This is the re-telling of Macbeth, which Jo Nesbo has chosen to set in the 1970’s. The police department in a drug-infested industrial town is determined to bring up standards and make the place a decent one for its citizens. The new Chief of Police, Duncan, is determined to bring the reign of one of the leading drug lords, Hecate, to an end. Hecate has plans of his own. He intends to manipulate Macbeth, who is head of SWAT and who has a checkered past and isn’t entirely stable. Goaded on by his love, Lady, Macbeth begins a violent course that spirals ever downwards.

I’m not really fond of re-tellings since I’ve always felt that if the book has withstood the test of time, the original author did a wonderful job and why try to top it. But the Shakepeare series has been interesting, possibly because Shakespeare isn’t always an easy read and it’s been fun to see what today’s authors decide to do with his tales. Nesbo has certainly nailed the main theme of Macbeth in that he shows how destructive ambition can be when not held in reign. Violence begets violence and the book is full of double dealing and horrific acts. Macbeth will stop at nothing to accomplish what he believes he wants.

I grabbed this book when I first saw it because I love Nesbo’s Harry Hole series. Nesbo has created such a sympathetic protagonist in Harry Hole that I couldn’t wait to see what he would do with Macbeth. While I thought he did an excellent job of fleshing out the Shakespearean characters, I found it really hard to have any sympathy for Macbeth himself, while I do remember having sympathy for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. And I would think if you’re writing a tragedy, it’s only tragic for the main character if you care about him/her. And I felt that suspense was missing, but I’m sure that’s because I knew the story well and there were no surprises.

These retellings are hard to review because you can’t help but compare them to the original. And because of that, I can only give this 3 stars. I think if the names had been different from the Shakespearian tale and I didn’t know it was a re-telling, I would have appreciated it more. The descent of Macbeth into madness was done very well and it was fun coming across memorable parts of Shakespeare. While I can’t say that I loved it, I’m glad to have experienced a different take on Macbeth.

This book was given to me by the publisher in return for an honest review.

A modern re-telling of a classic tragedy featuring a man, Macbeth, who is trying to make a name for himself in a no-name town.
Jo Nesbo reimagines Shakespeare's character of Macbeth as a police officer in the 70's working in a drug-riddled city that is also filled with corruption. When we first meet Macbeth, he's likable - a bit cocky to be sure, but likable. But as his ambition grows, so do his troubles, while his moral standards quickly take a nosedive.
Nesbo writes a great adaptation filled with strong "modern" versions of familiar classic characters. The story is still very much a tragedy and lacks none of the dark mood and circumstances of the original. There is also that special dark other-worldly sense just under the surface.
I would recommend this book to lovers of classic literature, mysteries, and crime fiction.

Thought this was a misfire for Jo Nesbo. It read very clunky and oddly slow for some much action. Had a hard time even caring and ended up not finishing it. Hoping his next one is better.

This retelling places Duncan has chief police commissioner in a once-important industrial city infested with drugs, organized crime, and corruption. All the major players have roles in the police leadership. When Duncan dies, Macbeth, the head of the SWAT team, succeeds him as commissioner. The Norse Riders fill the role of a gang. The setting did not work for me. I'm not a fan of gritty noir novels, and this take on the classic Shakespeare fit the category. I received an advance electronic copy through the publisher via NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

Not my favorite work by Nesbo but a solid read. Macbeth is a hard character to like and root for and many of the scenes seem repetitive. Yet, Nesbo is a brilliant writer and makes the story tolerable even with its flaws.

I'm an English teacher. I love Shakespeare's Macbeth. It's got all the drama and surprises and killings needed to keep a high school class on the edge of their seats if done correctly. My students in particular need a translated version but it doesn't take away from the plot, themes, or important character traits. With that being said, I was weary a little to get into this.
Boy, I was wrong. This rendition was awesome. It sucked me in immediately. The story stayed true to the original but with such a fresh take that was amazing. This truly can be read by anyone, Shakespeare lover or not, and they'd get into it. What I was so happy about is how Jo Nesbø didn't change character traits or how the story unfolds. It's just a modern take on it that really really works. In the first 100 pages, Macbeth is so likable. Nesbø's version digs more into characters and I like that. There are awesome background stories that help you understand character motives. It makes them real which is at no fault to Shakespeare as plays don't give you as much room to characterize of course but it was a major plus in Nesbø's version.
One thing I found fault with is how Nesbø switched between character to character without any warning, characters that weren't even in the same vicinity. It became hard to follow when he did this at first. I've never read any of Nesbø"s other work although I'm well aware of him and his success. I'm not sure if this is just his style. I will be reading more of his work soon. The Snowman has been on my radar anyway.
Even though I knew the story, I'm glad I picked this up. It's a very fresh take. This is a book that I'll recommend to everyone.

Thanks to netgalley for an advance copy of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book was enthralling. MacBeth was one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, and Jo Nesbo's retelling was a can't-put-down read! The narrative form allows much more depth of character, and while the reader (viewer?) loses the immediacy of the play, we gain the back story.

MacBeth, in Nesbo's telling, involves a demoralized, drug-ridden town, and the main cast members are the members of the police force. MacBeth is an ambitious police officer, who is trying to reach the top by murder and subversion.

The idea of MacBeth being a junkie puts his actions into a whole new perspective - both his warring impulses and his hallucinations and struggles. Lady is a more compelling character when her ambitions for MacBeth involve her own business interests, not just the "woman behind the throne" type ambition.

As is, I think, consistent with Nesbo's other work, his main characters are dimensional - while there are certainly unequivocal bad guys, his characters are not cardboard cutouts. Even in small parts, some of the minor gang members are seen as human, not just as cannon fodder. The main characters are all more complex - not saints and villains, but human beings. And, in most cases, it's not hard to see how they're walking a line and could fall on either side, depending on the circumstances. And, with MacBeth in particular, to see how each step down leads him further.

I have enjoyed all of the Hogarth Shakespeare retellings that I have read up to now, but I think this may be my favorite!

Putting this on my choice read list for our Shakespeare unit immediately! I've loved most of the books that have come out of this reboot line but this Macbeth takes the cake! Thrilling, suspenseful, and an excellent update to my favorite work of the bard's!

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Jo Nesbø, Hogarth, and Crown Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Contributing to the Hogarth Shakespeare collection, Jo Nesbø has created a modern retelling of the Bard’s Macbeth. Set around 1970, the story opens with a police raid on a local gang running narcotics. When the authorities bungle things exquisitely, leaving blood and bodies scattered around the clubhouse, heads must roll within the police force. During the shake-up, Macbeth is brought on as the new head of Organised Crime, set to turn his men into a respectable arm of the force. Learning of her husband’s new position, Lady Macbeth encourages her husband to continue his climb, which is further supported by a high-level crime boss, Hecate. During one of Macbeth’s visits to Hecate, three substance-altered prostitutes foresee Macbeth’s rise to the position of Chief Commissioner, at the top of the entire police force. With a number of officials ahead of him, Macbeth is unsure how he will accomplish this, happy to run Organised Crime for the time being. Lady Macbeth can see a clear path to the top and knows her husband has it in him, if only he will bend the rules to better his chances. She convinces her husband to murder the current Chief Commissioner and frame another official, which he agrees to do while under the influence of narcotics. From there, one murder begets others to cover-up the trail being left. Even when the sought-after position is achieved, neither Macbeth or his wife are satisfied. However, their paranoia force more cover-ups and the need to constantly look over their shoulders. It would seem that power is the most addictive drug of all, one that cannot be sated by a simple snort or needle. Might the rise to power lead to a devastating crash into oblivion? Nesbø weaves quite the tale, using the framework Shakespeare made famous, providing his fans and those who enjoy the Bard’s work quite a great story. Hogarth did well picking Nesbø to explore this dark tale.

Nesbø has quite a dark side when writing for his adult audience, though is also well-versed in creating police thrillers that keep the reader engaged. Some love his writing—as well as the darker side of crime that emerges from the narrative—while others find his work too dense to enjoy, as it is not easily digested. I found myself straddling both camps here, though was able to forge ahead when I gained enough momentum (and time to read!). Macbeth is, of course a central character in the piece and Nesbø does a wonderful job portraying this man as someone who is in touch with his passions, but soon becomes swept up by all the power that is laid at his feet. One can only presume that it is the influence of his power-hungry wife and the influence of narcotics that led him down such a difficult path, one that would be paved in gold, only to reveal tarnished brass by the end of the book. Other characters emerge to support and block Macbeth’s climb to power, adding depth and flavour to the narrative, including those who see Macbeth for the corrupt leader he becomes. The story is strong and ties nicely into the original narrative laid out over four centuries ago. Using the same characters and most of their fates, Nesbø stays true while also modernising the story in an effective manner. Fans of Shakespeare will surely find their own weaknesses, but in an effort to entertain effectively, Nesbø is spot-on with his storytelling. Mixing short and longer chapters, the reader is able to develop a connection to the story and its characters, as long as a steady momentum is kept. As with all Nesbø pieces, the translation does not take away from the power of the message found within and, if anything, provides an even stronger piece.

Kudos, Mr. Nesbø, for another excellent piece of writing. While your style is an acquired taste, those with the patience for it are surely in for a wonderful adventure.

Wow, never thought you could take a Shakespeare play and turn it into a book with passion. As with the play there a so many characters to remember and keep track of since there are a few stories going on. The same with this book. You are never sure who the bad or good guys are. A must read for 2018.

The Hogarth Shakespeare series is both brilliantly conceived and brilliantly executed. I have read each of the books in the series and enjoyed each one. Some are creative and capable, some are outstanding.

Jo Nesbo presents MacBeth as a very dark and menacing story. I have seen the play performed several times and always enjoyed it. This book was filled with tension from page one. I had to read it in very small spurts because it disturbed me.

My personal reaction is not a condemnation of this book, just a preference for a different style of fiction. I enjoy character studies and complex relationships, but the darkness overwhelmed me in Nesbo's story.

NetGalley provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jo Nesbo starts so SLOW

Still when updating the great Shakespeare there is no light banter I suppose. This is a bloodier update with visions of decay and rain, which lends to the cols and miserable life you are fixing to follow. I loved it,.

This crime novel is set in a dreary town in the 1970s in Norway. The town is suffering from high unemployment and a serious drug problem. The police have the difficult tasks of cleaning up the gangs and the corrupt local government. Macbeth is the head of the SWAT team under the leadership of Duncan, the honest and idealistic chief commissioner of police. Three sisters are set up by Hecate, a local crime boss, to make the prophesy that Macbeth will be first appointed head of the Organized Crime unit and then the chief commissioner.

After Macbeth tells his girlfriend, Lady, about the prophesy, she devises a plan to make them happen. Lady is a greedy woman who owns an upscale gambling casino and sees this as a way to increase her profits and gain political power. Hecate, a local kingpin, sees Duncan as a threat but feels that he can manipulate Macbeth, a user of the local drug “brew” that Hecate’s men produce and distribute.

In order for Macbeth to achieve his goal, many people are ruthlessly killed. Former friends become enemies as Macbeth finds ways to eliminate almost everyone in his rise to the top.

This book is part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series. Contemporary author’s have been challenged to create modern books based on the themes of Shakespearean works. Shakespeare’s Macbeth was a Scottish prince and Nesbo’s Macbeth is a Norwegian police officer. However both use ruthless methods to achieve their goals and both end up with the same fate.

The book was long but keeps the reader’s interest. The author portrays a rotting seaside town where the sun rarely shines and there is little hope for the inhabitants. Even as the book ends, there is little hope that things will change soon.

Macbeth, the latest from award-winning author Jo Nesbo, is a departure from his iconic Harry Hole series. Interestingly, this is part of a new literary venture known as Hogarth Shakespeare, a series of Shakespearean stories retold and reset by modern authors. In this one, Macbeth is the leader of the SWAT team. Along with chief of police Duncan, Macbeth must bring down the powerful drug-lord Hecate. As this fast-paced tale unfolds, the psychological interplay between Macbeth and Hecate intensifies to the breaking point—-and beyond. Their conflict will take the reader into the underbelly of an unidentified Nordic town as well as into the dark recesses of Macbeth’s mind. He is an incredibly complicated character and not opposed to employing violence when necessary. Many of the other characters are equally well drawn and the plotting is convoluted to say the least. Nesbo is a great storyteller, and Macbeth is an example of his skill. Highly recommended.

DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly, Samantha Cody, and Dub Walker thriller series

Although I have enjoyed his other books, this one didn't grab me the same way. I finished it but...

Its really hard to go wrong with Jo Nesbo. Atmospheric, dark, they all smoke....it is a piece that is based many years ago and its nice to not have cell phones, drones and other truly obnoxious tools of the modern world.
It's a true storyteller's story.

If I’ve learned nothing else from listening to Last Podcast on the Last‘s episodes about Jonestown, it’s that one should always head for the hills once the leader starts taking amphetamines. When I pair that with a lesson I learned from Shakespeare—that one should run from anyone with this particular name—I know that Jo Nesbø’s Macbeth is going to be a furious bloodbath with few survivors, directed by two people who are out of their heads with power and guilt.

In Nesbø’s version of Shakespeare’s play, another retelling in Hogarth’s series, the action plays out in an unnamed setting that I think is a version of Glasgow in the 1970s. Here, Macbeth is the head of the city’s SWAT team. Duff is an Inspector with Organized Crime. Duncan has just become chief commissioner. In the background, the head of a drug manufacturing and selling syndicate named Hecate starts to pull strings. Macbeth and Duff are visited after a raid (that Duff screwed up and Macbeth rescued) by three of Hecate’s minions, who tell the men that Macbeth will be promoted to Head of Organized Crime and, later, chief commissioner.

This “prophecy” kicks of a series of murders, murders to cover up those murders, and yet more murders to cover up the cover-up murders. Readers of Nesbø and Shakespeare should find it all pretty familiar. My big problem with the book was that I didn’t buy some of the early leaps of logic made by Lady, Macbeth’s lover and partner. Once she learns about Hecate’s prophecy, she almost immediately goes off the rails. She plays on Macbeth’s insecurity about his lower class origins and past traumas to get him to kill Duncan. If he can take over, she tells him, he can make the city better for everyone. So he starts killing. And, as in Shakespeare’s play, everything starts to go to hell right rapidly.

I don’t know if enjoy is the right word for how I feel about this retelling of Macbeth. It’s faithful to the original plot. Lady and Macbeth are appropriately tortured. I rather liked how Duff’s character was developed. But since this book can be summed up as murder after murder until most of the characters are dead, I feel like it lacks some of the emotional depth of Shakespeare’s version. I knew that anything written by Nesbø would be gory; I’m not surprised by that. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by the other books in the Hogarth series, which do take the opportunity to take on problems in the original Shakespeare or put a new spin on things. This Macbeth is more like the story was lifted and dropped into a different setting and with the great speeches trimmed away.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration. It will be released 5 April 2018.

DNF @ 50%

While I've enjoyed previous entries in the Hogarth Shakespeare series, this particular attempt didn't work. The story of Macbeth feels shoehorned in to a generic 70's crime thriller. Nesbo tries too hard to fit in each and every character from the original play, cluttering the story and distracting from its central themes. The writing style was also difficult for me to me to get into. Macbeth is one of my favorite Shakespearean plays so I kept waiting for things to click into place for me but that never happened. I just never cared about the fates of any of the characters, which made it too difficult to continue reading.

A tour de force of brutality & ambition!!! I was so excited when I discovered that the Hogarth Shakespeare series was adding Macbeth to its line up. It is my favorite of all the Shakespeare tragedies and I was looking forward to seeing how Nesbo would give it a modern twist. I have never read any of his books before but had heard very good things. He certainly did not disappoint - this soared above even my highest expectations.
The action takes place in a drug and crime-ridden city in the 1970s. Drug dealers and local crime lords hold as much power and sway over the people as do the police and politicians. The whole atmosphere is dark and visceral; you can smell and feel the dankness and despair. You are instantly dropped into this world and admittedly, at first, I was a bit confused as you are right in the action and all the players are already there. However, it didn't take long (about 15% on an e-reader) before the tale truly starts to take shape and for me, I was so engrossed, I couldn't put it down.
The characters are true to their roots as Shakespeare created them and I felt that the main premise of the action was extremely well planned and executed. The modern versions of the plot points were richly imagined and expertly woven into the final narrative. Macbeth, so strong and weak at the same time, so influenced by his Lady, easily steered, brutal yet kind, haunted and driven. Ughhh, it was soooo good! No one in this town was safe once Macbeth and Lady were set on their ultimate drive to power - aspirations and political intrigue, love for one another, plagued by their pasts - their relationship was just so spot on, there is no better way for me to describe it.
Slytherin book recommendation all day long - I absolutely adored this book! Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with a copy for review. I cannot wait for this one to hit the streets -everyone needs a dose of this! Shakespeare himself would be proud!

Jo Nesbo is a great writer and a great writer will make you care about the most despicable characters. I've never read the original and when I watched the movies... they put me to sleep. I'm also not into corrupt police storylines and drug novels bore me. Yet, this Macbeth kept me involved and turning the pages. The way Nesbo establishes Macbeth as a good, likable guy in a few chapters makes you root for him even when he starts losing his mind. Poor Baquo, such a great, loyal friend is murdered in a horrific way and yet you keep cheering Macbeth on. The rest of the characters is black and white. A corrupt addicted Lennox. A conflicted, selfish and unlikable (Mac)Duff. I read the synopsis of the original and the way Nesbo updated and adapted the story is impressive. Macbeth does everything for (a very misguided kind of) love. Even if you know what's going to happen, the ending is still suspenseful. The descriptions are almost cinematic and make you feel the rain, the filth, the smell of the docks. The book is a little long, but the rhythm makes it interesting until the very last word.