Killed

by Thomas Enger

Translated by Kari Dickson

Orenda Books

Publication Date February 15, 2018 (UK) June 1, 2018 (US)

Pages : 309

Synopsis From Publisher : 

Henning Juul sits in a boat on a dark lake. A man with a gun sits opposite him. At the man’s feet is a body that will be soon be dumped into the water. Henning knows that the same fate awaits him. And he knows that it’s his own fault. Who started the fire that killed Henning’s young son? How is his sister, Trine, involved? Most importantly, who can be trusted? Packed with tension and unexpected twists, Killed is the long-waited finale of the internationally renowned series featuring conflicted, disillusioned but always dogged crime reporter Henning Juul, and one of the most chilling, dark and moving crime thrillers you may ever read.

After reading Burned, book one of the Henning Juul Series, Henning Juul immediately became one of my favorite protagonists of all time. With many scars, both physical and emotional, Henning embarks on a journey to find the person responsible for the death of his son, Jonas. Henning pursues all angles and leads no matter the consequences. Henning discovers many suspects and motives, his life being on the line more than once. In the final installment of this series, Killed we come to the conclusion of Henning’s journey for truth.

Throughout the Henning Juul Series, I have always found it interesting to follow a criminal investigation from the perspective of a journalist rather than a police officer. I enjoyed reading about the different methods used by journalists. Whereas police officers are able ask the tough and intrusive questions, journalists must have finesse and tact if they want answers. During an interview with a journalist, a person can leave whenever they choose; the same does not always apply during a police interview.

The energy in Killed is slightly different than other books in the series. There is a sense of urgency in Killed. It seems as if all the characters know that the end in quickly approaching. Many of characters are looking for answers to long held secrets and are willing to take whatever risks are needed to get them. Although there is a sense of urgency, the story did not feel rushed with a need to tie up loose ends.

The series focuses mainly on one crime - the arson that injured Henning and killed his son. One would think this would get boring or repetitive after maybe the first three books. This is not the case with the Henning Juul series. Henning Juul is a sympathetic and relatable character. The crippling loss he has suffered begs for resolution. I could not help but become invested in Henning. When he found a lead, I cheered for him or when a lead fell through, I felt for him. Enger has created a character whom has suffered an unimaginable tragedy, but has managed to momentarily set aside his grief to jump down a rabbit hole full of twists, turns, and greed. It is Henning’s relatability that makes his story so gripping and compelling.

I do recommend reading all four of the previous books in the series before starting Killed. The other books provide background into the characters closest to Henning. This background info will provide needed understanding of their relationships with Henning. I think readers will benefit and appreciate Henning’s determination and dedication if they have the details surrounding his investigation into the fire. I read all four books and I still had to refer to the character guide located at the beginning of the book, just to familiarize myself with the characters.

This was a bittersweet read for me; sad that we have arrived at the end of Henning’s journey but happy the series finished strong. Killed and the four previous books in the series are a must read for any fan of crime fiction. 

Lastly I want to give a huge thanks to Kari Dickson for a brilliant translation. In reading other books translated to English, I sometimes felt I was missing an important emotional/human element. Dickson expertly conveyed the darkness and sadness that surrounded Henning. Hats off to Kari Dickson!

**Thanks to Orenda Books for my free copy of Killed**

Murder and Moore Rating :

5 out of 5 Stars