Ruthless - Anne Mette Hancock

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

As this book begins, a news writer chooses to pen a story about being there for those who are dying when they have no one else. However, she develops such a friendship with the man she is visiting that she feels she cannot write about him. And then, after the man makes a comment about worrying that the judgement of death will demand "an eye for an eye" when he dies, she really becomes wrapped up in old mysteries and disappearances related to her new friend.

A well-written novel with excellent plot development, it is easy to become involved in this story, reading/listening far too long into the night, and into the next day as I completed it.

This was the first book I read by this author but it will not be my last...

Until next time.

Anne Mette Hancock releases her third novel, and fans of Scandinavian mystery fiction will not be disappointed.

Journalist Heloise Kaldan immediately recognizes there is a deeper tale to be revealed when Jan Frischof, an elderly man who is dying, makes a deathbed confession that is simply too impossible to be real. Jan quickly backtracks and cautions her that if she asks any more questions, both of them would be in danger, confirming that her gut instinct was correct. Could this gentle, elderly man be a murderer in cold blood?

Heloise instantly understands that this is a much darker and more difficult case. It is obvious that Jan is terrified of something, but it may be risky for Heloise to try to figure out what or who he is afraid of. Heloise finds out that Jan's confession is related to several decades-old disappearances as she continues her investigation.

She is constantly being misled by the police and next of kin, and she has no idea what else Jan might be concealing. Heloise, who is unsure of what she will find, enlists her friend, detective inspector Erik Schäfer, and starts her journey into the past.

The plot has many twists and turns, and she discovers a surprising reality. Heloise is persistent in her search and will even put her own life in danger. On the other side, Schäfer acts as a father figure for the occasionally overreacting Heloise, always being understanding. Because the author does not shy away from graphic violence, the work may not be suited for all readers. It is dark and harrowing.

Until the very end, this novel has you on the edge of your seat.

3.5/5

This is third in a favorite Scandinavian series of mine, can be read as a standalone. For sensitive readers there are some graphic and violent scenes. The main characters are Erik, a Homicide Investigator, and Heloise, a newspaper writer. Their paths often cross regarding cases.
Heloise Kaldan is volunteering with The Vigil, an organization for people who are dying alone have companionship. She’s attempting an article for the paper on the organization. When her current client, Jan, shares cryptic information from his past, she is compelled to investigate. She travels to a small town full of secrets and cover-ups going back decades. She seems adrift at this stage in her career and personal life. Perhaps a chance encounter with an old love will steady her. The promise she made to the dying man could cost her life. She’s digging up long buried crimes involving women who disappeared and people want it left in the past. Erik has also been struggling lately, feeling as if he’s lost his instinct. Heloise often relies on his insights and will do so again with this mystery.
I was blind to the clues and the reveal was a head slap for missing the obvious. Many twists and turns in this one! Can’t wait for the next book by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “Ruthless” A Kaldan and Scháfer Mystery #3, by Anne Mette Hancock, published by Crooked Lane Books. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

A quick read with a neat plot that was better than the previous two. The final twist was really unpredictable. The journalist police duo complement each other very well and move the story forward. There was one subplot that was not resolved. Otherwise a very good read.

This was absolutely perfect! I loved this book! It was so good. This was so perfect for a cold rainy day to get lost in.
I just reviewed Ruthless by Anne Mette Hancock. #Ruthless #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

When journalist Heloise Kalden asks questions of her hospice partner Jan Frischof about the past, she senses an untold story that needs investigation. With the help of inspector Erik Schafer the past and the present unfold their stories of unimaginable horror that will intrigue you until the very end. The third in a collection of Nordic crime thrillers with the main investigators of Kalden and Schafer, RUTHLESS keeps you guessing all the way through.
#Ruthless#NetGalley#CrookedLaneBooks

The third book in the trilogy by Anne Mette Hancock. I was eagerly awaiting this book, and was not disappointed.
Heloise Kaldan and Erik Schafer return in another dark thriller. Superbly plotted with an ingenious twist at the end.
I plan to go back and re-read the entire trilogy from the beginning. Highly recommended.

Heloise and Erik are back. Good friends,she’s a journalist and he is a detective.
Heloise has been volunteering at the Vigil, an organization that takes care of the dying. She plans to write a story about the work they do, and becomes extremely close with a patient ,Jan Fischof. Her head knows that he’s dying, but she wants to make his final days as comfortable as possible. Until he reveals the reason he is afraid to die, and Heloise sets off to find out what this man could possibly have done in his youth. She takes time off from work and heads to his old hometown, hoping to find out what has him so scared of dying( and provide him some peace if possible).
A string of missing girls that were never properly investigated, may be at the heart of Jan’s fears. But nothing is straightforward and when Heloise with help from Erik, finally figures everything out, it seems that Jan may have every reason to be afraid of the after life.
I’m sealing my lips at this point. The crimes Heloise uncovers were horrific, but her discoveries will have a lasting impact on her as well. As soon as I process Ruthless, I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next book. I just love the two main characters(and Erik’s wife, Connie too). I did not see the ending coming. 4.5 stars.

Anne Mette Hancock has a great writing style and I enjoyed every part of this book. I had enjoyed previous books such as The Corpse Flower and the collector and this was such a strong book overall. I enjyoed the cast of characters and getting to know them. It had what I enjoyed from from the genre and I'm glad I got to read this.

"Ren grabbed the woman’s hair and pulled it back with a quick jerk, causing her to let out a howl. He stood up and dragged her halfway across the room by the hair on her neck.“Get the fuck out of here!” he shouted, giving her a hard push toward the exit."

Jan Frishof, a dying elderly man, gives a deathbed confession to journalist, Heloise Kaldan. She knows something is off and begins to investigate but she doubts what he claims. Could this calm elderly man really be a killer? Heloise enlists her friend, detective Erik Schafter for help and a mysterious case begins to unfold.

As the story goes along there are many twists and turns and she uncovers a shocking truth. While I found this to be more of a murder mystery than a thriller, I enjoyed it so much all the same. I really love this lead character that the author has created and you feel so invested in her world. I look forward to more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this gifted review copy.

Do not wait to read this book! Words of warning: Be prepared to not be able to put it down, and have tissues handy. You will not be disappointed!