Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Nicely ticks all the boxes for a decent thriller. In some places it fits too smugly together, but at the time of reading I let it pass, curiosity about what happens next stronger than a question 'what did just happen?' so this is only an afterthought, and this is not the kind of a book one ponders for long after finishing. This is the first book by Nesbø I've read, and I will probably read more, eventually, when I find myself at an airport or in a waiting room somewhere.
Listened to this one in the car. It drags at the beginning...until Sonny perks up...then it's very enjoyable. Things get a bit muddy and bloated towards the last quarter...there were several times I thought the story was going to end, but the more bits are tacked on. Not as much fun as the Dept Q books, or Dragon Tattoo, but enjoyable.
I enjoyed the complexity of the characters and the spiritual aspects of the book. A little slow at times, but I'm American, so
Jo NesbØ is a Norwegian author best known for his Harry Hole crime novels. However, The Son is a stand-alone novel and the first of his I've read. I became aware of NesbØ because one of my friends has been a huge fan of his for a long time. After reading this book, I can see why.
The Son is different from a typical mystery or crime novel in that the killer is known from the beginning and his motives are as well. That doesn't mean there isn't plenty of suspense. As Sonny takes revenge on those who have wronged him, a greater mystery having to do with a mole in the police department unravels with plenty of twists and turns.
Another thing that made this different from the crime novels I've read is that Sonny, ostensibly the villain, is such a likeable guy. I was actually rooting for him most of the time. His personality was so unique. All of the characters in The Son are well-drawn. I also really liked the relationship between Simon Kefas, the detective pursuing Sonny, and Simon's wife, Else.
Now that I've had a taste of NesbØ , I want to read the Harry Hole novels as well. I highly recommend this book to not just fans of Nordic crime novels but fans of any type of crime novel.
The Son is different from a typical mystery or crime novel in that the killer is known from the beginning and his motives are as well. That doesn't mean there isn't plenty of suspense. As Sonny takes revenge on those who have wronged him, a greater mystery having to do with a mole in the police department unravels with plenty of twists and turns.
Another thing that made this different from the crime novels I've read is that Sonny, ostensibly the villain, is such a likeable guy. I was actually rooting for him most of the time. His personality was so unique. All of the characters in The Son are well-drawn. I also really liked the relationship between Simon Kefas, the detective pursuing Sonny, and Simon's wife, Else.
Now that I've had a taste of NesbØ , I want to read the Harry Hole novels as well. I highly recommend this book to not just fans of Nordic crime novels but fans of any type of crime novel.
During the "Part One" there's a lot of people being introduced and that's the reason why I stopped this many times, forgetting who's who. But reading it slowly (thank the sembreak) will be enough to know who's who and the other characters are just minor but is quite important in the end. It is really good.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love Jo Nesbo books and I adore his writing style. But I have to say this my least favourite book of his. Too many characters sometimes makes it a little confusing and just for me personally that wasn’t the most interesting criminal case. But as always in his books ending makes up for all the boring stuff.
I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I often go back and forth on whether or not I actually enjoy this sub category of crime fiction and I was more than a little turned off by the large page number. Once I actually began reading this book I was immediately drawn into the plot, and accepted every crazy twist with a nod and a page flip. I guess I am almost speechless, as I don't even really have a thing to say other than I enjoyed this and I need to read more (stand-alones probably) from this author.
I forget how much I enjoy the rich storytelling of Nesbo between reading his translated novels. And then I pick one up and remember all over again. So much better than some of the same genre ones that other novellists churn out. Then again, I did guess some twists but not others. Tis good!
Nesbø is always reliable for a well-paced police procedural, and this book is no different. The ending may be a little too tidy, but those who like his occasional gory details will not be disappointed.
The first book that I have read by Jo Nesbo and I hope it won't be the last.