Super scary book. I love the writers behind Lars Kepler, I just wish the books were easier to find in the US. This book does not disappoint and must have for fans of the Joona Lima series.

The Nightmare is the second book in the popular Joona Linna series by bestselling Swedish author Lars Kepler (actually a husband and wife team). The writing has been compared to that of Stieg Larsson, and the settings are similar. In this novel, a body is found, then more bodies, that don’t seem to be connected. But the protagonist, Penelope Fernandez, chairperson of the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society, has made some political enemies, and the murders may be connected to her. She senses that the killer is after her and, with her boyfriend, is running; the murderer is relentless and it seems that he won’t give up.

As in the other novels in the series, the suspense starts to build immediately, and doesn’t let up throughout the novel. There are parts in the novel that are unputdownable, and readers will find themselves staying up late to find out what happens in the end.

The regular characters are back, Joona, Disa, and Saga, which makes the novel seem familiar even though the other characters are new. The authors have excellent writing skills, and do a good job of developing the characters so that they are believable. The translation is good, and it reads easily like it was originally written in English.

The book is fairly long and a bit wordy, but so fascinating that readers will want to take the extra time to read it through. There are ups and downs, as well as interesting scenarios. For those who enjoy unique, but fascinating thrillers, The Nightmare is highly recommended.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

The Nightmare is the second in the Joona Linna detective series. This one finds Linna investigating two seemingly unrelated deaths that don't particularly make sense. How does a woman drown, but never touch water? And how does a man hang himself with nothing in his apartment at all? These cases lead Linna down a dark, complex, mysterious path. If you enjoy dark mysteries, this is a series you'll have to get your hands on. Start with The Hypnotist, but do not hesitate to pick up The Nightmare soon after! You won't regret it.

A long complex book involving numerous characters and several story lines. The reader along with criminal investigation force, struggles to identify motive for life and death hunt of high profile politician by unknown assailant. We are introduced to numerous protagonists, all with their own secrets and hidden agendas. Machiavellian plots by people in high places surround an intrigue covering all stratas of society. Incredibly well written, huge attention to detail, and a gradual pace that allows the unfolding plot to gather speed with a thrilling intensity. The detective Jonas Linna, an unpredictable character with a troubled backdrop fighting his own demons insists on leading the investigation to the chagrin of Sauga Bauer, charged with responsibility as lead investigator resulting in unique teamwork incorporating dynamics and chemistry in their efforts to resolve and end the ensuing mayhem. Lars Kepler weaves an intricate plot, each chapter leading onto further tangents and aspects of this complicated mystery. The energy and effort required by the reader once immersed in this book is amply rewarded by a hugely entertaining well thought out thriller moving towards a terrifying climax and conclusion. Lars Kepler never fails to delight with a brilliant story told with the greatest of literary skill. Superb.

Joona Linda is on another case, and this one has political implications. It could have been the translation, but I had difficulty following the characters and did not feel as invested in their stories as I had in my previous read Joona Linda read. It just felt like there were too many characters, with too shallow personal stories for me to really care. The last quarter of the book was my favorite and was harder to put down...I wish the whole book had been such.

Penelope and her boyfriend Bjorn set sail with her younger sister Viola. Returning from some time spent on shore Penelope discovers her sister murdered and the killer after them.
When the Director General is found hanging from a hook on the ceiling Joona is called in to investigate. He is a detective with special skills and can feel the presence of the victim long after the body has been removed. The two cases are connected and Joona has to work out how. He knows this isnt the work of an ordinary killer and more victims will follow.
This is the first Joona Linna novel I have read (wont be my last either) by husband and wife authors and I felt they made a great team. My favourite character was Joona as I found his unique talent intriguing although knowing a little of his past would have been an advantage. People with special skills eg photographic memory have always been fascinating to read about in true life or novels. I am also a fan of crime novels by Swedish authors. This book was well translated, immensely enjoyable to read and highly recommended. Be prepared for an unusual and interesting ending leaving things open for a sequel.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy of the uncorrected proof in return for an honest review.

The Nightmare, a dark Swedish murder mystery, is the second installment with Detective Inspector Joona Linna. The author, Lars Kepler, is actually the married couple Alexander Ahndoril and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril. Joona Linna is tasked with investigating two puzzling incidents: one of a drowned woman found in her dry clothing alone on a boat and also the apparent suicide of a man found hanging in his apartment. It soon becomes apparent that the two are linked. With the help of Swedish Security Police Detective Saga Bauer, the pair set about solving the mysteries as it becomes clear that a psychopath involved in arms sales is the key. As the investigation reveals, others are also in danger of being killed by this cruel man. This is an edge-of-your-seat thriller. I look forward to reading more in the series. Thank you to Knopf Doubleday Publishing, NetGalley and Lars Kepler for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Nightmare is a helluva fun read. Kepler's novels, though distinctly Scandinavian, are not in a category with Nesbo or Jonasson or even Lackberg. There is no slow, deep, dark broodiness in the Nightmare. The pace is swift, the style is sparse without being grim, and the characters are often unhappy but not necessarily as tragic as say Harry Hole. I've given the analogy a lot of thought, and I have decided that of all authors I know, Kepler's writing is most like that of Jack Higgins. Lots of action, no wasted words, everything starkly clear. The topic of the novel starts out like typical Scandi-Noir: an inexplicable murder. But about halfway through the novel turns into an international action flick- another way it's like Higgins. But here's the bottom line: this novel is very, very, fun to read. I ignored phone calls and stayed up too late several times while reading it. Bravo!

Swedish husband-and-wife team Lars Kepler delivers a fast-paced, gripping thriller with THE NIGHTMARE—the second book in the Joona Linna series.

First, a woman is found dead on a boat, her companions, vanished. The next day, a man is discovered hanging in his home under suspicious circumstances.

Stockholm detective inspective Joona Linna is called to both cases, which are seemingly unrelated at first. One seems like a suicide, but it doesn’t feel quite right, while the other case becomes more bizarre as details are revealed. The woman in the boat died of drowning, but shows no sign of actually being in the water.

Joona Linna soon finds himself caught in a tangled web of dangerous deception, pulled into the sinister world of arms export business. Worse yet, there’s a professional killer trailing behind, ensuring no evidence or witnesses remain.

This is the second book I’ve read by Lars Kepler, and I’ve somewhat read them out of order unfortunately. The other novel I read and loved is THE SANDMAN, and I need to go back and read the first book in the series, THE HYPNOTIST.

With THE NIGHTMARE, Kepler once again delivers a story that’s immersive and unflinching, both compelling and complex—I was never bored or confused despite the multi-layered plot. The characters are thoughtfully nuanced and interesting, making you want to know more about them as individuals.

This series really strikes the right balance between plot complexity and propulsive pacing. While things take time to unravel and connect, there is enough going on, enough surprises and twists, to keep you rapt from beginning to end.

I can’t wait to continue with the series.

As most of you probably know, The Nighmare is the second in a series of books set in Sweden written by a husband and wife team under the name Lars Kepler. The series features detective Joona Linna. I must admit that I have read all the later books and this one suffers just a little in comparison. But having said that, the storyline is complex, Joona Linna is great as the main character and the good news is that the series just keeps getting better.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

this novel has been keeping me up too late! Joona is a wonderful detective, prescient beyond human capacity in his way! but it is later in the novel when he teams up, despite his department's resisting his continuing participation, that he meets the eccentric Saga - battling for her place in the force, she has trouble enforcing her seniority but Joona finally susses her smarts (as she does his, despite what is perceived as his arrogance -well, he is always right). the author has a tic of writing dialogue that is clipped off - because someone else is responding or because they are marking time - that is annoying, but despite all that, the serial killer they are chasing are a real challenge to these talented detectives and their top-notch team - and, all to say, at the ending, why didn't I see it too? deals also with environmental issues and terrorism in common-sensical ways. very good value all around ... highly recommended by me!

Two odd murders, how does one hang themselves without furniture around to step or jump from and how does a woman drown while on in the cabin of a boat completely dry? Joona Linna eventually connects the two and never gives up, preventing more deaths in this complicated literal nightmare for the mother and sister of the woman on the boat.

Joona Linna's cases and life keep you wanting more and more yet give information out like a broken candy machine that only gives you one tiny piece at a time. Stay with it, it's worth it.

THE NIGHTMARE: A Joona Linda Novel
Lars Kepler; translated by Neil Smith
Vintage Crime
978-0-525-43310-1
Trade Paperback
Thriller

Let me describe how good THE NIGHTMARE. I know. I know. That’s why we’re here, correct? The best way to tell you why this fine, fine slice of Nordic noir is so worthy of attention is that it actually provided the impetus for me to listen to classical music. I have listened to more of that genre in the last couple of days since finishing THE NIGHTMARE than I have in over six decades. A composer and violinist named Niccolo Paganini who was active in the first half of the nineteenth century is the reason. Paganini was the Jimi Hendrix and Robert Johnson of his age. His art figures prominently as part of the subplot to THE NIGHTMARE. When I finish writing this I am going to pick up THE NIGHTMARE and read it again with Paganini’s compositions playing in the background. I am in fact listening to his “Caprice No. 24” as performed by David Garrett as I write this. Two weeks ago, it never would have happened. That’s how good THE NIGHTMARE is.

I am, of course, getting ahead of myself here, but it’s important to me that you read this fine book which is the second in a remarkable series written by the husband and wife team of Coelho and Alexander Ahndoril under the collective name of Lars Kepler. This newly re-published edition (with a brand-spanking new translation by the estimable Neil Smith) is worth obtaining and reading even if you have read the previous edition, for reasons which will be made clear within the first few pages. Joona Linda, the Swedish police detective whose uncanny powers of observation and deduction may put you somewhat in the mind of a classic British police consultant, is an instantly memorable creation with an occasionally prickly personality and a dry wit which is the sharp point of his superior intellect. He is fully challenged in THE NIGHTMARE, where a pair of mysterious deaths hide a much deeper puzzle with international implications.
It’s those deaths and the mystery that surrounds each of them that propel THE NIGHTMARE. The first consists of the discovery of the body of a young woman on a yacht. Her death was caused by drowning, but she was obviously never in the water. The second involves the corpse of a man found hanging in his empty apartment. The immediate question is how he got there, since it seems at first that it would have been all but impossible for him to do it to himself. The seeming unlikelihood of these deaths is but the point of the spear, however. Linda is ultimately able to discern how they occurred. We know, of course, that the deaths are going to somehow be related but the manner in which Kepler slowly brings the two occurrences together and then colors in the spaces between them is a singular experience indeed. Meanwhile, a very motivated and driven killer stalks the Swedish countryside, pursuing a couple for an unknown reason and mowing down anyone who happens to get in his way. It all gets sorted out, with the man behind the curtain ultimately revealed, but what a wonderful, beautiful ride it is in the meanwhile, from first page to last, with Kepler providing a deus ex machina near the quietly chilling ending which provides a potential storyline for a future novel, or maybe several of them.

THE NIGHTMARE is seriously riveting and wondrously told. More is on the way, and quickly. You will want to read each and every word of each and every book in this series. Start with THE HYPNOTIST, continue with THE NIGHTMARE, and wait for THE FIRE WITNESS, which will be here before the end of the year. Strongly recommended.

Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
© Copyright 2018, The Book Report, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Nightmare is a police procedural mystery set in Sweden. The story kicks off with the mystery death of a woman on a boat. The death is subsequently ruled a homicide. The woman is initially thought to be that of Penelope Fernandez, a prominent pacifist, locally known for her vehement opposition to arms dealing and weapon trading. However, the body is soon identified as that of Viola Fernandez, Penelope’s younger sister. Viola Fernandez is found on a boat adrift. The boat is registered to Penelope Fernandez’s boyfriend Bjorn. Bjorn and Penelope are missing, and presumed dead. The police do not know that Penelope and Bjorn have fled into the forests on the island with a professional assassin in pursuit.

Meanwhile in another part of Sweden, authorities have been dispatched to the apartment of Carl Palmcrona. He is the head of a firm who is in charge of exporting weapons and ammunition from Sweden to other countries, and he has just committed suicide. Joona Linna of the National Crime Unit is called in as a consult in the case of Carl Palmcrona. Joona is an expert in his field, and he is also known to have an uncanny ability to see beyond the obvious in a crime scene. His insight has allowed him to solve many cases considered unsolvable. As Joona begins investigating the death of Carl Palmcrona, it becomes apparent that the death of Viola Fernandez is linked.

The link leads Joona to cross paths with Saga Bauer and her elite police unit. As Joona starts to dig deeper, he crosses paths with the assassin sent to execute Penelope Fernandez. It becomes apparent to Joona that this is no ordinary murderer. It is clear this is a hired assassin known as a fixer. Whoever hired the fixer has an agenda and has secrets they don’t want exposed. Saga and Joona must work together to expose whoever sent the fixer, and find the only witness they have left, Penelope Fernandez. The Nightmare is an action packed, fast paced procedural novel. Each main character is deeply flawed. The novel speaks clearly of the moral treachery of industrialized nations funneling weapons into and near areas that are already in conflict.

This is the second in the Jonna Linna detective series and an absolute pleasure to read and review. Joona is a fantastic lead character with very exceptional physical and mental skills, together with a few flaws and past demons still to be dealt with. The story begins with two deaths, apparently a drowning and a suicide. Soon it appears that the wrong victim was drowned and the victim's sister, a prominent peace activist, and her partner have disappeared and may be being hunted down by a hitman. Joona sees connections and clues where no one else does and before long the two deaths and a number of building fires form the basis of a huge investigation involving the arms' trade abroad. The book is well written and all the strands become woven together as the plot unfolds and sweeps the reader along to a dramatic ending leaving something of a cliff-hanger for Joona. I am already looking forward to reviewing book number three.

The Nightmare by Lars Kepler is the 2nd in the Detective Joona Linna series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Homicide Detective Joona Linna works for the National Criminal Investigation Department in Sweden. His father was a policeman who was killed on the job when Joona was 12, so he was raised by his mother. After his military service as a paratrooper, he was recruited into Special Operations, and qualified for special training in the Netherlands in mixed close combat, innovative weaponry, and urban guerrilla warfare. He is respected by his peers, and somewhat envied, but considered stubborn, and somewhat aloof. His need to be “right” is a strange quirk. His crime solve rate is high, probably because of his empathy. He can understand, but not condone, the criminal mind, and anticipates the perpetrators moves. He is driven, driven to keep going until the crime is solved. He suffers from a rare form of migraine, but refuses to take the drug when he is working a case, since it makes him drowsy.

My Synopsis:
When a young woman is found on a yacht floating in the harbor, it seems strange that the cause of death is drowning, because her clothes are dry. With the dead woman’s sister and her sister’s boyfriend missing, Joona insists on being part of this case. It quickly becomes obvious that the wrong woman was murdered. That means Penelope and her boyfriend Bjorn are still out there, being hunted. Penelope is chairperson of the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society. Who would want a peace lover killed?

Meanwhile, Carl Palmcrona, who makes the final decisions regarding arms exports for Sweden, is found hanging from his bedroom ceiling. It is a suicide, but how could he have hung the noose, as there was nothing for him to stand on. Another puzzle. When the two are finally linked, the net will be wide.

Saga Bauer is a detective with the Security Police who specializes in counterterrorism. She will work closely with Joona to solve these crimes.

My Opinions:
I read this book many, many years ago, but when offered the ebook through NetGalley, I am hooked all over again. I had forgotten how good these books are. Joona Linna is in a class all by himself. I love the way his mind works. I know Saga Bauer has her own series, but I had not read them, so I loved the fact that the authors brought her into this one…of course, now I have another series I’ll have to look into. I’m okay with that.

The book is fairly long, but the pace is fast. A lot of action, and a lot of suspense. It is written using different points of view, so that you know what is going on with each main character, without any confusion as to timelines. (You just want Joona or Saga to get there on time).

I love the characters that Kepler creates…not just Joona and Saga. I loved the integrity of Alex, the naivety of Beverly, the insanity of Raphael, and the love of a mother for her daughters. We are also learning a bit more about Joona’s background, and his rather strained relationship with his girlfriend Disa.

It was a good book, and I’m looking forward re-reading the next!

I recently finished reading The Hypnotist, and I feel in love with Joona Linna. So I was very excited to dig into the second book of the series. I think I preferred this book than The Hypnotist. I rated them both 4 stars, but for very different reasons.

One thing I love about Lars Kepler is the outstanding writing. I know the book is translated, but it's very well translated. It's so descriptive and atmospheric at times. There is a lot of talk of boats and ocean in this one, so it felt extra eerie to me.

My only issue with this novel is that it's quite political, and if you know me you know how I absolutely hate political and historical books. However, even though most of the story was revolving around political issues, I still found the book well balanced. There was a lot of musical talk, which I'm a piano player so I can appreciate the classical historical talk about musicians and composers.

The ending was grand and great, in my opinion, and let's just say it ended on a cliffhanger ! I need to read the next books in the series ASAP !

If this wouldn't of been too political for my taste, this book could of easily been a 5 star read for me! Highly recommend.

It can be fustrating to absolutely fall in love with a series then have difficulty finding it available. Mr Kepler just keeps delivering the chills.

What does a simple photograph have to do with so many deaths? Penelope is about to go with her boyfriend Bjorn on a boat trip when her sister joins them as well and everything will change in an instant. Can Detective Joona Linna find out what happened on that boat? There is nothing simple about the case as there is one dead young woman and Penelope and her boyfriend are missing. And now he can't be the lead on the case as someone seems to think that it is linked to extremist groups but Joona knows that isn't true. There is something else going on here he just needs to find out what so that he can find the two missing persons. Now another person has committed suicide at first Joona thinks nothing of it but there is a link there somewhere and when he does figure it out it will change the course of the investigation as they are dealing with a fixer. Penelope doesn't know how much longer she can keep on going for it seems like the killer is always there like he knows their every move. And now that she knows why he is after them she can't believe that her sister died because of a photograph that doesn't seem important at all. Will they ever be found?
The photograph is the key and the four people in it have changed the lives of some many but not in a good way. They are greedy people caught in a web that there is only one way out and that is death. Will Joona be able to find the proof that he needs to stop the shipment before it is too late? Never can get enough of Joona's stories as he is a good cop that never gives up he is like a dog with a bone always looking never wavering in his work. I do think that he needs to sort things out with Disa before it is too late. She is good for him. Can't wait for the next book. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.

I would like to thank Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Nightmare’, second in the DI Joona Linna series written by Lars Kepler, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
The body of a woman is found on a drifting yacht, initially thought to be Penelope Fernandez the chairperson of the Swedish Peace & Arbitration Society, but turning out to be her sister Viola. Then John Bengtsson is found hanging on a line in his apartment. Both are considered suicides but DI Joona Linna of the National Crime Unit thinks different.
I was keen to read this novel and the start was promising but I only managed to get a third of the way through before I abandoned it. Maybe because it’s not the type of novel I would normally enjoy, but I found it slow and tedious and soon lost interest in the plot which was heavy and unbelievable. I didn’t like the characters who came over as unrealistic, and Joona Linna annoyed me by appearing to know better than everybody else. From looking at other reviews I’m sure a lot of readers love this novel but I’m afraid I’m not one of them.