With Headhunters, Jo Nesbø has crafted a funny, dark, and twisted caper story worthy of Quentin Tarantino and the Coen brothers.
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.
©2011 Jo Nesbo (P)2011 Random House Audio
“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)
"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!
Buckeye by birth, Jayhawk by the grace of God.
"Dragon Tattoo(esque)....but......"
I really liked this book; it is the first I have read by Nesbo. I can't help but compare it to the great Stieg Larrson trilogy (both Larrson and Nesbo are from Nordic countries and write similar genre). In a nutshell I would say it was as riveting as "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" series only without all the SLOW spots. It almost felt like I was reading an abridged version of a Larrson novel. There were a few hokie parts, but it was far less predictable... in fact, every time I thought I had it figured out, something changed...right up until the last chapter or two. The narration was not the best I have heard, but certainly not the worst. I plan on looking up this author in the future.
Diana bookworm
"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.
"Terrific"
The story was phenomenal. All kinds of plots and twists that were unexpected but, somehow, plausible. The reader was great -- making the main character as unlikeable and icy cold as I am sure Jo Nesbo meant him to be. I have listened to all the available Jo Nesbo books now and can't wait for the next one.
"Very tight plot. I loved it."
Staywith it.
I almost gave up on this book several times. The lead character is not a likeable guy and he is presented by the narrator as being arrogant and condescending. Turns out that these are both necessary for the plot. Don't give up on it and you will be pleased.
I loved reading for years, but now I've become so attached to Audible I'm finding reading tedious. Is that a bad thing?....
"A really good mystery I wish I'd read instead."
I liked this book a lot, but there are several key twists that I was sure I missed just by not paying attention. After reviewing those moments, I realized had I been reading the book I'd most likely have paid more attention to the clues. Nevertheless it is a really good mystery.
There are many slyly humorous moments that the reader, Steve West, pulls off brilliantly. His work on this book makes it a 4 star listen.
There are some curious points I'd love to ask the author about. Why was it necessary for one of the characters to be a thief at all? And how is it possible for cheating spouses to simply shrug off their infidelities? Even in Norway I found that remarkably trite.
Some of the reviews mention the over the top violence, but I found it more like the severe type of survival situation similar to the man trapped by a landslide who had to cut his own arm off.
"An unexpected pleasure."
I was a slow starter but once it started I was hooked. Jo Nesbo has a great imagination.
"First time review"
I've read other novels by Jo Nesbo and this one is unlike the others.This book was frightening without being gory. The darker side of human nature is shown The characters are all unlikeable but compelling. The story is beautifully developed and suspenseful. I highly recommend it as a literary thriller.
"Wicked Good Read!"
Yes. I thought that it delivered a finely crafted story line with so much suspense that I was almost afraid to keep driving while listening to certain parts.
I wanted to compare this with the other Jo Nesbo books (I've read them all!) I thought I would miss Harry Hole, but I didn't. Nesbo broke new ground by introducing fascinating and flawed characters, none of whom got a free pass. There was not a single "good guy" in the bunch. I liked the way the action was organized by stages of a perfect interview by which a head-hunter engages a candidate. In this setting, it became the stages by which a person becomes a murderer.
He read it with the perfect degree of snobbery and disdain. At first, one thought that Roger would never dirty his hands with foul deeds. But, layer by layer, he became the sinister character that became more deeply involved in murderous crimes.
The fall of the white queen.
My friends and I can't decide if Nesbo killed Harry Hole at the end of the last book. I hope not, but...sigh....even if that proves to be the end of my favorite character, I will stick with this author. Nesbo is the best out there.
"Excellent Nesbo!"
Narration is perfect for this story's perspective. Good plot, twists- liked the cocky & interestingly complex headhunter character. The only negative is the bit about the abortion. It was just unbelievable that a woman who wants children so badly would do that.
The outhouse scene is the best...
I love Jo Nesbo's style and the narration really shines- just the right amount of a-hole for this character! Love it!!