Blood Ties – The Kingdom Series #2

Author: Jo Nesbø
Genre: Nordic Noir, Thriller, Crime Fiction
384 pages
Publisher: Knopf, English translation anticipated publication date February 2025
Translator: Seán Kinsella

Synopsis
In many ways, the brothers Carl and Roy Opgard have succeeded in life. Or at least they’ve had as much success as is possible in a small town like Os where they’ve had to kill their way to the top. Carl manages the area’s swanky spa hotel, while Roy has made ambitious plans for an amusement park complete with a roller coaster. The only way is up for the two brothers. Unless the local sheriff can bring them down. The sheriff believes he has new evidence that will prove the brothers involvement in several past murders, but Carl and Roy Opgard are used to covering their tracks, and they’re not afraid to get their hands dirty. The high body count of Os is about to get higher.

Blood Ties is a grandiose and explosive suspense novel about loyalty, family ties, consuming love, and the fight against powerful forces. It will transport you to a community in crisis and tell the story of two brothers on the verge of losing all that they’ve fought for.

My review
Blood Ties by author Jo Nesbø is a Nordic Noir thriller and the second installment in The Kingdom series. The story revolves around themes of loyalty, deception, and violence, following two brothers as they struggle to maintain control over their small town while a dark past threatens to dismantle everything they’ve built. At this point, I’ll read just about anything by Nesbø—his talent for crafting gritty, atmospheric settings and engaging storytelling is undeniable. However, despite the well-developed characters, I found it difficult to connect with their struggles on an emotional level. Something felt missing, which is reflected in my 3.75-star rating.

Blood Ties starts off a bit slow, but wow—the second half really takes off! You get the suspense and tension that Nesbø is known for. The brotherly dynamics and small-town life are vividly portrayed, making the setting just as captivating as the unfolding drama. I couldn’t help but root for the anti-hero, even knowing he was the villain. The story is fast-paced, and, for the most part, a real page-turner, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Blood Ties is classic Nesbø—dark, twisty, and packed with angst. Fans of Nesbø will appreciate the depth of the characters and gritty atmosphere, even if it doesn’t quite match the brilliance of his Harry Hole series.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Knopf Publishing, and Jo Nesbø for an advance copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

My recommendation: read it!