Random Things Tours: Stigma by Jørn Lier Horst and Thomas Enger translated by Megan E. Turney

 

Successful writing collaborations are rare but when the collaboration between two likeminded literary minds happens it´s a pleasure for the reader. ´Nordic Noir´ has offer many pleasures from individual authors but Jørn Lier Horst and Thomas Enger seems to be a completely different level. Yes, I know, every time I am discovering a new author of this ´Noir´ category I may repeat myself, but this is because this is how it feels like. Uniquely, this geographical area seems to provide an excellent selection of crime and thriller novels hard to compare to anything produced in other parts of the world. 

This was my second encounter with the literary bestselling duo Jørn Lier Horst and Thomas Enger. Stigma was translated into English from Norwegian by Megan E. Turney a translator I had the chance to feature previously for a Danish translation as well, and published by Orenda Books, one of my favorite crime and thriller edition houses I always feel honoured to feature on my blog. 

The book is the fourth installment from the Blix&Ramm series, and although I recommend reading the other books in the series, it can be also read as a stand alone. What definitely matters is the story, which is fast paced and although directly brutal and aggressive - not for the faint of heart - it is nevertheless very human in its raw emotional manifestation.

Alexander Blix is currently serving a prison term for taking upon himself the duty of avenging the death of his dear daughter. As a dangerous criminal escapes a German prison, he may be helpful in connecting some missing dots from his high security cell. Together with Emma Ramm, a journalist, one of his few visitors in prison, he is trying to help advance the investigation aimed at catching the criminal.

Personally, I felt the race for catching him, but also the highly adrenaline events unfolding. The combination between the action packed story and the human insights is my perfect thriller combo. It is an unpredictable story, with many layers and revelations about the people of the underworld and their realm. A lesson in life from an inspired thriller duo.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own