In the landscape of Nordic noir, Anne Holt distinguishes herself with her experience and also her narrative skills, crafting stories that thoughtfully probe into the fabric of society. Her novel “Odd Numbers,” also released as “Offline,” is no exception.

This book, part of Holt’s celebrated Hanne Wilhelmsen series, delves into the complexities of crime, human nature, and the often blurry lines between justice and morality.

It took me a while to jump on board the Scandinavian crime fiction wave. It was Anne Holt's locked-room mystery 1222 that finally got me into reading the genre.

Released in English in 2017 two years after the Norwegian original, Odd Numbers is the ninth and penultimate book in Anne Holt’s series about the fictional detective Hanne Wilhelmsen.

The series has made quite the impact. Leading Scottish crime writer Val McDermid said that “Anne Holt is the latest crime writer to reveal how truly dark it gets in Scandinavia.”

Interested? Check the price and order the book now on (affiliate link)

The book was released as Offline in Norway and confusingly the name was also used in some other English language markets. It was translated from Norwegian into English by Anne Bruce.

A tense countdown

The story is set in Oslo, where a bomb goes off in an Islamic Cooperation Council building, causing widespread panic.

The narrative follows retired police detective Hanne Wilhelmsen as she is drawn back into the world of crime investigation.

Holt masterfully crafts a plot that is both a race against time and a deep dive into the motives and fears driving each character. The tension is palpable as the narrative unfolds, with the looming threat of another terrorist attack.

Character development

One of Holt’s strengths is her character development, particularly evident in the protagonist, Hanne Wilhelmsen.

A retired, wheelchair-bound detective, Hanne is not your typical crime novel hero. She is complex, often brooding, and carries the weight of her past experiences and personal losses.

Her character arc throughout the series and in this book is compelling and adds depth to the narrative. Holt does not shy away from exploring Hanne’s vulnerabilities, making her a relatable and memorable protagonist.

Exploring multifaceted Oslo society

As with many crime novels, this book is a mirror reflecting societal issues. Holt, with her background in law and journalism, brings a unique perspective to the narrative.

The book touches on themes like terrorism, Islamophobia, and the fear of the ‘other’ that permeates modern societies.

Holt’s treatment of these themes is nuanced, avoiding cliches and offering a balanced view that challenges the reader to think critically about these complex issues.

Oslo, as depicted in the book, is a character in its own right. Holt’s descriptive prowess brings the city to life, from its bustling streets to the quiet, tense atmosphere following the bombing.

The setting adds to the novel's mood, with the city’s cold, often bleak landscape mirroring the dark themes explored in the story.

Holt’s writing style is engaging, with a balance of fast-paced action and thoughtful exposition. The dialogue is sharp, and the narrative flow is smooth, making the book a page-turner. Yet, Holt does not compromise on depth for the sake of pace.

What others have said

“With Odd Numbers Anne Holt has written a fascinating, intricate novel about life in Norway in awful, exhausting circumstances.  Holt does an excellent job explaining what characters in Norway think about Muslims living in Norway – some are racists, some encourage diversity, and many draw less clear lines.” – Mystery People blog

Interested? Check the price and order the book now on (affiliate link)

“A prophetic counterterrorist procedural whose bold central conceit is likely to grow more depressingly plausible with every passing week” – Kirkus

“In Odd Numbers, Holt skilfully melds terrorism and parental issues in an absorbing compact plot. Holt illustrates Oslo's multicultural society while showing the humanity behind hate that can lead to terrorism” – Daily Herald

The post Odd Numbers (Offline) by Anne Holt appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Are you a Scandiphile? Millions of people around the world are lovers of Scandinavian design and Nordic lifestyle trends. But how much do you really know about the region?

Here at 51łÔšĎÍř, we often cover stories from around the region. We have so much in common with our Nordic neighbours, after all!

Check out out our Scandinavia blog for plenty of stories from all over Northern Europe. But for a deeper dive into the region, nothing beats a book. In this article, we take a look at the best non-fiction books about Scandinavia.

Some of the book recommendations contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may receive a small commission to help with our running costs but the price to you is exactly the same.

Best Scandinavia non-fiction books

First off, we'll start by taking a look at the leading non-fiction titles. These titles are a fantastic way to take a look at the region’s history, lifestyle and culture from a broad perspective.

The Almost Nearly Perfect People by Michael Booth

The 2014 book’s subtitle ‘Behind the myth of the Scandinavian utopia’ suggests it takes a negative perspective on the north, but it’s first and foremost a witty travelogue.

It seeks to answer whether Nordic people really are as happy as the surveys suggest, visiting the five main Nordic countries on the way.

Buy:ĚýĚý– 

Viking Economics by George Lakey

“How the Scandinavians got it right—and how we can, too” is a tempting subtitle for anyone interested in the Nordic model of economics.

Lakey accepts that the Nordic model cannot be used as-is in other parts of the world, but argues that there are still things other countries (in particular the US and UK) can learn.

Buy:ĚýĚý– 

The Nordic Theory of Everything by Anu Partanen

Many books on places are written by outsiders who have moved there. Not so here. This book is by a native Finn who has become an American citizen.

Partanen asks her now fellow Americans to draw on elements of the Nordic way of life to nurture a fairer, happier, more secure, and less stressful society for themselves and their children.

Buy:ĚýĚý– 

Best Norway books

We've covered the best crime books from Norway before, so here's a selection of some non-fiction books you might enjoy.

How to Find a Job in Norway

Of course, we have to start out with one of our own products!

As the title suggests, this book is packed with helpful advice on finding employment as an English-speaker in Norway.

We cover the job-seeking strategy and required mindset, where to find relevant vacancies, and the all important interview technique.

Buy: – – (eBook in Norway)

A Frog in the Fjord by Lorelou Desjardins

A two-time guest on the 51łÔšĎÍř Show, Lorelou sets out to discover the truth about Norway while giving herself one year to figure out whether she wants to live in Norway for good. It doesn't start well, as making local friends and dating are proving to be much harder than she thought…

The book is available in English, Norwegian and French.

Buy:ĚýĚý–  –

The Cabin in the Mountains by Robert Ferguson

A true pursuit of a dream. In 2016, Ferguson and his wife bought some remote land and built a wooden cabin.

Such cabins are an integral part of Norwegian culture. In this book, Ferguson reflects on his own journey while exploring the cultural significance of this simple structure.

Buy:ĚýĚý– 

Best Sweden books

Now let's take a closer look at our neighbours, Sweden.

Lagom: The Swedish Secret of Living Well by Lola A. Åkerström

The Nigerian American author explores the Swedish ethos of lagom, which she says “pretty much defines what it is to be and think like a Swede.”

The five letter word may be short but it has a whole host of meanings, including “in moderation”, “in balance”, “perfect-simple”, “just enough”, “ideal” or “suitable”.

Buy:ĚýĚý– 

The Little Book of Fika

An essential part of Swedish lifestyle, fika is the simple art of taking a break with friends, a warm beverage and a sweet treat.

Packed with facts, quotes, tips, and recipes, this little book is big on value and makes the ideal gift for the Scandinavia fan in your life.

Buy:Ěý

A Year in Kronoberg by Geoff Bunn

What is life really like in Sweden? That's the question the British author seeks to answer in the style of Peter Mayle's ‘Year in Provence'.

The Observer says the book “completely lifts the lid on a country we all secretly admire even though we know surprisingly little about it.”

Buy:Ěý

Best Denmark books

Now let's take a closer look at other Scandinavian neighbours, Denmark.

The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell

Another author keen to discover the secrets of happy Scandinavia, Helen Russell takes what the Guardian called “a hugely enjoyable romp” through Denmark to uncover the formula for Danish happiness.

She uncovers the truth about childcare, education, food and interior design, SAD and taxes, realising what Denmark does right and what it doesn't.

Buy:ĚýĚý–

How to be Danish by Patrick Kingsley

This book was born when the author wondered how much we really know about Denmark, despite the popularity of Danish TV, Lego and other Danish cultural exports.

An entertaining introduction to contemporary Danish culture including politics, television, food, architecture and design.

Buy:

Of course, this is just a selection of Scandinavia books. There are loads out there, so perhaps we've missed off one of your favourites? Let us know in the comments.

The post Scandinavia Books: The Best Reads on Northern Europe appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Jo Nesbø will probably always be best known for his Harry Hole series of ‘detective narrowly avoiding his own demise’ books.

But quietly, outside of the fanfare of the series that gave us The Snowman – one of the best books I’ve ever read – he’s been busy.

Little by little, Nesbø has been building a separate body of work that is as different from the unorthodox detective as Lofoten is from Oslo. His latest entry into this canon is The Kingdom and it might just be his finest work yet.

As always with these long-form book reviews, I’ll be delving into spoilers at some point. I’ll let you know when that comes. Firstly, I’ll start you all off with a little overview of what The Kingdom is about.

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Overview of The Kingdom

Two brothers Roy and Carl Opgard, grow up with their parents – one America-obsessed and the other a tame housewife. They live on a large but mostly barren farm in the mountains, that their father refers to as The Kingdom.

Roy is the strong, silent type who takes after his father. Carl is the shy, sensitive type who takes more after his mother.

We meet the boys at a young age. Carl is desperate to show his father that he’s a strong boy. He goes out hunting but somehow never quite has the courage to pull the trigger and kill anything.

One day, Carl goes off on his own with the family dog. Roy hears a gunshot and shortly afterwards Carl comes running. He takes Roy to see the poor dog, wounded badly but still alive. Roy takes Carl’s knife and puts the hound out of its misery.

Together, they agree to pretend that it was Carl who did it – a show of strength for their father. His father pretends to believe them and then, quietly, points out to Roy that if he’s going to lie in future, he might want to wash his hands first!

Carl to the rescue?

Fast forward to the modern day and Roy is still living on the farm. He’s awaiting the return of his beloved brother from several years of living in the US. Carl duly returns with his new wife in tow. Together they settle in to the master bedroom while Roy relegates himself to the room that the boys shared as kids.

The small, quiet mountain town where everybody knows everybody and the economy ticks over is seemingly in jeopardy. Plans are afoot to build a new highway that will pass them by completely.

This news is especially bad for Roy who runs the service station in the town. Over the years he’s built up a regular flow of customers by being the only option for many city-folk heading to their cabins.

Read more: The Best Norwegian Crime Books in English

Carl, however, has a plan to save the town and put it firmly on the map. All he has to do is convince the residents of the town to invest a small amount each, with the promise of huge rewards once the resort opens.

Being the charismatic prodigal son that he is, he easily manages to persuade enough investors. But not everyone is convinced.

The local sheriff, for one, is very suspicious of the plan, and also suspects not only that Carl is not being completely honest about the deal but also that some accidents from the boys’ past might not be as accidental as they seemed.

Overall impressions

The Kingdom is a change of pace for those familiar with the Harry Hole novels, where it’s rarely long before you find yourself in the middle of the action. Here it’s much more of a slow burner, taking time to set the scene.

One thing Jo Nesbø does very well is to build and describe a world that’s at once familiar and believable. Even if you’ve never set foot in Norway in your life, you’ve almost certainly encountered a sleepy small town that’s one new road away from complete extinction.

Order The Kingdom with free worldwide delivery on . Also available from Ěý˛š˛ÔťĺĚý.

On top of this, the characters are three dimensional and you understand how their actions are shaped by their experiences. So, even though the novel takes its time to create its world, it makes the payoff at the end that much more worthwhile.

If I must rate the novel, I’d probably give it 4 or 4.5 out of 5. This may be swayed by the fact that I’ve loved every word of every Nesbø novel to date! That said, if you like a slow-burning mystery novel where relationships are as important as events then you’ll struggle to be disappointed with The Kingdom.

I found it a real page-turner so even though it’s 500+ pages long, it won’t take you too long if you have the time to spare.

That gives you the plot summary and my opinion, now it’s time to delve into the details! If you carry on reading, you’ll encounter some spoilers. So if you want to read the book fresh, then head off now and come back once you’re done. Otherwise, read on!

Brotherhood

As you might expect, brotherhood is one of the primary themes of The Kingdom. The two brothers at the heart of the novel have a storied past and a complicated relationship. Roy, as the strong brother, is often involved in dealing with the mess left behind by Carl’s more sensitive side.

Right from the start, we see their relationship being tested. Carl brings his new wife, Shannon, on his return to The Kingdom and Roy is not entirely sure what to make of her. Eventually Roy’s relationship with Shannon develops to the point where they are in some ways closer than Carl and Shannon are.

Americana

Another major theme running in the background of The Kingdom is Americana. Roy’s father, and then Roy, are obsessed especially with the old classic cars like Cadillacs.

Roy can recognise the sound of Carl’s DeVille even before he sees it, when he’s returning to the farm for the first time.

Master of misdirection

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Nesbø’s writing, whether it’s a Harry Hole sequel or a standalone novel, is his masterful use of misdirection. The Kingdom is no exception. We know that Nesbø uses foreshadowing to give us ideas of what to look out ofr. All authors do it, though some are better than others.

Read more: Five Norwegian Novels to Read Before You Die

But with Nesbø in particular, he leads the mind in so many different, and often opposing, directions so you’re never quite sure which part will land, and which will have been a bluff. One of the best examples of this is a question I was asking myself a lot for the first half of the book…’what exactly is Roy’s hiding’?

Roy’s secret

From the start it’s mentioned or hinted that Roy has a dark secret. I’d imagine this will read differently for different people.

To me, Nesbø seemed to be suggesting that Roy was gay, living in a town whose small-minded community might not accept that. At one point he is asked directly by the sheriff and rather than denying or confirming simply bats the questions aside.

There’s even a hint that he might have taken the strongest possible actions to protect his secret from being found out. That possibly doesn’t chime with a hidden sexuality – it’s rarely worth killing for after all – but in Nesbø’s world, you never know what people will do with the right, or wrong, motivation!

From there, this develops into a suggestion that Roy might have been sexually involved with his younger brother as they were growing up. It becomes obvious that Carl was abused by someone, which doesn’t really fit with the relationship the brothers have.

But time can heal wounds, and the mind can suppress them. Maybe, now that Carl is a successful businessman, he has come back to get his revenge on Roy.

But it’s finally revealed that Roy had been having a years’ long affair with a married woman, Rita Willumsen, the wife of the local used car dealer and loan shark. 

Blood is thicker than water

As you will often find in books with a strong family theme, there’s often a test of that familial bond. Will Carl and Roy’s bond prove to be stronger than the bond they each form with Shannon.

As the book reaches its stunning conclusion and the final facts are dragged into the light, it’s still not entirely clear until the very end. How the brothers, divided by a woman who has starkly altered their relationship, will salvage or ruin their relationship is ultimately what drives this story to the final pages.

Cain and Abel

Another fine example of misdirection is the story of Cain and Abel. This is one of the best-known brotherhood stories in the Western world and Nesbø uses it to good effect.

In the bible story, Cain is a farmer and Abel is a shepherd. Both make sacrifices to God but God favours Abel’s sacrifice. Consumed with jealousy, Cain murders Abel. Cain is then sentenced to a lifetime of wandering in the Land of Nod.

Carl’s middle name is Abel, though we’re told it’s named after the former American Secretary of State Abel Parker Upshurr. Roy has the middle name Calvin after President Calvin Coolidge. It’s not quite Cain and Abel but it’s definitely close enough to bear in mind.

So, we’re being subtly set up for Roy to murder Carl out of jealousy. Indeed, this is a large amount of the misdirection that Nesbø employs. Is Roy clever enough to manage it and is Carl clever enough to avoid it?

The world’s most dangerous bend

“The Highways Maintenance Department had been on the point of erecting a crash barrier when they discovered the last 200 metres were private road and Opgard’s responsibility.”

Ultimately, the road leading to The Kingdom has a lot to answer for. One particular bend seems to encourage cars to disappear over the edge down a long was to Huken below. It’s so notorious that everyone is surprised that the town council never do anything about it, even though it’s on private land.

Read more: Audiobooks in Norway: How to Listen to Your Favourite Authors

The initial victims are the brothers’ parents who set out one day to visit the boys’ Uncle Bernard and up driving over the bend.

The sheriff investigates and can’t come to any conclusion as to why there are no brake marks. Was the boys’ father depressed? The sheriff never finds the answer but he’s never convinced it’s a simple matter of misjudging the bend.

Later, a car belonging to a Danish hitman goes careening over the edge after he’d confronted Roy at the farmhouse. That car, a Porsche, skids on ice that had mysteriously appeared overnight.

The final car is the ultimate spoiler, so I’ll save it in case you’re reading this before reading the book, but it brings KRIPOS to investigate and Officer Vera Martinsen provides the final closure on the bend and its secrets.

“For three cars to go off the road over a period of eighteen years at a place that should obviously have been better protected seems to me not merely reasonable, I think in fact it’s strange there haven’t been more accidents.”

Final conclusions

As with all standalone novels, we end with a final conclusion. There’s no room for a sequel and so everything is tied up nicely. Any misdeeds committed by our protagonists are wrapped and buried forever.

Order The Kingdom with free worldwide delivery on . Also available from Ěý˛š˛ÔťĺĚý.

This allows us to spend our time with Roy and Carl and then earn a satisfying ending. A ‘real’ police officer from the city comes along and puts an end to the supposed mystery of so many cars falling off at the bend by pointing out that in fact there should probably be more.

So, after all is said and done, it was a health and safety issue all along. Who knows what might have become of Roy and Carl if the Highways Maintenance Department had installed a crash barrier!

Have you read The Kingdom? Tell us your thoughts below.

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Spoiler Alert: This is going to be a reasonably deep dive into the book. There will be some fairly major spoilers. After a brief outline and my overall impressions, you may want to decide between reading the book and continuing with this article!

“I am a man of my time. A failed man of my time. Or just a man of a failed time.”

Story outline

Andreas Doppler is a nice man. He lives in a nice house with his nice wife and together they raise their children to become nice people. He has a nice job, and he enjoys nothing more than a nice bike ride through the forests around Oslo.

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On one such bike ride, shortly after his father dies, Doppler falls and hits his head. Lying on the forest floor he feels compelled to abandon his ‘nice’ life and live in a tent in the forest.

Doppler packs away some belongings and leaves his family a note telling them not to expect him for dinner, before hiking into the forest and setting up camp.

A few weeks later, after running out of food, he realises that if he’s going to live off the land he’ll have to kill animals. He sees a passing Elk (Moose, to North American readers) and kills her.

The elk was a mother with a calf and initially Doppler tries to get the calf to flee. Eventually Doppler adopts the Elk, not entirely through choice, and so begins a magical friendship.

Together they weave their way through a life of forest craft and anti-capitalist living.

Overall impressions

Perhaps the first thing to say about this book is that it’s not really a novel. It’s presented in chapters and it’s maybe too long to call it a novella.

But a novel generally has a character go through some degree of personal change over the course of the novel. Overall, it feels like one act in a longer work.

Does this matter? Probably not. But if you’re expecting a novel-like story with a satisfying conclusion then you may be disappointed.

One thing the book is, however, is very funny. Doppler is a very matter of fact person, and nothing fazes him. He takes everything in his stride and brushes things off with a wry sense of humour. Absurd situations are presented without comment on how ridiculous they are.

So, it’s a book for people with an enjoyment of the surreal. But it’s also written with a lot of heart and is quirky and whimsical. Overall I’d say it’s a book where you get out of it whatever you bring to it. 

I famously hate rating things because I feel distilling knowledge down to a simple scale is both impossible and pointless. I can only tell you how *I* found the book but regardless, for me, this is book deserves 4 out of 5 stars.

I’ve read a few reviews online where people haven’t taken to the book at all. I can see why that would be as Doppler is certainly not an easy character to root for. But if you can get into the right frame of mind then the book will definitely take you on an enjoyable journey.

Doppler’s friends and family

So, that should be all you need to decide whether you want to read the book. If you do, go and do it now – I’ll be right here waiting for when you get back. Otherwise, let’s take a closer look at some of the characters that Doppler meets along the way.

Doppler’s wife becomes pregnant during the book, thanks to a conjugal visit she pays to her husband in the forest. She tells him he will be expected to be home by the time of the birth in May and Doppler agrees, despite having no intention of doing so!

Doppler’s daughter, Nora, is 16 and heavily into the Lord of the Rings books and films. Doppler feels she’s a lost cause due to her ‘niceness’ and will inevitably simply integrate into society. At one point she diagnoses Doppler’s problem in the way that teenagers often do:

“You don’t like people, she said. You’re not a people person. And that’s why I don’t like you.”

Gregus is Doppler’s son. He’s 4 years old and attends nursery school. Doppler feels like Gregus is a cause that can be saved from society.

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When Doppler’s wife decides she needs to head to Rome for a break, Gregus stays with Doppler at the tent. He enjoys adventuring with his father but starts to get withdrawal symptoms when he misses his TV cartoons.

Dusseldorf is a man who has spent some time recreating the scene of his father’s death during the war in excruciating detail. His plan, when he finishes, is to end his own life. He and Doppler become friends when Doppler breaks into his house on a mission to obtain supplies.

Bongo is perhaps the most important character in the book after Doppler himself. Bongo is the pet elk that Doppler adopts after he kills its mother. Bongo turns out to be not such a great talker but a great listener. Doppler spends a lot of his time talking to Bongo as a sort of therapist.

“I’ll call the calf Bongo after my father, I decide as I’m strolling back into the forest. Even though my father wasn’t called Bongo I’ll name the calf Bongo after him. Sometimes you’ve got to be open to associations of this kind”

The theme of mental health

For me, the broadest theme of the book is mental health. In Doppler, Erlend Loe is presenting a main character who appears to be mentally unwell. One of the main problems with mental health, however, is that it always relates to ‘normal’.

If you asked Doppler, he would tell you that he’s perfectly fine. Yet he’s in a mental state in which living outside of society is preferable to living within it. One of the great aspects of the book is that it’s never stated categorically that Doppler is suffering.

We know his father has just died and we know he falls off his bike and hits his head only to feel a sense of calm flood over him as the problems of the world disappear. But the reader gets to decide whether this is ‘the real Doppler’ brought to life or whether this is a manifestation of, for example, his grief.

It’s mentioned that Doppler had started to feel like an outsider in society. To me, then, it seems that his father’s death is the what spurs him to really reconsider his role in society and then falling off his bike shows him a solution.

Family

Doppler admits to never really knowing his father all that well. In the book, the older Dusseldorf becomes a sort of proxy for Doppler’s grief. Dusseldorf didn’t know his father either, and yet he knows exactly where, when, and how he died thanks to the military records.

Dusseldorf dedicates himself to recreating his father’s last moments as a scale model to try to find closure, at which point he intends to end his life. When it comes down to it, he realises that not ending his life is also a valid conclusion.

For Doppler, he works through his issues with his father by building a gigantic totem and whittling into it the figures of the three generations of Doppler men, joined by Bongo the Elk all sat atop each other on a huge egg.

Doppler is determined that his relationship with Gregus will be one where father and son understand each other – the relationship he never had with his father – and also that he must ‘save’ Gregus from becoming just another ‘nice’ member of ‘nice’ society.

Anti-consumerism

Another central theme is consumerism, and the way Doppler rails against it. Early in the book, Doppler discusses being almost overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices that have to be made simply to build a new bathroom.

And then, when the Iraq war breaks out, he sighs at the inconvenience of having to formulate an opinion on that as well and have the mundane aspects of his life reduced to mere trivia. The problem is that if you realise a task is meaningless then it might fall apart before you get to complete it.

“Not only did I not have my perspectives clarified, but I didn’t want them to be. For weeks it had irritated me that they couldn’t wait to start the bombing until we had finished doing up the bathroom”

The big irony in the book is that, even if you try to remove yourself from society, you still need…stuff! After preserving the elk meat by smoking it in a kiln, Doppler barters with a shopkeeper for milk, for example. But he also resorts to stealing – for example, Dusseldorf’s gigantic Toblerone bar – to get what he needs.

Society

Over time, people join Doppler in the forest. Gregus spends more time there, helping with his totem pole, also Dusseldorf, post non-suicide as well as a right-wing dog-walker that Doppler calls The Reactionary and a thief called Roger.

This is slightly useful to Doppler while he’s still crafting his totem pole. But once he’s done, the company gets to be annoying because, of course, he didn’t move into the forest to be surrounded by people!

Wherever there are humans, society exists whether you like it or not. Wherever you are, whether it’s a nice Oslo house or a tent in the forest, people will want to join you. Whatever you have, whether it’s a brand-new Volvo or a pet elk-therapist, people will want the same.

As Doppler puts it:

“One problem with people is that as soon as they fill a space it’s them you see and not the space. Large, desolate landscapes stop being large, desolate landscapes once they have people in them. They define what the eye sees. And the human eye is almost always directed at other humans. In this way an illusion is created that humans are more important than those things on earth that are not human”

So perhaps the over-arching conclusion is that society isn’t something that you can divorce yourself from. The book ends with Doppler beginning a journey from forest to forest. He is, ultimately, open-minded to the idea that maybe he doesn’t hate ALL people. Maybe it’s just…THESE people.

Order Doppler with free worldwide delivery on . Also available from and .

Have you read Doppler by Erlend Loe? What did you think?

The post Book Review: Doppler by Erlend Loe appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Crime and thrillers are hugely popular book genres all around the world. Over the last 20 years, Scandinavian crime fiction has become a popular niche, especially in Britain.

Many bestselling books in Norway are subsequently sold for translation into English. It’s made Jo Nesbø a household name and the likes of Karin Fossum and Gunnar Staalesen popular among fans of the genre.

But if you’re not a regular reader, or you are but have never tried a Norwegian crime book, where do you start? That’s what we aim to answer this article.

Before we start, we link to Amazon throughout this article. We are affiliate partners, so receive a small commission from them if you choose to buy—at no extra cost to you.

An introduction to Norwegian crime fiction

Within Norway, crime novels come in all shapes and sizes. But it’s what gets translated into English that international readers consider to be Norwegian crime.

Defining characteristics of the genre include a strong sense of place together with a form of social commentary. Often, authors seek to question whether there’s more to Norway’s welfare state and claims of ‘happiness’ than first meets the eye.

The genre is dominated by the police procedural, but there’s plenty of private detective novels and thrillers floating around too. Whether they fit the ‘crime’ genre is a moot point—all are welcome to the Nordic noir party!

Norwegian crime novels really come to the fore during the Easter vacation. Norway’s obsession with ąčĂĽ˛ő°ěąđ°ě°ůžąłž (Easter crime) is a fascinating subject for the unsuspecting foreigner!

Jo Nesbø

We start with the biggest name. Jo Nesbø has been a footballer and rock star, but he’s now firmly established as Norway’s most famous contemporary author.

His series of police detective novels featuring Harry Hole are bestsellers all over the world. But where to get started? Here’s our recommendations of where to enter the imagination of Jo Nesbø.

: Why start with the third in the series? Because it’s one of the absolute best, and the first one set in Oslo, where the Harry Hole series really gets going.

This is the book where you’ll instantly know if Nesbø is for you, as Hole tracks a neo-Nazi group in the modern day with a healthy dose of World War II historical fiction thrown in to the mix.

: Ever had the feeling you’re being watched? Even if you’ve heard about the dodgy film adaptation, give the original source material a try.

The seventh Harry Hole novel is a suspense-packed rollercoaster ride. You’ll never look at a snowman the same away again.

Karin Fossum

If you think all Norwegian crime authors churn out the same type of books, think again. They are two of the biggest names in Norwegian crime, but that’s where the similarities between Nesbø and Fossum end.

Best known for her Inspector Sejer series, Fossum leans literary, tending to write at a slower pace to dig deep into human psychology and examine the potential for violence that so often lays dormant deep within.

Most of her books are set in small town Norway, offering another contrast to the gritty urban experiences of Nesbø. This is also reflected in the protagonists, with Inspector Sejer a much calmer, softly-spoken and altogether more pleasant man than Hole.

In The Darkness (also called ): The first Sejer book is a wise place to start. In an intriguing opening, a mother and her young daughter discover a body in the lake. The mother phones her father but makes no mention of the discovery, then takes her daughter to McDonald’s.

Gunnar Staalesen

Staalesen comes at the crime novel from a very different angle than many Norwegian authors. His series protagonist Varg Veum is a private detective based in Bergen. Fans of Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe should absolutely give Veum a try.

The character is well known in Norway thanks to numerous TV and film adaptations. Varg Veum features in 19 novels spanning decades, most of which are available in English. So where to begin?

: I was attracted to this title for its theme. Much of the book is set on an island set for Norwegian wind power development, something which is just as relevant today as it was when the book was written in 2010.

It’s also a great introduction to the older Veum. The mystery is solid, and it introduces you to both rural Norwegian life and one of the more controversial topics in modern Norway.

: An alternative way in is the oldest series book to be released in English so far. We are introduced to a much younger Varg Veum, who is hired by a young boy to find his missing bike. But the teenage gang who stole the bike are much more menacing than Veum expects.

Anne Holt

One might think that serving as Norway’s minister of justice would be a career highlight. But Anne Holt then channeled her experience into crime fiction, becoming one of the country’s bestselling authors.

Her series protagonist, the lesbian police officer Hanne Wilhelmsen, is popular with fans despite her often arrogant attitude. In the later books including the two below, Wilhelmsen is wheelchair-bound following a work incident.

: Fans of classic locked room mysteries are sure to love this book. Set in a remote mountain hotel following a crash on the Oslo to Bergen railway, the book follows the retired Wilhelmsen as she reluctantly gets involved in a murder investigation while a snowstorm howls. Read more about 1222.

: The English translation of this book has different titles in different markets. Offline and Odd Numbers are one and the same. Published in the years following the Oslo terror attacks, it touches on difficult but relevant topics today including the threat of extremism in the Norwegian capital.

Jørn Lier Horst

A former senior investigator with the Norwegian police, Jørn Lier Horst is well placed to write realistic characters taking part in police investigations. His main series featuring the Larvik-based widowed detective William Wisting has recently become a TV series.

“At his best, the author is both a sociologist and a philosopher,” said Aftenposten’s Terje Stemland. He has also written many books for children.

: His police procedurals, however, are definitely not for children. The sixth Wisting book, Dregs opens with the discovery of a show washed up ashore. The twist? It’s got the remains of a human foot inside.

: If you intend to watch Wisting, you may or may not want to read this first. It’s the book that inspired season one of the show, together with The Hunting Dogs. In The Caveman, Wisting is presented with the strange case of a local man found sitting dead in front of his television, where he's been for four months. It’s Wisting’s journalist daughter Line who starts to investigate.

Thomas Enger

Journalist Thomas Enger created the crime-solving journalist Henning Juul while working the beat for Nettavisen in Oslo. After many years of trying, Enger was published in 2010. In recent years, Enger has teamed up with Horst to co-write a series.

: Enger’s debut novel made the shortlist for an English eDunnit award for best novel published in e-book. It introduces Juul on his first day back at work following the tragic death of his young son but he’s immediately thrown into a murder story. The novel is entertaining, suspense-packed with themes of class divisions and racial conflicts.

Alex Dahl

In 2019, Norwegian newspaper called Dahl ‘the unknown Norwegian crime star.’ Born in Oslo but with American roots and having lived in Russia and England, Dahl has experience of many cultures, which results in some fascinating characters in her fiction.

: A lot of ‘Nordic noir’ is police procedural but Dahl writes straight-up thrillers with enticing hooks. One look at the hook for her latest book, Cabin Fever, and you’ll know if it’s for you:

“Alone and isolated in a vast Scandinavian forest, a therapist begins to read her client's novel manuscript, only to discover the main character is terrifyingly familiar…”

Agnes Ravatn

Another choosing the psychological thriller form, journalist Ravatn received international acclaim with the atmospheric The Bird Tribunal. She has lived both in Norway’s two biggest cities—Oslo and Bergen—and on a small, derelict farm in the fjord region.

: A remote house? Check. An atmospheric fjord? Check. A mysterious recluse? Check. This beautifully written psychological thriller is both evocative and chilling.

Of course, there are plenty of great Norwegian crime books not mentioned here. That’s because this isn’t intended as an exhaustive list, rather as a starting point into the Norwegian take on Nordic noir. Enjoy!

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For a relatively small country, Norway has a rich literary tradition. From the plays of Ibsen to the modern crime dramas so beloved in Scandinavia, Norwegians are big readers.

With a population of just 5.5 million, Norway is a relatively small country. That must mean a small pool of great writers, right? Despite its size, Norway still enjoys a strong literary tradition with many famous names, past and present.

Here are five must-read Norwegian books, all of which are available in English.

A proud literary tradition

Thanks to the likes of Henrik Ibsen, Knut Hamsun, Sigrid Undset and Jo Nesbø, Norway is not such an obscure country when it comes to literature.

England has Shakespeare, Sweden has Strindberg, Russia has Chekov but Norway has Ibsen, one of the greatest playwrights that ever lived.

In this article, I'll give the rundown of my five Norwegian favourites, all of which are available in English. The books I cover come personally recommended, so if you're looking for a translated Norwegian novel to get stuck into, read on.

Read more: Libraries in Norway

Will and Testament by Vigdis Hjorth

When I moved back to Norway recently, Vigdis Hjorth's Will and Testament was a novel I felt I had to read, mostly based on the amount of publicity the book received in Norway and beyond.

But did I want to read it in the dark of winter? No. Did I read it in the dark and sometimes depressing winter months? Yes, I did. You’ll see why when I explain the subject matter of the novel.

Will and Testament caused something of a literary scandal when it was released in Norway in 2016. The narrative focuses on Bergljot, the protagonist who is involved a family feud over inheritance. Hjorth walks the reader through the love, the hate and the arguments of one suburban Norwegian family.

In addition to inheritance dispute, in which her two sisters are given a pair of family cabins while Bergljot and her brother go without, there is also the disturbing plot around that include the sexual abuse Bergljot endured – from her father – as child.

I won’t lie and say this was an easy book to read but it was something quite different from anything else I've ever read before.

Hjorth insists Will and Testament is a work of fiction, but said the book “divided a family and captivated a country.” Why not grab a copy and judge for yourself?

Buy the book now: / / (Norway)

A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen

Ok, while it isn’t a novel, I couldn’t compile a list of Norway’s finest without including Henrik Ibsen. And it had to be his most famous play, A Doll’s House.

I always believe this text is a great way into the wonderful world of the greatest playwright that the world has ever known.

Published in 1879, the play revolves around the Nora and her Husband, Torvald. Nora comes to realise that she is nothing more than ‘a plaything’ or ‘doll’ in the charade that is a bourgeois existence in the late nineteenth century.

The narrative drives towards Nora finally finding the courage to speak out and confront her husband. Her decision about her future draws to the play’s dramatic and memorable conclusion. Read more about the life of Henrik Ibsen here.

Buy the book now: / / (Norway)

NaĂŻve. Super by Erlend Loe

Naïve. Super is a profound and funny novel, as so often Erlend Loe’s books are. The story centres on a man who is searching for the true meaning of existence, of life.

Often philisopical, sometimes nostalgic, NaĂŻve. Super is one of those novels that forces you to contemplate things you never had previously.

The protagonist’s enlightening journey takes him from Norway to New York to visit his brother. His visit to America allows him time to consider all aspects of his life. And by the time he returns home to Norway, he has more of an appreciation for life.

The humorous 2004 novel Doppler is another Loe novel worth a read.

Buy the book now: / / (Norway)

The Snowman by Jo Nesbø

How could I write a list of top Norwegian novels to read and not include some Nordic noir – a genre of dark crime fiction. Jo Nesbø is most arguably Norway’s most prolific crime writer. His books have become international bestsellers.

One of Nesbø’s novels that stands out is The Snowman. Published 2017, it’s the seventh book in the Harry Hole series, which again follows the unorthodox detective as he hunts down a serial killer.

Hole discovers that a lot of the victims appear to vanish with the first snowfall each winter. Before long, other patterns start to emerge. One of them is the presence of a snowman at each murder scene. While Hole is tracing the footprints of the killer, nicknamed â€˜the Snowman’, he also has his own personal preoccupations and vices to deal with.

This novel is a great read and best in enjoyed during a dark and cold of winter, all cosy under a blanket, with a hot chocolate within reaching distance.

The Snowman was also adapted into a film starring Michael Fassbender but flopped in the cinemas. Critics also gave the film poor reviews.

Buy the book now: / / (Norway)

The Ice Palace by Terjei Vesaas

The 1963 novel The Ice Palace by Terjei Vesaas is an elegant little novel. It's a classic in the Norwegian canon, a quick read and one that’s well worth your time.

The Ice Palace is one of those books that you can read again and again, and each time comprehend something different in the layered writing. That’s not to say that it is a confusing novel, just a metaphorical masterpiece.

It’s a story about a mysterious little girl called Unn, who has a secret, and her friend Siss, whom she promises to reveal her secret to. But in the initial and tender friendship that develops over a short space of time between the two is suddenly shattered when Unn disappears.

The descriptive nature of this novel is beautiful. You really see the landscape through the delicate words that have been cradfted by Vesaas. A Norwegian classic.

Buy the book now: / / (Norway)

Other Norwegian authors to check out

There are many plays by Henrik Ibsen I would have loved to include in this list, such as Peer Gynt, The Lady From the Sea and the writer's last work, When We Dead Awaken, but there simply wasn’t room.

Another Norwegian writer that deserves a mention is the 1903 Nobel prize winner Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. The poet, novelist, playwright and lyricist was and is still an iconic figure in the world of Norwegian literature. Bjørnson famously wrote the Norwegian national anthem, which highlights his lyrical expertise. This makes him another notable absentee.

If you're into modern Norwegian crime, check out Anne Holt. The former Norwegian Minister of Justice now writes a long-running series of crime novels featuring detective Hanne Wilhelmsen. Here's a review of 1222, released in 2007. Other popular crime authors include Karin Fossum and Gunnar Staalesen.

There are many or Norwegian novels I could have included, but I can only review books I’ve read and, of course, enjoyed. Happy reading!

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You've watched every Scandi TV series going, you have Nordic light fittings, and you want Birgitte Nyborg as your Prime Minister. Yes it's fair to say there is a general love-in with everything related to the northern countries.

Over the last decade, the Nordic nations have quietly and unassumingly come to hold us in their thrall; but what is it, exactly, that we covet about their culture?

Buy the book: /Ěý /Ěý

Nordicana celebrates the objects, aesthetics and traditions that have inspired our obsession, with a quick introduction to 100 icons of Scandi style and Nordic cool, accompanied by beautiful illustrations.

Whether it is the inimitable Faroe Isles jumper, made famous by TV detective Sarah Lund; the unusual-tasting delicacy salted liquorice; the ubiquitous Swedish Dala horse; the concept of ‘hygge' (a feeling evoked by being in candlelit warmth with friends during winter); Midsomer seasonal celebrations; practical but breathtakingly stylish interiors; or an enduring love of noir literature and dramas, you'll find the key to attaining the Nordic way of life in these pages.

Buy the book: /Ěý /Ěý

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The Almost Nearly Perfect People by Michael Booth has been considered a must-read among Scandiphiles ever since its publication in 2014.

Subtitled Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia, Booth's book may imply a critical undertone, yet it primarily delights as an entertaining travelogue.

It probes deeply into whether the people of the Nordic countries truly embody the happiness often depicted in surveys. Admirers of Bill Bryson's engaging narrative style will find Booth’s approach particularly enjoyable.

Check out the book:Ěý /Ěý

“A witty, informative, and popular travelogue about the Scandinavian countries and how they may not be as happy or as perfect as we assume, The Almost Nearly Perfect People offers up the ideal mixture of intriguing and revealing facts” (Laura Miller, Salon).

Living Among the Scandinavians

Having spent over a decade living in Denmark and therefore immersed in Scandinavian life, journalist Michael Booth articulates a growing frustration with the idealised depiction presented by Western media.

In a quest for authenticity, he departs his Danish residence to travel across all five Nordic countries, endeavouring to uncover the true essence of these diverse societies.

Booth’s exploration raises compelling questions: Why do the Danes remain content despite the world's highest tax rates? Are Finnish educational accolades well-founded?

What is the reality behind Iceland's enigmatic reputation? How do Norwegians utilise their vast oil wealth? And, intriguingly, what underpins the regional disdain towards Sweden?

The Almost Nearly Perfect People dissects these inquiries with Booth’s characteristic wit.

He delves into what distinguishes Scandinavians, shedding light on their individual and collective quirks and foibles, and examines why these societies are often heralded as global exemplars.

A Critical Analysis of Scandinavia

Yet, Booth’s narrative unveils a more complex, sometimes darker image of Scandinavia.

He describes a region riddled with unspoken taboos, stifling parochialism, and the presence of extremists of various ideologies.

Through his critical yet fair analysis, Booth portrays a region that is indeed nearly perfect but not without its significant challenges.

Check out the book:Ěý /Ěý

Ultimately, Booth's account is a compelling blend of travel, sociology, and cultural critique, offering a multifaceted view of Scandinavian life that goes beyond simplistic stereotypes.

The Nordic region is often hailed as being home to the world's happiest people. By reading this book, you'll understand more of the full story.

This book is an essential read not only for those smitten with Nordic allure but also for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to live in—and possibly learn from—Scandinavia.

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Jo Nesbø is a Norwegian author and musician. He's sold million of copies of his novels in Norway. His work has been translated into over 40 languages, selling many millions of copies worldwide.

Most famous for his Harry Hole series of detective fiction, Jo Nesbø also writes standalone books. One of the best is Headhunters.

Introducing Headhunters

Roger Brown is a corporate headhunter, and he’s a master of his profession. But one career simply can’t support his luxurious lifestyle and his wife’s fledgling art gallery.

Buy the book: /

At an art opening one night he meets Clas Greve, who is not only the perfect candidate for a major CEO job, but also, perhaps, the answer to his financial woes:

Greve just so happens to mention that he owns a priceless Peter Paul Rubens painting that’s been lost since World War II – and Roger Brown just so happens to dabble in art theft.

But when he breaks into Greve’s apartment, he finds more than just the painting. And Clas Greve may turn out to be the worst thing that’s ever happened to Roger Brown.

What the experts say

“If none of the author's usual insight into Norway is forthcoming, a sizeable measure of sheer entertainment is on offer. Nesboites might like the change of pace” – .

“Jo Nesbø's novel has been expertly transformed into a cool, brutal, deeply Scandinavian thriller” – on the movie adaptation.

Buy the book: /

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The Norwegian Arctic is a true wilderness. Bear Island is a real place and although this story is fictional, it sheds light on this remote Arctic island that few people have ever visited.

The Scottish author Alistair MacLean died in 1987 but this novel remains popular with his fans.

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Introducing Bear Island

A converted fishing trawler carries a production crew across the Barents Sea for some on-location filming, but the script is kept a secret, known only to the producer and screenwriter.

On the way to the remote Arctic island, members of the crew begin to die under mysterious circumstances. It seems that nearly everyone in the crew had secrets and were not who they claimed to be.

The story is told through the voice of the on-board doctor, and his efforts to unravel the truth become ever more complicated as the ship reaches Bear Island.

Bear Island is written in first-person, written with the ubiquitous dry wit found in MacLean's other novels. A gripping and entertaining read.

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