Blindgang

Blindgang Ordeal

William Wisting #10

Single mother Sofie Lund is ready for a new start when she moves into the house her grandfather left her. In the basement of her new home she soon finds an old safe bolted to the floor, and its contents give her reason to believe that the smuggling rumors surrounding her grandfather were indeed true. But in the safe is also something more sinister: a gun. Sofie’s new friend Line Wisting, daughter of Police Inspector William Wisting, convinces her to hand over the gun to the police.

Like ripples on a pond, the appearance of the gun gives new momentum to an ongoing murder investigation led by William Wisting. Yet at the same time, it stirs doubts about the conclusions drawn in another case set to enter court shortly. Despite opposition from his colleagues, Wisting decides to revisit the investigation. Drawing on every bit of expertise he has, and an insistent gut feeling, Wisting prepares to pull apart a case already considered closed; something he’ll have to do in order to find the true killer.

“Horst writes some of the best Scandinavian crime fiction available. His books are superbly plotted and addictive, the characters wonderfully realized. Ordeal kept me engaged to the end and I cannot wait for the next.”
-Yrsa Sigurdardóttir

Awards

Shortlisted for the Prix du Bureau des Lecteurs France 2021
Shortlisted for the Ark’s Book of the Year Award Norway 2015
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Reviews

  • “Jørn Lier Horst has with Ordeal delivered his best book yet /…/ He presents us with a seamless novel – a direct hit.”

    ★★★★★★

    Østlands-Posten, Norway

  • “Jørn Lier Horst is in fine form with his newest crime novel Ordeal. The novel is one of the best to have come from the former policeman’s pen.”

    ★★★★★★

    Tvedestrandsposten, Norway

  • “The credibility of the police work in Jørn Lier Horst’s crime novels lift them high above the average work of crime fiction.”

    ★★★★★

    Dagbladet, Norway

  • “[Ordeal] confirms Jørn Lier Horst’s position as one of our leading crime writers.”

    Verdens Gang, Norway

  • “Jørn Lier Horst’s new novel is thrilling entertainment, and poses the question of what ‘proper’ police work entails.”

    Dagsavisen, Norway

  • “Hardly anyone has a stronger drive as a crime writer than Jørn Lier Horst.”

    Tønsberg Blad, Norway

  • “This is classic crime at its best.”

    ★★★★★

    Fædrelandsvennen, Norway

  • “A joy to read.”

    ★★★★★

    Varden, Norway

  • “Yes, this is one of Horst’s best ever. And that says quite a lot.”

    ★★★★★

    Stavanger Aftenblad, Norway

  • “Jørn Lier Horst continues to impress with suspense and realism in his new William Wisting novel.”

    Moss Avis, Norway

  • “[Jørn Lier Horst] uses his forensic knowledge to powerful effect /…/ Horst’s novels are solid, satisfying police procedurals, offering an insider’s view of the tensions between detectives and bureaucrats who want results at any cost.”

    Sunday Times, UK

  • “The threads are many from the start and that continues throughout the novel. This is a case that’s tough to crack, takes time, is intricate, and at times almost comes to a standstill – and that’s what makes Ordeal so great. Horst beautifully captures what it’s like trying to unravel complex criminal networks, and when an investigation comes to a stop and the public as well as the media and higher-ups in the police demand quick results.”

    Skånska Dagbladet, Sweden

  • “There are scenes in this splendid crime fiction novel that almost made me lose my breath. Read for yourself and you’ll see which! Ordeal is virtually a perfect crime novel.”

    Aftonbladet, Sweden

  • “Believable plot, credible police work. /…/ The suspense continues to build till the conclusion is presented.”

    Ölandsbladet, Sweden

  • “Following on from excellent crimer The Caveman, top author of Nordic nastiness Horst sets his series hero Chief Insp Wisting a new poser.”

    The Sunday Sport, UK

  • “There is an air of authenticity that striates this gripping narrative. /…/ The run-up to the final resolution is absolutely gripping.”

    Shots Magazine, UK

  • “On top of Horst’s mastery of detail, the countdown to the climactic trial infuses this solid procedural with a surprising energy.”

    Kirkus Reviews, US

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Author
Photo: Anton Soggiu Jørn Lier Horst
Published
2015
Genre
  • Crime
Pages
384
Reading material

Norwegian edition

Rights sold

Czech Republic, Zlin

Denmark, Modtryk

Estonia, Eesti Raamat

Finland, Otava

France, Gallimard

Germany, Droemer Knaur

Hungary, Animus

Italy, Rizzoli

Latvia, Jumava

Lithuania, Baltos Lankos

Netherlands, Bruna

Norway, Gyldendal

Poland, Smak Słowa

Portugal, Dom Quixote

Romania, Trei

Russia, AST

Slovakia, Premedia

Spain, Penguin Random House

Sweden, Lind & Co

UK, Sandstone

Film rights sold

Norway, Cinenord

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