".
Furthermore, Jussi Adler-Olsen was awarded “Favourite Author of the Danes” in 2011, 2012 and 2013 leading the organization behind to change the set-up, so the winner cannot be chosen more than once in a three year period.
Jussi Adler-Olsen's novels have had such an impact abroad, that he has also received a variety of awards there: ”The Sealed Room Award” in Japan for “Kvinden I buret”; ”Best Translated Mystery Novel of the Year”,”The Crime - Blitz Award 2011” in Germany for “Flaskepost til P” given to the best international crime, Elle magazine's French reader award: ”Prix de Lectrices the Elle” for “Kvinden I buret” as well as ”The Barry Award” in the US for “Kvinen I buret” that was elected ”Best Novel of the Year”.
His first novel “Alfabethuset” and the first four books of the Department Q series have been sold for film adaptation. “Kvinden I buret” premiered in 2013 and “Fasandræberne” opens in Denmark October 2014.
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September 16, 2022
The Shadow Murders
by Jussi Adler-Olsen is intriguing, suspenseful, and original. It is the ninth book in the Department Q series and has been translated by William Frost. Detective Carl Morck, the leader of Department Q, the small cold case division in Copenhagen, Denmark, is given a recent suicide case. His superior, Marcus Jacobsen, believes it is related to an unsolved case from 1988. They are to drop other cases and work this one.
Carl’s team consists of Rose, Assad, and Gordon. As the four investigate, they realize Marcus is right. There is something going on. There have been unusual deaths every two years that have connections. Are they accidents, a series of coincidences, murders by a serial killer, or a combination of the three?
The author does a fantastic job of characterization. Every character seemed to come alive. Readers get a great sense of what they value in life and how they approach their days. Insights into Carl, Rose, Assad, and Gordon come over time and aren’t a data dump. Readers get a sense of both their personal and professional lives.
The prologue and a couple of chapters are flashbacks. Other than that, the chapters cover a short time period of November 30 to December 26, 2020. Each chapter focuses on a different individual, but the story moves smoothly between them. This police procedural and crime thriller has a stunning and deeply involved plot. The twists and turns will keep readers highly engaged and leads to an action-filled and emotional conclusion.
The book explores how individuals can twist religion and morality to suit their extremist views. Symbolism plays a role in this story line. Insight into the treatment of immigrants can be seen through Assad and the effects on his family as well as references to casual workers from other countries. The novel takes place during the Covid-19 pandemic. This adds difficulties and complexities to the investigation. There is a twist from the past that affects one of the major characters. This subplot is left unresolved and readers will have to read the final book in the series to see how it ends. This cliffhanger ending is my only quibble with the story.
Overall, this was an engaging, thought-provoking, and emotional story that kept me turning the pages rapidly. I am looking forward to reading the conclusion to this series. Those that enjoy well-done police procedurals and crime thrillers are encouraged to consider this book as their next read. Five books in the series have also been adapted into movies.
PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and Jussi Adler-Olsen provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 27, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------
My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon.
Carl’s team consists of Rose, Assad, and Gordon. As the four investigate, they realize Marcus is right. There is something going on. There have been unusual deaths every two years that have connections. Are they accidents, a series of coincidences, murders by a serial killer, or a combination of the three?
The author does a fantastic job of characterization. Every character seemed to come alive. Readers get a great sense of what they value in life and how they approach their days. Insights into Carl, Rose, Assad, and Gordon come over time and aren’t a data dump. Readers get a sense of both their personal and professional lives.
The prologue and a couple of chapters are flashbacks. Other than that, the chapters cover a short time period of November 30 to December 26, 2020. Each chapter focuses on a different individual, but the story moves smoothly between them. This police procedural and crime thriller has a stunning and deeply involved plot. The twists and turns will keep readers highly engaged and leads to an action-filled and emotional conclusion.
The book explores how individuals can twist religion and morality to suit their extremist views. Symbolism plays a role in this story line. Insight into the treatment of immigrants can be seen through Assad and the effects on his family as well as references to casual workers from other countries. The novel takes place during the Covid-19 pandemic. This adds difficulties and complexities to the investigation. There is a twist from the past that affects one of the major characters. This subplot is left unresolved and readers will have to read the final book in the series to see how it ends. This cliffhanger ending is my only quibble with the story.
Overall, this was an engaging, thought-provoking, and emotional story that kept me turning the pages rapidly. I am looking forward to reading the conclusion to this series. Those that enjoy well-done police procedurals and crime thrillers are encouraged to consider this book as their next read. Five books in the series have also been adapted into movies.
PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and Jussi Adler-Olsen provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 27, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------
My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon.
June 18, 2023
This ninth book in the series is apparently the penultimate one. I will be sad to see it end.
I enjoyed The Shadow Murders much more than I did the previous book. The atmosphere has returned to the way it was in the earlier books. The story concentrates on the crimes and the smart police work, and the sarky comments between the members of the team are back (especially from Rose).
It turns out Carl has got himself into a fix, and the last page clearly indicates that there is another book to come. I am looking forward to it already.
I enjoyed The Shadow Murders much more than I did the previous book. The atmosphere has returned to the way it was in the earlier books. The story concentrates on the crimes and the smart police work, and the sarky comments between the members of the team are back (especially from Rose).
It turns out Carl has got himself into a fix, and the last page clearly indicates that there is another book to come. I am looking forward to it already.
April 19, 2023
Una novela que me deja con la nostalgia de lo que esta serie fue y ya no es.
Mis impresiones
Novena entrega de la serie danesa protagonizada por el departamento Q, encargado de resolver casos fríos. Las primeras entregas de la serie tenían un no sé qué, que enganchaba y les confería un puntito original. A partir de la sexta ese algo especial se ha ido diluyendo. La serie acusa fatiga y si bien no aburre, ha dejado de ser lo que era.
En esta ocasión Carl, Assad, Rose y Gordon se enfrentan a una serie de asesinatos que comenzaron treinta y cinco años atrás. El denominador común es que en las escenas del crimen aparecen montoncitos de sal.
La investigación, bien llevada, entroncará con un caso del presente. El caso no está mal, pero abusa por un lado de criminal psicópata y por otro de más pronto que tarde dar a conocer al lector el quién. Ambas circunstancias van en detrimento del libro y le restan tensión e intriga.
Junto con la trama de los asesinatos seguimos con la subtrama secundaria del caso de la pistola de clavos, que entra en una fase crítica.
Cronológicamente, la acción se sitúa en diciembre del 2020, en plena pandemia. Los confinamientos, las restricciones y las consecuencias que se derivaban de todo ello están fielmente representadas. A mi juicio lo mejor de la novela.
Sobre los personajes, en esta ocasión Carl, que no parece él, es quien lleva el protagonismo absoluto. Assad y Rose, personajes carismáticos en otras entregas quedan en un muy segundo plano.
El final cierra los asesinatos y deja planteada la trama de la siguiente.
En conclusión. Última entrega de una serie que acusa ya mucha fatiga. No aburre, pero ha perdido aquello que la convirtió en adictiva.
Mis impresiones
Novena entrega de la serie danesa protagonizada por el departamento Q, encargado de resolver casos fríos. Las primeras entregas de la serie tenían un no sé qué, que enganchaba y les confería un puntito original. A partir de la sexta ese algo especial se ha ido diluyendo. La serie acusa fatiga y si bien no aburre, ha dejado de ser lo que era.
En esta ocasión Carl, Assad, Rose y Gordon se enfrentan a una serie de asesinatos que comenzaron treinta y cinco años atrás. El denominador común es que en las escenas del crimen aparecen montoncitos de sal.
La investigación, bien llevada, entroncará con un caso del presente. El caso no está mal, pero abusa por un lado de criminal psicópata y por otro de más pronto que tarde dar a conocer al lector el quién. Ambas circunstancias van en detrimento del libro y le restan tensión e intriga.
Junto con la trama de los asesinatos seguimos con la subtrama secundaria del caso de la pistola de clavos, que entra en una fase crítica.
Cronológicamente, la acción se sitúa en diciembre del 2020, en plena pandemia. Los confinamientos, las restricciones y las consecuencias que se derivaban de todo ello están fielmente representadas. A mi juicio lo mejor de la novela.
Sobre los personajes, en esta ocasión Carl, que no parece él, es quien lleva el protagonismo absoluto. Assad y Rose, personajes carismáticos en otras entregas quedan en un muy segundo plano.
El final cierra los asesinatos y deja planteada la trama de la siguiente.
En conclusión. Última entrega de una serie que acusa ya mucha fatiga. No aburre, pero ha perdido aquello que la convirtió en adictiva.
September 14, 2022
It seems I have missed an episode or two in this exciting series, but no matter, this was an awesome story! It does, however, reference quite an incident in an earlier book (which I did read) referred to as the ‘nail gun murders’ where Inspector Carl Morck, head of Department Q (the cold case unit) of the Copenhagen police and his partner, Hardy, were shot and another officer died. Sadly I don’t remember the detail. The relevant thing is that the case (now over 10 years ago) has come back to haunt Morck while he and his team - comprising the wonderful Assad, the feisty Rose and newcomer, the keen as mustard Gordon are trying to stop one of the most deadly serial killers Denmark has ever seen. Or not seen as the links are only now being made.
Unfortunately, with my right hand out of action, I couldn’t take notes but I think it all kicked off when a body was found and, in the vicinity, a pile of salt. This tweaked some memories and the team are looking for any other murders which involve a pile of salt. Weird huh? It is something many detectives would overlook but Morck’s team establish a pattern of sorts and can see that the killer has been active for over 20 years.
Using the pattern they determine that another murder is due to occur soon but they have no idea who or where this will take place. The tension is palpable as the deadline approaches and Morck has to avoid being arrested over the nail gun case. These guys are so dedicated to solving this and saving the victim they haven’t even identified yet although they eventually do. It goes down to the wire, every minute counts, my nerves are still recovering!
In the interests of fairness I need to mention that it ends on a cliff hanger so I will be very keen to read the next book. Many thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Unfortunately, with my right hand out of action, I couldn’t take notes but I think it all kicked off when a body was found and, in the vicinity, a pile of salt. This tweaked some memories and the team are looking for any other murders which involve a pile of salt. Weird huh? It is something many detectives would overlook but Morck’s team establish a pattern of sorts and can see that the killer has been active for over 20 years.
Using the pattern they determine that another murder is due to occur soon but they have no idea who or where this will take place. The tension is palpable as the deadline approaches and Morck has to avoid being arrested over the nail gun case. These guys are so dedicated to solving this and saving the victim they haven’t even identified yet although they eventually do. It goes down to the wire, every minute counts, my nerves are still recovering!
In the interests of fairness I need to mention that it ends on a cliff hanger so I will be very keen to read the next book. Many thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
December 8, 2021
It’s been eight years since I read the first three books of the series back to back. Ever since, every new installment in the department Q series has been highly anticipated. This is book nine out of ten. The purpose of this book seems mainly to be to lead up to the last one.
Of course, Assad, Rose, Carl and Gordon have a case to deal with. A cold case that leads up to new cases and all of the sudden they ate on the tracks of a cunning serial killer who has operated and killed systematically for decades.
While they are putting the pieces together, Carl is accused of being a drug baron. A suitcase is found in an attic, stemming from a drug bust gone bad years ago.
I struggled with this one, even though revisiting old friends on new adventures. The murders and the plotting didn’t thrill me at all, and even Assad’s camel jokes fell flat. Maybe because I thought he wouldn’t continue with the undercover act after all about him and his family in the last book. The plot from the past against Carl is just annoying. Of course I must read the last book in the installment when it comes. Unlike the other books in the series, this felt like filler.
Of course, Assad, Rose, Carl and Gordon have a case to deal with. A cold case that leads up to new cases and all of the sudden they ate on the tracks of a cunning serial killer who has operated and killed systematically for decades.
While they are putting the pieces together, Carl is accused of being a drug baron. A suitcase is found in an attic, stemming from a drug bust gone bad years ago.
I struggled with this one, even though revisiting old friends on new adventures. The murders and the plotting didn’t thrill me at all, and even Assad’s camel jokes fell flat. Maybe because I thought he wouldn’t continue with the undercover act after all about him and his family in the last book. The plot from the past against Carl is just annoying. Of course I must read the last book in the installment when it comes. Unlike the other books in the series, this felt like filler.
March 12, 2022
Ich liebe das Team😉 und freue mich auf den nächsten Teil.🙂
August 20, 2023
Un nuevo caso para el Departamento Q, dedicado a investigar casos sin resolver. En esta ocasión investigan a un asesino en serie que lleva actuando durante casi 30 años, fingiendo accidentes o suicidios de sus víctimas, que se ha podido identificar por dejar junto a los cuerpos una marca distintiva: un montoncito de cloruro de sodio, sal común de mesa. Hay algunas pistas que te permiten en cierto modo identificar a "este loco de atar", aún así queda pendiente conocer qué le ocurrió para lanzarse a esa cruzada. El caso del pasado se entremezcla con uno del presente y ciertas acusaciones que penden sobre Carl marcarán el devenir de la investigación. Me ha gustado más la investigación del presente y todo lo que ha conllevado para el equipo. Es la que soporta la tensión.
La acción se desarrolla en el 2020, en una segunda ola de la Pandemia. Sin entrar en víctimas ni victimismos, una de las cosas que más me ha gustado es como ha integrado en el libro la "cotidianeidad" de ciertos hábitos y restricciones que hemos tenido que asumir.
Tenía ganas de reencontrarme con el equipo del Departamento Q, pero me he encontrado con un Carl que ha brillado algo menos que en otras ocasiones, que ha ido un poco como títere sin cabeza. Rose y Assad han tenido menos protagonismo -aunque me he podido seguir riendo con los gazapos lingüísticos de Assad-, Gordon es el que cerca ya del final me ha mantenido en un vilo, Marcus me ha mosqueado por la poca confianza en Carl y Hardy, me ha decepcionado. Ya veremos qué ocurre en la siguiente y presuntamente última entrega de esta serie con los flancos abiertos que afectan a Carl.
Terminaré de leer la serie. Me ha gustado, aunque mi valoración ha ido decayendo un poco con las últimas entregas.
Valoración: 7,5/10
Lectura: agosto 2023
La acción se desarrolla en el 2020, en una segunda ola de la Pandemia. Sin entrar en víctimas ni victimismos, una de las cosas que más me ha gustado es como ha integrado en el libro la "cotidianeidad" de ciertos hábitos y restricciones que hemos tenido que asumir.
Tenía ganas de reencontrarme con el equipo del Departamento Q, pero me he encontrado con un Carl que ha brillado algo menos que en otras ocasiones, que ha ido un poco como títere sin cabeza. Rose y Assad han tenido menos protagonismo -aunque me he podido seguir riendo con los gazapos lingüísticos de Assad-, Gordon es el que cerca ya del final me ha mantenido en un vilo, Marcus me ha mosqueado por la poca confianza en Carl y Hardy, me ha decepcionado. Ya veremos qué ocurre en la siguiente y presuntamente última entrega de esta serie con los flancos abiertos que afectan a Carl.
Terminaré de leer la serie. Me ha gustado, aunque mi valoración ha ido decayendo un poco con las últimas entregas.
Valoración: 7,5/10
Lectura: agosto 2023
July 21, 2023
As the penultimate book in the 'Nordic Noir' Department Q series, The Shadow Murders did not disappoint! Set in Copenhagen, Detective Carl Mørck and his team are faced with their most challenging crime yet... a series of unsolved and seemingly accidental deaths that occur every two years. It just so happens that 2020 is one of those alternating years. Meanwhile, a case from the very first book of the series comes back to haunt Carl, with a cliffhanger beyond cliffhangers that will leave you wanting the next book stat (unfortunately, we will have to wait until the end of the year). The witty banter between the team and the twisting plot makes this a must read, even as a standalone from the series. - Hanna G
November 23, 2022
Department Q is the cold case division of the Copenhagen Police. They are furiously racing to prevent the latest in a series of vigilante killings, some of seriously bad people. Actually, my first thought was, turn your backs and let them at 'em...these are people that would scarcely be missed. If you have ever watched the news, read the newspaper or otherwise witnessed people casually flout laws designed for the common good of everyone and momentarily wished that you could somehow show them that their behavior is totally unacceptable? Well...someone has done just that here. Somebody has assembled a team of female avengers whose sole mission is to execute “due diligence” on your behalf. After reading about the recent suicide of Maja Petersen reminds the Chief of Homicide, Marcus Jacobsen of the 1988 explosion that leveled Mr. Ove Wilder’s Auto, a repair shop. His sin???...he routinely cheated unwitting customers. What was his "due diligence you dare ask...his son, Max was killed along with Ove and three employees whose bodies were discovered inside the shop. You may think that that was a bit of overkill, but it’s only the beginning. After a sharp-eyed technician spotted some hoped for evidence outside the shop’s entrance Chief Inspector Carl Morck is moved to ask Rose Knudsen to search the records for other killings that may have had the same evidence left. 16 different cases... one every other year...each of them happening on the birthday of a notorious dictator. As the anniversary of another dictator is on the horizon, the members of Department Q struggle to identify not only potential suspects, but potential victims, unaware that exploitative reality TV show producer has already been kidnapped awaiting is "due diligence". It's a bit slow in places but the story progress well and the characters are more than interesting. Some of the language is not exactly translated into the way English speaking countries would say things but it's still a very good read.
September 21, 2022
The Shadow Murders is the ninth book in the Department Q series by award-winning best-selling Danish author Jussi Adler Olsen. After attending the funeral of a suicide, Detective Inspector Carl Mørck’s boss, Marcus Jacobsen brings him a case for Department Q to review.
Burying sixty-year-old Maja Petersen, Marcus recalls the niggle about the case of a garage explosion that took five mechanics and Maja’s toddler son, Max, over thirty years earlier. The small, unexplained pile of table salt at the scene twigged a memory of another case with this same feature.
Mørck quickly sets his team to work tracking down that other case, while also examining anomalies in the garage case. A thorough examination of both files leads them to conclude that both were murders set up to look like accident or suicide.
They surmise there must be more cases and begin actively searching for others with the same salt feature, and when they look deeper, they discover that the common elements of the cases form a pattern: what look like ritual killings have apparently been going on for over three decades.
The victims, too, exhibit a common characteristic: all are morally deficient. Whoever is knocking them off is clever and imaginative, often relating their execution method to their source of notoriety.
With COVID cases, staff quarantined and another lockdown, Department Q find themselves assigned to a “hot” case: the murder of a woman charged with the very public murder of a thief, a case which, bizarrely, turns out to have links to their cold case.
Alternate narratives that start in 1982 and are intermittently inserted between chapters from Mørck and his team’s 2020 perspective describe a group of vengeful women, vigilantes or street avengers targeting societal decay.
With its quirky team members: Rose Knudsen, ever-vocal with her loud criticism and complaint, Gordon Taylor, enthusiastic but still wet-behind-the-ears, and Assad, with his (possibly intentional) Manglish; Department Q interactions are usually entertaining and often blackly funny.
While Assad is distracted by problems with gaining asylum for his family, until the narcs turn up, Mørck is unaware of an investigation into allegations against him and his partners, Hardy Henningsen and Anker Høyer involving murder, cocaine and cash from their thirteen-year-old Nail Gun Case. This necessitates the team getting creative to avoid Mørck’s arrest while they try to prevent the death of the next victim.
There’s plenty of good detective work tracking down some truly nasty characters in this, the penultimate instalment of the Department Q series, and the cliff-hanger ending telegraphs the topic of the final book that will take the reader back to before the first book. Gripping Scandi noir
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Burying sixty-year-old Maja Petersen, Marcus recalls the niggle about the case of a garage explosion that took five mechanics and Maja’s toddler son, Max, over thirty years earlier. The small, unexplained pile of table salt at the scene twigged a memory of another case with this same feature.
Mørck quickly sets his team to work tracking down that other case, while also examining anomalies in the garage case. A thorough examination of both files leads them to conclude that both were murders set up to look like accident or suicide.
They surmise there must be more cases and begin actively searching for others with the same salt feature, and when they look deeper, they discover that the common elements of the cases form a pattern: what look like ritual killings have apparently been going on for over three decades.
The victims, too, exhibit a common characteristic: all are morally deficient. Whoever is knocking them off is clever and imaginative, often relating their execution method to their source of notoriety.
With COVID cases, staff quarantined and another lockdown, Department Q find themselves assigned to a “hot” case: the murder of a woman charged with the very public murder of a thief, a case which, bizarrely, turns out to have links to their cold case.
Alternate narratives that start in 1982 and are intermittently inserted between chapters from Mørck and his team’s 2020 perspective describe a group of vengeful women, vigilantes or street avengers targeting societal decay.
With its quirky team members: Rose Knudsen, ever-vocal with her loud criticism and complaint, Gordon Taylor, enthusiastic but still wet-behind-the-ears, and Assad, with his (possibly intentional) Manglish; Department Q interactions are usually entertaining and often blackly funny.
While Assad is distracted by problems with gaining asylum for his family, until the narcs turn up, Mørck is unaware of an investigation into allegations against him and his partners, Hardy Henningsen and Anker Høyer involving murder, cocaine and cash from their thirteen-year-old Nail Gun Case. This necessitates the team getting creative to avoid Mørck’s arrest while they try to prevent the death of the next victim.
There’s plenty of good detective work tracking down some truly nasty characters in this, the penultimate instalment of the Department Q series, and the cliff-hanger ending telegraphs the topic of the final book that will take the reader back to before the first book. Gripping Scandi noir
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
August 30, 2024
I usually rate these books 5 stars and this was no diffrent. Very intense book and felt like the case and crimes where very didfrent but really enjoyed it. Sad that the series is almost finished. Need to find another crime series to get invested to.
November 7, 2023
The Department Q series never disappoints. Once again, this group of misfits successfully investigates a cold case that, it turns out, is tied to a series of murders going back over 30 years. As always, Adler-Olsen manages to tie in current social/political issues, most significantly in this case the impact of the COVID pandemic on life in Denmark.
This, the 9th, has been described as the penultimate book in the series, and we are left in a cliffhanger situation as regards a plot that has been bubbling in the background since the beginning. I'm sure I'm not alone among fans in hoping that the next volume will be out before long - we need to know what really happened with Carl Morck and his two partners in the "nail gun" case from 15 years ago!
A couple of weeks ago I was in conversation at a dinner gathering with a man from Denmark. When I mentioned to him how much I enjoyed this series, he explained what a huge hit it was in Denmark and filled me in on some background about Adler-Olsen: his leftist politics (not surprising to someone who's read the books); his decision at the outset that there would not be more than 10 books in the series; and his influence over the Danish film series made from the books. Apparently because he was not a fan of the actor playing Morck in the first few adaptations, a change was made going forward. I doubt there are many authors in the US who would have that much influence over the casting of films made from their books!
If you've read previous books in the series, I doubt you'll be disappointed in this one. And if you aren't familiar with Department Q but you'd like to sample some Nordic Noir with quirky characters and the interjection of lighter moments, I can highly recommend this. I don't frequently re-read books, but after my Danish acquaintance mentioned something about the side-effects on Danish politics of events described in the second book, I'm going to have to revisit that one soon!
This, the 9th, has been described as the penultimate book in the series, and we are left in a cliffhanger situation as regards a plot that has been bubbling in the background since the beginning. I'm sure I'm not alone among fans in hoping that the next volume will be out before long - we need to know what really happened with Carl Morck and his two partners in the "nail gun" case from 15 years ago!
A couple of weeks ago I was in conversation at a dinner gathering with a man from Denmark. When I mentioned to him how much I enjoyed this series, he explained what a huge hit it was in Denmark and filled me in on some background about Adler-Olsen: his leftist politics (not surprising to someone who's read the books); his decision at the outset that there would not be more than 10 books in the series; and his influence over the Danish film series made from the books. Apparently because he was not a fan of the actor playing Morck in the first few adaptations, a change was made going forward. I doubt there are many authors in the US who would have that much influence over the casting of films made from their books!
If you've read previous books in the series, I doubt you'll be disappointed in this one. And if you aren't familiar with Department Q but you'd like to sample some Nordic Noir with quirky characters and the interjection of lighter moments, I can highly recommend this. I don't frequently re-read books, but after my Danish acquaintance mentioned something about the side-effects on Danish politics of events described in the second book, I'm going to have to revisit that one soon!
September 1, 2025
4.5 stars
This is quite an excellent series. I read books 1-3 and then this one #9, because I honestly thought the library hold would be more of an eternity than it was. But this shows that the series is still relevant and gripping. This one ends on a helluva cliffhanger.
Carl and his Q team find a serial killer has been striking every two years for three decades without prior suspicion because no one previously had put together the calling cards left at the scenes. It took a long time to get all the facts together but it was well worth the wait. Reader boredom is warded off by the many hilarious manglings of common idioms by Assad. He's a gem of a character, but really they all are.
I would share some quotes except on Goodreads' awful new book page I cannot find the stinking quotes.
This is quite an excellent series. I read books 1-3 and then this one #9, because I honestly thought the library hold would be more of an eternity than it was. But this shows that the series is still relevant and gripping. This one ends on a helluva cliffhanger.
Carl and his Q team find a serial killer has been striking every two years for three decades without prior suspicion because no one previously had put together the calling cards left at the scenes. It took a long time to get all the facts together but it was well worth the wait. Reader boredom is warded off by the many hilarious manglings of common idioms by Assad. He's a gem of a character, but really they all are.
I would share some quotes except on Goodreads' awful new book page I cannot find the stinking quotes.
December 22, 2021
An ihrem 60. Geburtstag begeht eine Frau Selbstmord. Ihr Tod nimmt Marcus Jacobsen, den Chef der Kopenhagener Mordkomission sehr mit, da sie für ihn untrennbar mit einem ungeklärten Fall aus dem Jahr 1988 zusammen hängt. Der Cold Case landet im Sonderdezernat Q, in dem sich Carl Rose, Assad und Gordon seit vielen Jahren alten, ungelösten Fällen widmen. Doch dieser Cold Case entwickelt sich zu einer ungeahnten Serie - die sich bis in das hier und jetzt zieht und den Ermittler*innen gefährlich näher kommt...
Seit 10 Jahren begleitet mich Jussi Adler-Olsen mit seinem Sonderdezernat Q schon durch mein Leseleben. Ich habe es immer sehr geliebt, mit den Ermittler*innen diese alten Fälle zu lösen und Carl & Co. sind mir mit der Zeit echt ans Herz gewachsen. Auch der neue Fall "Natriumchlorid", übersetzt von Hannes Thies, konnte mich durchaus unterhalten und fesseln - aber leider nicht mehr so wie früher.
Der Fall, den das Sonderdezernat Q hier serviert bekommt, ist wirklich raffiniert und spannend: Es geht um menschliche Abgründe, Gier, Willkür - und um Selbstjustiz. Komplex baut Jussi Adler-Olsen den Cold Case auf und lässt ihn seine Spuren bis in das heute ziehen, in dem natürlich passenderweise auch die Corona-Pandemie aktuell ist und die Ermittlungen der Polizei erschwert. Sehr, sehr schade war dann aber, dass ungefähr nach der Hälfte des Buches sowohl die Täter*innenschaft, als auch das Motiv geklärt waren und sich die andere Hälfte dann lediglich mit der Jagd nach den Schuldigen beschäftigt. Das hat sich für mich leider unglaublich gezogen, ich habe mich sehr gelangweilt.
Obwohl ich das Team im Sonderdezernat Q wirklich mag, habe ich die Personen in diesem Band als anstrengend empfunden. Die Dialoge waren extrem hölzern, Carls ständiges Verbessern von Assads Sätzen sehr unangenehm und generell die Zeichnung der Charaktere bedauerlich stereotyp. Wahrscheinlich war das auch schon in den letzten Bänden so, mir ist das nur nie aufgefallen. Auch sprachlich war dieser Thriller definitiv kein Highlight. Ich weiß nicht, ob der Autor tatsächlich so ungelenk schreibt oder ob das am Übersetzer liegt - jedenfalls war ich nicht begeistert.
Hätte "Natriumchlorid" knapp 200 Seiten weniger gehabt und wäre der Fokus mehr auf dem Cold Case, als auf irgendwelchen anderen Fällen drum herum gelegen, wäre der Thriller für mich viel runder gewesen. So wurde aber trotzdem eine nostalgische Saite in mir angeschlagen und ich habe es trotz aller Kritikpunkte genossen, wieder mit diesem lieb gewonnenen Team in Kopenhagen einen alten Fall zu lösen. Der nächste Band wird dann wohl der Abschluss sein - ich bin gespannt, ob mich dieser wieder mehr begeistern kann.
Falls ihr die Reihe noch nicht kennen solltet, kann ich euch nur empfehlen, sie von Band 1 an zu lesen - denn gerade die ersten etwa 5 Thriller sind wirklich, wirklich genial!
Seit 10 Jahren begleitet mich Jussi Adler-Olsen mit seinem Sonderdezernat Q schon durch mein Leseleben. Ich habe es immer sehr geliebt, mit den Ermittler*innen diese alten Fälle zu lösen und Carl & Co. sind mir mit der Zeit echt ans Herz gewachsen. Auch der neue Fall "Natriumchlorid", übersetzt von Hannes Thies, konnte mich durchaus unterhalten und fesseln - aber leider nicht mehr so wie früher.
Der Fall, den das Sonderdezernat Q hier serviert bekommt, ist wirklich raffiniert und spannend: Es geht um menschliche Abgründe, Gier, Willkür - und um Selbstjustiz. Komplex baut Jussi Adler-Olsen den Cold Case auf und lässt ihn seine Spuren bis in das heute ziehen, in dem natürlich passenderweise auch die Corona-Pandemie aktuell ist und die Ermittlungen der Polizei erschwert. Sehr, sehr schade war dann aber, dass ungefähr nach der Hälfte des Buches sowohl die Täter*innenschaft, als auch das Motiv geklärt waren und sich die andere Hälfte dann lediglich mit der Jagd nach den Schuldigen beschäftigt. Das hat sich für mich leider unglaublich gezogen, ich habe mich sehr gelangweilt.
Obwohl ich das Team im Sonderdezernat Q wirklich mag, habe ich die Personen in diesem Band als anstrengend empfunden. Die Dialoge waren extrem hölzern, Carls ständiges Verbessern von Assads Sätzen sehr unangenehm und generell die Zeichnung der Charaktere bedauerlich stereotyp. Wahrscheinlich war das auch schon in den letzten Bänden so, mir ist das nur nie aufgefallen. Auch sprachlich war dieser Thriller definitiv kein Highlight. Ich weiß nicht, ob der Autor tatsächlich so ungelenk schreibt oder ob das am Übersetzer liegt - jedenfalls war ich nicht begeistert.
Hätte "Natriumchlorid" knapp 200 Seiten weniger gehabt und wäre der Fokus mehr auf dem Cold Case, als auf irgendwelchen anderen Fällen drum herum gelegen, wäre der Thriller für mich viel runder gewesen. So wurde aber trotzdem eine nostalgische Saite in mir angeschlagen und ich habe es trotz aller Kritikpunkte genossen, wieder mit diesem lieb gewonnenen Team in Kopenhagen einen alten Fall zu lösen. Der nächste Band wird dann wohl der Abschluss sein - ich bin gespannt, ob mich dieser wieder mehr begeistern kann.
Falls ihr die Reihe noch nicht kennen solltet, kann ich euch nur empfehlen, sie von Band 1 an zu lesen - denn gerade die ersten etwa 5 Thriller sind wirklich, wirklich genial!
February 11, 2023
It’s always a pleasure to get stuck into a new adventure featuring Detective Carl Mørck and his quirky crew of Rose, Assad and Gordon from Department Q cold-case squad.
The recent suicide of a 60-year-old woman reminds Carl’s boss, Marcus Jacobsen of a case which has plagued him for over 30 years; that of an explosion at an auto repair shop where a 3 year old boy was killed. Department Q reluctantly begin to investigate but soon discover that the deaths are linked to other unsolved cases which have been occurring at two year intervals since 1988.
The main part of the action takes place in December 2020 and the already tough case is made even tougher with the COVID-19 restrictions which were in place that winter. Carl and his team find themselves pitted against one of the most ruthless and organised killers they’ve ever faced.
There is a thrilling finale which takes place on Boxing Day but, ultimately ends in something of a cliffhanger with Carl’s future under threat. This must be a sign that there are further Department Q adventures still to come. I can hardly wait for the next.
The recent suicide of a 60-year-old woman reminds Carl’s boss, Marcus Jacobsen of a case which has plagued him for over 30 years; that of an explosion at an auto repair shop where a 3 year old boy was killed. Department Q reluctantly begin to investigate but soon discover that the deaths are linked to other unsolved cases which have been occurring at two year intervals since 1988.
The main part of the action takes place in December 2020 and the already tough case is made even tougher with the COVID-19 restrictions which were in place that winter. Carl and his team find themselves pitted against one of the most ruthless and organised killers they’ve ever faced.
There is a thrilling finale which takes place on Boxing Day but, ultimately ends in something of a cliffhanger with Carl’s future under threat. This must be a sign that there are further Department Q adventures still to come. I can hardly wait for the next.
March 29, 2023
Que flojo, lento y sumamente aburrido y eso que soy fan de la saga.
Inconexo, sin rastro de los personajes (Departamento Q) que tan bien me lo han hecho pasar y con un caso que no hay por donde cogerlo, no me ha gustado nada de nada. Ya tiene anunciado el siguiente para noviembre... veremos, este, decepción total.
Inconexo, sin rastro de los personajes (Departamento Q) que tan bien me lo han hecho pasar y con un caso que no hay por donde cogerlo, no me ha gustado nada de nada. Ya tiene anunciado el siguiente para noviembre... veremos, este, decepción total.
September 6, 2022
This is the first time I meet the author and I am glad. Strange deaths are putting Department Q to investigate and think that is a serial killer. Great thriller, I really enjoyed the characters.
Thanks Netgalley for this book.
Thanks Netgalley for this book.
December 16, 2022
It’s the penultimate book in the series which is probably timely, going on the last couple?
As always Department Q are reviewing a cold case (or more) with this one being set in the 90’s & the now which is December 2020. Have to say the book seems more fast paced than the prior few, more in line with the openers or perhaps it’s because ive not read one of these for a while now? (2 Years exactly to the week) Either way im finding the pages turning readily.
All the gang are present, with one or two changes in their private lives, mostly on the up as prior book had them all on a downer which in truth wasn’t much fun at times. I say that jus as they go into lockdown!! Oh Nooooooo…… its ok, lockdown doesn’t really impact on the story.
The plot/POV does jump around a fair bit (and then some) & you have to keep attuned to what’s going on which is best done by keeping going into the small hours each night! It does smooth out after a while, maybe that’s because there’s less names 😊 to follow
Very cleverly done as to the murders, the reasoning et al.
Very enjoyable, well-constructed, Carl & department Q back on form.
5 Star read for me.
As always Department Q are reviewing a cold case (or more) with this one being set in the 90’s & the now which is December 2020. Have to say the book seems more fast paced than the prior few, more in line with the openers or perhaps it’s because ive not read one of these for a while now? (2 Years exactly to the week) Either way im finding the pages turning readily.
All the gang are present, with one or two changes in their private lives, mostly on the up as prior book had them all on a downer which in truth wasn’t much fun at times. I say that jus as they go into lockdown!! Oh Nooooooo…… its ok, lockdown doesn’t really impact on the story.
The plot/POV does jump around a fair bit (and then some) & you have to keep attuned to what’s going on which is best done by keeping going into the small hours each night! It does smooth out after a while, maybe that’s because there’s less names 😊 to follow
Very cleverly done as to the murders, the reasoning et al.
Very enjoyable, well-constructed, Carl & department Q back on form.
5 Star read for me.
March 11, 2023
9 libro del departamento Q
Nos encontramos en pandemia por lo que muchas de las situaciones (nº de personas en una sala, interrogatorios, cruzar la frontera…) no se puede hacer.
La investigación de casos en las que todo parece un accidente o suicidio junto a montoncitos de sal, lleva al equipo al presente y a asesinatos seriales. Una historia bien desarrollada e interesante.
La historias personales de los personajes siguen desarrollandose. Llevando a Carl a un problema serio del pasado. Sigo sin empatizar con los protagonistas pese a tener vidas/situaciones interesantes.
Queda claro que habrá otro libro de la saga.
Libro correcto y entretenido pero tampoco pasará como un libro para recordar.
Nos encontramos en pandemia por lo que muchas de las situaciones (nº de personas en una sala, interrogatorios, cruzar la frontera…) no se puede hacer.
La investigación de casos en las que todo parece un accidente o suicidio junto a montoncitos de sal, lleva al equipo al presente y a asesinatos seriales. Una historia bien desarrollada e interesante.
La historias personales de los personajes siguen desarrollandose. Llevando a Carl a un problema serio del pasado. Sigo sin empatizar con los protagonistas pese a tener vidas/situaciones interesantes.
Queda claro que habrá otro libro de la saga.
Libro correcto y entretenido pero tampoco pasará como un libro para recordar.
October 5, 2022
I loved the first five,this was a unique series.After that,it went downhill and this one is utterly ridiculous.
April 9, 2023
En cada libro de la serie encuentro menos de los primeros, ese toque, eso que marca la diferencia.
December 26, 2022
I had intended to rate/review THE SHADOW MURDERS, the latest instalment of the Department Q series, relatively soon after I finished it. That’s why I didn’t indicate that I had finished it soon after it was released. Then several library books that I had on reserve became available, and after I read, rated, and reviewed them, I forgot to enter THE SHADOW MURDERS into my Goodreads library.
I didn’t forget the story though. And when I don’t forget a book after three months, it deserves four stars, even if it wasn’t up to the caliber set by some earlier books in the series.
I think the review of THE SHADOW MURDERS should be divided into two parts (1) the current case that team of Carl, Assad, Rose, and (the recently added) Gordon tackles; and (2) the interactions and developments taking place among the team members.
With regards to the case at hand, I think it ranks fairly high in the array of cases thrown at the team, not at the top, but a bit above middle. After a slow start, the team discovers that there have been a series of seemingly accidental deaths over a period of 32 years, accidents linked only by the presence of a pile of salt placed in the vicinity of the mishap. Both linking these cases and figuring out the motivation for these killings takes awhile, but eventually the team establishes a timeline indicating that another murder will soon occur. Then, the race is on to stop the killer.
Regarding the interactions among team members, I thought it was a bit draggy. I had wondered how the author was going to handle Assad’s actions after the astonishing revelations that occurred in the last novel, and I think these were very uneven. How can Assad be considered a humorous character now that we know his history? The camel jokes fell flat whenever they were introduced. Assad’s current difficulties were mentioned but not given suitable weight. Rose, also, seemed off her game. The primary focus was on Carl. I felt that THE SHADOW MURDERS was a long lead-up into the ultimate story of Carl—the initial disaster that led to one of his partners being killed and another completely paralyzed. At times, I wondered why we needed “pile of salt” killings at all. Why didn’t the story progress directly from Assad’s astonishing revelations to uncovering the truth about the police actions that led to the breakdown of the investigation by Carl and his partners.
Of course, this means one more book. And I’ve stayed the course this long, read every book, even the less-than-stellar ones and, consequently, I’ll be there for the ending, as long as I’m still alive when it’s published.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for some earlier books in the series:
The Purity of Vengeance (Department Q, #4)
The Marco Effect (Department Q, #5)
The Hanging Girl (Department Q, #6)
The Scarred Woman (Department Q, #7)
Victim 2117 (Department Q, #8)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had intended to rate/review THE SHADOW MURDERS, the latest instalment of the Department Q series, relatively soon after I finished it. That’s why I didn’t indicate that I had finished it soon after it was released. Then several library books that I had on reserve became available, and after I read, rated, and reviewed them, I forgot to enter THE SHADOW MURDERS into my Goodreads library.
I didn’t forget the story though. And when I don’t forget a book after three months, it deserves four stars, even if it wasn’t up to the caliber set by some earlier books in the series.
I think the review of THE SHADOW MURDERS should be divided into two parts (1) the current case that team of Carl, Assad, Rose, and (the recently added) Gordon tackles; and (2) the interactions and developments taking place among the team members.
With regards to the case at hand, I think it ranks fairly high in the array of cases thrown at the team, not at the top, but a bit above middle. After a slow start, the team discovers that there have been a series of seemingly accidental deaths over a period of 32 years, accidents linked only by the presence of a pile of salt placed in the vicinity of the mishap. Both linking these cases and figuring out the motivation for these killings takes awhile, but eventually the team establishes a timeline indicating that another murder will soon occur. Then, the race is on to stop the killer.
Regarding the interactions among team members, I thought it was a bit draggy. I had wondered how the author was going to handle Assad’s actions after the astonishing revelations that occurred in the last novel, and I think these were very uneven. How can Assad be considered a humorous character now that we know his history? The camel jokes fell flat whenever they were introduced. Assad’s current difficulties were mentioned but not given suitable weight. Rose, also, seemed off her game. The primary focus was on Carl. I felt that THE SHADOW MURDERS was a long lead-up into the ultimate story of Carl—the initial disaster that led to one of his partners being killed and another completely paralyzed. At times, I wondered why we needed “pile of salt” killings at all. Why didn’t the story progress directly from Assad’s astonishing revelations to uncovering the truth about the police actions that led to the breakdown of the investigation by Carl and his partners.
Of course, this means one more book. And I’ve stayed the course this long, read every book, even the less-than-stellar ones and, consequently, I’ll be there for the ending, as long as I’m still alive when it’s published.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for some earlier books in the series:
The Purity of Vengeance (Department Q, #4)
The Marco Effect (Department Q, #5)
The Hanging Girl (Department Q, #6)
The Scarred Woman (Department Q, #7)
Victim 2117 (Department Q, #8)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 25, 2021
Der neuerste Fall des Sonderdezernates Q stellt Carl und sein Team vor neue Herausforderungen. Der Selbstmord einer Frau an ihrem 60. Geburtstags führt zu einem ungelösten Fall aus dem Jahre 1988, der weite Kreise zieht. Damals hat Carl's Vorgesetzter Marcus Jacobsen ermittel und bis heute hat er die Folgen des Anschlages auf eine Autowerkstatt, die das Leben eines kleinen Jungen gekostet hat, nicht vergessen. Der Fall wurde nie gelöst.
Es ist Ende 2020 und das Sonderdezernat Q sitzt nicht mehr im Keller, sondern ist aufgestiegen. Die Ermittlungen gestalten sich deswegen aber genauso schwierig, denn durch Corona und den harten Lockdown am Ende des Jahres wird viel im home-office gearbeitet, was die Arbeit immens erschwert. Noch wissen Carl & Co. nicht, dass sie einem Serienmörder auf der Spur sind, der bereits seit 30 Jahren unentdeckt mordet. Die Todesfälle sehen auf den ersten Blick wie Unfälle oder Selbstmord aus und sind perfekt getarnt. Doch schon bald erkennen Assad, Rosie, Carl und Gordon, dass es zum alten Fall, den sie bearbeiten, auch aktuelle Spuren bis in die Gegenwart gibt. Auf einigen Tatortfotos entdecken sie eine Gemeinsamkeit: ein Häufchen Kochsalz.
Der Fall ist komplex, denn Rosie und Gordon finden eine ganze Menge Fälle, die eine Ähnlichkeit zum Cold Case von damals aufweisen. Doch Motiv und Zusammenhänge sind sehr lange unklar. Bei ihrer Suche stoßen sie auf einen selbst ernannten Racheengel und eine ganze Serie fast perfekt getarnter Ritualmorde.
Jussi Adler-Olsen legt viel Wert auf die genaue Schilderung der Ermittlerarbeit. Dadurch ist das Tempo zu Beginn wieder etwas gebremst und der Spannungsbogen baut sich erst langsam auf. Doch schon bald kann man den Thriller kaum mehr aus der Hand legen. Wie schon in seinen letzten Büchern greift der Autor auch diesmal wieder aktuelle politische und soziale Themen auf, die nicht nur in Dänemark präsent sind. Recht und Gerechtigkeit, wie auch die Legitimität von Selbstjustiz werden angesprochen. Auch Corona ist ein Thema und wird in seinem neuen Fall mit eingebaut, was identischer wirkt.
Als Leser lernt man den Serienmörder bereits auf den letzten Seiten, cirka 200 Seiten vor dem Ende, kennen, was jedoch nicht die Spannung nimmt.
Neben dem Showdown zum Schluss wird es auch für Carl eng. Er wird von einem alten Fall eingeholt, der ihm seinen Job kosten könnte. Der Cliffhanger am Ende ist wie immer so angelegt, dass man als Leser am liebsten sofort weiterlesen möchte. Und ich bin schon sehr gespannt, was sich der Autor für Carl einfallen lässt...
Fazit:
Ein sehr komplexer, aber spannender und absolut lesenwerter Thriller, der vorallem Adler-Olsen's Fans wieder begeistern wird. Ich empfehle die Bücher der Reihe nach zu lesen!
Mit dem Cliffhanger am Ende erweckt der Autor bereits die Neugierde für den kommenden Band der Reihe.
Es ist Ende 2020 und das Sonderdezernat Q sitzt nicht mehr im Keller, sondern ist aufgestiegen. Die Ermittlungen gestalten sich deswegen aber genauso schwierig, denn durch Corona und den harten Lockdown am Ende des Jahres wird viel im home-office gearbeitet, was die Arbeit immens erschwert. Noch wissen Carl & Co. nicht, dass sie einem Serienmörder auf der Spur sind, der bereits seit 30 Jahren unentdeckt mordet. Die Todesfälle sehen auf den ersten Blick wie Unfälle oder Selbstmord aus und sind perfekt getarnt. Doch schon bald erkennen Assad, Rosie, Carl und Gordon, dass es zum alten Fall, den sie bearbeiten, auch aktuelle Spuren bis in die Gegenwart gibt. Auf einigen Tatortfotos entdecken sie eine Gemeinsamkeit: ein Häufchen Kochsalz.
Der Fall ist komplex, denn Rosie und Gordon finden eine ganze Menge Fälle, die eine Ähnlichkeit zum Cold Case von damals aufweisen. Doch Motiv und Zusammenhänge sind sehr lange unklar. Bei ihrer Suche stoßen sie auf einen selbst ernannten Racheengel und eine ganze Serie fast perfekt getarnter Ritualmorde.
Jussi Adler-Olsen legt viel Wert auf die genaue Schilderung der Ermittlerarbeit. Dadurch ist das Tempo zu Beginn wieder etwas gebremst und der Spannungsbogen baut sich erst langsam auf. Doch schon bald kann man den Thriller kaum mehr aus der Hand legen. Wie schon in seinen letzten Büchern greift der Autor auch diesmal wieder aktuelle politische und soziale Themen auf, die nicht nur in Dänemark präsent sind. Recht und Gerechtigkeit, wie auch die Legitimität von Selbstjustiz werden angesprochen. Auch Corona ist ein Thema und wird in seinem neuen Fall mit eingebaut, was identischer wirkt.
Als Leser lernt man den Serienmörder bereits auf den letzten Seiten, cirka 200 Seiten vor dem Ende, kennen, was jedoch nicht die Spannung nimmt.
Neben dem Showdown zum Schluss wird es auch für Carl eng. Er wird von einem alten Fall eingeholt, der ihm seinen Job kosten könnte. Der Cliffhanger am Ende ist wie immer so angelegt, dass man als Leser am liebsten sofort weiterlesen möchte. Und ich bin schon sehr gespannt, was sich der Autor für Carl einfallen lässt...
Fazit:
Ein sehr komplexer, aber spannender und absolut lesenwerter Thriller, der vorallem Adler-Olsen's Fans wieder begeistern wird. Ich empfehle die Bücher der Reihe nach zu lesen!
Mit dem Cliffhanger am Ende erweckt der Autor bereits die Neugierde für den kommenden Band der Reihe.
February 27, 2022
Die Jagd nach dem Racheengel oder die Flucht vor der Vergangenheit
Der neunte Fall für das Sonderdezernat hat es in sich! Corona hat Dänemark im Griff, Lockdowns, Maskenpflicht, Quarantäne - aber Verbrechen geschehen trotzdem. Während das Sonderdezernat Q wieder einem verzwicktem Cold Case nachgeht, muss das Team pandemiebedingt zusätzlich einen aktuellen Mord übernehmen - und schnell finden sich Spuren die zu ihrem alten Fall passen. Schon bald ergibt sich ein Netz von miteinander in Zusammenhang stehender Fälle die sich alle einem Täterprofil zuordnen lassen. Ein Serienkiller treibt seit über 20 Jahren sein Unwesen und der Zeitpunkt des nächsten Mordes steht bereits fest. Parallel zu diesem Hauptfall finden jedoch auch interne Ermittlungen statt, die Carl immer stärker belasten - dabei steht, wie nicht anders zu erwarten, der allgegenwärtige Druckluftnaglerfall im Focus. Es entwickelt sich eine rasante Story, einerseits die fast schon verzweifelte Jagd auf den Serienmörder - andererseits die Schlinge welche sich immer enger um Carls Hals zieht. Jussi Adler - Olsen schafft es den Leser zu fesseln und hält den Spannungsbogen bis zur letzten Seite hoch, wobei der Schluss einen voller Fragen zurücklässt und die Zeit bis zum 10. Band wieder sehr lang wird.
Klare Leseempfehlung von mir!
Der neunte Fall für das Sonderdezernat hat es in sich! Corona hat Dänemark im Griff, Lockdowns, Maskenpflicht, Quarantäne - aber Verbrechen geschehen trotzdem. Während das Sonderdezernat Q wieder einem verzwicktem Cold Case nachgeht, muss das Team pandemiebedingt zusätzlich einen aktuellen Mord übernehmen - und schnell finden sich Spuren die zu ihrem alten Fall passen. Schon bald ergibt sich ein Netz von miteinander in Zusammenhang stehender Fälle die sich alle einem Täterprofil zuordnen lassen. Ein Serienkiller treibt seit über 20 Jahren sein Unwesen und der Zeitpunkt des nächsten Mordes steht bereits fest. Parallel zu diesem Hauptfall finden jedoch auch interne Ermittlungen statt, die Carl immer stärker belasten - dabei steht, wie nicht anders zu erwarten, der allgegenwärtige Druckluftnaglerfall im Focus. Es entwickelt sich eine rasante Story, einerseits die fast schon verzweifelte Jagd auf den Serienmörder - andererseits die Schlinge welche sich immer enger um Carls Hals zieht. Jussi Adler - Olsen schafft es den Leser zu fesseln und hält den Spannungsbogen bis zur letzten Seite hoch, wobei der Schluss einen voller Fragen zurücklässt und die Zeit bis zum 10. Band wieder sehr lang wird.
Klare Leseempfehlung von mir!
July 14, 2022
Besides reading books by Scandinavian authors I just love to watch movies made in Scandinavia. Not only thrillers, but in general I love the atmosphere, the filming and the excellent actors. So, I’ve seen a couple of Department Q series, read a couple of Jussi Adler-Olsen books, and what better than reading the Department Q books. Due to my busy life I cannot read even ten percent of what I would want to read, so this ninth book in the series is my first. And it was exactly as I had in mind it would be. I can see the actors in my mind and enjoy the excellent writing at the same time.
As in many recent published thrillers there is a role for the Covid pandemic and I think it was very well done. Sometimes you read a story where there’s only a mention of ‘the pandemic’ but Carl, Assad, Rose and Gordon are really hampered in their work.
I may have missed a lot here, because I didn’t read the books immediately preceding this one, but there was enough information to actually make me curious as to what happened exactly and most of all, how it will end for the department.
And yes, I like the camel jokes 😉.
As in many recent published thrillers there is a role for the Covid pandemic and I think it was very well done. Sometimes you read a story where there’s only a mention of ‘the pandemic’ but Carl, Assad, Rose and Gordon are really hampered in their work.
I may have missed a lot here, because I didn’t read the books immediately preceding this one, but there was enough information to actually make me curious as to what happened exactly and most of all, how it will end for the department.
And yes, I like the camel jokes 😉.
November 20, 2021
Achverdammt :-(
Ich habe diese Reihe von Band 1 an wirklich geliebt und verschlungen. Vor allem Band 4 war für mich ein absolutes Highlight, aber irgendwie ging es ab "Der Fall Marco" bergab, und jetzt ist da also Band 9 und ehrlich gesagt will ich den nächsten Band nur noch lesen, weil es der Abschluss der Reihe sein soll. Dieser Teil hier war einfach nur nichts :-(
Woran lag es? Meine zwei positiven Aspekte am Buch waren zum einen der durchaus spannende Grundgedanke dieser Rächerinnengruppe, die die Welt erlösen wollen vom Abschaum. Das andere war, wie Adler-Olsen die Corona-Pandemie geschickt einbaut und sie dabei nicht dazu benutzt, das Schicksal der Ermittler zu bestimmen, sondern einfach nur als ungeheuer nervige Behinderung der Polizeiarbeit. Ich mochte diese eher rationale "da müssen wir dann eben durch-"Einstellung dabei.
Diese zwei Punkte sind aber halt nicht genug, um mich mit dem Buch zu versöhnen. Denn für mich krankt es -noch mehr als schon zwei oder drei Vorgänger - vor allem an der Sprache. Ich weiß nicht, was los ist, gab es einen neuen Übersetzer seit einiger Zeit, oder ist Adler-Olsen auch im Original so? Die Dialoge, die früher mal spritzig und sarkastisch waren, sind heute so hölzern, als würden sie den Baun bereitstellen wollen, aus dem das Papier fürs Buch gemacht werden soll. Und auch in den Erzählpassagen ist oft nur so ein schnelles, oberflächliches Palaver ... ich werde mit den Figuren überhaupt nicht mehr warm, sondern finde sie oft an der Grenze zur Nervigkeit. Der Fall an sich wird so gerafft und mir ist da bei der Täterfindung zu wenig Ermittlung und zuviel "ich, der Autor, hab die Figur jetzt eingeführt, jetzt kann Carl sie auch als Täterin identifizieren". Wie genu kommen die jetzt auf Silje und warum steht dann innerhalb einer halben Seite fest fürs Team, dass sie es gewesen sein muss? Wegen einer Email, die irgendwie so völlig nichtssagend ist, dass ich mich gefagt habe, ob ich was überlesen habe ... und das alles eben präsentiert mit diesem seltsamen Erzählstil, der nicht richtig Fisch und nicht richtig Fleisch ist. Alles hier klingt irgendwie ein klein wenig neben der Spur und fühlt sich nicht richtig austariert an.
Ich hätte das Buch gern viel lieber gemocht, und jetzt hege ich Befürchtungen, wie es weitergehen wird 😕
Ich habe diese Reihe von Band 1 an wirklich geliebt und verschlungen. Vor allem Band 4 war für mich ein absolutes Highlight, aber irgendwie ging es ab "Der Fall Marco" bergab, und jetzt ist da also Band 9 und ehrlich gesagt will ich den nächsten Band nur noch lesen, weil es der Abschluss der Reihe sein soll. Dieser Teil hier war einfach nur nichts :-(
Woran lag es? Meine zwei positiven Aspekte am Buch waren zum einen der durchaus spannende Grundgedanke dieser Rächerinnengruppe, die die Welt erlösen wollen vom Abschaum. Das andere war, wie Adler-Olsen die Corona-Pandemie geschickt einbaut und sie dabei nicht dazu benutzt, das Schicksal der Ermittler zu bestimmen, sondern einfach nur als ungeheuer nervige Behinderung der Polizeiarbeit. Ich mochte diese eher rationale "da müssen wir dann eben durch-"Einstellung dabei.
Diese zwei Punkte sind aber halt nicht genug, um mich mit dem Buch zu versöhnen. Denn für mich krankt es -noch mehr als schon zwei oder drei Vorgänger - vor allem an der Sprache. Ich weiß nicht, was los ist, gab es einen neuen Übersetzer seit einiger Zeit, oder ist Adler-Olsen auch im Original so? Die Dialoge, die früher mal spritzig und sarkastisch waren, sind heute so hölzern, als würden sie den Baun bereitstellen wollen, aus dem das Papier fürs Buch gemacht werden soll. Und auch in den Erzählpassagen ist oft nur so ein schnelles, oberflächliches Palaver ... ich werde mit den Figuren überhaupt nicht mehr warm, sondern finde sie oft an der Grenze zur Nervigkeit. Der Fall an sich wird so gerafft und mir ist da bei der Täterfindung zu wenig Ermittlung und zuviel "ich, der Autor, hab die Figur jetzt eingeführt, jetzt kann Carl sie auch als Täterin identifizieren". Wie genu kommen die jetzt auf Silje und warum steht dann innerhalb einer halben Seite fest fürs Team, dass sie es gewesen sein muss? Wegen einer Email, die irgendwie so völlig nichtssagend ist, dass ich mich gefagt habe, ob ich was überlesen habe ... und das alles eben präsentiert mit diesem seltsamen Erzählstil, der nicht richtig Fisch und nicht richtig Fleisch ist. Alles hier klingt irgendwie ein klein wenig neben der Spur und fühlt sich nicht richtig austariert an.
Ich hätte das Buch gern viel lieber gemocht, und jetzt hege ich Befürchtungen, wie es weitergehen wird 😕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2023
The Shadow Murders written by Jussi Adler-Olsen and translated by William Frost is the ninth book in the Department Q series.
Department Q, the small cold case division in Copenhagen, Denmark is led by Carl Morck with his team, Rose, Assad, and Gordon. Carl’s superior, Marcus Jacobsen, believes that a recent suicide case is related to an unsolved case from 1988. He orders them to drop all other cases and focus their investigation on this one.
Morck’s team discovers a pattern to the murders that confirms that the killer has been active for over 20 years committing a murder every two year and mysteriously leaving a pile of salt in the vicinity of the bodies. When the team applies this pattern, they nail down the "When" another murder is due to occur. Time is running out as the Department Q team is challenged with discovering the "Who, Where and How" of this pending murder.
The team considers whether these unusual deaths were unfortunate accidents, a series of coincidences, murders by a serial killer, or a combination of all three.
This plot is both original and complex resulting in an intriguing and suspenseful police procedural/crime thriller. The novel takes place during the Covid-19 pandemic and covers a relatively short timeline, November 30 - December 26, 2020, making their investigation even more difficult. This book explores a unique theme of how individuals can twist religion and morality to suit their extremist views.
Through vivid and well-developed characters, the author provides an intimate view into their personal and professional lives. Overall, this was a thought provoking, and emotional story with twists and turns that kept me engaged up to an action filled and emotional conclusion.
Department Q, the small cold case division in Copenhagen, Denmark is led by Carl Morck with his team, Rose, Assad, and Gordon. Carl’s superior, Marcus Jacobsen, believes that a recent suicide case is related to an unsolved case from 1988. He orders them to drop all other cases and focus their investigation on this one.
Morck’s team discovers a pattern to the murders that confirms that the killer has been active for over 20 years committing a murder every two year and mysteriously leaving a pile of salt in the vicinity of the bodies. When the team applies this pattern, they nail down the "When" another murder is due to occur. Time is running out as the Department Q team is challenged with discovering the "Who, Where and How" of this pending murder.
The team considers whether these unusual deaths were unfortunate accidents, a series of coincidences, murders by a serial killer, or a combination of all three.
This plot is both original and complex resulting in an intriguing and suspenseful police procedural/crime thriller. The novel takes place during the Covid-19 pandemic and covers a relatively short timeline, November 30 - December 26, 2020, making their investigation even more difficult. This book explores a unique theme of how individuals can twist religion and morality to suit their extremist views.
Through vivid and well-developed characters, the author provides an intimate view into their personal and professional lives. Overall, this was a thought provoking, and emotional story with twists and turns that kept me engaged up to an action filled and emotional conclusion.
October 17, 2022
I don’t know. I really loved this series but, again, as the last one, I found the plot so preposterous I almost DNFed this one. I speed read the last 150 pages as I had already wasted a day on it and I do like the characters on the team. We will see if the last one is any better. Giving 1.5 stars and rounding up because the series used to be so great. Honestly even the cliffhanger is ridiculous.
August 21, 2022
Finished in two days - that's how good this book is 😊
November 17, 2021
”Natrium Chlorid” er det længe ventede 9. bind i forfatterens serie om afdeling Q. Jussi Adler-Olsen har lige siden starten af serien planlagt, at der skulle være 10. bind af serien med den noget anderledes efterforskningsgruppe afdeling Q.
”Natrium Chlorid” lægger rigtigt fint op til seriens 10. og sidste bind. Til dette års BogForum i Bella Centret ved København deltog jeg i et rigtig fint Bloggermøde med forfatteren. På trods af, at forfatteren ikke har udgivet en bog i nogle år, så mødte vi en forfatter, der var helt som vi plejer at møde ham. Åbenhjertelig, fortællende og smilende.
Efterfølgende oplevede jeg forfatteren til adskillige speaks og en enkelt radiooptagelse til Radio 4. efter at have læst ”Natrium chlorid” så er jeg endnu mere spændt på, at Adler-Olsens 10. bind af serien om afdeling q bliver udgivet. I serien er udkommet følgende bøger:
1. Kvinden i buret (2007).
2. Fasandræberen (2008).
3. Flaskepost fra P. (2009).
4. Journal 64 (2010).
5. Marco-effekten (2012).
6. Den grænseløse (2014).
7. Selfies (2016).
8. Offer 2117 (2019).
9. Natrium Chlorid (2021).
Forfatteren fortalte, at han er i fuld gang med 10 og sidste del af serien, så mon ikke vi snart kan se frem til en afslutning af serien med Carl, Rose, Assad og Gordon i hovedrollerne. Under alle omstændigheder, så lægger ”Natrium Chlorid” fint op til en afslutning af en serie som forfatteren startede på for omkring 15 år siden.
I ”Natrium chlorid” føres læseren igennem en hel del ældre mordgåder, så vær klar på, at holde tungen lige i munden, for at følge med i de forskellige mordgåder. Personligt synes jeg nu, at sagerne giver rigtig god mening, efterhånden som historien skrider frem.
Hovedpersonen Carl Mørck som er lederen af afdeling Q, er blevet noget rundere og udadvendt i dette 9. bind end han har været tidligere. Carl er flyttet sammen med Psykologen Mona og de har fået en datter sammen.
Assads familie er flyttet sammen med ham efter mange års adskillelse. Det giver lidt udfordringer for Assad i forhold til hans arbejde i afdeling Q. Rose er tilbage som den person vi lærte at kende i de første bind. Gordon bliver i dette bind, den person vi kommer tættere ind på livet af og lærer dybere at kende.
”Natrium chlorid” starter i 1982, hvor et lyn slår ned og slår 6 mennesker ihjel. En kvinde har overlevet nedslaget og hendes skæbne får en hovedrolle i bogens historie. Scenen skifter til den unge kvinde Maja og hendes lille søn.
Maja har sin bil til reparation på et autoværksted. Da hun møder op på værkstedet en sen eftermiddag, sker der en eksplosion og Majas lille søn dør. Denne hændelse får store konsekvenser for resten af Majas liv. Så er ”Natrium chlorid” skudt i gang og læseren følger afdeling Q`s forsøg på at opklare en del gamle sager hvor køkkensalt (Natrium chlorid) har en væsentlig hovedrolle.
”Natrium chlorid” er bestemt en krimithriller som jeg ikke vil tøve med at anbefale på det varmeste. Du skal dog gøre dig klart, at ”Natrium chlorid” inviterer til, at sidste og 10. bog i serien absolut MÅ læses, når den engang udkommer.
Afdeling Q og Jussi Adler-Olsens forfatterskab er absolut i den øverste topklasse, når det kommer til krimier og thrillere.
Vurdering: 5/6 Roser.
Krimiormen.dk
”Natrium Chlorid” lægger rigtigt fint op til seriens 10. og sidste bind. Til dette års BogForum i Bella Centret ved København deltog jeg i et rigtig fint Bloggermøde med forfatteren. På trods af, at forfatteren ikke har udgivet en bog i nogle år, så mødte vi en forfatter, der var helt som vi plejer at møde ham. Åbenhjertelig, fortællende og smilende.
Efterfølgende oplevede jeg forfatteren til adskillige speaks og en enkelt radiooptagelse til Radio 4. efter at have læst ”Natrium chlorid” så er jeg endnu mere spændt på, at Adler-Olsens 10. bind af serien om afdeling q bliver udgivet. I serien er udkommet følgende bøger:
1. Kvinden i buret (2007).
2. Fasandræberen (2008).
3. Flaskepost fra P. (2009).
4. Journal 64 (2010).
5. Marco-effekten (2012).
6. Den grænseløse (2014).
7. Selfies (2016).
8. Offer 2117 (2019).
9. Natrium Chlorid (2021).
Forfatteren fortalte, at han er i fuld gang med 10 og sidste del af serien, så mon ikke vi snart kan se frem til en afslutning af serien med Carl, Rose, Assad og Gordon i hovedrollerne. Under alle omstændigheder, så lægger ”Natrium Chlorid” fint op til en afslutning af en serie som forfatteren startede på for omkring 15 år siden.
I ”Natrium chlorid” føres læseren igennem en hel del ældre mordgåder, så vær klar på, at holde tungen lige i munden, for at følge med i de forskellige mordgåder. Personligt synes jeg nu, at sagerne giver rigtig god mening, efterhånden som historien skrider frem.
Hovedpersonen Carl Mørck som er lederen af afdeling Q, er blevet noget rundere og udadvendt i dette 9. bind end han har været tidligere. Carl er flyttet sammen med Psykologen Mona og de har fået en datter sammen.
Assads familie er flyttet sammen med ham efter mange års adskillelse. Det giver lidt udfordringer for Assad i forhold til hans arbejde i afdeling Q. Rose er tilbage som den person vi lærte at kende i de første bind. Gordon bliver i dette bind, den person vi kommer tættere ind på livet af og lærer dybere at kende.
”Natrium chlorid” starter i 1982, hvor et lyn slår ned og slår 6 mennesker ihjel. En kvinde har overlevet nedslaget og hendes skæbne får en hovedrolle i bogens historie. Scenen skifter til den unge kvinde Maja og hendes lille søn.
Maja har sin bil til reparation på et autoværksted. Da hun møder op på værkstedet en sen eftermiddag, sker der en eksplosion og Majas lille søn dør. Denne hændelse får store konsekvenser for resten af Majas liv. Så er ”Natrium chlorid” skudt i gang og læseren følger afdeling Q`s forsøg på at opklare en del gamle sager hvor køkkensalt (Natrium chlorid) har en væsentlig hovedrolle.
”Natrium chlorid” er bestemt en krimithriller som jeg ikke vil tøve med at anbefale på det varmeste. Du skal dog gøre dig klart, at ”Natrium chlorid” inviterer til, at sidste og 10. bog i serien absolut MÅ læses, når den engang udkommer.
Afdeling Q og Jussi Adler-Olsens forfatterskab er absolut i den øverste topklasse, når det kommer til krimier og thrillere.
Vurdering: 5/6 Roser.
Krimiormen.dk
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