If there’s one request I’ve been getting most frequently on Crime by the Book lately, it’s 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 it’s 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, I’ve put together a blog post designed to be your launching point into the world of Nordic Noir. Here you’ll 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 you’ve been hoping to dig into Scandinavian crime fiction but weren’t quite sure where to start, let this list be your guide!
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Book Review: KNIFE by Jo Nesbø
I never re-read crime books… unless it’s a novel by Jo Nesbø, and then all bets are off. As I write this review, I’ve already read Nesbø’s newest - and arguably best - crime novel KNIFE twice, and between me and you, I’ll probably read it again before the year is out. A new Nesbø novel is always a cause for celebration (bonus when it’s released right after my birthday, as KNIFE was this year!), but KNIFE is something really special. It’s got everything Nesbø readers have come to expect from Scandinavia’s 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 it’s here that KNIFE really shines. By dialing back on the overt gore that defined 2017’s The Thirst, Nesbø gives his razor-sharp prose and superb character development room to shine in KNIFE. This is undoubtedly Nesbø’s darkest story yet, and it’s also his most emotionally affecting - a potent combination that will get under your skin as much as it will keep you turning pages. Nesbø 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 Harry’s loyal readers - after KNIFE.
Read More8 Wintry Mysteries to Read over the Holiday Break
There’s 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 I’m rounding up eight of my personal favorite wintry mysteries for your holiday TBR! I don’t personally read Christmas-themed mysteries, so you won’t find any of those here—but 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 you’ve looked just about anywhere this week - online, on TV, on social media, maybe even at your favorite coffee shop - it’s pretty darn clear that one thing is on everyone’s mind: Valentine’s Day. Now, whether or not you actually like this holiday, it sure does make the perfect excuse to revisit some favorite “Book Boyfriends” and “Book Girlfriends” in crime fiction—including some of the most twisted examples of love gone very, very wrong. Today’s 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
It’s no secret: the movie adaptation of Jo Nesbø’s 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 movie’s release, I’m thrilled to team up with Universal Studios to share more information about The Snowman film, a “Help Harry find the Snowman Killer” 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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