Reviews

• “Kari is a memorable heroine, and Gustawsson and Enger bring the proceedings to a stunning crescendo.”

• “Gustawsson and Enger’s creation of Voss is perfectly pitched. There’s a lot of science and psychology at play behind her that could easily turn into an academic thesis, but the writing duo make Voss utterly compelling. A woman attuned to every gesture, the sheer wave of unfiltered human emotion is vividly painted and at times threatens to overwhelm the consultant, but for the reader, it provides a real depth of detail that convinces and keeps readers hooked. There’s more to Son though than just Voss, and every character here is fully fleshed out to bring this story to life. /…/ Together it all creates a fully formed world that gives a solid background for a thrilling plot resplendent with plenty of twists and turns to make this a compelling page-turner. /…/ [T]he plot hits the ground running and doesn’t release its grip on the reader until the last unexpected final line. /…/ With a cliffhanger on the final line, there’s already eager anticipation for the next instalment of what, if this debut offering is anything to judge by, is set to become a must-read Nordic Noir series.”

• “Son by Johana Gustawsson and Thomas Enger is the start of an exciting Norwegian crime thriller series that will have readers hooked. /…/ The story is fascinating with plenty of red herrings to throw you off. The body language angle and discussion of memory and its unreliability adds an interesting element to true crime. ”

• “SON is a great and macabre thriller set near Oslo. /…/The combination of the two authors really works well. /…/ The explanation of the motive is well handled and convincing. /…/ This is an involving and well crafted story. SON is the first in a new series featuring Kari Voss. I look forward very much to the next one”

• “SON is a triumph and should be sought out by anybody who enjoys intelligent, hauntingly memorable thrillers.”

• “[A] superlative example of Scandi noir. /…/ [A] haunting tale that concludes with a sickening double twist. SON is everything a crime novel should be – and more.”

• “[B]reathtakingly good.(…) Its appeal is truly international.”

• “Written by one of France’s leading crime writers and one of Norway’s best-selling authors, [SON] introduces a truly original character that we will hear much more of.”

• “This is a taut, chilling psychological drama. The intensity of youth, relationships and beliefs heighten the tension. The small town life and secrets locked away feel really claustrophobic. The unusual nature of Voss’s expertise and the haunting uncertainty of the loss of her son, which resonates with the title of the novel, make her a fascinating character. There’s a pathos and an ironic twist to the story that will hit home when you discover it and the ending will make you gasp or even cry. The moment you think it’s all over, another sock to the jaw gives an already intriguing and emotive tale something extra that you will never forget. /…/ You will be totally absorbed by the story and have empathy for the characters caught up in tragedy, both the recent murders and Vetle going missing. /…/[A] powerful tale (…) that may usher in one of the most talked-about collaborations of the next few years.”

• “A breathtaking thriller with a complex plot and twist to die for. Simply brilliant.”

• “[C]onjoins two prime exponents of international crime fiction. Johana Gustawsson is generally regarded as the queen of French noir, while Thomas Enger demonstrates that in terms of its crime writers, Norway has undoubtedly punched above its weight. /…/ [Son] is Franco-Nordic noir delivered with total authority.”