Lazarus

A Novel

By: Lars Kepler, Neil Smith - translator

Narrated by: Saul Reichlin

Length: 16 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

International Best Seller

“A nonstop roller coaster of suspense, taking us deep into the hearts and minds of perfectly realized characters. And, oh, what a villain! ... The definition of a one-sitting read!” (Jeffery Deaver, New York Times best-selling author of The Goodbye Man)

Sometimes the past won't stay buried.

All across Europe, the most ruthless criminals are suffering gruesome deaths. At first, it seems coincidental that their underworld affiliations are finally catching up to them. But when two of the victims are found to have disturbing connections to Detective Joona Linna, it becomes clear that there’s a single killer at work. Still, police are reluctant to launch an investigation. If a mysterious vigilante is making their jobs easier, why stand in his way? Joona, however, is convinced this is no would-be hero. These deaths serve a much darker purpose.

Desperate for help, Joona turns to Saga Bauer. If his hunch is correct, she’s one of the few people who stands a chance at bringing this criminal mastermind down. But Saga is fighting her own demons - and the killer knows just how to use them to his advantage. He continues to strike with impunity, and no one, it seems, is safe. When the killer begins targeting those closest to Saga and Joona, it appears more and more likely that Joona has been right all along, and that tracking down the person responsible will force him to confront a ghost from his past ... the most terrifying villain he’s ever had to face.

©2020 Lars Kepler (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Pulse-pounding. . . . Truly terrifying. . . . Lazarus is not for the faint of heart. . . . If you know you love dark and twisted, sometimes painful, and sometimes disturbing crime fiction, this book will hold you hostage. . . . For fans of Kepler, this is a ride you will not forget.”

—Marla Warren, The Nerd Daily

“Lazarus is a thriller par excellence, though it’s advisable to read it in small increments, for the accumulation of too much horror at one time will definitely lead to sleepless nights, continuous checking of locks, and an increase in one’s lighting bill.”

—Toni V. Sweeney, The New York Journal of Books

"The Kepler duo are unmatched in their ability to crank up the tension, murder by murder, to an almost unbearable degree.”

—Lisa Henricksson, Air Mail

Not as Good as Others

I thought Jo Nesbo liked to kill off people, but there’s lots of dead bodies in this one. It was good but the character revival reminded me of the Terminator, he wouldn’t die. If you like the series and like Swedish Noir this won’t disappoint.

Horrifying and additive

I’ve read a lot of dark thrillers, but think this book tops the list. My heart was pounding most of the time. I screamed out loud in angst and wanted to just stop listening…..but couldn’t. I recommend this book but only if your blood pressure can take it!

Truly enjoyable.

Another excellent novel by Lars Kepler. Saul Reichlin is a perfect match for this series.

Lazy plot line

Plot was written with little effort in making it believable. Disappointing as it had so much potential.

Terror beautifully written

Another great Lars Kepler story. One of the most terrifying villains is back and Joona must stop him. You will be on edge as this battle continues.

Roller coaster read.

Narrator a little same a all the voices but the story whisked you along. Unbelievably tense and you find yourself wishing to warn the characters.
of course, Kepler leaves a carrot for the next book.!

couldn't suspend my disbelief enough for this

Silly criminal out wits witless police. If this is Scandinavian noir, heaven help the genre

Good, but could be shorter

The ending act was too long and breathless, the suspense protracted. A few times I sped ahead. Other than that, excellent tension. I recommend.

This Lazarus lays prone

Characters never came to life for me, roused no empathy despite reaching for every formulaic emotional box to check. As usual everyone is a victim, relying on paper cut-out prototypes to save the plot lines day

Well Written Suspense!

Great read/listen. Good character development, even though the names were hard to remember, it got easier. As I was reading, I was thinking it was "ready for movie production," because it would require little editing to get ready for the big screen. Highly recommend!