The Hypnotist – Joona Linna Series Book #1

Author: Lars Kepler
Genre: Nordic Noir, Thriller, Crime Fiction
565 pages
Publisher: Originally published in Sweden by Albert Bonniers Förlag, 2009
Published in the U.S. by Penguin Random House
Translator: Neil Smith

Synopsis
The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler is the first novel in the Joona Linna Nordic Noir Series that follows the investigation of a brutal triple homicide in Stockholm, Sweden. The story revolves around Detective Inspector Joona Linna, a troubled and relentless investigator known for his unconventional methods.

The novel begins with the discovery of the crime scene, where a family has been brutally murdered except for the son, Josef, who is found barely alive with severe injuries. To unravel the mystery, Joona Linna enlists the help of Erik Maria Bark, a renowned psychiatrist and former hypnotist who swore never to practice hypnosis again after a tragic incident years ago. Despite his initial reluctance, Erik agrees to hypnotize Josef in the hope of uncovering crucial details about the killer.

As the investigation progresses, dark secrets and hidden motives are revealed, leading the detectives down a twisted path of deception, revenge, and betrayal. The novel delves into the psyche of the characters, exploring themes of trauma, manipulation, and the power of the mind.

The tension escalates as Joona and Erik race against time to catch the killer before more lives are lost. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and unexpected twists, The Hypnotist keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.

My review
The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler is a book that falls somewhere in the middle for me. While it had some compelling elements, overall, it didn’t quite hit the mark. The story starts strong, with a brutal murder scene that sets the stage for a gripping mystery. While Detective Inspector Joona Linna is intriguing, his character remains somewhat in the background, leaving me wanting more insight into his backstory and motivations.

One of the central elements of the plot involves hypnosis, which initially intrigued me. However, as the narrative progressed, I found Erik Maria Bark, the hypnotist, to be a rather unlikable character. Additionally, I was puzzled by the actions of his wife, Simone, as her decisions seemed illogical. Some of the subplots also felt disconnected from the main storyline and the murder investigation, which should have been the focus, seemed more like a subplot. Furthermore, the idea of a fifteen-year-old boy escaping from the hospital and going on a killing spree, despite his injuries, stretched believability. In the end, the story failed to come together cohesively for me.

The narrative is characterized by its directness and accessibility, with short chapters that maintain a steady pace throughout the story. Primarily driven by dialogue, the plot focuses more on unfolding events than delving deeply into the characters’ backgrounds or the psyche of the killer.

In summary, while The Hypnotist had its highlights, I ultimately found it to be a mediocre read. It may appeal to fans of Nordic Noir or psychological thrillers, but it falls short of being groundbreaking or memorable. This this is the first book in the Joona Linna series, I remain open to reading another installment.

My recommendation: give it a try – if you didn’t enjoy The Hypnotist, consider skipping ahead a few books and revisiting the series. Before forming my final opinion on the series, I plan to read The Sandman, which appears to have a more coherent storyline and might serve as a better introduction to the Joona Linna series.