The Glass Man – Asker Series #2

Author: Anders de la Motte
Genre: Crime Fiction, Nordic Noir
416 pages
Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books, 2024 English translation
Translator: Alex Fleming

Synopsis
Detective Leonore Asker has just settled in as head of the Department of Lost Souls, a unit for odd cases, when her father contacts her after years of silence. A body with no eyes has been found on his farm and, as the main suspect, he is desperate for Leo’s help. But is her father as innocent as he claims or is he trying to reel Leo into his grip once again?

Meanwhile, Martin Hill moves to a secluded estate to write a biography about the business leader Gunnar Irving, intrigued by the fact that the legendary property contains an abandoned astronomical observatory. Soon, Hill discovers that the area has more stories to offer…about mysterious lights and mutilated bodies. While Asker and Hill try to find answers, the Glass Man rises from the depths of darkness from which no one ever returns. Nobody but him.

My review
The Glass Man by Anders de la Motte is the second installment in the Asker series and a gripping Nordic Noir crime novel. After finishing The Mountain King, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one and it definitely didn’t disappoint. This narrative weaves together two compelling storylines, and de la Motte does a impressive job of tying them together as the book races toward a satisfying conclusion. There’s a lot going on, but everything clicks into place, like a giant puzzle coming together. The atmosphere is eerie and dark, with a heavy sense of melancholy, perfectly matched by the haunting rural Swedish forest setting.

Main character Leo Asker is just starting to settle into her new role as head of The Department of Lost Souls when she gets an unexpected call from her estranged father asking for help when he thinks he’s going to be arrested for murder. At the same time, her childhood friend, Martin Hill, a well-known author and professor, is hired to write a book about local business leader Gunner Irving, locally known as Space-Case Gunner. What follows is an intricate, addictive story told from multiple perspectives. De la Motte’s writing is incredibly immersive and I was hooked right away, completely drawn into the web of suspense. The level of detail was so vivid it felt like I was right there in the middle of it all.

De la Motte does a fantastic job crafting his characters. Asker is strong, independent, and determined, but her past is riddled with emotional scars that shape her actions and decisions. Her character development feels organic and I’m pleased that she avoids the overused trope of the troubled, alcoholic investigator that pops up so often in Nordic Noir. Hill is a charming and likable character, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. A well-known author and professor with a keen intellect, he is also an expert in urban exploration, which adds a unique edge to his character. But what really stood out to me was The Department of Lost Souls. Despite their rough edges and unconventional backgrounds, this ragtag team is beginning to reveal the depth of their talents and potential. I can’t wait to see how the characters evolve in the series.

The chapters flow effortlessly between multiple perspectives, with de la Motte skillfully weaving in Asker’s past through her reclusive, doomsday-prepper father, while also following Hill’s deep dive into the Astroholm property. At times, it felt like the narrative was drifting off in unrelated directions and I wondered how certain story arcs connected to the main plot. But trust me, de la Motte has a real gift for pulling all the threads together. Every detail has a purpose, and by the end, it all clicks into place. His books go beyond just solving a crime. They dig into the emotional and psychological wounds of his characters, making the story all the more fascinating.

The Glass Man was a thoroughly entertaining crime fiction puzzle. With it’s straight forward prose, melancholic tone, and slow-burning, intricate plot, this is a shining example of Nordic Noir crime fiction!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and Anders de la Motte for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

My recommendation: definitely worth the read!