THE BIRD TRIBUNAL by Agnes Ravatn

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: hypnotic, trance-like suspense

Synopsis: a woman takes a job caring for an enigmatic man who lives on an isolated fjord

Pros: beautifully written, almost hypnotic - truly an original book

Cons: not a traditional crime novel - more literary suspense

Full review here.

BLACKOUT by Ragnar Jonasson

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: masterful, gripping Icelandic crime

Synopsis: a man is found brutally beaten to death under the midnight sun in Iceland; Ari Thor is tasked with solving a case that becomes more and more complex. 

Series: Dark Iceland series

Pros: vivid, richly-developed characters; gripping central mystery; beautifully written - reminds me of an Agatha Christie novel

Cons: no real "cons", but one note: don't read this book if you want something violent - Ragnar writes more subtle mysteries!

Read my full review here.

THE BUTTERFLY HOUSE by Katrine Engberg

Gallery/Scout Press; 1/5/21

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: Engaging and fresh Nordic Noir

Synopsis: Two Copenhagen-based detectives find themselves on the trail of a killer with ties to a local hospital.

Pros: Engaging, vivid, eccentric characters; a complex and page-turning mystery that explores the stigma surrounding mental illness; Scandinavian setting.

Cons: No major cons! This was a big step up from the author’s debut novel, a thoroughly enjoyable read. I would just note that I think readers will appreciate this book best if they’ve read the first series installment, THE TENANT (though you can read this one on its own if you prefer!).

READ CBTB’S REVIEW

CAGED by Ellison Cooper

Minotaur Books; 7/10/18

CBTB Rating: 3/5

The Verdict: a dark-yet-predictable serial killer thriller, best for genre newcomers

Synopsis: An FBI agent tries to track down a killer who is kidnapping young women and keeping them trapped in cages.

Pros: A sufficiently fun-to-binge story, ticks most off the boxes required for a strong serial killer thriller, but…

Cons: This book just never quite reaches its full potential. It’s predictable and relies too heavy on genre tropes for seasoned readers of serial killer thrillers.

READ THE REVIEW

THE CHESTNUT MAN by Søren Sveistrup

Harper; 9/3/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: a big, intricate Nordic thriller for fans of Jo Nesbø and Lars Kepler

Synopsis: Two detectives in Copenhagen are on the trail of a brutal serial killer.

Pros: Big, layered, intricate plot with short, compact chapters = accessible and easy-to-binge; chilling crimes; appealing and engaging characters.

Cons: This is a slow-burn kind of thriller - that’s not necessarily a con (I personally love a slow-burn!) but something to keep in mind when determining if it’s for you.

READ CBTB’S REVIEW

THE CORPSE FLOWER BY ANNE METTE HANCOCK

Crooked Lane Books; 10/12/21

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: Gritty and dark Nordic suspense

Synopsis: A journalist begins receiving mysterious letters from a woman accused of a crime, on the run from police.

Pros: Compelling deep-dive into the life and secrets of its protagonist; dark and twisting investigation uncovers all manner of evil and corruption.

Cons: Very dark subject matter won’t appeal to every reader. Slow-burning plot.

READ CBTB’S REVIEW

THE CROW GIRL by Erik Axl Sund
CBTB RATING: 5+/5
THE VERDICT: must read

Synopsis: the discovery of the mutilated corpse of a young boy sparks a dizzying, brutal journey for one Stockholm detective.

Pros: one of the most brilliant crime novels I've ever read. 730+ pages of horrific, violent crimes, and surprising insight into the effects of physical and emotional abuse. 

Cons: absolutely none. This is a must-read. 

Full review here.

CBTB Exclusive: lunch with Erik Axl Sund.

THE DARKNESS by Ragnar Jonasson

Minotaur Books 10/16/18

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: atmospheric, binge-worthy, and a contender for favorite book of the year

Synopsis: A female detective nearing retirement is given the opportunity to take on one last cold case before her retirement. Book 1 in a planned trilogy.

Pros: Everything! This is an outstanding new series from one of Scandinavia’s most exciting authors. A strong, compelling female lead; unique chronology; gorgeous, atmospheric descriptions of Iceland’s cities and wilderness.

Cons: None!

READ THE REVIEW

THE DYING DETECTIVE by Leif GW Persson

Vintage Crime/Black Lizard; 4/17/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: a masterful, methodical police procedural

Synopsis: While hospitalized, a retired detective undertakes a private investigation of a troubling cold case.

Pros: Fans of police procedurals will love the author’s superb plotting! Layered, masterful crime fiction - the kind of mystery you want to just sink into.

Cons: Not a con to me - but just be aware that this book is a slow-burning one

READ THE REVIEW

FAITHLESS by Kjell Ola Dahl
Orenda Books; 4/15/17 (UK) & 9/1/17 (US)
CBTB Rating: 3/5
The Verdict: slow-burning, taut Nordic Noir

Synopsis: the body of a woman is found in a dumpster, and sparks an investigation that leads into one of the main character's pasts

Pros: tense scenes interspersed with a slow-burning procedural create enjoyable contrast

Cons: a slower read than I typically enjoy, even for Scandinavian crime

Read my full review here. 

MY RATING: 4/5

THE VERDICT: read

Synopsis: David Lagercrantz's continuation of Stieg Larsson's Millennium series finds Lisbeth and Mikael drawn into a complicated web of government officials, cyber criminals, and the intelligence community.

Pros: Doesn't replicate but complements the original three Millennium novels; confident prose; complex, intelligent plot.

Cons: Limited interaction with Lisbeth herself (this might not be a bad thing, though - see full review)

THE GIRL WHO DIED by Ragnar Jonasson

Minotaur Books; 5/4/21

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: must-read suspense for fans of Nordic crime and “supernatural-ish” stories

Synopsis: A young woman accepts a teaching job in a remote, very small town in Iceland, and begins to uncover the town’s dark secrets.

Pros: Chilling atmosphere and strong sense of place; slow-burning yet immersive story; a sinister story of long-buried secrets

Cons: not necessarily a con, but this book does have supernatural elements to it - just keep that in mind when determining if this looks up your alley!

READ CBTB’S REVIEW

HELL FIRE by Karin Fossum

CBTB Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: a gruesome murder of a woman and child leads Inspector Konrad Sejer into a web of interwoven characters and past crimes.

Pros: incredibly strong characterization - this isn't a story about "whodunit," but about exploring the lives of those involved.

Cons: the police procedural angle suffers a bit - Inspector Sejer isn't a strong character on his own.

Full CBTB review here.

CBTB RATING: 4/5

THE VERDICT: read

Synopsis: Meet Lars Winkler: former punk, possible drug addict, and a seriously dedicated Danish cop. 

Pros: gunfights, a serial killer on the loose, and some serious moments of gore - a binge-worthy read.

Cons: not a super detailed investigation - more about Lars trusting his gut/intuition to solve the case. Might frustrate some readers.

HUNTING GAME by Helene Tursten

Soho Crime; 2/26/19

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: an atmospheric mystery perfect for classic crime readers

Synopsis: A young female police officer goes on her family’s annual hunting trip in rural Sweden, only to find herself in the middle of a disturbing mystery.

Pros: A compelling blend of Nordic Noir + a “locked room mystery” premise; a fresh, complex protagonist; precise, layered plotting; fantastic sense of chilling atmosphere.

Cons: Not necessarily a con, but this book is slow-burning - just something to be aware of going into it.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

THE HYPNOTIST by Lars Kepler

Vintage Crime/Black Lizard (Reprint); 7/31/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: superb new edition of a gripping Nordic thriller

Synopsis: Book 1 in the Joona Linna series introduces readers to the (now infamous!) detective, and finds him teaming up with a hypnotist to unlock memories in the mind of the sole witness to a brutal family slaying.

Pros: Layered, complex plotting meets binge-worthy pacing for a totally fresh kind of Scandinavian crime novel.

Cons: Just be patient with the beginning of this book. Kepler takes about 75 pages to "set the scene” - and then the story takes off.

READ THE REVIEW

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: twisty, gripping Scandinavian crime fiction

Pros: combines the best of Nordic Noir with the best of contemporary psychological thrillers; rich characterization; gripping central case

Cons: none!

My full review here.

THE ICE COVEN BY MAX SEECK

Berkley; 9/28/21

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: Dark, thrilling Finnish crime fiction

Synopsis: A woman’s body washes up on the shores of Finland bearing bizarre markings; meanwhile, two of Finland’s biggest Instagram influencers go missing. Investigator Jessica Niemi is on the case.

Pros: blend of police procedure + brooding Nordic atmosphere + page-turning plotting (short chapters keep the story moving!). Vividly-crafted characters will keep readers invested in the story; fans of troubled detective characters will love Jessica Niemi.

Cons: Perhaps not the best choice to be read as a stand-alone - I would recommend reading the previous series installment, THE WITCH HUNTER, first. (I realize this isn’t technically a “con” but just wanted to note it!)

READ CBTB’S REVIEW

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The verdict: must-read

Synopsis: A hideous crime, a serial killer on the loose, and a fiercely independent female detective. Plus a religious cult, personal life drama, and much more.

Pros: layered, complex plot; characters you'll fall in love with; puzzling mystery

Cons: none.

INBORN by Thomas Enger

Orenda Books; 1/25/19 (UK) & 9/1/19 (US)

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: compelling courtroom drama meets small-town noir

Synopsis: The murder of a teenager rocks a small-town community in Norway. When suspicion falls on another teen, rifts in the community widen.

Pros: Thought-provoking consideration of “trial by social media”; emotional depth and rich characterization; well-crafted portrayal of small-town life.

Cons: This was originally a YA novel, and at times readers may find it a bit shallow - likely because it was adapted from a novel aimed at younger audiences.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

I REMEMBER YOU by Yrsa Sigurdardottir

Minotaur Books; 3/25/14

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: goosebump-inducing horror from Iceland’s Queen of Crime

Synopsis: A group of friends set out for a remote Icelandic village to refurbish a house there - but what they discover is more frightening than anything they could have imagined.

Pros: Richly atmospheric - Sigurdardottir brilliantly evokes Iceland’s desolate beauty; just-plain-scary reading material - you will have absolute goosebumps reading this. Plus: there’s a non-supernatural mystery woven into this ghost story that’s fantastic, too.

Cons: None for me personally, but this story does have a true ghost component to it - just something to be aware of!

READ THE REVIEW

I WILL MISS YOU TOMORROW by Heine Bakkeid

Bloomsbury (UK); 11/14/19

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: A chilling, atmospheric Nordic must-read

Synopsis: An ex-policeman is hired as a private investigator to track down a missing young man. He travels to northern Norway to investigate.

Pros: Everything - I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend for readers of atmospheric suspense. A brooding and moody atmosphere enshrouds this Nordic suspense novel; readers will love its endearing-yet-damaged protagonist, its stunning setting, and its touches of otherworldly suspense.

Cons: None!

READ CBTB’S REVIEW

THE ISLAND by Ragnar Jonasson

(Hulda Hermannsdottir Series, Book 2)

Minotaur Books; 5/21/19

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: stylish, gripping suspense

Synopsis: A dual-timeline mystery. In the 1980’s, a young couple goes on vacation with disastrous consequences; 10 years later, a group of old friends reconnect - and one won’t make it out alive.

Pros: Everything! I absolutely love Jonasson’s new series. Fantastic sense of place; rich character development; meticulous plotting that ties the timelines together beautifully.

Cons: None!

READ THE FULL REVIEW

KILLED by Thomas Enger

Orenda Books; 2/15/18 (UK Publication)

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: an emotional conclusion to a much-loved series

Synopsis: The conclusion to Enger's Henning Juul series finds Henning finally piecing together the truth behind his son's tragic death.

Pros: Emotional, heartbreaking storytelling - Enger knows how to write endearing and sympathetic characters that really get under your skin.

Cons: This story won't work as a standalone. This book is really all about tying together the series. 

READ THE REVIEW

MY RATING: 4.5/5

THE VERDICT: must-read

Synopsis: Police officer Louise Rick is back with a new, gripping case that blends social commentary, suspense, violence, and emotion as she races to find a missing boy.

Pros: Emotional investment in the characters, detailed investigation, gripping plot, perfect Scandinavian crime fiction

Cons: Can't read it as a standalone - you must go back and read THE FORGOTTEN GIRLS first!

KNIFE by Jo Nesbø

Series: Harry Hole Series

Alfred A. Knopf; 7/9/19

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: a must-read, a strong contender for my new favorite Nesbø book

Synopsis: Detective Harry Hole is at his lowest point - and things are about to get worse. A murder strikes close to home for Harry, and he must face down one of his oldest enemies.

Pros: Everything! One of Nesbo’s most emotional stories; a return to beloved characters; razor-sharp plotting; less of the overt gore of previous serious installments allows for more time spent in the story’s visceral emotions.

Cons: None! This is one of my new favorite Nesbo books.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

THE LEGACY by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
Minotaur Books; 2/13/18
CBTB Rating: 4.5/5
The Verdict: a gripping procedural and series launch

Synopsis: A detective and a psychologist must work together to get the only witness to a brutal crime to explain what happened. The only catch: the witness is the victim's young daughter. 

Pros: a gripping blend of police procedural, Nordic atmosphere, and Yrsa's dark imagination. Layered plot & engaging characters. 

Cons: readers should be aware this is a layered read that requires your attention! But I absolutely loved it. 

READ THE REVIEW

MACBETH by Jo Nesbø

Hogarth; 4/10/18

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: a gritty remake worthy of its namesake

Synopsis: Shakespeare’s Macbeth - re-imagined against the backdrop of an industrial town with a drug problem and a seedy underbelly.

Pros: A superb retelling of an infamous story! Gritty, rough around the edges, and totally immersive

Cons: None! It’s a long read - but totally worth it.

READ THE REVIEW

THE MAN WHO DIED by Antti Tuomainen

Orenda; 10/10/17 (UK) & 5/1/18 (US)

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: Quirky crime fiction + dark humor

Synopsis: Mushroom farmer Jaakko finds out that he has limited time left to live due to poisoning, and sets out to figure out who has been poisoning him. 

Pros: totally, utterly unique - a blend of quirky, offbeat humor and grim crime fiction. The Coen brothers would love this! 

Cons: You have to be open to the quirky element of this book in order to appreciate it. If that's not your style, look elsewhere! 

READ THE REVIEW

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: gripping intro to Nordic Noir

Synopsis: Jana Berzelius, a single-minded and inimitable prosecutor, becomes involved in a gruesome case with deep ties to her hidden past.

Pros: all the grit, gore, and atmosphere of Nordic Noir, plus an enigmatic and strong-willed leading lady who conducts an "off the books" investigation to reveal the totally gripping connection between her past & the story's central mystery

Cons: a bit of a slow start to this book - for me it took off when Jana's connection to the central investigation is revealed.

Full review here.

MARKED FOR LIFE releases June 14 from MIRA. 

CBTB RATING: 5/5

THE VERDICT: must-read

Summary: Follow a man who calls himself Ulf as he flees a vindictive crime lord, and finds himself lost above the Arctic Circle.

Pros: emotional, surprisingly-delicate story; strong character development; themes of redemption and transformation

Cons: none

THE MIDNIGHT WITNESS by Sara Blaedel (Louise Rick #1)

Grand Central; 10/23/18

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: Perfect fall mystery reading

Synopsis: Copenhagen detective Louise Rick investigates two murders in her city.

Pros: an introduction to Blaedel’s internationally-bestselling Louise Rick series! Character-driven, slow-burning crime fiction with lots of investigative details.

Cons: Blaedel’s series definitely matures as it goes on - this one is a simpler plot than those of her later books.

READ CBTB’S REVIEW

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: Starts out slow, but rewards the patient reader in a big way

Pros: dark, enveloping atmosphere; contemplative undertones; strong and complex protagonist

Cons: the story takes 50-ish pages to really hook you

THE MIST by Ragnar Jonasson

Minotaur Books; 6/23/20

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: A stunning conclusion to the Hidden Iceland Trilogy

Synopsis: In the darkness of a winter’s night in Iceland, an older couple hears a knock on the door to their remote farmhouse. Outside they find a stranger seeking shelter from the storm. They let him in… a decision they quickly come to regret.

Pros: Elegant writing; a slow-burn plot that ratchets up the tension bit by bit; immersive setting (Iceland!); strong character development.

Cons: Not a con in and of itself, but note that this is the third and final installment in a trilogy, and as such it won’t work as well as a standalone novel.

READ CBTB’S REVIEW

ORDEAL by Jorn Lier Horst
Minotaur Books; 8/8/17
CBTB Rating: 4.5/5
The Verdict: a superb Nordic Noir procedural

Synopsis: A mysterious safe is found in the basement of a recently-purchased home, a home purchased by a friend of journalist Line Wisting. Line finds herself drawn into a case with far-reaching implications. 

Pros: true-to-life crime fiction (the author was a police officer in Norway); layered, masterful police procedural; endearing characters

Cons: a slower-paced read

READ MY FULL REVIEW

THE OWL ALWAYS HUNTS AT NIGHT by Samuel Bjork

Penguin Books; 6/6/17

CBTB Rating: 3.5/5

The Verdict: a solid series installment

Synopsis: Mia Kruger and Holger Munch investigate the death of a young woman whose body is found in a ritualistic display on a bed of feathers

Pros: absolutely fantastic to be back with Mia and Munch

Cons: slightly illogical explanation to the story; not as much urgency to the central case

Full CBTB Review Here

PIERCED by Thomas Enger (Henning Juul #2)

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: a gripping story of loyalty, loss, and revenge

Synopsis: Journalist Henning Juul risks his life investigating a gang murder in exchange for information about the death of his son

Pros: masterful plotting; fast-paced read with short chapters; blends the grit of Nordic Noir with addictive pacing; endearing characters

Cons: none!

Read my full review here.

THE RECKONING by Yrsa Sigurdardottir

Series: Children’s House, Book 2

Minotaur Books; 2/12/19

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: a superb series installment from Iceland’s Queen of Crime

Synopsis: The disappearance of a young girl sparks an investigation in Reykjavik, Iceland, leading to the unveiling of long-standing secrets from the past. Detective Huldar and child psychologist Freyja combine forces to solve a disturbing case.

Pros: Another excellent installment in Sigurdardottir’s Children’s House series! A masterful procedural plotline + some very dark, gruesome touches. Bringing together a detective and a psychologist to solve a crime gives the story two unique yet compatible perspectives. Superb Nordic Noir.

Cons: Deals with abuse of children - tread carefully if that subject matter is particularly difficult for you. (Though do note: it’s always handled very sensitively.)

READ CBTB’S REVIEW

SLOWLY WE DIE by Emelie Schepp

MIRA; 6/19/18

CBTB Rating: 3.75/5

The Verdict: medical thriller “popcorn reading” with a Nordic backdrop

Synopsis: Prosecutor Jana Berzelius is tasked with investigating a series of crimes within the medical community in her town.

Pros: Easy to binge-read; its medical thriller plotline will appeal to readers looking for something in the vein of Tess Gerritsen but lighter

Cons: Wasn’t quite as dark as I was hoping for - won’t be the right choice for readers who want to be really creeped out!

READ THE REVIEW

THE SILENT WOMEN by Sara Blaedel

Grand Central; 11/20/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: Gripping suspense from Denmark’s Queen of Crime

Synopsis: Copenhagen police officer Louise Rick hunts down a serial predator who targets women on a popular Danish dating website.

Pros: Gripping, dark plotting; endearing characters; an easy-to-devour mystery. Great for fans of Camilla Lackberg!

Cons: The subject matter in this story is quite sensitive - it’s important to keep that in mind.

READ CBTB’S FULL REVIEW

THE SNOWMAN by Jo Nesbø

Knopf; Movie Tie-In Edition 9/26/17

CBTB Rating: 5+++/5 (favorite book!)

The Verdict: gritty & gripping Nordic Noir with a cinematic edge

Synopsis: Oslo detective Harry Hole faces off against a vicious killer who strikes with the freshly fallen snow. 

Pros: EVERYTHING! This is my favorite book, so I'm biased... but this is a fantastic blend of the grim, gritty atmosphere of Nordic Noir, an endearing-yet-troubled detective, a totally twisted killer, and a fantastic hunt to catch him or her. 

Cons: None!

READ THE "RE-READ BOOK REVIEW"

STALKER by Lars Kepler

Alfred A. Knopf; 2/5/19

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: A gripping, addictive Nordic serial killer thriller

Synopsis: A killer is taunting the police in Stockholm, Sweden, sending in videos of his victims before he strikes. Can the police catch him before he harms another woman?

Pros: Absolutely everything about this book! Its chilling Nordic atmosphere, its page-turning plotting, its gut-punch of a final reveal… I loved this one.

Cons: None! Just keep in mind that it is quite dark.

READ CBTB’S “BUZZWORTHY 2018 BOOKS” POST

THE TENANT by Katrine Engberg

Gallery/Scout Press; 1/14/20

CBTB Rating: 3.5/5

The Verdict: A compelling mystery and new series to watch

Synopsis: Two Copenhagen-based detectives investigate a murder that seems to be inspired by an unpublished manuscript.

Pros: A vivid, eccentric cast of characters; a complex puzzle with bookish elements; Nordic atmosphere and setting.

Cons: Uneven pacing and plotting make it hard to get into the swing of this story - it took me over 100 pages to feel in sync with it.

Read CBTB’s Review

THE THIRST by Jo Nesbo
Knopf; 5/9/17
CBTB Rating: 5/5
The Verdict: crime fiction at its finest - gritty, addictive, atmospheric, and emotional

Synopsis: Harry Hole is back, and finds himself facing off against a vicious serial killer who uses Tinder as his hunting ground - and literally has a taste for blood. 

Pros: Gritty, detail-oriented policework, dark atmosphere, vivid character development, addictive plotting

Cons: none! 

I'm calling it: this is my favorite book of 2017. 

FULL REVIEW HERE.

THE UNDESIRED by Yrsa Sigurdardottir

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: taught, spine-tingling suspense

Synopsis: dual storylines draw readers into the past and present of a juvenile detention center; a man investigates its legacy, and a young woman working at the center deal with its past horrors.

Pros: nuanced, chilling psychological horrors; toes the line between human madness and ghostly scares; taught atmosphere

Cons: slower pacing - might not work for some readers

Read my full review here. 

UNHINGED by Thomas Enger and Jørn Lier Horst

Orenda Books; 12/17/21 (e-book)

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: a gripping and emotional Nordic thriller

Synopsis: Police officer Alexander Blix and celebrity blogger Emma Ramm face their most personal case yet, when one of Blix’s colleagues is targeted in an execution-style killing.

Pros: Everything! This is my new favorite installment in this excellent Nordic thriller series. Gripping pacing, creative plot structure, and a deeply emotional plot kept me hooked.

Cons: This book is not best read as a stand-alone - read at least the first series installment, DEATH DESERVED, first to best appreciate this story.

READ CBTB’S REVIEW

VICTIM WITHOUT A FACE by Stefan Ahnhem

Minotaur; 9/6/2016

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: Gripping Scandinavian crime fiction

Synopsis: A police officer in Sweden is on the trail of a darkly inventive murderer with ties to the school he attended in childhood.

Pros: Gripping pacing (will appeal to fans of Lars Kepler - short chapters, action-packed!); compelling protagonist readers will be rooting for; trademark Scandinavian atmosphere.

Cons: Some of the murders in the book are a little bit unrealistic and felt slightly distracting - though they do make for great entertainment!

READ CBTB’S REVIEW

WHAT MY BODY REMEMBERS by Agnete Friis
Soho Crime; 5/2/17
CBTB Rating: 4/5
The Verdict: atmospheric, taut suspense

Synopsis: a young mother runs away to northern Denmark to keep her son from child services.

Pros: dark and brooding atmosphere, a deep-dive into the main character's history and mental state

Cons: won't satisfy readers looking for a true thriller - this book is more nuanced psychological suspense

Read my full review here.

THE WITCH HUNTER by Max Seeck

Berkley; 10/27/20

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: A creepy, page-turning Nordic serial killer thriller

Synopsis: A Finnish detective finds herself on the hunt for a killer inspired by a bestselling trilogy of books.

Pros: Chilling, wintry atmosphere; Nordic setting; compelling characters; elements of the occult; page-turning and thrilling plotting!

Cons: I was slightly confused by the book’s finale (had to re-read portions of it). This was not a huge negative by any means - overall I loved the read.

READ CBTB’S REVIEW