English Translations of Scandinavian/Nordic Mysteries & Thrillers discussion

For the month of August 2015 we will be reading two books. They are Europa Blues by Arne Dahl which will be published August 8, 2015 and The Drowned Boy by Karin Fossum published August 25, 2015. As always I'll put books on as they are known to me. Good reading.

I haven't read anything by either of these authors (although I do own copies of Don't Look Back & The Water's Edge). Do these series books have to be read in order?

Arne Dahl is good to read in order although I find that it isn't necessary, the same can be said for Karin Fossum. I don't adhere to the belief of an order if you have read the beginning books of a series. I don't get lost in any books I've read out of order. But I've read the majority of them. Sharon will slap me for saying this but out of order is ok (it's a good thing she lives in Holland).

I looked for Europa Blues here in Canada but cannot find an english listing for it, other than copies written in French & Italian. There is a book called To The Top Of The Mountain, do you know if this is the same book?
Thanks Kenneth :-)

Checking under Sweden it looks like To the Top of the Mountain is book 3 and Europa Blues is #4. You shouldn't be able to receive it until August 8, 2015.

On our local bookseller site, it does say that The Top of the Mtn won't be available until Aug 8/15. That's what made me hope that they were the same book.......oh well.........we're behind here, if they're just releasing #3. Rats!!

Never mind this happens. I don't read him because watched the excellent series on UK BBC Four already. All English translations of books seem to take forever. You may be quicker to watch the series on Netflix.

http://english.arnedahl.net/?rID=1114

Yep, the Arne Dahl series is excellent! Our TV has shown both season 1 and season 2.

Fizzycola wrote: "Yep, the Arne Dahl series is excellent! Our TV has shown both season 1 and season 2."

Excellent series I agree. At first the "team" seems so dysfunctional and then grows and develops ....looking forward to more on BBC Four UK in the future.

Icewineanne wrote: "On our local bookseller site, it does say that The Top of the Mtn won't be available until Aug 8/15. That's what made me hope that they were the same book.......oh well.........we're behind here, i..."

I can get To the Top of the Mountain on Kindle in the US now, in Canada you usually get things first from the UK before we do.

Unfotunately I have probs reading a book on kindle. I have never been able to get past the first few chapters. My brain is only able to absorb the story reading a regular printed book........:-( :-(

Have you tried the Paperwhite Kindle,I recommend it.

No, I haven't. I use an ipad that has a kindle app. I don't really want to purchase a second tablet, so I guess I'll just stick to reading physical books. Thanks for the suggestion :-)

Icewineanne wrote: "No, I haven't. I use an ipad that has a kindle app. I don't really want to purchase a second tablet, so I guess I'll just stick to reading physical books. Thanks for the suggestion :-)"

I use various apps on iPad and iPhone but prefer to buy and read on apple iBook as for me it is a much better reader then kindle, scribe., ebook, or kobo. Also prefer the iBook prices and selection for European or international books. Good pre ordering. Etc. Syncs well so can switch to read on iPhone if out and about waiting for something, just read my book from where I left off at home on iPad. Excellent.

Thanks Sharon, I'll look into this option :-)

We have another book by Kati Hiekkapelto called The Defenceless published August 1, 2015.

Just finished 'Calling out for you' or Indian Bride, have read this series from newer to first and then backwards and forwards as was made available when translated through my local library - Have Drowned Boy waiting for collection, and as always sad to feel this is the latest available, then have to wait ages for the next one, I hope it's not the last one, have enjoyed following Sejer and Skarre. Am going to put Arne Dahl on hold as want to read them in order, I fing it easier to read a series rather than swopping between authors as the new one comes out, I start to forget what is happening with each character, and in which country, it's hard keeping up - get good ideas from this group though, so I catch up eventually!

That happens to me also, as I will read one book & the following one many years later.

Got the Library book for The Drowned Boy by Karin Fossum will let you know as soon as I finish it.

I'm about to start The Drowned Boy also. Just finished The Intruder by Hakan Ostlundh. I have to say that, to me, the one word I would use to describe The Intruder is "flat". It did "pick up" half way through but I can't say I ever really got into the characters or the story. I'm not sure if it's because I never read his first book, The Viper. That's the problem with not translating the books in order. I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.

However, I'm really ready to get back to an author I know and love...Karin Fossum.

Kenneth wrote: "Got the Library book for The Drowned Boy by Karin Fossum will let you know as soon as I finish it."

Have it lined up and waiting but first delighting reading Louise Penny's latest, the Nature of the Beast. Then on to see what they have done to Salander......first! What a great thing to have so much excellent international reading to enjoy.

I haven't been a member of this group for long and so I may be being a bit dense, but is there a page where we can discuss the book we are reading for the group reads? I've just finished The Drowned Boy and can't work out where I can comment on it? Thanks.

You chose wisely. Books read for the month should be commented in their monthly review page. But you should say if it's a Spoiler alert or not for the people who haven't read the book yet.

I would comment here Sharon, as now August's readalong view activity and comment/ monthy review page no longer there, it's moved onto September grrr!, I am behind too - I often find unfortunately I am unable to get hold of the book in time, but get some excellent suggestions

I did not like Karin Fossum's book prior to The Drowned Boy but she turn around and gave us a real deal of a story. Even if I disliked the topic. Sejer kept up with his questioning of Carmen which plays into the story. I liked the way Karin played with the characters and their phobias.

Reading The Drowned Boy right now. Then....to read or not read The Girl in the Spider's Web. I think I will have to after all the controversy!!

Kenneth wrote: "I did not like Karin Fossum's book prior to The Drowned Boy but she turn around and gave us a real deal of a story. Even if I disliked the topic. Sejer kept up with his questionin..."

I thought Carmen was a manipulative individual and it certainly took someone of Sejer's caliber to ferret out her real character. It was a great short read.

Kenneth wrote: "Got the Library book for The Drowned Boy by Karin Fossum will let you know as soon as I finish it."

Just finished it. Haunting. I couldn't get it out of my head for the longest time.

Heather wrote: "I would comment here Sharon, as now August's readalong view activity and comment/ monthy review page no longer there, it's moved onto September grrr!, I am behind too - I often find unfortunately I..."

Thanks Heather, I'm afraid my review of The Drowned Boy is not very favourable, lol.

Ok, these are my thoughts on The Drowned Boy, which aren't very favourable! Last year I read my first Karin Fossum book - The Murder of Harriet Krohn, a book in her Chief Inspector Sejer series. I really enjoyed it, giving it 4 stars and stating on my GR review that I was looking forward to reading more by this author. I cannot believe this is by the same author!! It seemed too simplified, repetitive, and had a rather unlikely ending. I was really looking forward to reading this and unfortunately I came away utterly disappointed.

I understand you Sharon , I too first read The Murder of Harriet Krohn, think after it being suggested in this group and then tracked down her other books - the Drowned Boy wasn't as good as the rest :(

I read The Murder of Harriet Krohn and liked it very much. I guess I will get the Drowned Boy from the library.

Just finished the Drowned Boy and quite enjoyed it. A bit far fetched by held my interest.

Reading The a Girl In The Spider's Web now. So far it's pretty good.