The Chestnut Man by Søren Sveistrup
B&B RATING: 4 / 5
MOOD: If you’re looking for Something gruesome, Creepy, chill-inducing, with unexpected turns along the way, this one is for you.
Synopsis
Rosa Hartung, a political figurehead, has spent the last year grieving the presumed death of her missing daughter, Kristine. Detective Mark Hess has just landed at the Major Crimes Division after a bumpy incident at Europol, desperate to get back to his normal routine. Detective Naia Thulin is requesting a transfer from the Major Crimes Division to NC3, the new Cyber Crimes unit. What do Rosa, Kristine, Hess, and Thulin have in common?
The Chestnut Man.
A serial killer leaves small dolls made out of matchsticks and chestnuts as a calling card at the scene of his murders, and he is ravaging Copenhagen. He is maiming his victims in the process of his deranged killing spree and tormenting Rosa in the process: one of her daughter’s fingerprints has been left on each of the chestnut men left behind. A pandora’s box explodes with possibilities - is Kristine still alive? How did the Chestnut Man get her fingerprints? Kristine was never found and her presumed killer had already confessed, been tried, and convicted for her murder.
Who is this mystery psychopath? And where is Kristine?
Review
I had some pretty mixed feelings about this book. I loved the intrigue and suspense created throughout and the constant cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. I could not stand reading about the child abuse, and those who are triggered by rape (which I am) should be wary of jumping into this one. There were several times I had to put it down and return to it at another time, reaching for my the comfort of my dog and warm tea or a very large glass of something prior to being able to continue. At the same time though, I also think that is one of the markings of a good book - something that makes you feel more than you would on any other day. It’s a story that is moving.
I had a strong dislike for Thulin, and a strong love for Hess. I identified with Hess so much, having had something tragic occur and then working your way through the pieces of a shattered existence, trying to live while managing to just survive. There were a lot of characters that made small, fleeting appearances that gave less depth to the book than I would have liked.
The creep-factor was high up there for this one. I felt myself being sucked in, pulled in, unable to let go at several points (I won’t go in detail as I don’t want to spoil it!). I didn’t see most of the twists coming and when the killer was revealed, I was in complete shock, though it all made sense.
Drink Pairing:
A tumbler of Grey Goose, neat, mixed with an empty stomach just to be safe.