Killed Read online

  PRAISE FOR THOMAS ENGER

  ‘One of the most unusual and intense talents in the field’ Barry Forshaw, Independent

  ‘Spine-chilling and utterly unputdownable. Thomas Enger has created a masterpiece of intrigue, fast-paced action and suspense that is destined to become a Nordic Noir classic’ Yrsa Sigurðardóttir

  ‘Thomas Enger is one of the finest writers in the Nordic Noir genre, and this is his very best book yet. Outstanding’ Ragnar Jónasson

  ‘A gripping narrative that begs comparison to Stieg Larsson’ Bookpage

  ‘An intriguing new voice in crime’ NJ Cooper

  ‘Slick, compelling and taut, Thomas Enger combines layers of sophisticated mysteries with an intensely scarred hero embarked on a tragic quest. A dark and suspenseful blast of Nordic exposure’ Chris Ewan

  ‘The Killing took us by surprise, The Bridge was a good follow-up, but the political drama Borgen knocked spots off both. For readers who enjoy these Scandinavian imports, this novel is a treat … the dialogue is sharp and snappy, and the characters seem to come alive in this sophisticated and suspenseful tale’ Jessica Mann, Literary Review

  ‘It has real strengths: the careful language, preserved in the fine translation, and its haunted journalist hero … An intriguing series’ Guardian

  ‘From the gritty tension of the plot, to its underpinning emotional depths, this is a powerfully compulsive page-turner’ LoveReading ‘Suspenseful, dark and gritty, this is a must-read’ Booklist

  ‘This promises to be a crime-fiction series worth watching’ Library Journal

  ‘Superbly compelling … the characters leap right off the page, and the relationship between them is as twisted and complex as the story itself’ Shotsmag

  ‘Although the narration moves at scary speed, somehow the melancholy lingers and slows it down. If feels as if everything is just about to explode, and eventually it does in the shocking finale of the novel. For those who are as yet unfamiliar with the intense presence of Juul, I am sure that you will find elements of Jo Nesbø’s fast-paced plots and brutal violence, touches of Karin Fossum’s thoughtful questions on morality, and Jørn Lier Horst‘s portrayal of decent human beings caught in crime – all delivered in a gripping intriguing plot. Enger is an author to be treasured’ Ewa Sherman, Crime Review

  ‘Unexpected and surprising … like a fire in the middle of a snowfall’ Panorama

  ‘I am always struck with the control of pace and plot that is a stand-out feature of his writing … a real feel of storytelling in its purest form’ Raven Crime Reads

  ‘An excellent read … fascinating’ Journey of a Bookseller

  ‘A fascinating addition to the Scandinavian Noir genre’ Crimesquad

  ‘It was stunning. It was patient, beautifully and precisely written, with a killer plot … a really classy read’ Louise Beech

  ‘Satisfyingly tense and dark’ Sunday Times

  ‘It’s clear the Henning Juul series has a large-scale plan and Cursed shows a great momentum, but it is the bombshell dropped in the very last sentence that carries his investigation one jaw-dropping step further and leaves you breathless for more’ Crime Fiction Lover

  ‘Thomas Enger writes with verve, colour and a pace that builds to a thrilling climax, cleverly and deftly weaving a complex of fictional elements into some uncomfortable details of his country’s history. Highly recommended!’ European Literature Network

  ‘This is Nordic Noir at its best. Thomas grabs you by the throat with this one and I found the novel impossible to put down’ Jacob Reviews Books

  ‘A masterful depiction of what sits in the murky and sometimes frightening background of family lives’ Ronnie Turner

  ‘The vivid descriptions of Oslo and the surrounding landscapes are mesmerising; I felt that I could conjure clear images from the details given’ The Quiet Knitter

  ‘Gripping throughout … Thomas Enger is definitely a writer to watch out for. Remember the name!’ Mrs Bloggs’ Books

  ‘Wonderfully written’ P Turners’ Book Blog

  ‘The imagery created in this book, the descriptions of Oslo and the Norwegian landscape, the creation of individual character, are all brilliant … I could picture it all perfectly’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews

  ‘With a tightly controlled plot, which is deeply moving at times, this is highly recommended’ My Chestnut Reading Tree

  ‘This book was all about surprises, from the subtle turns to the final shocking twist. It’s certainly left me intrigued to read more’ Off-the-Shelf Books

  ‘An enjoyable thriller filled with suspense and surprises that will leave readers eager to read the fifth and final book in the series’ The Norwegian American

  ‘Waves of guilty, denial and anger wash around this suspenseful book’ Blue Book Balloon.

  ‘Cursed is a very well-written (and very well-translated) book in the best traditions of Nordic Noir. Thomas Enger is up there with the very best’ TripFiction

  ‘The tension kept mounting and mounting until things all came to a head in a spectacular conclusion. Then there was the very end, I’m talking about the last line … Oh my God, did that throw me for a loop!’ Novel Gossip

  ‘A tightly written thriller that had me puzzling the clues throughout as the plot threads were untangled and then woven into place. An entertaining and suspenseful read’ Never Imitate

  ‘Cursed is dark and riveting, with a plot that zigs and zags through a twisting landscape of suspense, truth and lies. Brutal in places, but beautifully layered and plotted’ Espresso Coco

  ‘Brilliantly written and seamlessly translated’ Have Books Will Read

  ‘A gripping novel with strong characters. This complex backstory … has had me buying Enger’s previous volumes’ The Crime Novel Reader

  ‘The writing and story are gritty and hard hitting … I thoroughly loved this book and I will definitely be going out to pick up the other Henning Juul books’ Life of a Nerdish Mum

  ‘Not since reading Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series have I felt so riveted by characters and plot … until now. And the ending … utter perfection!’ It’s Book Talk

  ‘Enger has written a complicated, skillfully drawn story that rewards your close attention. This translation by Kari Dickson captures all the pared-back Nordic style of The Bridge or The Killing, combined with the most compelling chapter-end hooks I’ve encountered since reading Harry Potter to my children’ Claire Thinking

  ‘Thomas Enger’s series reminds me why I love to read crime books. Its pacing is completely addictive, its characters are endearing and vivid, and it has that special something that makes me just plain happy to be reading. Scandinavian crime readers: Enger simply must be next on your reading list. Readers of any other kind of crime fiction: he should be your next read, too’ Crime by the Book

  ‘Enger’s Norway is chilling … a crime-filled page-turner that doesn’t disappoint’ Words Shortlist

  ‘A gripping thriller, plenty of twists and great characters to follow on the adventure. Dark, emotive and wonderfully written … kept this reader on the edge of his seat’ Grab This Book

  ‘Thomas Enger keeps you guessing right up to the end’ Books, Life and Everything

  ‘When I think of Nordic Noir, I think of cold climates, moody atmospheres, plots that are in equal measures dark and beautiful, books with the ability to capture, not only my interest but my heart too. After reading this book, in the above sentence, I can easily replace the phrase “Nordic Noir” with Cursed as this book encapsulated all that this genre is to me!’ Keeper of Pages

  ‘This book was exceptional. I am now adding more of Thomas Enger’s books to my library’ The Pages in Between

  ‘Fantastic, believable characters … some you will love, some you will loathe.
Beautifully atmospheric, completely gripping and full of intrigue … I can’t wait for book five’ DampPebbles

  ‘Enger likes playing with language almost as much as he loves developing his characters, and there are times where he’s clearly enjoying himself, but this never seems self-indulgent; indeed we readers are treated to fresh and vivid metaphor’ Café Thinking

  ‘For any fan of Nordic Noir Thomas Enger is a must-read’ Liz Loves Books

  ‘Thomas Enger teases the reader all the way along, revealing a little more with each chapter … This whip-smart shot of Nordic Noir is riveting and recommended reading’ The Nut Press

  ‘A tight, well-crafted read, skillfully translated by Kari Dickson … Through this tale Enger highlights beautifully how the echoes of the past are still heard in the present’ Nordic Noir

  ‘A complex, taught and thoroughly gripping read, Thomas Enger’s Cursed is a first-rate, character-driven thriller that doesn’t disappoint’ Mumbling About…

  ‘If this is Nordic Noir then I’m definitely a fan’ The Belgian Reviewer

  ‘With an oppressive atmosphere full of mystery and secrets, Thomas Enger has created a psychological thriller that will leave you stunned from the beginning till the end’ Varietats

  ‘The slow-burning tension soars in a deliciously addictive fashion. The dark tone paints a very atmospheric and gritty picture. Cursed also delivers one of my very biggest fictional temptations – a story where the secrets keep on unravelling’ Book Drunk

  ‘The end?! The last few lines? I needed to pick my jaw up off the floor. Please, Thomas Enger. Write quickly. My heart can’t take it’ Clues & Reviews

  ‘Put simply, the more I read, the more I wanted to read’ From First Page to Last

  ‘From the stunning cover, to the atmospheric descriptions, all the way to that final page, I felt engaged and drawn into the story. The translation flowed well and I did not feel anything was lost. I’ve lately been savouring these dark, emotional Nordic Noirs and think it’s due to the fact they have all come from the same fabulous publisher!’ The Suspense Is Thrilling Me

  ‘This is a thrilling crime read that is so multi-layered that – especially through the first, chilling opening pages – makes you wonder what really is going on, then it explodes in your hands … A powerful new Nordic crime writer’ The Last Word Book Review

  ‘Fast and furious, the type of book for which one chapter is never quite enough. And oh my God that bloody ending! Flipping amazing!’ Emma the Little Book Worm

  ‘With a captivating storyline, a couple of rather curious protagonists with their tragic history and some sharp and bleak writing, it is easy to whiz through Cursed’ Northern Crime

  ‘I may still be battered and bruised from this novel but, as I recover, it’s a very satisfying’ The Book Trail

  ‘Craftily written and the translation is near perfect. The characters are fascinating with credible back stories. I can’t wait to see the next book in this series!’ Linda Strong

  ‘This is one brilliantly constructed plot with various threads and layers that will keep you gripped right until the end’ Novel Deelights

  ‘There’s a spell between those pages, and its power stems from the sophisticated writing style contrasting with the chilling and riveting crime it holds prisoner’ Chocolate N Waffles

  ‘A very enjoyable and satisfying read’ Mrs Peabody Investigates

  ‘The emotional roller-coaster is balanced out by the intricate criminal story and finely woven storyline. The book ends with a wee bit of a bookworm mousetrap by baiting the trap with a lovely morsel’ Cheryl M-M’s Book Blog

  ‘The ending was a huge shock. I purposely covered the last paragraph with my hand so I didn’t accidently see a name. And the name it revealed was one that had me aching for an immediate follow-up’ Steph’s Book Blog

  ‘The plot is intricate, with several twists, the motive unusual and convincing, and the final scenes page-turning’ Marsali Taylor, Promoting Crime

  Killed

  THOMAS ENGER

  Translated by Kari Dickson

  Killed

  Cast of Characters

  HENNING JUUL – Reporter at 123news who lost his son in a domestic fire in 2007. Scarred for life both physically and mentally he is now desperately trying to find those responsible for the fire.

  JONAS JUUL KLEMETSEN – Henning’s son. Died age six.

  NORA KLEMETSEN – Henning’s ex-wife and Jonas’s mother. Works for the Aftenposten newspaper. Now in a relationship with Iver Gundersen and pregnant with his child.

  IVER GUNDERSEN – Henning’s closest colleague at 123news. A reckless but clever reporter who has taken a special interest in Henning’s case. Wants Henning’s friendship and acknowledgment.

  TRINE JUUL-OSMUNDSEN – Henning’s estranged sister and former Secretary of Justice, who was photographed outside Henning’s apartment on the night of the fire, as she was handing something over to Durim Redzepi.

  DURIM REDZEPI – A gun-for-hire from Kosovo. Works for ‘Daddy Longlegs’ – a facilitator of criminal activity. Durim Redzepi is wanted for double murder in his home country.

  TORE PULLI – Former gun-for-hire and latterly a highly successful real-estate broker in Oslo. Wrongfully sentenced to fourteen years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. Killed in prison. Henning Juul cleared his name post mortem, although Pulli was monitoring Henning’s movements in the days leading up to the fire. Was married to Veronica Nansen.

  VERONICA NANSEN – Former model who now runs a model agency. Discovered the photograph of Henning’s sister among Tore’s things.

  ØRJAN MJØNES – Employed by ‘Daddy Longlegs’ to facilitate the murder of Tore Pulli. Currently in prison awaiting trial.

  WILLIAM HELLBERG – Childhood friend of Tore Pulli. Lives in Tønsberg. Runs a very successful real-estate business, which has earned him millions. Grateful to both Henning and Nora as they recently managed to find his missing sister, Hedda, and get to the bottom of their aunt’s murder in the late 1990s.

  PREBEN MØRCK – Attorney-at-law. Long-time legal adviser to the Hellberg family.

  CHARLIE HØISÆTHER – Tore Pulli’s closest friend growing up. Had a falling out with Tore before Tore’s arrest. Currently living in Natal, Brazil, where he makes a shady living laundering drug money and selling apartments to sun-seeking Norwegians.

  RASMUS BJELLAND aka ROGER BLYSTAD – A carpenter who worked for Tore Pulli and Charlie Høisæther in the 1990s. Started to work for Charlie in Brazil as well, before vanishing off the face of the earth following a police operation where a number of thugs were arrested for money laundering. It was rumoured that Bjelland sold them out, trying to save his own skin.

  BJARNE BROGELAND – Policeman. Henning Juul’s friend from the small town of Kløfta.

  ELLA SANDLAND – Bjarne Brogeland’s closest colleague in the force.

  PIA NØKLEBY – Assistant Chief of Police. Legally in charge of all of the investigations that take place in the Oslo police district.

  ANN-MARI SARA – Forensics expert of Sami descent.

  6TIERMES7 – Henning’s secret online police source.

  CHRISTINE JUUL – Henning and Trine’s alcoholic mother. Suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Widowed after her husband died, aged forty-four. It is believed he took his own life.

  ALSO IN THIS BOOK

  BODIL SVENKERUD – An old widow who lives in a posh neighbourhood in Oslo. Angry at Høisæther Real Estate for trying to force her to move.

  ISABEL aka CLÁUDIA ISABEL YPIRANGA – Charlie Høisæther’s girlfriend in Natal.

  MARIANA DE LA ROSA – Rasmus Bjelland’s wife. Deceased. Also the love of Charlie Høisæther’s life.

  FREDDY – Charlie Høisæther’s driver and hired help.

  HANSEMANN – A muscle-for-hire who works for Charlie Høisæther in Natal.

  EDUARDO DE JESUS SILVA – A young Brazilian man who wants to work for Charlie.

  LARS INDREHAUG – Ørjan
Mjønes’s defence attorney.

  ANDREAS KJÆR – Policeman on call the night of the fire at Henning’s apartment. Also Pia Nøkleby’s lover.

  HEIDI KJUS – Henning’s boss at 123news.

  AGNES KLEMETSEN – Nora’s mother.

  JETON POCOLI – One of Durim Redzepi’s friends and co-workers.

  FLURIM AHMETAJ – Durim Redzepi’s childhood friend from Kosovo, who also works with him in Oslo. Computer expert.

  ANNE CECILIE HELLBERG – William Hellberg’s wife. Works in a children’s clothes shop in Tønsberg.

  HELENE NÆSS – Rasmus Bjelland’s love interest.

  VANJA KVALHEIM – Rasmus Bjelland’s mother.

  Prologue

  The body lying at Henning Juul’s feet, in the bottom of the boat, was wrapped in two industrial rubbish bags. They had been pulled over at the head and the feet, and were sealed by several metres of silver-grey tape.

  Henning tried not to think about the person inside. Instead he looked at the mist drifting in over the still, dark water – eerie wisps of white that seemed to reach out towards the shore. All he could hear were the oars breaking the surface and the drops of water that ran off the blades as the man in front of him lifted and lowered them. A pungent smell made Henning wonder if perhaps the lake had swallowed something old and rotten … and was struggling to digest it.

  Henning liked water, but he didn’t like forest lakes like this. They could hide anything – whatever his imagination might stretch to. And soon he would lie hidden here too…

  The boat glided slowly over the water. Henning looked at the man in front of him, at his short, messy hair, the ripple of his arm muscles. Durim Redzepi had been hunting him for a long time. Now, finally, he would be able to finish the job he’d be given.

  It had been a long and strenuous journey to get to this point. When Henning looked back at all the events that had unfolded, he knew that all of them had occurred because he had chosen to return to work two years after the fire in which his son Jonas was killed. By doing so – by investigating the Henriette Hagerup case – Henning had managed to turn the spotlight on his own scarred face. And Tore Pulli had been alerted to the fact that Henning was back in business as an investigative journalist.