Ursina's Shelf - Seeking a thrill(er)
Issue 47
Dear Readers,
I have a bit of a reputation for asking a lot of questions. That's because I have an innate curiosity to get to the bottom of things. It's one of the reasons I love crime dramas and mysteries (and annoy everyone in my surroundings with my theories along the way). Today I'd like to present three European thrillers. Hats off to Vera who introduced me to all three books featured today.
Three European Thrillers
La Vérité sur l'affaire Harry Quebert by Joël Dicker (2012 in French, 2013 in German, and 2014 in English)
Description: This thriller is set in New England and centers around a young brash author, who shortly after the success of his widely acclaimed novel fades, reconnects with his professor, friend, and mentor, only to discover this confidant has just been accused of the murder of an underage girl, who disappeared many decades earlier and whose remains were just discovered on the professor's property. Just like me, the young writer has a lot of questions and sets out to find their answers.
My take: I read this over the Christmas holidays and could not put it down, even though I read it in French and hadn't touched a book in that language for years, occasionally needing to look up a word. Not only am I excited to present an author from Switzerland, I loved the setting in a sleepy New Hampshire town, where the young girl lived and disappeared, and how we learn more and more about its inhabitants and their secrets. My only criticism is the length; my skepticism on the need to tell any story in over 500 pages prevails.
Bonus tip: Keep an eye on the chapter numbers. Vera and I read this in French; Andreas, Dominic, and Alex read it in German. I've also heard good things about the English translation. (Buy here).
What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan (2015)
Description: A mother's young boy suddenly disappears during a walk in the English countryside. The story is told through the perspective of the boy's mother, who soon becomes a suspect herself, and the police man with his own demons trying to solve the case.
My take: While the plot, especially with the negative media attention on the main character , is thrilling for the lack of a better word, I particularly enjoyed the author's use of blogs and facts from a handbook on missing children interspersed between chapters.
Bonus tip: The book was also published under the name Burnt Paper Sky. Many critics compare the book to Girl on the Train. (Buy here).
The Corpse Flower (Leichenblume) by Anne Mette Hancock (2017 in Danish, 2021 in German and English)
Description: Heloise, a Danish journalist and our protagonist, receives a mysterious letter, which turns out to stem from the escaped suspect of one of the most gruesome murders in Denmark. The reader is yet to discover whether the murderess is innocent or guilty, what her motive might be, and why she would contact this specific journalist.
My take: A gripping (and also at times gruesome) debut novel that wets your appetite for more with a suspenseful plot and an endearing main character and loveable homicide detective. Dominic has already devoured the second and third book in the series and is eagerly awaiting the next installment. (Buy here).
Currently reading: The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont for book club, which is on Sunday, so I better hurry up.
If you are looking for more mystery recommendations, check out issue 3. As always many thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing what you are reading and enjoying this summer. Also, if you are looking for a recommendation for your next read or for a gift, drop me a note with what you like and I would be happy to share my ideas with you.