English Translations of Scandinavian/Nordic Mysteries & Thrillers discussion

James wrote: "Couldn't find the article, although I suspect we'll hear of re-re-re-re-sockpuppetry. Thanks though. The Contenders is a mistake, not mine."

The article headline are as follows:

RJ Ellory's secret Amazon reviews anger rivals

Crime bestseller caught using sock puppets to trash colleagues and hymn his own 'magnificent' work

James wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I posted the article to FB with my comments....

This is a very sick trend and cause for concern for readers as much as for writers! Abuse of social media affects all....don't read t..."

Yep, have certainly read some corkers! But getting into a discussion about that could be very lengthy. I have even wondered if some really read the book...... Another discussion, another day! Personally I have become rather disillusioned......disappointed and really rather sad.

I hope we don't get too carried away with bashing perceived bad behaviour. I think one of the great benefits of using Goodreads is that we choose who our 'friends' are based on our mutual reading interests. Friends' comments will always carry more weight than anonymous ones. I always look for the reasons why someone has given high or low marks to a book. I'm sure there are lots of books that get over-rated, but we choose what to read based on our friends comments and our own reading of respected critics and other sources. Success for a writer won't be based solely on good reviews and ratings but on continued readership. Any author who uses underhand tactics to increase his/her chances would risk ruining their reputations. Bad writers only shoot themselves in the foot. In this connected environment that is likely to show up sooner than later.
Meanwhile, I hope we can keep our discussions on a more positive track. Happy reading!
And James, I'm looking forward to reading your books and reading comments from our 'friends' about your future ones. All the best.

I have just finished reading Asa Larsson's first book, Sun Storm (aka The Savage Altar), saw the film of the book on TV last week and heard her speak at both the Melbourne Writers Festival and the Sisters In Crime Awards night. Her use of far north Sweden is a fascinating one, opening up new horizons for characters, plots and motives very different from the urban and southern issues we have come to know through Henning Mankell and Steig Larsson, among others.

Pat wrote: "I hope we don't get too carried away with bashing perceived bad behaviour. I think one of the great benefits of using Goodreads is that we choose who our 'friends' are based on our mutual reading ..."

My comments refer in large portion to Amazon, which is where the main points generated from. Some tone can be applied to all social media sources....for example there are a few writers that just plug their book endlessly on Twitter. This too can shoot them in the foot, I stopped reading and blocked and sure others did too. The main info on this topic / authors activity and Guardian article, came to my attention on my Twitter mail as this was being heavily condemned by three extremely well established and IMO cream of the crop writers who I respect both their writing, read it all and their social and community face seen by the likes of me, a reader.
With respect to Amazon....I prefer google, wiki and an authors web site, newspapers, Goodreads before I read about a book on Amazon. Then I have learned to read a out the book and avoid reviews. Long ago! A practice I see has been well justified.
You make some good points.
Did you read the Guardian article?

Pat wrote: "I have just finished reading Asa Larsson's first book, Sun Storm (aka The Savage Altar), saw the film of the book on TV last week and heard her speak at both the Melbourne Writers Festival and the ..."

Lucky you....I read her books one after the other and loved them. Refreshing to have such a strong female voice and her characters are fascinating...the nature truly well described IMO. Hope to see more of her books translated soon.

Pat wrote: "I have just finished reading Asa Larsson's first book, Sun Storm (aka The Savage Altar), saw the film of the book on TV last week and heard her speak at both the Melbourne Writers Festival and the ..."

You might enjoy Helene Tursten books. I sure do.

Lili wrote: "James wrote: "Couldn't find the article, although I suspect we'll hear of re-re-re-re-sockpuppetry. Thanks though. The Contenders is a mistake, not mine."

The article headline are as follows:

RJ ..."
Thanks, I found the article. I've been sticking my nose in, commenting on the blogs by the key players. I suppose I have to write one of my own. The author letter was problematic, but I signed it, as I felt it was a beginning. I think I'm treating this with more gravity than most when considering the ramifications. I seem to be a lone voice in calling for deep investigation and public censure.

I think there is already public censure but I doubt if there will be a deep investigation. However if fake accounts are being used to boost ratings here on Goodreads then I think it would be praiseworthy if they took the lead on this and filtered them out. Amazon of course rely on sales so that may never happen.

Lili wrote: "I think there is already public censure but I doubt if there will be a deep investigation. However if fake accounts are being used to boost ratings here on Goodreads then I think it would be praise..."

Agree, why I read about a book to decide if I will read and generally only read reviews by people I know.

Bad apples ruin every barrel.....

I mean censure in the form of being banned from sites that rate books and professional writers' organizations. I'm going to read the rules carefully. Of course it goes on here on GR. 10 million members! This is a powerful forum that generates vast sums for the publishing industry because of the opinions of its members.

James wrote: "I mean censure in the form of being banned from sites that rate books and professional writers' organizations. I'm going to read the rules carefully. Of course it goes on here on GR. 10 million mem..."
Hopefully GR will take note, forums other than SNCF are expressing similar views.

What is bizarre about RJ Ellory doing this type of crap is that his books are imho really, really good. I can understand the desire to puff your own book if you're a struggling indie but when you are already successful?? As for the trashing of other authors, that's just someone stuck too far up their own backside and in need of therapy to gain some perspective lol.

James,Ian and Sharon, Have you seen this updated statement from the crimewriters association there is also an invite on there to join the conversation.
http://www.thecwa.co.uk/#statement

Lili wrote: "James,Ian and Sharon, Have you seen this updated statement from the crimewriters association there is also an invite on there to join the conversation.
http://www.thecwa.co.uk/#statement"

Thanks...very interesting indeed.

Sharon wrote: "Pat wrote: "I have just finished reading Asa Larsson's first book, Sun Storm (aka The Savage Altar), saw the film of the book on TV last week and heard her speak at both the Melbourne Writers Festi..."

Pat wrote: "I have just finished reading Asa Larsson's first book, Sun Storm (aka The Savage Altar), saw the film of the book on TV last week and heard her speak at both the Melbourne Writers Festival and the ..."

Lucky you to see Asa Larsson in person! Glad you got the opportunity. And I agree, Sharon, about Helene Tursten--I like her very much too. (I recommended both these authors to my mom, and she is now a fan as well!)

Thanks Sharon and Florence for your reply to my comments about Åsa Larsson and your recommendation of Helene Tursten. I've been reading Helene Tursten's work since she began to be translated into English. I have to catch up on a couple of her latest ones. Reading about female senior police detectives like Inspector Huss and Inspector Mella who lead 'real' lives - even in fiction - I find very interesting, especially when compared to English or US characters in similar jobs. Another character to include in this group is Kjell Eriksson's Det. Ann Lindell in Uppsala.
Right now I am reading French crime fiction but hope to return north soon.

I did read the Guardian article and I concur with all your concerns, but perhaps there needs to be a different discussion thread for it?

Agree, one of my disappointments in GRs....more often than not discussions occur in wrong sections but just happens between like minded friends I think and continues.

KE books are on my to read LONG list.

Currently I am in more World Mysteries I suppose and hope to return north myself soon. Actually reading a truly weird horror story in USA and cannot recommend horror but started so I will finish and my own fault that I downloaded on referral w/o proper researching it. My other reading is trying to catch up the long list of Peter Robinson books. He usually writes Banks in UK with some Canada connection. Part of a tall stack of paperbacks to work through. As I don't buy paper anymore.
Thanks for tips.

Pat said....... I did read the Guardian article and I concur with all your concerns, but perhaps there needs to be a different discussion thread for it?

I agree with Sharon, discussions just happen between friends and this discussion thread is "what are you reading" some of the comments are made because of what we are reading, be it a blog or a book.

Agreed. Could you all do me the favor of messaging new links concerning this you find. I'm caught up with them through yesterday. I'm writing a piece from a little different perspective and will blog it when done. But yeah, let's stick to books. Sorry for the digression. - Jim

I just finished reading "The Hypnotist" by Swedish author Lars Kepler and will start his second book, "The Nightmare" next. Good writing, seems like a good translation and filled with the horror that makes a gripping Scandinavian crime novel.

I've read the books just prior to Louise Penny's latest. She really adds a lot of information to whats going on.

Reading Liza Marklund, as well as the nonfiction book Blood on the Snow: The Killing of Olof Palme. Marklund's books are a bit different since the main character is a journalist, not a detective; interesting to learn about the behind-the-scenes story of Swedish journalism. (But then of course Mikael Blomqvist was a journalist as well, right?!)

Florence wrote: "Reading Liza Marklund, as well as the nonfiction book Blood on the Snow: The Killing of Olof Palme. Marklund's books are a bit different since the main character is a journalist, not a detective; i..."

Agree, nice change IMO. I really enjoy the films of the books, she is quite gutsy but manages work and home just barely....

Started reading The Viperthis afternoon.

reading Kallentoft's Summertime Death. i'm somewhere in 1/4 but don't know what to think of his style: he switches between Ich/Er-Erzaehlung. a bit confusing. let's see how it evolves. has anyone else read it?

Just finished Frozen Moment by Camilla Ceder and once you understood her style of writing the book took off. It was a realistic drama that played out.

Eva wrote: "reading Kallentoft's Summertime Death. i'm somewhere in 1/4 but don't know what to think of his style: he switches between Ich/Er-Erzaehlung. a bit confusing. let's see how it evolves. has anyone e..."

I listened to the audio book (in English) and enjoyed it; particularly because Malin's innermost thoughts came across slightly more realistic of a woman/mother than the previous book.

Ancestral wrote: "Eva wrote: "reading Kallentoft's Summertime Death. i'm somewhere in 1/4 but don't know what to think of his style: he switches between Ich/Er-Erzaehlung. a bit confusing. let's see how it evolves. ..."

Thanks for your opinion.

Working on getting the next Olsen book.

Keeper of Lost Causes, about 25 pages in. , sorry I posted before title.

Just ordered "Outrage" by Indriadason. Can hardly wait. Just finished "Gone" by Mo Hayder. What a fabulous writer!!!!!!! A definite 5 star for me..

That sounds awesome Elizabeth... I'll look for that too.

I've just returned from a sojourn in the south of France with Martin Walker's Bruno (such a good cook!!) and am now primed to take on the darker (but much anticipated) adventures of Harry Hole in Phantom.

Anyone have ideas for a true crime Scandi writer?

Took a quick trip to France with Killer Critique by Alexander Campion food is the draw plus the intrigue of murder. I have Night Rounds by Helene Tursten to sink my teeth into coming up next. Already scratched up by a cat. Bad Kitkat.

I have the third book in Michael Ridpath's series, Meltwater sitting on my desk waiting for me to finnish my library books so I can read it. I know it sounds crazy but that's the priority I have. What type's of reading priorities are out there? I'm also crazy in that I read another book other that S & N CF novels, but they have to be crime novels, about every 4th or 5th book.

Kenneth wrote: "I have the third book in Michael Ridpath's series, Meltwater sitting on my desk waiting for me to finnish my library books so I can read it. I know it sounds crazy but that's the priority I have. ..."

I'm the same about finishing library books before reading a book I've bought - no matter how much I've been anticipating reading the book I've bought!

As a former librarian I feel morally obliged to keep books circulating so I always read library books first. The problem is determining 'which' library book to read first! Next, I read books that people have given me and last, the books I buy for myself, which are very few as there's not much room for them. I have my personal library at hand for a 'rainy day', and there aren't many of those! I should give myself a moratorium on going to the library so I can catch up on reading my own books, but as the library is also my main source of community involvement, I just have to try to be more strong-willed and keep my borrowing to a minimum. Such torture!

I read library books that have been requested by other readers first then books where the deadline for groups/ challenges followed by library books. If I am doing rail journeys then shorter books rule!

As a former library employee, I too, feel that it is my duty to keep books circulating. I'll read the ones that have holds on them first so that I'm not making anyone wait on that book that they are excited to read. Speaking of library books, I just picked up Far North by Michael Ridpath in the new arrivals section of our library. I'm going to start it right away!

I read eBooks on public transport, but even then, I'll read the one I've borrowed from the library before I read any that I've bought. Public library eBooks are very 'hot' at the moment.

Finished Night Rounds by Helene Tursten, seemed to bring back my memories of working at a Hospital. Also family problems such as a vegan daughter. It is a really nice story and I gave it 5 stars. I would recommend it to anyone to read.

I just finished Indridason's Outrage. I missed Erlendur; Elinborg isn't as interestingly dismal. Too much time spent on recipes in this book.

Just finished Snow Angels and Lucifer's Tears by James Thompson. A new favourite author! I have just started Louise Penny's The Beautiful Mystery set in the wilds of Quebec, another favourite author.

Well, I just finished Meltwater by Michael Ridpath. Don't you just hate when you know their next book is done yet you have to wait a year for it to be published. I got to hit the library for my next fix.

I've restarted David Hewson's "The Killing". I started listening to the audio a few months back, but it didn't hold my attention - possibly the narration got in the way. This time I'm managing to follow it.

Bearing in mind I've not watched the television programme, I am still feeling a little lost with it.

Just finished The Caller by Karin Fossum and I really rated it 5 stars because of it sense of
what happens in real life. Karin puts a new twist to young mans sense of horror. Also she makes you worry about Sejer, and Skarre is taking on some more.

I just started The Princess of Burundi by Kjell Ericksson. Not too far in but reminds me a little bit of the one Hakan Nesser book I read. Liking it a lot.

Unbelievable but it just took me forever to finish Trevayne - usually I can't put a Robert Ludlum down until I'm done with it. Sort of like Harry Hole or Harry Bosch... so now wondering what to read next. At least one of the alternatives is The Torso, but I think I'll let my cats help decide what I should read next. :)