There's nothing I love more than a great Nordic Noir novel, and todayβs blog post is dedicated to celebrating the best of the Scandinavian crime novels 2019 had to offer. 2019 saw the return of some of my personal favorite authors (new NesbΓΈ book, hereβs looking at you!) and introduced me to a number of new-to-me authors as well. As always with these sorts of lists, narrowing down my picks proved a very tricky task, but Iβm absolutely confident that the titles listed here will deliver all the atmosphere, rich character development, and gritty mystery that any Nordic Noir reader could hope for. Whether youβre a longtime fan of this category of crime fiction or are new to the genre entirely, thereβs a book for you on this list.
Read MoreCBTB's Best Nordic Noir of 2019
Book Review: THE ABSOLUTION by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
Itβs the rare author who truly gets better with each new book, but then nothing about Yrsa Sigurdardottir is typical. A director at one of Icelandβs largest engineering firms, Yrsaβs second job just happens to be as a bestselling crime novelist with a growing international readership and a fantastic movie adaptation of one of her novels, I Remember You, under her belt, too. Yrsaβs qualifications alone make her a great candidate for your next author to investigate, and thatβs before we even talk about her books themselves. Yrsa is currently in the middle of releasing her Childrenβs House seriesβa stellar Nordic crime series that is one of my favorite new series launches of the 2010βs. THE ABSOLUTION, the third installment in the Childrenβs House series, releases in the US on February 11, 2020, and itβs the best book in the series yet. True to theme for the Childrenβs House books, THE ABSOLUTION explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma; in this case, our story centers around the insidious nature of bullying. As with all of her series releases thus far, Yrsa displays in THE ABSOLUTION astute emotional intelligence and crafty, masterful plotting in equal measure. A rich, layered crime novel with a dark atmosphere and darker crimes, THE ABSOLUTION is a must-read this winter.
Read MoreQ&A: Yrsa Sigurdardottir, Author of THE RECKONING
No one writes crime fiction quite like Yrsa Sigurdardottir. Dark and gritty, layered and complex, Yrsaβs exceptional crime novels are must-reads for any fan of the Nordic Noir genre - or any reader who just wants a great procedural to sink their teeth into. In 2018, Yrsa launched her new series (the Childrenβs House series) in the U.S. with The Legacy - and this week, sheβs back with book two, THE RECKONING - and itβs every bit as good as its predecessor. The Childrenβs House series is quickly becoming one of my personal favorites; these books are unflinching in their examination of the lasting legacy of childhood trauma, exploring difficult themes with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. And beyond that, theyβre just fantastic crime reading, filled with all the atmosphere and intrigue of the best mysteries. Iβm thrilled to welcome Yrsa to Crime by the Book today to give us the inside scoop on her newest release, THE RECKONING! In this Q&A, Yrsa touches on everything from her seriesβ two protagonists to her writing process to how dangerous Iceland really is. Read on for more details on THE RECKONING, and for my Q&A with Yrsa!
Read MoreYour Early 2019 Nordic Noir Reading List
Nothing beats a great Scandinavian crime novel in the chilly winter months, and this winter is brimming with fantastic Nordic Noir for you to devour. Whether youβre a fan of paperbacks or hardcovers, series installments or standalones, thereβs a Nordic crime novel for you releasing this winterβand youβll find my personal picks for highly-anticipated early 2019 releases right here! In this post, Iβm rounding up the most exciting Scandinavian crime fiction releasing from January 2019 through March 2019. Some of these titles are paperback releases of hardcovers Iβve already read (and loved!), some are brand-new hardcovers that I havenβt even read yetβbut theyβre all highly-anticipated releases that Iβm so excited to share with you! If youβre looking for a new Nordic Noir release (or two!) to devour this winter, look no further: your early 2019 Nordic Noir reading list is right here.
Read MoreCBTB's Most-Anticipated Crime Books of Early 2019
Dear crime readers: we have so much to look forward to in 2019. Whether youβre a reader of psychological thrillers, Nordic Noir, Gothic suspense, police procedurals, or anything (and everything!) in between, 2019 has some amazing reads in store for you. My biggest problem at the moment is just that I have no idea how Iβm going to make time to read all of them! But, to that end, and to hopefully help all of us (myself included!) pace ourselves and not overlook any promising books along the way, Iβve decided to keep todayβs Most-Anticipated list focused on new crime fiction from January 2019 through March 2019. But not to worry: I will be sharing additional βmost anticipatedβ lists throughout the year, too! Without further ado, letβs dive on in to my picks for Most-Anticipated Crime Books of Early 2019!
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