so many twists and turns

I really rather liked this book; maybe because I was already familiar with Joona Linna, the main character, as I have read Kepler’s previous novel, The Hypnotist. It was easy to read, easy to follow, but in parts a little far-fetched in that the bad guys would go as far as they did or that someone could tell what song was being played by a still picture of instruments. I also think that maybe our Author was a little 'off' on certain gun references; maybe it's just that different caliber guns than the ones we are used to reading about are used in this part of Europe. The Nightmare puts Detective Inspector Joona Linna on a case that takes him face-to-face with one of the world's deadliest power brokers. When police recover the body of a young woman from an abandoned boat drifting around the Stockholm archipelago, she is identified as Penelope Fernandez, a renowned peace activist. But soon the woman's identity is called into question, and other facts are troubling: though her lungs are filled with brackish water, there are no traces of water on her clothes or her body. The next day, a high-ranking government official from a weapons division is found dead in his apartment; he has apparently hanged himself. Escalating into a very exciting rescue mission - one that reveals a trail of corruption linking Europe's wealthiest families to vicious war crimes in Sudan - The Nightmare weaves an intricate web of motives and manipulation. And munitions aren't the only commodity in this novel: equally significant is a collection of priceless violins once owned by Niccolò Paganini, the virtuoso rumoured to have signed a pact with the Devil. I would certainly advise the reader to give this book a go. I think you’ll find it an intriguing great page turner. We get to see the violent world of arms dealing set against the wonderfully picturesque backdrop of Sweden. One can almost ‘see’ this book – I can imagine all the characters and places as Kepler’s descriptions are so detailed and evocative. This was one Nightmare I’m happy to have!

Although addled by anaesthesia and pain following major surgery I still found this novel to be intriguing. There are plenty of twists and turns and some superb characters. I particularly liked Beverly and Axel Reissen, and also Saga Bauer (I'd like to see more of her in subsequent novels). Joona Linna returns with his mighty brain and 'support staff' in the form of his colleagues and assistant Anja. The plot is well devised and one which raises many ethical questions regarding the sale of munitions to war torn areas. The fact that in this novel the contentious munitions are sold by what can only be described as a raving loon and sadist to boot makes for a very enjoyable trip into the mind of the bad guy. His interpretation of what constitutes a valid contract is the basis for the 'nightmare' of the title. One wonders if such contracts might be better used in the theatre of diplomacy and in end of war treaties?!! Overall, this second novel by Kepler is marginally better than the first (that being spoilt by a few loose ends!). There is a teaser at the end of this novel which suggests and interesting adventure for Joona Linna in the next, which will, hopefully, be miles better. I'd recommend 'The Hypnotist' if only to introduce Joona and co, but Mons Kallentoft (another Swede) does this sort of crime thriller much better.

This is the second Lars Keplar book I have read and like the first one it is very good. Marketed as the new Stieg Larsson but not as good as the millennium trilogy

This is the first book I have read from Lars Keplar and I have really enjoyed it. The main character Joona Linna is a police inspector with an excellent record for solving crimes. I like the way he has a sense that something isn't quite right and uses his instincts. He teams up with Saga Bauer to solve the mysterious deaths of a number of people in this novel. I particularly like the character of Penelope Hernandez who is running for her life and outwits her assailant and keeps calm despite being hounded by a murderer. It is easy to read and follow as the author has used short chapters to change between the different threads of the story. The story has everything from blackmail, deception, corruption and murder. Lars Keplar descriptions are so detailed they bring the story to life, although a little to graphic in parts for my liking, especially towards the end. Nevertheless, it is a great page turner as it has an excellent plot that is well thought out and expertly written. Highly recommended if you enjoy reading crime thrillers.