When Brekke's 2nd book "Dreamless" came out in 2015, I read it. I had not read his 1st as the description of it seemed to suggest crimes too gruesome for my taste. I recently revisited that decision and decided to give that first book a try. I had really enjoyed "Dreamless", which juggled two story lines, one historic (18th century), the other modern, and involved music and music boxes.

"Where Evil Lies" (a.k.a. "Where Monster Dwell") juggles investigations of two similar contemporary murders; one in a university library in Trondheim, Norway, and another in Richmond, Virginia at the Edgar Allan Poe museum. It also, includes an historic story line, this one set in Europe in the 16th century and involves ancient books with parchment made from human skin. Back in the contemporary timeline, victims have been found murdered and partially flayed, in both locations, and Odd Singsaker is working the case in Norway, while Felicia Stone is working the US case; eventually the cases will connect and the detectives will meet to solve the case together.

I value an intriguing and complex investigation, and interesting characters, in a crime novel. I value very little the sensational or gruesomeness of crimes, which is why I passed over this book initially in 2014. I regret that now; it would have been nice to read the books in order. The crimes here are indeed gruesome—nothing appealing about flaying—but Brekke seems to keep the subject just above the sensational level by avoiding the over glorification of the crime’s details, and by including the historical perspective, as well as having a well-thought out investigation. This is an intelligent crime novel, and while I admit I zeroed in on the killer/s ahead of the expected unrealistic thriller ending, I happily read to the end.

(oh yeah, as noted by others, there were some forgettable sex scenes that I failed to mention, because, well, they were forgettable). ( )

Blerg. I really want those hours of my life back. I read this for book club, when I struggled with my first selection, and I’m sorry I didn’t stick to the other book. I’m sure part of the issue is the translation, but I have real issue with the plot and characters, too. The misogyny is rampant and there were elements that were just completely ridiculous. I found myself rolling my eyes a lot. The female characters were continually falling into bed with male characters. Random plot points would be dropped and there were details that I still don’t understand why the author felt they were necessary. Apologies to my postal book club members who have to read this book after me. It’s too late to pick a different book. ( )

While I found the overall plot intriguing I found its execution sorely short on delivery. The sensationalism of the murders fell dismally short in light of the superficial characters and the scatter-gun approach to plot left me more than once questioning whether to put the book down. There was just enough there to keep me reading but that interest didn't materialize until after half way through. The use what I can only characterize as "sex for sensationalism" was off putting and totally unbelievable especially since it happened not just once but twice with different women. Put it all together and you're in much better hands sticking with Larsson, Nesbo, et al. ( )

great read;very imaginative ( )

grest read. imaginative take ( )