Headhunters

By: Jo Nesbø

Narrated by: Steve West

Length: 9 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

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

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.

16 of 16 people found this review helpful

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.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Definitely not Harry Hole

What did you like best about Headhunters? What did you like least?

There were some interesting twists. There was nobody to really root for and a fairly simple story reall dragged on.

Would you recommend Headhunters to your friends? Why or why not?

Probably not. Any Harry Hole novel is much better and I believe better written.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

Any additional comments?

Jo, stick to Harry Hole.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

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.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

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!

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

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.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

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).

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Where Did Jo Nesbo Go?

I miss Jo Nesbo. I miss the way his quiet prose would unsettle you. I miss his subtlety. I miss the characters I could care about and follow. I miss his unerring plotting. I miss how he could always surprise me. I hope he comes back soon. But he did not show up for this novel.

Headhunters is the story of a corporate headhunter who steals a client's priceless work of art. Then the client starts hunting him. I know, it sounded fun and I know Jo Nesbo has produced some of the best fiction of the last decade with his Harry Hole novels. But this is a dry, rambling, experiment of a novel without significant twist or plot. The characters were wholly unlikable and the writing repetitive. The narrator was ok, without deep emotion but also without much to work with.

Please read Jo Nesbo - just not this.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

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.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Gripping and interesting.

Where does Headhunters rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 10.

What other book might you compare Headhunters to and why?

Without Remorse by Tom Clancy. A man with particular skills against an ugly force. Mistakes and triumphs. Resolution and suffering. Shaped by their experiences but at their core they remain the same person.

Which scene was your favorite?

Graver's talk about his military experiences. You can feel the aggression and mysteriousness. It is a treat to see Brown attempt to regain his footing after trying to apply mechanical tactics to a monster like Graver. The conversation was like watching a boxer attempt defend against combination after combination. All the while illustrating Graver's personality and capabilities. It also humanizes Roger a bit because up until this point, minus a few admitted weaknesses, he is basically a god to us.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. Absolutely. Excellent pacing. I just wanted to know what was happening next. Needed to know.

Any additional comments?

I saw the movie first. Years ago. So it ruined a few of the surprises for me me but this was still QUITE enjoyable.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful