Headhunters

By: Jo Nesbø, Don Bartlett

Narrated by: Steve West

Length: 9 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Cockroaches comes a funny, dark, and twisted caper worthy of Quentin Tarantino and the Coen brothers—about an aspiring art thief and the target who’s about to destroy his life.

“If you don’t know Nesbø, it’s time to get with it.” —USA Today

Roger Brown is a corporate headhunter, and he’s a master of his profession. But one career simply can’t support his luxurious lifestyle and his wife’s fledgling art gallery. At an art opening one night he meets Clas Greve, who is not only the perfect candidate for a major CEO job, but also, perhaps, the answer to his financial woes: Greve just so happens to mention that he owns a priceless Peter Paul Rubens painting that’s been lost since World War II—and Roger Brown just so happens to dabble in art theft. But when he breaks into Greve’s apartment, he finds more than just the painting. And Clas Greve may turn out to be the worst thing that’s ever happened to Roger Brown.

Don't miss Jo Nesbo's new thriller, Killing Moon, coming soon!

©2011 Jo Nesbo (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“If you don’t know Nesbø, it’s time to get with it.” (USA Today)

“Like [Stieg] Larsson, Nesbø explores the darkest criminal minds with grim delight and puts his killers where you least expect to find them. . . . [and] his novels are maddeningly addictive.” (Vanity Fair)

“Chances are you’ll be hooked ... as Nesbø lays down a trail rich in Nordic atmosphere and in character-driven development ... Ultimately, though, what sets Nesbø apart is his ability to keep the pages turning with such intellectual dexterity.” (Newsday)

This is a great book

The narrator talks intimately into your ear. You feel as if he is telling a story and speaking only to you. An unusual audio style that's a little disconcerting initially...I wasn't quite sure I was going to continue. But then the story started happening so seductively...so subtlety.. with clever and alluring dialogue that sucks you in and before you know what's happening,you are hooked.

It is not a Harry Hole book, this is something quite different. The story is fascinating and unexpected......don't think for a moment you know where it is going. Pay attention!! it will be worth it.

not what I was expecting but IT WAS WONDERFUL

Great story- was never sure where it was going until .... Another fabulous Nordic mystery even if not Harry Hole.
Jo Nesbo demonstrated that there is far more to his craft that Harry Hole (and I love the series); the characters were more sophisticated, with a plot line that makes unexpected and dark twists and turns. Building the story from the subtle skills of the good headhunters was a unique approach to developing a gripping and sometimes grisly story.
Loved that the narrator seemed to be able to capture the main character's ego and sense of superiority, adding depth to the novel.
Highly recommend - I may listen to this one again!

well, it was okay at first...

Another one of those crime novels that starts off well, and then seems to lose its way. It doesn't know what to do with itself so it just gets gross. Let's see how revolting we can be. Floating in an outhouse cess pool? Not gross enough? Let's try stabbing a fat man with little scissors and smelling his intestinal contents. It ended up being stupid and I didn't finish it. The reader was fine, but he was, of course, limited by the text.
JK

Great Surprises!

The narrators voice was perfect. Usually I can figure out the plotting of a mystery but not with this story. The outhouse scene is particularly evocative of strong emotion. I'm glad I discovered Jo Nesbo on the BBC World Book Club. I hope he writes more stand alone novels.

Can't wait for the movie.

I love all the Jo Nesbo titles in Audible so far. They all have a touch of weird or disturbing plot and Headhunters is no exception. My least favorite Narrator of the series. Audible give me all the Harry Hole series please.

A very nice book

The plot is kind of expected but the writing style is very nice. It is a great book for free time

Brilliant

didn't see the end. coming. never would have guessed. great listening. listen for your self.

Odd, gruesome

What a strange book. I have enjoyed many of this author’s previous works. Here, the narrator is speaking softly, luring you in. But certain parts are so descriptively gruesome, I just cringed. The outhouse scene was just repulsive, followed shortly after by the tractor and dog. I felt both of these scenes were intentionally and overwhelmingly over the top. Unnecessary. Consider yourself forewarned: not for the faint of heart. At the end, the wrap up was a little lame and not believable. Not Nesbø’s best work, imho.

BETTER WEAR A SEATBELT FOR THIS ONE - GREAT STORY!

After meeting Nesbo with his Snowman, I was hooked. Now five of his books later, I think Headhunters is even better, his best to date. Creative, well-researched and loaded with twists and turns. If you like a gripping, sophisticated mystery, you need tackle this one. Heartily recommend!

Ok break from Harry Hole

Would you try another book from Jo Nesbø and/or Steve West?

I have read all the Harry Hole books pending the next one soon to be released Narrator was fine.

Would you be willing to try another book from Jo Nesbø? Why or why not?

See above.

What about Steve West’s performance did you like?

Just read the book. Sounded just like it would sound in my head reading the print edition. No overdone drama and exclamation.

Do you think Headhunters needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. The protagonist is not an action hero, liking for his next conquest (although he's portrayed that way at some points).

Any additional comments?

Too many narrow escapes and far too much toughness from a "regular guy" character--understand it is his desperation propelling him to all these feats of strength and skill, but not believable. It's also too much luck that he finds a razor in the car.

Watch the movie (after reading the book) ! (It's on Netflix.) Rarely seen a film so faithfully follow the plot details of the book (subject to certain things being chopped to keep it feature film length).