Jørgen BrekkeRezensionen

A good effort at weaving together a lot of separate crime plots. That's the best I can give it, it was fine! Just what I want from scandi crime.

Fantastic plotting!

Jorge Brekke plays fast and loose with time in his narration of the latest (book three) of his Odd Singsaker series. In the present our detective is being questioned about his actions related to a recent crime. But, before we learn too much, the story moves to the past…or to the present, or back to the future—chapters labelled: two days before, two weeks after, early morning of the day it happened or a week before it happened…and so on—following several groups of people until all is revealed. I give the author points for creativity in his telling, and my criticisms of his story are not with his format or with his detective. Singsaker is an interesting character, a well-thought out detective; however, the criminal landscape of Norway is rendered as brutal and violent, and the book is very heavy in what one would call “torture porn”— much more than his previous two novels. I admit to skimming the last half of the book. It’s too bad really as the author is a good writer and, as mentioned earlier, quite creative (even his time-traveling narrative ia interesting) but I’m done with this series.

When Brekke's 2nd book "Dreamless" came out in 2015, I read it. I had not read his 1st as the description of it seemed to suggest crimes too gruesome for my taste. I recently revisited that decision and decided to give that first book a try. I had really enjoyed "Dreamless", which juggled two story lines, one historic (18th century), the other modern, and involved music and music boxes.

"Where Evil Lies" (a.k.a. "Where Monster Dwell") juggles investigations of two similar contemporary murders; one in a university library in Trondheim, Norway, and another in Richmond, Virginia at the Edgar Allan Poe museum. It also, includes an historic story line, this one set in Europe in the 16th century and involves ancient books with parchment made from human skin. Back in the contemporary timeline, victims have been found murdered and partially flayed, in both locations, and Odd Singsaker is working the case in Norway, while Felicia Stone is working the US case; eventually the cases will connect and the detectives will meet to solve the case together.

I value an intriguing and complex investigation, and interesting characters, in a crime novel. I value very little the sensational or gruesomeness of crimes, which is why I passed over this book initially in 2014. I regret that now; it would have been nice to read the books in order. The crimes here are indeed gruesome—nothing appealing about flaying—but Brekke seems to keep the subject just above the sensational level by avoiding the over glorification of the crime’s details, and by including the historical perspective, as well as having a well-thought out investigation. This is an intelligent crime novel, and while I admit I zeroed in on the killer/s ahead of the expected unrealistic thriller ending, I happily read to the end.

(oh yeah, as noted by others, there were some forgettable sex scenes that I failed to mention, because, well, they were forgettable).

Blerg. I really want those hours of my life back. I read this for book club, when I struggled with my first selection, and I’m sorry I didn’t stick to the other book. I’m sure part of the issue is the translation, but I have real issue with the plot and characters, too. The misogyny is rampant and there were elements that were just completely ridiculous. I found myself rolling my eyes a lot. The female characters were continually falling into bed with male characters. Random plot points would be dropped and there were details that I still don’t understand why the author felt they were necessary. Apologies to my postal book club members who have to read this book after me. It’s too late to pick a different book.

While I found the overall plot intriguing I found its execution sorely short on delivery. The sensationalism of the murders fell dismally short in light of the superficial characters and the scatter-gun approach to plot left me more than once questioning whether to put the book down. There was just enough there to keep me reading but that interest didn't materialize until after half way through. The use what I can only characterize as "sex for sensationalism" was off putting and totally unbelievable especially since it happened not just once but twice with different women. Put it all together and you're in much better hands sticking with Larsson, Nesbo, et al.

great read;very imaginative½

grest read. imaginative take

A compulsive read. In spite of the fact that Scandinavia in general and Trondheim in particular have no crime rates worthy of mention, their authors do a great job in convincing us that they are all killers. A great read that ties in these many strands of a crime.

Another mystery book that confirms why I like the genre of Scandinavian crime the best.

This is the second in a new detective series by Norwegian author Jorgen Brekke. Like his first in the series, Brekke parallels a current mystery with a historical mystery that is connected. I love this idea and I think it works very well. In this one, the historical aspect involves a Norwegian folk ballad that promises to make the listener fall asleep soundly enough to dream.

While I love the parallel mysteries and will continue with this series as they are written and translated, I didn't love this one as much as the first. The author is still finding his way with characterization, and the personal story of the main detective, Odd Singsaker, is a bit weak still. Also, I hate books where a dog dies and this one had that. That's just a personal issue that always turns me off.

Anyway, still looking forward to continuing the series as it becomes available.½

Where Monsters Dwell by Jørgen Brekke is a highly recommended murder mystery for fans of Thomas Harris' The Silence of the Lambs.

Originally published in Norway, Where Monsters Dwell by Jørgen Brekke follows a serial killer who is discovered through the investigations into two murders. The crimes are eerily similar - both involve flayed corpses with the heads removed - only one murder is in Richmond, Virginia, while the other is in Trondheim, Norway. Clues in both crimes show a connection to an old, rare book. Investigators in this mystery are Richmond homicide detective Felicia Stone and Trondheim police inspector Odd Singsaker. But at the heart of the book is the story of the rare Johannes Book and a set of knives. It was an odd collection of texts from the 1500s, written on parchment by a mendicant monk, who seems to know a lot about anatomy.

The plot itself, with its multiple narratives, is complicated but most readers are going to be able to follow the action and keep the characters straight. Storylines include those in Richmond, Trondheim, and from the original writer of the rare book, starting in 1528. Where Monsters Dwell opens with the murder of a mother and child and then jumps back in time to 1528 before returning to the present. These transitions from place to place and back and forth in time continue throughout the book, keeping all narratives moving along at an equally frantic pace.

This is a well written, intelligent mystery. Brekke provides a plethora of information and clues for the reader, along with one character, Siri, who gives actual mini-lectures on how to evaluate a crime novel. Where Monsters Dwell reads smoothly, so I'm assuming that there were no problems in translation. There are a few little descriptions/comments to which those living in the USA might object or at least shake their heads.

There are parts that are disturbing and gruesome, so this may not be a good choice for those who prefer cozy mysteries. There are also several sexual scenes that seem gratuitous and don't really add to the actual plot. There were a few times when descriptions made me shake my head, such as this description of Felicia: "She’d recently passed thirty, but she still looked young." Really? Maybe that is because she IS young.

In the end this is a satisfying mystery. Hopefully we can look forward to more novels by Brekke translated from the Norwegian since it appears that this might be the start of a series featuring Felicia and Odd as an investigative team in Norway.

Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, via Netgalley for review purposes.

A great Nordic noir detective thriller. Interesting from start to finish, and well written and plotted out. One has no idea how the book will end, except that the lady American detective is bound to fall in love with the Norwegian detective. I have no idea why the author seems besotted with blowjobs, but he is and that is that.½

This is the second novel in Brekke's series about Norwegian detective Odd Singsaker, and how I wish there was another -- in English! There appear to be two more in Norwegian, which is nice but prevents me from diving headfirst into the next act in the Singaker saga. That's what I did after reading novel one ("Where Monsters Dwell") and I was not disappointed. "Dreamless" is at least as compulsive a read as "Monsters". It has the same interplay between past and present (in this case, a mystery in 18th century Trondheim) and the same powerful characterization. It is also just as far over the top; leave that will to disbelieve suspended in a nice safe place while you read it. This is a terrific new Scandie detective series, highly individual, and great reading.½

This gripping Scandinavian crime novel kept me turning the pages, even though each new revelation sent things even further over the top. Normally, this sort of blood-soaked serial killer murder fest turns me off: I prefer my mysteries character-based, and grounded in believable human behavior and motivation. But this novel is an exception. As the write up tells us, the story centers on two murders in which the body is flayed, an ocean apart but connected -- by a sixteenth century book! Not exactly believable, but -- It really works! As I said, I couldn't put the book down. I think this is because the characterization is so strong. Many of the characters, minor ones as well as key personnel, stand out sharply and engage the reader's interest. As to the occasional excursions back to the sixteenth century, they deepened the suspense (and also focussed on sharply drawn characters). A really good read -- I will head straight for the sequel.

It was fine for the most part but
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really, a character learns the name of someone who could be the killer and then goes to sleep? deciding it can wait until the morning? why not call the cop friend right away and then go to sleep? Just don't understand it.½

Book #2 follows along the same pattern as the first, introducing us to the modern day mystery and then back tracking to fill in historical preface to the story line. The art is not paintings but rather music in the form of a ballad from the late 1700's.

A dog walker out for a stroll comes across a woman's body with her throat cut and a small music box playing a lullaby lying on her. As small pieces begin to fall into place a teenager living in the same area runs away from home. There doesn't seem to be a common denominator other than than both enjoyed singing and it's up to Odd to put the pieces together, if he can remember them.

The back story is as intriguing as the main plot and the author keeps the pacing taut on both, seamlessly blending the past and current until the final conclusion, and then leaving a teaser for another book at the end.

I'm already anticipating book #3 as I've enjoyed the characters and melding of the historical along with the art aspect of each case.

In contemporary Trondheim, Norway, a woman is found dead, brutality beaten, and with her vocal cords cut out. Chief Inspector Odd Singsaker, still somewhat recovering from brain surgery, is in charge of the case. In 18th century Trondheim another enterprising policeman is busy with his own murder mystery. It will be no surprise to you, when I tell you that both crimes are connected in this excellent tale of murder and music.

Dreamless is a beautifully written book, not so much in its prose style, but in the way Brekke deftly moves us through the book; his use of common motifs is almost a kind of music. Of course, the crimes do have links, and the investigations provide the reader with very nice, brief introductions to early Norwegian and Swedish musical tradition, music boxes and the Ringve Museum.

While this is the 2nd in Brekke's "Odd Singsaker" series, but the first to be published in English (apparently the 1st book is also soon to be published), I did not find any difficultly settling into his well-wrought cast of characters. I'm always looking for new crime series as authors end their series (i.e. kill of or retire their detectives) or I tire of them for one reason or another. I'm picky -- I like good, cerebral procedurals, or something else that might be on offer instead, such as, cultural or historical insights, and in Dreamless, I've have the satisfaction in being given a bit of both.½

Oy. I have been having a bad streak in books and I was hoping this one would "lift the curse" -very apropos regarding the book, btw- and frustratingly so, it did not. The premise was good; but the going back and forth in time and place and then having it all converge the way it did? It just did not sit well with me. I kept forgetting who was who and from where. There was a lot of build up, and in the end, the whole mystery was solved 'à la Scooby Doo': everyone sitting around a table eating waffles -yes, waffles- and each one solving a little piece of the whole mess. In short: not my cup of tea. Nonetheless, here's a short summary of the book.
Two horrifying murders: one in Norway and a second one in the USA end up intertwining with each other. They both seem to be connected to an ancient book bound in skin who seems to be the confession of one of the world's first serial killers. Both police forces unite and the hunt for the killer begins, leading up to a somewhat unexpected revelation.

Stieg Larsson did more than just give us the great Millenium series. He opened the door for translations of other Scandinavian authors like Jo Nesbo, Jussi Adler-Olsen & now Jorgen Brekke. This is not for the faint of heart but it's a fast paced thriller that will keep you turning the pages. Who knew human skin could be so versatile.
It begins by telling the story of mendicant monk in 1528 Norway. In chapters alternating with the present, we learn of his life & how his actions contribute to a string of horrific murders committed in present day. Johannes spent an itinerant childhood travelling with Olav the beard cutter, a mysterious barber/surgeon. Olav's knives were his pride & joy & eventually the two settle in Venice where they become assistants to Master Alessandro, a ground breaking anatomist. But Johannes' travels are far from over & his life will change dramatically.
In present day Richmond, VA, we meet Efrahim Bond who has worked at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum for over 20 years. He has a secret. He recently discovered hidden writing on vellum used to bind a book by Lord Byron. It has the potential to shock historians & make him famous but unfortunately, he won't be around to enjoy it. He's found one morning hanging off a statue of Poe with his throat cut, decapitated & torso flayed.His skin is missing.
This is the first big case for homicide investigator Felicia Stone. After battling substance abuse as a young woman, she ended up a cop like her dad. Suspects & motive are hard to come by but there is one weird clue. Bond sent a piece of the Lord Byron book for analysis & it turns out the vellum was human skin, not calf.
Meanwhile in Trondheim, Norway, we meet Jon Vatten. He was a promising academic until his wife & son disappeared 5 years ago. Now he works as a security guard at the Gunnerus Library, famous for housing the Johannes Book. It's the diary of a 16th century monk bound in fine vellum. Some of the pages are missing but it's renowned for accurate drawings of human anatomy. It's locked in a special vault & when Jon & Siri, the new librarian, open the door one day they find more than the book. Gunn, her predecessor, is lying on the floor decapitated with her torso flayed. Her skin is missing.
Chief Inspector Odd Singsaker has just returned to work following brain surgery & his memory is not what it was. He catches the case & realizes Gunn & her husband Jens are neighbours of his. So is Jon who he investigated 5 years ago in the disappearance of his family.
Jens is an archeologist who found the Johannes Book during the dig of a mass grave near Fossum & had it donated to the library. Many of the human remains bore similar marks of a violent death.
Eventually, Felicia & Odd become aware of the murders in the other's country & hook up to compare notes. Several people have ties to bot places including one from Felicia's past. They all want the book for one reason or another but in the uproar after Gunn's death, it's missing. Odd & Felicia dig deeper & discover hidden plots & lies that keep the reader guessing as to which of the characters is responsible for the crimes. Everyone seems to have a hidden agenda & while investigating the murders, mysteries from the past will also be resolved.
There are many peripheral characters but the story revolves around Felicia & Odd. They are compelling people, both dealing with personal issues while facing increasing danger as they get closer to identifying the killer. I liked these two & wanted to see them overcome their private fears. The author uses their relationship to contrast the differing cultures & police procedures.
But this is Scandinavian noir. It's a dark, at times bleak story of gruesome murders & a truly twisted killer. It's also a cautionary tale of how you can never really know someone & appearances can deceive whether it's the 16th century or the 21st. One of the most fascinating parts of the novel is following the Johannes Book, a central character in itself, as it touches lives over the course of 400 years. The author uses it to remind us if you don't know history, you are condemned to repeat it. In the final pages, the reader learns the truth behind the book in a nice little twist that would have really ticked off the killer.
There are some passages of dialogue that seem a bit stilted but could be due to blips in translation. This is the first of a series featuring Odd & Felicia and I'll definitely pick up the next one to follow their stories. Be prepared for some "eewww" moments but if you enjoy intricate thrillers with compelling characters & a great historical element, this is for you.

Entertaining and subtle tongue in cheek touches of humor

I received an advanced reader edition of this from the publisher via BookBrowse's first impressions program. This is one of those situations where I wish half stars existed. I would give it a 3.5.

I'm not sure what happened in Norway that suddenly started producing all these wonderful, talented mystery and suspense authors, but whatever it was, I hope it keeps happening.

Jorgen Brekke is another one to put on your list of absolute "must-reads." Although it's rather strange to say that a book as vivid, creepy, scary and graphic as "Where Monsters Dwell" was a delight to read, that's absolutely what this reading experience was.

Interspersed with a rich, historical background story, nothing detracts from the fast-moving, suspenseful and engaging narrative of the present-day murder mystery. Odd Singsaker has to be one of the more unique and compelling detectives I've read about in a long time and as you walk with him through the labyrinthine progression of the case, you find yourself liking him more and more.

As Odd's counterpart in the United States, Felicia Stone is every bit as intriguing a character. And when their two cases come together and these fellow investigators finally meet and collaborate, the novel just reaches an even higher level of enjoyment.

If you're thinking that you've reached your limit on Scandinavian authors, think again, and make sure you put Jorgen Brekke's "Where Monsters Dwell," as well as any future installments, on your reading list immediately.

Thrillers are not my first choice in sub-genre for my mystery reading. However, when a book is strongly recommended by the people on DorothyL I often give it a try. For this book I am very glad that I did.

There are so many good things about this book it is hard to describe. There are murders in both Virginia, USA and Trondheim, Norway both in 2010. There are flashbacks to the 1500's with things eerily similar to what is happening in 2010. There are a couple emotionally damaged detectives on both sides of the Atlantic working their cases and a group of suspects. All of this is happening in the exclusive world of book collecting and book binding, for very ancient and rare books.

Brekke has written an amazing book, keeping all those threads going and weaving them together into a story that drags you along at breakneck speed.

I have a theory about why the Netherlands has such a low incidence of violent crimes – they purge all their violent tendencies and dark desires in their literature. A case in point is Where Monsters Dwell, the debut novel by Jorgen Brekke of Norway. In this fast-paced thriller, a series of crimes occur which are separated by 5 centuries and two continents but which are linked by a book. The book, written by a monk in the 16th c., details his studies and discoveries in human dissection and anatomy, making it one of the earliest books of its kind and a prize for any museum or collector. But what makes it even more sought after is the fact that it is bound with human skin.

The novel opens with the murder of Efrahim Bond, curator of the Edgar Allen Poe Museum in Virginia, who was first knocked unconscious and then flayed alive. As Homicide Detective, Felicia Stone is investigating the crime, she stumbles upon another crime in Norway that occurred very close in time to the first murder and is eerily similar. A woman’s flayed body was discovered in a locked vault at the Gunnerus Library in Trondheim, Norway.

The novel moves back and forth between these two crimes as well as a third crime which occurred several years previous in Norway and is linked to their main suspect who works at the Gunnerus. As these crimes are investigated in the present, increasingly disturbing facts are revealed about the 16th c book and its creator.

Where Monsters Dwell is one heck of a dark and disturbing debut novel. The story is complex as are the characters and the fast pace and plot twists kept me guessing right until the big reveal at the end. It should be noted, however, that this is definitely not a tale for the squeamish; at times, it is downright creepy and the murders are, to say the least, graphic and gruesome.