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The Murder of Harriet Krohn by Karin Fossum (view source)
Revision as of 08:59, 3 September 2020
, 08:59, 3 September 2020no edit summary
Normally a book in a police-procedural series would concentrate on the police investigation, but ''The Murder of Harriet Krohn'' is told through the eyes of her murderer and we live with Charlo as he sways between the elation of feeling that he's got away with the murder and the knowledge that the man heading the investigation has solved every case to which he's been assigned. Karin Fossum turns Charlo's mind inside out for us and lays bare his attempts at self-justification. But there's an extra twist: is Charlo's health going to let him down?
I did wonder if I would like this book. Would the story of the murder and its aftermath be taking my pleasures just a little bit too sadly? In the beginning I did find the story challenging, but Karin Fossum's way with words is as exquisite as ever and I was drawn in. The story is technically brilliant, daring in its approach and stunningly executed. I wasn't certain how it would work out until I turned the final pages. I opened the book expecting a police procedural but found superb psychological suspense but no matter which genre you prefer I doubt that you'll be disappointed. I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag. We also have a review of [[I Can See in the Dark by Karin Fossum]].
''The Murder of Harriet Krohn'' is actually the seventh book in the Inspector Sejer [[Karin Fossum's Inspector Sejer novels in chronological order|series]] but it's been translated into English after some of the later books. This isn't a problem as the books all read well as stand alones. If Norwegian crime appeals to you then you'll probably love [[:Category:Jo Nesbo|Jo Nesbo]] too.