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marciag's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
kimberlyp's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
thelitpick's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
kevinberryauthor's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
katetownsend's review against another edition
3.0
This was an enjoyable mystery novel perfect for curling up on a cold winter day with. It's a quick read, easy to get through, and I did honestly enjoy reading it. However, the bad guy is easily identified from the start, especially if you read a lot of mystery novels. This means that some twists and turns didn't necessarily hold that level of shock or weight they were meant to.
todddmogulzittlow's review against another edition
4.0
Hunting Game (An Embla Nyström Investigation #1) by Helene Tursten
This story centers on Embla Nystöm, an investigator, as she slowly uncovers the clues to a developing crime spree that is happening near her hometown in rural Sweden. Tursten's pacing is deliberate and steady, her description of violence is restrained, and she has peopled her world with unpretentious neighbors and family members. When two high-profile national figures disappear Nystöm must piece together a decades old story to uncover the offender.
While fans of Jack Reacher and other high-octane protagonists may bristle under the far more measured tone of this novel, I think that overall Tursten's method works. As the story develops, it feels a bit like the clues are breadcrumbs in an vaguely ominous forest leading to a somewhat foreboding destination. Each clue maintains the tension just enough to keep the plot moving forward and Tursten's skillful use of setting provides folksy interludes. The epilogue provides a nice finishing touch, as well.
3.5 stars for a quick, enjoyable, unpretentious read!
#GoodreadsGiveaway
This story centers on Embla Nystöm, an investigator, as she slowly uncovers the clues to a developing crime spree that is happening near her hometown in rural Sweden. Tursten's pacing is deliberate and steady, her description of violence is restrained, and she has peopled her world with unpretentious neighbors and family members. When two high-profile national figures disappear Nystöm must piece together a decades old story to uncover the offender.
While fans of Jack Reacher and other high-octane protagonists may bristle under the far more measured tone of this novel, I think that overall Tursten's method works. As the story develops, it feels a bit like the clues are breadcrumbs in an vaguely ominous forest leading to a somewhat foreboding destination. Each clue maintains the tension just enough to keep the plot moving forward and Tursten's skillful use of setting provides folksy interludes. The epilogue provides a nice finishing touch, as well.
3.5 stars for a quick, enjoyable, unpretentious read!
#GoodreadsGiveaway
maryqueenofbooks's review against another edition
2.0
I’m normally a big fan of Nordic Noir - I love the dark settings and melancholic atmosphere - not sure what that says about me! So I was really looking forward to this one as it’s a new author to me but I didn’t love Hunting Game.
All the ingredients are there - a headstrong detective, remote, locked room setting, bleak landscapes, and of course a crime - but I just didn’t feel they were well put together. For me the characters are not particularly well defined and neither is the plot but my goodness the denouement feels like it goes on forever.
There are some good elements, the chilling landscape is well described and the lead character Embla is quite intriguing, it’s just overall this never really got going for me. If you’re looking for a detailed description of Swedish hunting society and its traditions (niche I know) then definitely read Hunting Game...if not then it’s not the best of Nordic Noir but it is a fairly quick read
All the ingredients are there - a headstrong detective, remote, locked room setting, bleak landscapes, and of course a crime - but I just didn’t feel they were well put together. For me the characters are not particularly well defined and neither is the plot but my goodness the denouement feels like it goes on forever.
There are some good elements, the chilling landscape is well described and the lead character Embla is quite intriguing, it’s just overall this never really got going for me. If you’re looking for a detailed description of Swedish hunting society and its traditions (niche I know) then definitely read Hunting Game...if not then it’s not the best of Nordic Noir but it is a fairly quick read
woodson's review against another edition
2.0
I solved this mystery a lot faster than Embla did, but it held my interest til the end. Not super police procedurally, and it was interesting getting the ins and out of moose hunting, but if you want a taut mystery that will keep you guessing, this isn't it. I will say I did enjoy the lead character, DI Embla Nyström, and her colleagues and uncle Nisse.