If thereβs one request Iβve been getting most frequently on Crime by the Book lately, itβs for Nordic Noir books for newcomers to the genre - and you can imagine how happy that makes me! Nordic Noir (aka Scandinavian crime fiction) is my all-time favorite crime fiction subgenre, and itβs a subgenre overflowing with talented writers for you to discover. But, like with anything, figuring out where to start can be tricky. To help solve that dilemma, Iβve put together a blog post designed to be your launching point into the world of Nordic Noir. Here youβll find recommendations suitable for readers who are totally new to the Scandinavian crime fiction subgenre: this list includes books by many of the biggest names in Scandinavian crime writing, books that will give you the perfect introduction to the genre and its most prominent characteristics. If youβve been hoping to dig into Scandinavian crime fiction but werenβt quite sure where to start, let this list be your guide!
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Book Review: KNIFE by Jo NesbΓΈ
I never re-read crime booksβ¦ unless itβs a novel by Jo NesbΓΈ, and then all bets are off. As I write this review, Iβve already read NesbΓΈβs newest - and arguably best - crime novel KNIFE twice, and between me and you, Iβll probably read it again before the year is out. A new NesbΓΈ novel is always a cause for celebration (bonus when itβs released right after my birthday, as KNIFE was this year!), but KNIFE is something really special. Itβs got everything NesbΓΈ readers have come to expect from Scandinaviaβs reigning crime fiction king: a layered plot, a gritty atmosphere, immersive pacing, plenty of very convincing red herrings, and, of course, our beloved troubled detective Harry Hole. But KNIFE is a departure from its immediate series predecessors, too, and itβs here that KNIFE really shines. By dialing back on the overt gore that defined 2017βs The Thirst, NesbΓΈ gives his razor-sharp prose and superb character development room to shine in KNIFE. This is undoubtedly NesbΓΈβs darkest story yet, and itβs also his most emotionally affecting - a potent combination that will get under your skin as much as it will keep you turning pages. NesbΓΈ is at his best when putting Norwegian detective Harry Hole through his worst, and KNIFE might just be the best installment yet in this exceptional crime series. Nothing will be the same for Harry - or Harryβs loyal readers - after KNIFE.
Read More8 Wintry Mysteries to Read over the Holiday Break
Thereβs nothing better than spending your winter holidays with your nose buried in a chilling mystery. Holiday breaks just seem made for crime fiction reading, and today Iβm rounding up eight of my personal favorite wintry mysteries for your holiday TBR! I donβt personally read Christmas-themed mysteries, so you wonβt find any of those hereβbut you will find books with plenty of snow, chilling atmosphere, and, of course, murder. (Because what holiday break would be complete without it, right?!) Cozy up with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, and settle in for a mix of Scandinavian crime, classic mysteries, police procedurals, and more - all guaranteed to make your holiday break reading list complete.
Read MoreA Crime Fiction Valentine's Day
If youβve looked just about anywhere this week - online, on TV, on social media, maybe even at your favorite coffee shop - itβs pretty darn clear that one thing is on everyoneβs mind: Valentineβs Day. Now, whether or not you actually like this holiday, it sure does make the perfect excuse to revisit some favorite βBook Boyfriendsβ and βBook Girlfriendsβ in crime fictionβincluding some of the most twisted examples of love gone very, very wrong. Todayβs roundup will highlight a few of the best (and worst!) relationships in crime fiction - from the tragic and endearing to the darkly funny and disturbing.
Read MoreJo Nesbo's The Snowman - Movie Prize Pack Giveaway
Itβs no secret: the movie adaptation of Jo NesbΓΈβs THE SNOWMAN is by far my most-anticipated film of 2017! THE SNOWMAN is my favorite crime novel, and I am so excited to see it on the big screen. To celebrate the movieβs release, Iβm thrilled to team up with Universal Studios to share more information about The Snowman film, a βHelp Harry find the Snowman Killerβ Blog App, and (last but certainly not least!!) a Giveaway of a Snowman Movie Prize Pack! Enter via this blog post.
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