Category Archives: novels in translation

“Death Deserved” by Thomas Enger and Jørn Lier Horst – Book Review

Posted on May 24, 2020 by

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, … translated from the Norwegian by Anne Bruce This police procedural, set in Oslo, Norway, is the first to feature policeman Alexander Blix and blogger/journalist Emma Ramm. Blix is a … Continue reading →

Posted in 1st in series, Book Reviews, Nordic noir, novels in translation, Orenda Books, Scandinavian | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

“The Creak on the Stairs” by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir – Book Review

Posted on May 5, 2020 by

The Creak on the Stairs is the first in the electrifying FORBIDDEN ICELAND series The Icelandic Police team of criminal investigators include: Hörður Höskuldsson – leader of the Akranes Criminal Investigation Division. With many local connections, he is in charge … Continue reading →

Posted in 1st in series, Blog Tour, Book Reviews, novels in translation, Orenda Books | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

“The Tenant” by Katrine Engberg – Book Review

Posted on April 8, 2020 by

Esther de Laurenti is a newly retired academic living in the house where she grew up. She lives on the top floor and rents out the three lower floors.  She fancies herself a novelist and is working on a murder … Continue reading →

Posted in 1st in series, Book Reviews, Mystery fiction, NetGalley, novels in translation, Scandinavian | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

“The bird tribunal” by Agnes Ravatn – #BookReview #Orentober

Posted on October 13, 2019 by

I thought I’d repost a review from 2017 in honour of Orentober. What is Orentober you ask? It is the October celebration of the books and authors represented by Orenda Publishing. “The Bird Tribunal” was my favourite read of 2017 … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, novels in translation, Orenda Books, Psychological thrillers, Scandinavian | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

“Block 46” by Johana Gustawsson – Book Review

Posted on May 22, 2019 by

“Outstanding, devastating, and memorable crime fiction” Originally written in French, it is brilliantly and seamlessly translated by Maxim Jakubowski.  The blurb: In Falkenberg Sweden, the mutilated body of a talented young jewelry designer Linnéa Blix is found in a snow-swept … Continue reading →

Posted in 1st in series, Book Reviews, Historical fiction, novels in translation, Orenda Books | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

“Get Well Soon” by Marie-Sabine Roger – Book Review

Posted on February 9, 2019 by

A few years ago I read a little novel called “Soft in the head“. It left such a positive impression that I just HAD to read another work by this talented author.  Once again, she has left me wanting more. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Edelweiss, Literary fiction, Memorable lines, novels in translation | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

“The secret diary of Hendrik Groen 83 1⁄4 Years Old” by Hendrik Groen – Book Review

Posted on February 27, 2018 by

The novel opens with: “Another year, and I still don’t like old people. Their walker shuffle, their unreasonable impatience, their endless complaints, their tea and cookies, their bellyaching.  Me? I am eighty-three years old.” Considering that the basis of this … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Literary fiction, NetGalley, novels in translation | Tagged , , , | 19 Comments

“Beartown” by Fredrik Backman – Book Review

Posted on January 9, 2018 by

“In this story of a small forest town, Fredrik Backman has found the entire world.” It is official!  I can honestly say that Fredrik Backman is my favorite author.  I have now read everything he has written, and all have … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, Literary fiction, Memorable lines, NetGalley, novels in translation, Scandinavian | Tagged , , , , | 48 Comments

“The deal of a lifetime” by Fredrik Backman – Book Review

Posted on December 5, 2017 by

Fredrik Backman never disappoints, but he may pull at your heartstrings more than a little… He begins the story in this way: “Does it make a difference if I killed a good person? A loved person? A valuable life? If … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Christmas, Literary fiction, Novellas, novels in translation, Scandinavian | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Throwback Thursday – an old favorite recommended

Posted on August 24, 2017 by

Renee at It’s Book Talk began this meme as a way to share old favourites, as well as books that were published over a year ago. Not to mention those that are languishing on the to be read pile for whatever reason. This week … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, Mystery fiction, novels in translation, Throwback Thursday | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

If you haven’t read anything by Karin Alvtegen – what’s stopping you?

Posted on June 2, 2017 by

Years before I started this blog when I was working as a public library cataloguer, a book crossed my desk that caught my eye.  With an adorable little boy on the cover, it immediately piqued my interest.My review of “Shadow” … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors, Favorite books, novels in translation, Psychological thrillers, Scandinavian | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

“The yellow house” by Jeroen Blokhuis

Posted on April 26, 2017 by

Dutch author, Jeroen Blokhuis tells Vincent van Gogh’s story as the artist would have told it. The novel depicts van Gogh’s life when he lived in his beloved ‘yellow house’ in Arles, France between August 1888 and December 1889. “it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in biographical fiction, Book Reviews, debut novels, Historical fiction, novels in translation | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

“The bird tribunal” by Agnes Ravatn – Book Review

Posted on January 24, 2017 by

Allis Hagtorn has done something of which she is profoundly ashamed.  She seeks anonymity and a refuge where she can come to terms with her behavior and her future.  She finds employment in a remote house on a Norwegian fjord. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, Fiction, novels in translation, Psychological thrillers, Scandinavian, Suspense | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

“The Trap” by Melanie Raabe – Book Review

Posted on October 26, 2016 by

Winner of the prestigious Stuttgart Crime Prize for best crime debut of the year, “The Trap” has been called a ‘must-read’ debut thriller. The premise is intriguing.  A reclusive novelist, traumatized by her sister’s murder, sets an elaborate trap for the murderer. … Continue reading →

Posted in award winners, Book Reviews, debut novels, Dustjackets, novels in translation, Psychological thrillers | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

“Soft in the head” by Marie-Sabine Roger

Posted on October 19, 2016 by

This is the engaging story of two people who come together in friendship, kindness, affection, and appreciation. A remarkable and heart-rending novel that perfectly illustrates the quote: “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.” The first lines of “Soft in … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Favorite books, Fiction, Literary fiction, NetGalley, novels in translation | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments