Reviews

Sandmannen by Lars Kepler

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gayatriii's review against another edition

4.0

I was debating between a 3 or a 4 star review. It could be either depending on which portion of the story I focus on. One major drawback for me was that sometimes things just seem too bloody convenient - information comes by too easily, or the detectives know exactly who to call etc. But, overall it's a fast paced story that progresses quickly (hallmark of great Nordic noir). Lots of reviewers have said that this book is terrifying - it was not. Not for me atleast. Maybe if you are a parent then this might give you the shivers... but even that will be because of what your imagination conjures up, rather than the storytelling or the prose.
Lastly, I don't know if it's just me, but I was not smitten with the prose. It felt too matter-of-fact (even for Nordic noir which is famous for cutting to the chase), and I missed the smartness, wisdom or reflective nature of words. The kind where you reread a sentence because of its impact. There was none of that. It's a very, "then this happened, and then this happened" kinda story.

But it's a good story. Keeps you reading.
The end, for me, was solid. Tightly wraps up everything and even manages to leave a little surprise for the end. Very well created bad guy too. All his motivations and triggers make sense in the end.
So, no regrets.

laurenreadsoccasionally's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Perfectly good story, just read almost more like a screenplay than a novel to me - though some of that may be due to the translation. I liked it but I've read better thrillers.

catiaacribeiro's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

karlyo83's review against another edition

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3.0

I wanted something that kept me on the edge of my seat and not wanting to put it down, I read a recommendation about this book saying yes you could start at book 4. Ok so that was true. This book was fine to read as a stand-alone no worries.

I have been left wanting and a little annoyed by this book hence the low rating. First I’ll say I did really enjoy the short sharp chapters that was a big plus for me. The characters were fine. I didn’t feel attached to any of them negatively or positively they did the job they were meant to throughout the book. There were some edge of your seat moments so I was happy about that.

But… for me this book wasn’t a winner and it won’t have me going back to binge read the series. It was disjointed and if that all tied up well at the end and not in a rush with pages to go I would be fine with it. However, this was not the case. Things were waaaaay over the top when it came to the deaths and I’m not talking gore I’m just talking over the top ridiculous stuff.

The storyline was choppy and didn’t flow well, whether something was lost in the English translation or this is simply the style it wasn’t for me. I kept finding myself thinking that’s ok stuff will get wrapped up or things will become clearer there were hanging storyline’s and overall my initial enjoyment went way down. I found myself just wanting it to be over.

I know I’m in the minority but it wasn’t for me.

celtic67's review against another edition

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5.0

This was an exceptional read. Joona Linna of the National Crime Squad has thought he has solved a case when Jurek Walter is given a life sentence for serial murder. Things change when one of his victims surfaces alive several years later and others are murdered , all bearing the hallmarks of Jurek Walter. This is impossible as he is locked in a secure unit. But Joona has always thought Jurek has an accomplice. Is he right? What follows is a tale that has you turning the pages eager to know if Joona can bring closure and tie up the loose ends that have been troubling him for years. This is a book that can be read as a stand alone, but to really enjoy it at it's best it is best to start at the beginning. The Hypnotist being the first in the series. A well deserved 5 stars.