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Sandefjords rikeste skipsreder ligger for døden. Han har én betingelse før eldstesønnen arver formuen: Urent blod skal ikke blandes i slekten - sønnen får ikke gifte seg med noen med barn fra før. Men hans utkårede har både en sønn på to og en datter på fire. Barna sendes bort og paret vies i hemmelighet, men ekteskapet blir kort, dystert og blodig. Flere år senere vender søskenparet tilbake. Når en ung kvinne blir funnet drept, i en makaber stilling og overstrødd med fuglefjær, begynner noen å se sammenhenger tilbake til en annen tid. Etterforskerne Munch og Krüger er overhodet ikke forberedt på ondskapen de blir konfrontert med i saken. Uglen er andre bok i serien om Holger Munch og Mia Krüger.
524 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2015
About the author
Samuel Bjørk
12 books1,587 followersSamuel Bjørk is the pen name of Norwegian novelist, playwright and singer/songwriter Frode Sander Øien.
Bjørk’s first installment in the Mia and Munch Series, I’m Traveling Alone, is an international success story that has gained critical acclaim and captivated readers all over the world, including hitting #1 on German newspaper Der Spiegel‘s bestseller list.
Samuel Bjørk has been compared to the likes of both Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbø, and has proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the crime genre.
Bjørk’s first installment in the Mia and Munch Series, I’m Traveling Alone, is an international success story that has gained critical acclaim and captivated readers all over the world, including hitting #1 on German newspaper Der Spiegel‘s bestseller list.
Samuel Bjørk has been compared to the likes of both Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbø, and has proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the crime genre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,282 reviews
March 15, 2017
* Thank you to www.shotsmag.co.uk for my hardback copy for which I have given an honest & unbiased review*
Samuel Bjørk has created a dark and disturbing Nordic thriller, which ( though not fast paced or action packed ) still managed to fill the pages with a real chill factor, and a constant feeling of dread.
When a teenage girl is found dead in a forest clearing, in what appears to be a ritualistic killing, Holger Munch ( head of Oslo's homicide unit) and Detective Mia Krüger have virtually no forensic evidence from the crime scene to help with their inquiries.
Krüger has been signed off from work while receiving psychological assessment, but Munch brings her back in an unofficial deal to work this case - he believes that she can spot things that some would too easily overlook, that she somehow has instincts that others lack. Munch has his own issues, he's still obsessed with his ex wife, and finds it impossible to move on. He's grumpy, overweight, completely unfit, and a chain smoker to boot.
This investigation isn't going to be solved any time soon - there are numerous suspects, with many false trails, and while the finger of suspicion is pointed, there is never quite enough evidence to bring about a conviction, until their hard work is eventually rewarded with the result they've been desperate to achieve.
I have to be honest and say that this was a particularly depressing cast of characters. We're used to reading about flawed/damaged detectives, but every single character appeared to have some psychological issue. That said, it was a compelling read. The plot was extremely complex, and included one really sick individual, but it had me completely gripped. There was one sentence towards the end of the book that was in itself an absolute bombshell, but it was announced without fanfare, so much so that I had to read it again just to make sure ( genius)!
I would definitely recommend this one - whenever I put it down, I was impatient to get back to where I'd left off, but I believe that the main protagonists psychological issues were a little overplayed.
Samuel Bjørk has created a dark and disturbing Nordic thriller, which ( though not fast paced or action packed ) still managed to fill the pages with a real chill factor, and a constant feeling of dread.
When a teenage girl is found dead in a forest clearing, in what appears to be a ritualistic killing, Holger Munch ( head of Oslo's homicide unit) and Detective Mia Krüger have virtually no forensic evidence from the crime scene to help with their inquiries.
Krüger has been signed off from work while receiving psychological assessment, but Munch brings her back in an unofficial deal to work this case - he believes that she can spot things that some would too easily overlook, that she somehow has instincts that others lack. Munch has his own issues, he's still obsessed with his ex wife, and finds it impossible to move on. He's grumpy, overweight, completely unfit, and a chain smoker to boot.
This investigation isn't going to be solved any time soon - there are numerous suspects, with many false trails, and while the finger of suspicion is pointed, there is never quite enough evidence to bring about a conviction, until their hard work is eventually rewarded with the result they've been desperate to achieve.
I have to be honest and say that this was a particularly depressing cast of characters. We're used to reading about flawed/damaged detectives, but every single character appeared to have some psychological issue. That said, it was a compelling read. The plot was extremely complex, and included one really sick individual, but it had me completely gripped. There was one sentence towards the end of the book that was in itself an absolute bombshell, but it was announced without fanfare, so much so that I had to read it again just to make sure ( genius)!
I would definitely recommend this one - whenever I put it down, I was impatient to get back to where I'd left off, but I believe that the main protagonists psychological issues were a little overplayed.
February 18, 2017
This is dark and bleak Nordic noir set in Norway. It is the second in the Holger Munch and Mia Kruger series and the first I have read. It works reasonably well as a standalone. It begins with Tom Petterson, a botanist, discovering the dead body of a emaciated teenager. There are signs of rituals attached to the murder with the presence of a pentagon, owl feathers, candles, wig, a horse head tattoo and a flower in the mouth. Holger Munch is at his ex wife's home and reeling from the news that she is to be married when he is called out to the scene. After grovelling to his superior, he manages to get the suspended Mia Kruger working on the investigating team. Mia is not in a great place, still mourning the loss of her sister, Sigrid, and in the midst of contemplating suicide. The case helps her refocus her attention away from her personal issues for a while.
This is a case with its roots in the past. The team follow several threads to the case that lead to a children's home housed within a plant nursery. The various people and children are investigated. In the meantime, Gabriel Mork, a IT and technology expert, has a friend from his past, Skunk. who draws the team's attention to a disturbing and horrific video on the dark web featuring the dead girl. The police team have their own problems such as Jon 'Curry' Larsen drinking and relationship problems. Miriam Munch, Holger's daughter, is experiencing angst that has her engaging in a extra-marital affair and animal liberation activity. There are a number of twists before the shocking finale.
What strikes me is the preponderance of mental health issues that afflict a number of characters in the story. Mia, whilst seeing a therapist, has no intention of being helped or even acknowledging that she has a deep rooted problem. She resents any overtures of help offered. Holger is unable to move on from the disintegration of his marriage that occurred years ago. The killer whilst ostensibly being smart and intelligent is mentally disturbed and disturbing. And there are a number of other characters in the novel experiencing mental health issues. I enjoyed reading this novel but there needs to be character development in Holger and Mia for me to pursue this series further. Many thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.
This is a case with its roots in the past. The team follow several threads to the case that lead to a children's home housed within a plant nursery. The various people and children are investigated. In the meantime, Gabriel Mork, a IT and technology expert, has a friend from his past, Skunk. who draws the team's attention to a disturbing and horrific video on the dark web featuring the dead girl. The police team have their own problems such as Jon 'Curry' Larsen drinking and relationship problems. Miriam Munch, Holger's daughter, is experiencing angst that has her engaging in a extra-marital affair and animal liberation activity. There are a number of twists before the shocking finale.
What strikes me is the preponderance of mental health issues that afflict a number of characters in the story. Mia, whilst seeing a therapist, has no intention of being helped or even acknowledging that she has a deep rooted problem. She resents any overtures of help offered. Holger is unable to move on from the disintegration of his marriage that occurred years ago. The killer whilst ostensibly being smart and intelligent is mentally disturbed and disturbing. And there are a number of other characters in the novel experiencing mental health issues. I enjoyed reading this novel but there needs to be character development in Holger and Mia for me to pursue this series further. Many thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.
January 24, 2019
I’m trying to be a bit selective with the crime series I follow. To only commit to those that start particularly strongly and then, to at least get beyond the first novel!
Hence, The Owl Always Hunts At Night, the second book by Samuel Bjork featuring detectives Munch and Krüger. I thoroughly enjoyed I Travel Alone and was looking forward to the second book in this dark, Nordic series.
Mia Krüger and Holger Munch come together again to solve another nasty, twisted murder. Krüger the inspired, now notorious, detective is still in a bad place relying on pills and alcohol to get her through the day. Munch, her boss is still overweight, sad and weary with an ex wife he still loves and children he feels he’s failed. They and their team grapple with the outlandish murder of a teenage girl and gradually uncover a chain of events that is both bizarre and chilling.
I enjoyed the way more of the team are given depth and back story, and that the main protagonists are further developed.
Many of the characters are psychologically damaged, with mental illness a recurring theme. There are also troubling scenes of abuse and an ever present darkness to this story. But, despite the bleak and and violent subject matter, the book never feels depressing and the action moves relentlessly fast and held me throughout.
Maybe the plot was a little far fetched in places and the perpetrator wasn’t given quite enough psychological depth (a point picked up in Bjork’s first book by a good GR friend of mine) but I was impressed with this gripping follow up and certainly didn’t guess whodunnit :)
The Owl Only Hunts At Night is unsettling, imaginative and well written with characters that are beginning to feel more than just acquaintances. Number three in the series is to be released soon ....... I think I’m hooked!
Hence, The Owl Always Hunts At Night, the second book by Samuel Bjork featuring detectives Munch and Krüger. I thoroughly enjoyed I Travel Alone and was looking forward to the second book in this dark, Nordic series.
Mia Krüger and Holger Munch come together again to solve another nasty, twisted murder. Krüger the inspired, now notorious, detective is still in a bad place relying on pills and alcohol to get her through the day. Munch, her boss is still overweight, sad and weary with an ex wife he still loves and children he feels he’s failed. They and their team grapple with the outlandish murder of a teenage girl and gradually uncover a chain of events that is both bizarre and chilling.
I enjoyed the way more of the team are given depth and back story, and that the main protagonists are further developed.
Many of the characters are psychologically damaged, with mental illness a recurring theme. There are also troubling scenes of abuse and an ever present darkness to this story. But, despite the bleak and and violent subject matter, the book never feels depressing and the action moves relentlessly fast and held me throughout.
Maybe the plot was a little far fetched in places and the perpetrator wasn’t given quite enough psychological depth (a point picked up in Bjork’s first book by a good GR friend of mine) but I was impressed with this gripping follow up and certainly didn’t guess whodunnit :)
The Owl Only Hunts At Night is unsettling, imaginative and well written with characters that are beginning to feel more than just acquaintances. Number three in the series is to be released soon ....... I think I’m hooked!
August 31, 2019
Police detective Mia Kruger is too much of a basket case in this sequel. Way over the top...Bjork’s first in the series was better.
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars
February 11, 2018
"The Owl Always Hunts At Night" by Simon Bjork is the second in the Nordic Noir 'Munch/Kruger' police procedural series set in Norway and is a decent thriller and certainly worth a read.
The criminal element of the book was interesting to read and quite unique. It gathered pace towards the end and became quite compelling.
However, I did feel (in my opinion only) that too much time was spent on the two main characters emotional state of mind and this slightly detracted the story from the main plot.
Detective Mia Kruger is a woman on the edge, still struggling with several deaths in her family and a distressing case in the previous book which has made her resort to alcohol and various pills to get her through each day. Her boss, homicide investigator Holger Munch is an unfit, tired, overweight policeman who still finds the breakdown of his marriage quite raw. Although Kruger must pass psychiatric therapy before being readmitted back onto cases, she refuses to fully comply. Regardless, Munch is desperate to have her back on the team so therefore brings her in to help solve the mystery of the death of a young girl found in what looks like a ritual murder. When no forensic evidence is found it takes a young hacker to uncover something that makes the team believe they may soon be looking for a second victim.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the main plot in itself, I just found the overload of character emotions throughout the book a little excessive for my liking.
I would still read more by this author in the hope that the characters emotional states take a bit more of a back seat to the main story. I understand that the first in the series "I'm Travelling Alone" was a cracking book so I may even look that up to fully understand Kruger's mental issues.
4 stars
The criminal element of the book was interesting to read and quite unique. It gathered pace towards the end and became quite compelling.
However, I did feel (in my opinion only) that too much time was spent on the two main characters emotional state of mind and this slightly detracted the story from the main plot.
Detective Mia Kruger is a woman on the edge, still struggling with several deaths in her family and a distressing case in the previous book which has made her resort to alcohol and various pills to get her through each day. Her boss, homicide investigator Holger Munch is an unfit, tired, overweight policeman who still finds the breakdown of his marriage quite raw. Although Kruger must pass psychiatric therapy before being readmitted back onto cases, she refuses to fully comply. Regardless, Munch is desperate to have her back on the team so therefore brings her in to help solve the mystery of the death of a young girl found in what looks like a ritual murder. When no forensic evidence is found it takes a young hacker to uncover something that makes the team believe they may soon be looking for a second victim.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the main plot in itself, I just found the overload of character emotions throughout the book a little excessive for my liking.
I would still read more by this author in the hope that the characters emotional states take a bit more of a back seat to the main story. I understand that the first in the series "I'm Travelling Alone" was a cracking book so I may even look that up to fully understand Kruger's mental issues.
4 stars
February 24, 2017
I literally just finished this book and guys, it was disturbing.
Even sick in a way.
It was like watching a really good episode of Criminal Minds, but only with many more characters.
In fact, there were so many characters, that I had hard time keeping up with all of them.
I'm telling you, if this novel ever gets a movie adaptation, the number of characters will be cut in half (I mean, you have to pay all the actors, right?! ;) ).
But nevertheless, this was a great book that kept me on the edge of my sit.
I buddy read it with my friend Amanda and we both read more chapters then we said we would, each day, because we were to curious to find out what will happen next, and who's the killer and what the hell was going on.
I'm telling you, The Owl Always Hunts at Night is the perfect choice to read it with friend, because you can talk, guess and discuss all the time while reading.
Full, polished review to come.
Even sick in a way.
It was like watching a really good episode of Criminal Minds, but only with many more characters.
In fact, there were so many characters, that I had hard time keeping up with all of them.
I'm telling you, if this novel ever gets a movie adaptation, the number of characters will be cut in half (I mean, you have to pay all the actors, right?! ;) ).
But nevertheless, this was a great book that kept me on the edge of my sit.
I buddy read it with my friend Amanda and we both read more chapters then we said we would, each day, because we were to curious to find out what will happen next, and who's the killer and what the hell was going on.
I'm telling you, The Owl Always Hunts at Night is the perfect choice to read it with friend, because you can talk, guess and discuss all the time while reading.
Full, polished review to come.
December 19, 2019
This second offering in Bjørk’s Holger Munch & Mia Krüger Norwegian noir series has Holger and Mia investigating the bizarre ritualistic killing of Camilla Green, a teenage girl. Both of them are also dealing with personal issues that get in the way of them conducting a rigorous police investigation. Mia, in particular, uses alcohol and pills to get through her day. They seem to stumble upon the real murderer, but Bjørk offers several twists and red herrings along the way. Enjoy!
November 13, 2018
How come the titles of this series always sound so much more interesting than the mystery itself?
The Owl Always Hunts at Night brings back "formidable" investigators Munch and Kruger back together to investigate the death of a young girl from a home for troubled youth.
Her dead body is discovered posed in a ritualistic fashion and the team is further shocked when it turns out the young girl's captivity was streamed for sadistic billionaires who could afford it.
In the midst of this turmoil, Kruger is struggling with suicidal depression stemming from the death of her beloved twin sister 10 years ago and Munch is struggling with the fact that his ex-wife is getting remarried.
In the meantime, Munch's daughter, Miriam, just can't get a break considering the events from the first book. Her dalliance with a new lover leads her right into the hands of the very individual Munch and his team are seeking.
The plot felt muddied, slapped together, definitely rambling and nothing was fully explained or fleshed out.
There's some kind of a cult in Australia that abused children by making them dress as owls for some reason, which was never delved into.
A pair of sibling survivors from this cult factor in as suspects but they are red herrings.
A disabled mentally ill man also crops up. Another red herring.
The villain is a computer prodigy that abducts women who look like his mother, who committed suicide years ago.
Paging Dr. Freud! Is he in the house?
There was less police procedural drama and more personal digressions.
Nearly half of the book is given to Kruger moaning about how much she wants to end it all but Munch's kindness and worry over her prevent her from accomplishing the task.
Kruger comes off as a self-serving, selfish brat, not some brilliant detective which we are led to believe has a gift of profound insight into deviant criminal cases. The only thing Kruger seems to be good at is drinking Jägermeister.
The other half of the book has Munch dealing with family issues, his ex-wife moving on with her life and his only daughter, a young mother and supposedly responsible, falls head over heels in love with a dude she barely knows, acting more like her shoe size than her age.
Munch himself is no Columbo. He's old, smokes too much and his weight is frequently used as a harsh indictment of his appearance. He's not remarkable, not very smart, just average.
His team seem to be on the ball and that might give the illusion that he's extremely competent, which he isn't. He's just okay.
I didn't like Munch and Kruger in the first book and the same goes here.
The Owl Always Hunts at Night wasn't terrible, but the mystery is messy and unclear and the main characters are not strong or memorable enough for me to recommend this series.
The Owl Always Hunts at Night brings back "formidable" investigators Munch and Kruger back together to investigate the death of a young girl from a home for troubled youth.
Her dead body is discovered posed in a ritualistic fashion and the team is further shocked when it turns out the young girl's captivity was streamed for sadistic billionaires who could afford it.
In the midst of this turmoil, Kruger is struggling with suicidal depression stemming from the death of her beloved twin sister 10 years ago and Munch is struggling with the fact that his ex-wife is getting remarried.
In the meantime, Munch's daughter, Miriam, just can't get a break considering the events from the first book. Her dalliance with a new lover leads her right into the hands of the very individual Munch and his team are seeking.
The plot felt muddied, slapped together, definitely rambling and nothing was fully explained or fleshed out.
There's some kind of a cult in Australia that abused children by making them dress as owls for some reason, which was never delved into.
A pair of sibling survivors from this cult factor in as suspects but they are red herrings.
A disabled mentally ill man also crops up. Another red herring.
The villain is a computer prodigy that abducts women who look like his mother, who committed suicide years ago.
Paging Dr. Freud! Is he in the house?
There was less police procedural drama and more personal digressions.
Nearly half of the book is given to Kruger moaning about how much she wants to end it all but Munch's kindness and worry over her prevent her from accomplishing the task.
Kruger comes off as a self-serving, selfish brat, not some brilliant detective which we are led to believe has a gift of profound insight into deviant criminal cases. The only thing Kruger seems to be good at is drinking Jägermeister.
The other half of the book has Munch dealing with family issues, his ex-wife moving on with her life and his only daughter, a young mother and supposedly responsible, falls head over heels in love with a dude she barely knows, acting more like her shoe size than her age.
Munch himself is no Columbo. He's old, smokes too much and his weight is frequently used as a harsh indictment of his appearance. He's not remarkable, not very smart, just average.
His team seem to be on the ball and that might give the illusion that he's extremely competent, which he isn't. He's just okay.
I didn't like Munch and Kruger in the first book and the same goes here.
The Owl Always Hunts at Night wasn't terrible, but the mystery is messy and unclear and the main characters are not strong or memorable enough for me to recommend this series.
July 1, 2019
The Owl Always Hunts at Night is the sequel to I'm traveling Alone is just like the first book a great crime novel. Miriam Holger's daughter gets caught up with an animal rights activist group that will draw her away from her family and may put her in danger. Meanwhile, Holger and Mina try to find out who could have starved and killed a young girl and put her on a bed of feathers in the woods.
As with the first book did I listen to this one and I really love the Swedish audiobook version. The next book will I listen to in English and it will be an interesting change. I think if you like Scandinavian crime novels is the Holger Much & Mia Kruger series a must read. I quite like Holger, Mia and the rest of the crime-solving gang and I'm looking forward to listening to The Boy in the Headlights.
I recommend reading this book after you have read I'm Traveling Alone!
As with the first book did I listen to this one and I really love the Swedish audiobook version. The next book will I listen to in English and it will be an interesting change. I think if you like Scandinavian crime novels is the Holger Much & Mia Kruger series a must read. I quite like Holger, Mia and the rest of the crime-solving gang and I'm looking forward to listening to The Boy in the Headlights.
I recommend reading this book after you have read I'm Traveling Alone!
December 13, 2016
Γρήγορη πλοκή, πρωτότυπο σενάριο και γενικά είχε ότι περιμένεις να έχει ένα αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα για να διαβάζεται εύκολα, γρήγορα και να σου ανεβάζει λίγο την αδρεναλίνη. Στα αρνητικά του μόνο η υπερβολή κάποιων χαρακτήρων και καταστάσεων. Όμως αξίζει να διαβαστεί!!!
June 18, 2019
Το δεύτερο βιβλίο του Samuel Bjørkμε τη Μία και το Χόλγκερ έχει μια ιστορία που σε ρουφάει με την επιβλητική της ατμόσφαιρα. Η εξέλιξη της είναι ικανοποιητική και από ένα σημείο και μετά υπάρχουν συνεχείς ανατροπές και καταιγισμός εξελίξεων.
Σαφέστατα πολύ καλύτερο από το πρώτο βιβλίο τ��ς σειράς.
3,5*
Σαφέστατα πολύ καλύτερο από το πρώτο βιβλίο τ��ς σειράς.
3,5*
October 24, 2016
I really enjoyed “I’m Travelling Alone” by Samuel Bjork and was looking forward to reading the second novel featuring Holger Munch and Mia Kruger. When a botanist stumbles over a dead teenage girl in a forest clearing; posed in a pentagon, surrounded by feathers and with a white lily in her mouth, Munch is called to investigate the strange murder. This crime leads them to a local home for troubled children, where the girl was staying, and to crimes with their shadow in the past and yet links to a modern technology that only the newest member of the team, computer specialist, Gabriel Mork, has any understanding of.
Holger Munch is relieved to have something to take his mind off the impending re-marriage of his ex-wife. Although the couple divorced many years before, Munch has never come to terms with the failure of his marriage and is deeply depressed. Likewise, Mia Kruger, whose sister died of a heroin overdose is also unable to cope with past events. Deemed unstable and unfit for duty, she is being forced to have therapy and only returns to work when Munch says that he needs her.
In a sense, one of the issues with this book is not that it is not fast paced, exciting and full of interesting characters, but that it is both different – but very similar – to the previous novel. The story may be different, but the themes are very similar. In the previous book, Munch was depressed about his divorce and he still is, while Mia Kruger thought about suicide and she still is. That novel was about religious sects, child neglect and mental illness and this book also mirrors many of those themes.
Although I really like the fact that the characters in this series are fleshed out by work colleagues and family members, I think the author now needs to move away from those in the vicinity of Munch and Kruger’s world and move away from storylines which involve, and impact on them, so personally. That aside, I did enjoy much of this novel and I do really like the characters – as depressed, and depressing, as they always seem to be! I have hopes that this is just a difficult second novel and that this will evolve into a series which lives up to the promise of the first book. If you enjoy dark and gritty Nordic Noir, then this will certainly be for you – but I suggest you read, “I’m Travelling Alone,” first, as that really explains the characters motivations and sets the scene for this novel.
Holger Munch is relieved to have something to take his mind off the impending re-marriage of his ex-wife. Although the couple divorced many years before, Munch has never come to terms with the failure of his marriage and is deeply depressed. Likewise, Mia Kruger, whose sister died of a heroin overdose is also unable to cope with past events. Deemed unstable and unfit for duty, she is being forced to have therapy and only returns to work when Munch says that he needs her.
In a sense, one of the issues with this book is not that it is not fast paced, exciting and full of interesting characters, but that it is both different – but very similar – to the previous novel. The story may be different, but the themes are very similar. In the previous book, Munch was depressed about his divorce and he still is, while Mia Kruger thought about suicide and she still is. That novel was about religious sects, child neglect and mental illness and this book also mirrors many of those themes.
Although I really like the fact that the characters in this series are fleshed out by work colleagues and family members, I think the author now needs to move away from those in the vicinity of Munch and Kruger’s world and move away from storylines which involve, and impact on them, so personally. That aside, I did enjoy much of this novel and I do really like the characters – as depressed, and depressing, as they always seem to be! I have hopes that this is just a difficult second novel and that this will evolve into a series which lives up to the promise of the first book. If you enjoy dark and gritty Nordic Noir, then this will certainly be for you – but I suggest you read, “I’m Travelling Alone,” first, as that really explains the characters motivations and sets the scene for this novel.
July 30, 2016
υπεροχο!! ισως καλυτερο και απο το προηγουμενο.
December 28, 2018
This is a disturbing Nordic thriller featuring child abuse and ritualistic killing. When the body of a young woman is found posed in a strange position surrounded by owl feathers and candles in the woods outside of Oslo, Holger Munch (Head of Homicide) and Detective Mia Krüger suspect they are looking for a disturbed killer. The case becomes even more disturbing when one of their team finds video footage of the woman in captivity before her death on the dark web and they realise this is a killer that will likely strike again.
Overall the book is well written and paced and there is plenty of tension and suspense but I think this might just be a bit too noir for me as I found the descriptions of abuse quite confronting. I also didn't like any of the characters, perhaps because they are all so unhappy with their lives. Munch is not coping with his ex-wife's announcement that she is getting married, Mia is still grieving over the death of her sister and won't see a therapist and one of their team has a drinking problem so all in all they are a pretty morose lot. Still if you like Nordic Noir, can cope with a twisted and deviant killer and don't mind a lot of angst in your characters then you'll probably enjoy this.
Overall the book is well written and paced and there is plenty of tension and suspense but I think this might just be a bit too noir for me as I found the descriptions of abuse quite confronting. I also didn't like any of the characters, perhaps because they are all so unhappy with their lives. Munch is not coping with his ex-wife's announcement that she is getting married, Mia is still grieving over the death of her sister and won't see a therapist and one of their team has a drinking problem so all in all they are a pretty morose lot. Still if you like Nordic Noir, can cope with a twisted and deviant killer and don't mind a lot of angst in your characters then you'll probably enjoy this.
August 22, 2021
(4.5 rounded up! & the audiobook was very good!!) A really interesting, quick-moving police procedural. I really enjoy these characters- I wish more of the series was translated to English. I’ve been having a bit of bad luck lately- stuck on quite a few 2-3 star reads- so this was a treat!
January 23, 2023
Viajo sola está bastante bien y este, en cambio, me ha aburrido.
April 16, 2019
Goede opvolger van 'Ik reis alleen'. https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2019...
August 17, 2021
A minha opinião em vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nro9Z...
April 11, 2017
Oh no. Maybe my expectations were a bit too high again, because I enjoyed the first book of this series immensely. But this one, I just couldn't get a grasp on. The plot was a bit out there, especially when it seemed that the ending was told too quickly so I had trouble following who did what and who ran where. And the most annoying thing was the dialogues. Nobody seemed to be listening to the people they were talking with or generally paying attention, since everyone was constantly asking why? what? who? where? and also constantly thinking of something else in the middle of a conversation and then shaken back to reality with more "what? where?". So irritating, especially when as the reader I always knew what was going on. Maybe it was a way to describe how tired and disoriented the character was, but when every dialogue seemed to go like that, it became unbearable. There were some good and interesting parts in the book too (like Gabriel, I really liked him), but they didn't save this, unfortunately.
September 19, 2021
Holger Munch e Mia Krüger estão de volta quando uma adolescente, desaparecida de um orfanato, é encontrada assassinada num cenário assustador e sugestivo.
Em primeiro lugar dizer-vos que é sempre bom ler as séries em sequência mas o enquadramento do primeiro livro é muito bem feito, por essa razão, se falharem o livro anterior, percebem relativamente bem este.
Depois dizer-vos que gostei muito mais do primeiro livro, achei este mais morno, mais simples, um pouco até à volta do mesmo que o primeiro e previsível.
Mas, dizer-vos também, que esta é uma série que não falha e Samuel Bjork já entrou para o top de autores de policiais nórdicos. O livro é óptimo e tenho a certeza de que vai ser mais um sucesso, a minha expectativa é que estava mais alta depois do primeiro.
Em primeiro lugar dizer-vos que é sempre bom ler as séries em sequência mas o enquadramento do primeiro livro é muito bem feito, por essa razão, se falharem o livro anterior, percebem relativamente bem este.
Depois dizer-vos que gostei muito mais do primeiro livro, achei este mais morno, mais simples, um pouco até à volta do mesmo que o primeiro e previsível.
Mas, dizer-vos também, que esta é uma série que não falha e Samuel Bjork já entrou para o top de autores de policiais nórdicos. O livro é óptimo e tenho a certeza de que vai ser mais um sucesso, a minha expectativa é que estava mais alta depois do primeiro.
December 14, 2016
Το χαρακτηριστικό του Samuel Bjork είναι ότι δεν σε … αφήνει να … αφήσεις εύκολα τα βιβλία του από τα χέρια σου.
Έτσι ξεκινάς να διαβάσεις 10-20 σελίδες και καταλήγεις να διαβάσεις καμιά 150.
Το ίδιο ισχύει και για το πρώτο του βιβλίο Ο Παγωμένος Άγγελος
Η ιστορία και η εξέλιξη της είναι ικανοποιητική , οπότε μιλάμε για ένα αρκετά καλό βιβλίο.
Έτσι ξεκινάς να διαβάσεις 10-20 σελίδες και καταλήγεις να διαβάσεις καμιά 150.
Το ίδιο ισχύει και για το πρώτο του βιβλίο Ο Παγωμένος Άγγελος
Η ιστορία και η εξέλιξη της είναι ικανοποιητική , οπότε μιλάμε για ένα αρκετά καλό βιβλίο.
February 18, 2024
Scandi Noir is a go-to genre for me and Samuel Bjørk, (pen name of Norwegian playwright and singer/songwriter Frode Sander Øien), certainly knows how to use the genre to write a solid Nordic crime series.
The owl always hunts at night is the second in the Holger Munch and Mia Krüger series by Bjørk, a follow up from I’m Travelling Alone which I read back in 2022. Why has it taken me so long to get to the second book? I guess my tastes in this genre have changed a little and I’m becoming increasingly particular around the authors I want to invest in. Some of the Scandi series I’m reading simply because I want to work my way through them, others I savour and look forward to each instalment with incredible eagerness and anticipation. This one falls a little more into the former even though it was definitely an enjoyable and satisfying read.
This one centres around a horrific murder (very much in this genre in terms of its gruesomeness) where a young woman is found surrounded by feathers set up in a pentagram formation. Munch and Krüger come together again as a crime solving duo except they’re not so much a duo this time. Bjørk didn’t quite extend the characters enough for me to get to know them truly and they remained a bit aloof to me, likeable but no connection with me as the reader and participant. As per last time, the story and plot is a little cliche at times, not enough to turn me off but definitely keeps the book at a 4 star read for me - maybe 3.5 but rounded up.
The owl always hunts at night is the second in the Holger Munch and Mia Krüger series by Bjørk, a follow up from I’m Travelling Alone which I read back in 2022. Why has it taken me so long to get to the second book? I guess my tastes in this genre have changed a little and I’m becoming increasingly particular around the authors I want to invest in. Some of the Scandi series I’m reading simply because I want to work my way through them, others I savour and look forward to each instalment with incredible eagerness and anticipation. This one falls a little more into the former even though it was definitely an enjoyable and satisfying read.
This one centres around a horrific murder (very much in this genre in terms of its gruesomeness) where a young woman is found surrounded by feathers set up in a pentagram formation. Munch and Krüger come together again as a crime solving duo except they’re not so much a duo this time. Bjørk didn’t quite extend the characters enough for me to get to know them truly and they remained a bit aloof to me, likeable but no connection with me as the reader and participant. As per last time, the story and plot is a little cliche at times, not enough to turn me off but definitely keeps the book at a 4 star read for me - maybe 3.5 but rounded up.
August 6, 2023
I really liked Bjork's I'm Traveling Alone, and while I like his writing and dark Scandinavian noir plots, this case was less interesting. A team of detectives led by Holger Munch and Mia Kruger investigate the death of a troubled teen girl, whose naked, emaciated body was found posed in a candled pentagram, on a bed of owl feathers, wearing a blonde wig. The girl lived at a home for troubled teenagers, and Bjork keeps us guessing as to the murderer. I think the book suffered somewhat from the skipping story lines and characters, both the investigated and the investigators. We have the continuation of Holger's family strife and Mia's continued inability to accept her twin's heroin overdose, but we also learn of other personal problems on the task force. The techie Gabriel continues to be a highlight, joined by a former hacker buddy, nicknamed Skunk. If you like a lot of psychology, this one is for you. Lots of head cases here.
November 4, 2019
Labai laukiau šitos knygos. Buvo įdomu, ar antroji knyga bus geresnė už pirmąją. Nebuvo, buvo tokia pat kaip pirmoji. O tai nėra blogai. Man labai patinka Bjørk rašymas, vyrauja tokia nežinomybė.
Nusikaltimo vieta tokia pati kaip ir pirmojoje knygoje - miškas. Tik šį kartą auka ne mergaitė lėlės rūbais, o paauglė...plunksnų pataluose. Ritualinė žmogžudystė? Tą įtarianti Mia vis dar nėra pasiruošusi darbui, bet gal Munkas ir vėl ja pasitikės? Vis naujai atsirandantys veikėjai sukuria šiokią tokią painiavą, bet viskas pasikeičia, kai į visą tai įsivelia Munko duktė.
Kaip ir anksčiau, viskas meistriškai sudėliota. Manau, kad trečioji knyga irgi nenuvils.
Nusikaltimo vieta tokia pati kaip ir pirmojoje knygoje - miškas. Tik šį kartą auka ne mergaitė lėlės rūbais, o paauglė...plunksnų pataluose. Ritualinė žmogžudystė? Tą įtarianti Mia vis dar nėra pasiruošusi darbui, bet gal Munkas ir vėl ja pasitikės? Vis naujai atsirandantys veikėjai sukuria šiokią tokią painiavą, bet viskas pasikeičia, kai į visą tai įsivelia Munko duktė.
Kaip ir anksčiau, viskas meistriškai sudėliota. Manau, kad trečioji knyga irgi nenuvils.
September 13, 2021
Estou rendida a este autor. Adorei este livro. Muito melhor que o primeiro.
Felizmente a tradução e revisão deste foi muito melhor que o primeiro volume desta série, onde a quantidade de erros ortográficos conseguiu estragar a leitura. Neste isso não aconteceu.
Outra das grandes melhorias em relação ao primeiro foi a não existência de histórias secundárias com final inacabado. Aqui todas as histórias convergem de forma magistral para um final espectacular.
Considero que este livro tem um ritmo um pouco lento, no entanto a história é tão cativante que se tornou numa leitura viciante.
O final deixa-nos com vontade de ler o próximo livro que espero que seja editado em breve.
Felizmente a tradução e revisão deste foi muito melhor que o primeiro volume desta série, onde a quantidade de erros ortográficos conseguiu estragar a leitura. Neste isso não aconteceu.
Outra das grandes melhorias em relação ao primeiro foi a não existência de histórias secundárias com final inacabado. Aqui todas as histórias convergem de forma magistral para um final espectacular.
Considero que este livro tem um ritmo um pouco lento, no entanto a história é tão cativante que se tornou numa leitura viciante.
O final deixa-nos com vontade de ler o próximo livro que espero que seja editado em breve.
February 18, 2018
Norwegian detectives Holger Munch & Mia Kruger return for a second case in Samuel Bjork's latest thriller.
Like his previous crime story, I'm Travelling Alone, the characters are often more interesting than the investigation itself. Most of the story is well constructed, but one part of the plot is so implausibly similar to events in the previous novel that I found it very hard to suspend my disbelief. That aside, it's a very good read & I look forward to the next installment in the series.
Like his previous crime story, I'm Travelling Alone, the characters are often more interesting than the investigation itself. Most of the story is well constructed, but one part of the plot is so implausibly similar to events in the previous novel that I found it very hard to suspend my disbelief. That aside, it's a very good read & I look forward to the next installment in the series.
July 27, 2016
Το συστήνω σε όσους διαβάζουν αστυνομικό και όχι μόνο! Σασπένς σε όλη την διάρκεια του. Κύλαει φοβερά χωρίς να κάνει κοιλιά και χωρίς περιττές σκηνές. Μπράβο του για την πλοκή και για την ιδέα. Μακάρι να γινόταν ταινία..
April 24, 2019
Un nou caz cutremurator pentru inspectorul Munch si Mia. Suspansul e la el acasa si in aceasta a doua parte. Sper sa gasesc si partea a treia!
February 26, 2017
The Owl Always Hunts at Night is the second novel by Norwegian author Samuel Bjork and my introduction to Holger Munch and Mia Kruger. This can be read as a standalone but there were quite a few references to Mia’s sister Sigrid who died in the first novel. Her death is something Mia still struggles to come to terms with, so maybe I did wish I read that one first even if it’s not a necessity.
I liked the two main characters, they’re both flawed and intriguing. Holger Munch is still struggling when he sees his ex-wife with another man. He feels guilty for not seeing his daughter and granddaughter more but when a new case of a 17 year old girl found murdered under mysterious circumstances lands in his lap, old habits spring to life and he quickly forgets his good intentions of getting more involved in their lives. When his daughter Miriam struggles with her relationship and reaches out to him, he doesn’t even have time to get back to her.
The Jane Doe’s identity is quickly established as being one of the girls staying at Hurumlandet Nurseries, an institution for troubled teens. She didn’t like being told what to do so when the head received a text message saying she was ok and they should stop looking for her, nobody was very worried.
Even though Holger is the lead detective and the more experienced one, it seems Mia is predestined to steal the show. She seems to have a special sixth sense that made her crack the case in the previous novel and everyone is anticipating she will force a breakthrough here too. Her previous victory has put her on a pedestal apparently among her co-workers but at the same time she is still silently struggling with demons of her past, the death of her sister and her addiction to pills. I have to admit that this bothered me a little bit because I simply couldn’t understand why she was given so much credit.
The way the body was positioned seems to mean something, as was the fact that she was found surrounded by owl feathers. Someone with a very twisted past and an unhealthy obsession for owls seems to be at work again. The prologue gives a little teaser but I was left guessing about the person’s identity in the present day. I was practically changing my idea every time a new male character was introduced and was searching for ties with the Hurumlandet Nurseries, where she was staying. Once again I found in the end I was completely off the mark. Mr. Bjork made some very intelligent choices in the way he wrote this story.
There were plenty of red herrings in this novel, it was wonderfully twisted and unclear how all the puzzle pieces would fit together. This novel was highly entertaining and had a dark twist. This was my first introduction to this Scandinavian author and I was pleasantly surprised I liked it this much. I will certainly keep an eye open for his next novel.
I liked the two main characters, they’re both flawed and intriguing. Holger Munch is still struggling when he sees his ex-wife with another man. He feels guilty for not seeing his daughter and granddaughter more but when a new case of a 17 year old girl found murdered under mysterious circumstances lands in his lap, old habits spring to life and he quickly forgets his good intentions of getting more involved in their lives. When his daughter Miriam struggles with her relationship and reaches out to him, he doesn’t even have time to get back to her.
The Jane Doe’s identity is quickly established as being one of the girls staying at Hurumlandet Nurseries, an institution for troubled teens. She didn’t like being told what to do so when the head received a text message saying she was ok and they should stop looking for her, nobody was very worried.
Even though Holger is the lead detective and the more experienced one, it seems Mia is predestined to steal the show. She seems to have a special sixth sense that made her crack the case in the previous novel and everyone is anticipating she will force a breakthrough here too. Her previous victory has put her on a pedestal apparently among her co-workers but at the same time she is still silently struggling with demons of her past, the death of her sister and her addiction to pills. I have to admit that this bothered me a little bit because I simply couldn’t understand why she was given so much credit.
The way the body was positioned seems to mean something, as was the fact that she was found surrounded by owl feathers. Someone with a very twisted past and an unhealthy obsession for owls seems to be at work again. The prologue gives a little teaser but I was left guessing about the person’s identity in the present day. I was practically changing my idea every time a new male character was introduced and was searching for ties with the Hurumlandet Nurseries, where she was staying. Once again I found in the end I was completely off the mark. Mr. Bjork made some very intelligent choices in the way he wrote this story.
There were plenty of red herrings in this novel, it was wonderfully twisted and unclear how all the puzzle pieces would fit together. This novel was highly entertaining and had a dark twist. This was my first introduction to this Scandinavian author and I was pleasantly surprised I liked it this much. I will certainly keep an eye open for his next novel.
July 29, 2019
Kitabı beğendim. Konusu güzel, örgüsü güzel. Ama o kadar. Sonu güzel değil. Çünkü yazar ters köşe yapmak istemiş. Ben sevemedim sonunu.
Çok meraklandırdı ama bu merakı tatmin edemedi.
Ormanda pentagram şekli verilmiş mumların ortasında kafasında sarı peruk ve ağzında beyaz bir zambak olan bir ceset bulunur. Cesedin etrafı baykuş tüyü ile kaplıdır.
Detektif Holger Munch ve Mia Krüger davanın üstesinden gelebilecek midir?
Birçok farklı katil sunuldu önüme. Hepsini ölçtüm tarttım ama yazarın katiline ulaşamadım bir türlü. O artık kafasında ne kurduysa beni aşmış.
Kitap polisiye açıdan sürükleyici. Fazla minik ayrıntılar ile sizi katile götürmüyor. Tahmin etmesi zordu yani. Edemedim de. Ettiklerimin alakası yoktu 😱
Genel baktığımda ortalamanın üstünde zevk aldığım bir Norveç polisiyesi oldu. Ha sizin biraz aklınızı karıştırabilir ve sonu mutlu etmeyebilir. Size kalmış.
Çok meraklandırdı ama bu merakı tatmin edemedi.
Ormanda pentagram şekli verilmiş mumların ortasında kafasında sarı peruk ve ağzında beyaz bir zambak olan bir ceset bulunur. Cesedin etrafı baykuş tüyü ile kaplıdır.
Detektif Holger Munch ve Mia Krüger davanın üstesinden gelebilecek midir?
Birçok farklı katil sunuldu önüme. Hepsini ölçtüm tarttım ama yazarın katiline ulaşamadım bir türlü. O artık kafasında ne kurduysa beni aşmış.
Kitap polisiye açıdan sürükleyici. Fazla minik ayrıntılar ile sizi katile götürmüyor. Tahmin etmesi zordu yani. Edemedim de. Ettiklerimin alakası yoktu 😱
Genel baktığımda ortalamanın üstünde zevk aldığım bir Norveç polisiyesi oldu. Ha sizin biraz aklınızı karıştırabilir ve sonu mutlu etmeyebilir. Size kalmış.
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