I have been a longtime fan of the Harry Hole novels authored by the great Jo Nesbo. “Blood Ties” by Nesbo is a typically interesting book since Nesbo is a fantastic writer who can really “ spin a yarn.” This book picks up from a previous novel entitled “Tithe Kingdom” but I had not read it. Probably better if you read these books in order although not necessary. This book is narrated by one of two brothers who both have serious character flaws. Both work outside the law and both do not concern themselves with morality. There are past crimes in their resumes and there continue to be corrupt business deals amongst assorted crimes.

If you like the bleak Scandinavian Noir type of book, but with more characters and less snow, this is a good one. The snow and ice and winter isolation still factor into this story, but it is more about the catastrophic consequences of child abuse and about people trying to build new lives against tough odds. We spend a lot of time in the mind and perspective of a killer, enough to be somewhat sympathetic, but not so much that it feels too creepy. I enjoyed this book, I think the second book I've read by this author, and will definitely read more.

My rating: 3.75 stars rounded up to 4

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.

Thanks for the ARC! I enjoyed this book, although enjoy may not be exactly the right word for something this bleak. But I did like it, and would read more books by Jo Nesbo. It actually makes me very curious to go back and read The Snowman, which I only know from the not particularly well liked movie. I suspect though, after having read Blood Ties, that the book version is much better. If you like Scandinavian Noir, Blood Ties delivers.

Blood Ties by Joe Nesbo

First off, if you're looking for a book with a lot going on, this is the one! I have to admit, it's my first book by Joe Nesbo. I can confidently say it won't be the last, as thrillers and suspense novels are my favorites. I'm actually in the process of getting others by him including the one "Blood Ties" is the sequel to. Though it isn't the first book in the story of Roy and Carl, you can absolutely read it standalone if you wish. I did and I only missed on a few questions here and there which were probably answered in the first book.

Nesbo does a great job of establishing the characters and their relationships; some are a little questionable but it adds to the suspense. Roy is what one would call an unreliable narrator, as it feels like there's things he tries to hide from the reader. It isn't a turnoff at all, and actually adds not only to the depth of his character but also the story itself.

There's a lot to be said about one's morality and loyalty to one's family, as Roy faces many decisions which walk a fine line between the two. To avoid spoilers I won't mention things specifically, but it really shows how complicated life can be when dealing with family and the conflicting choices one has to make whether to stay by their side or go your own way.

As stated previously, there's a lot going on in this book. You won't find yourself bored wondering when things are going to happen: they almost always are, nonstop. There's bribery and espionage, murder, and so many mysteries within mysteries you may wanna bring your detective notebook!

I also like reading books from other countries and regions, as a writer's background can heavily impact their writing it makes things different, whether in how a place is governed or in the things that are important in the community.

Some key themes of the book are the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of choice. One thing that drives the story itself is how consequences can shape our destiny, whether immediate or for the future.

I rated "Blood Ties" with 4 stars out of 5. It's good, well worth the read and I recommend it.

Thanks for NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.

Carl and Roy are brothers determined to dominate their town, resorting to bribery and even murder to stay in control. Roy’s involvement with Shannon (Carl’s wife) felt unsettling, and the town takeover plot failed to keep me engaged. The side plot of Sheriff Kurt’s relentless search for justice, convinced the brothers killed his father, brought some tension. Yet, not enough of o keep me completely engaged.

Esta segunda entrega de Kongeriket de los hermanos Opgard, continúa desarrollando los problemas, asesinatos, intrigas, celos y envidias, además de poner a prueba las lealtades entre Carl y Roy.

Fue entretenido, pero no me cautivó. Además, hubo temas que no me gustaron como fueron tratados.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Blood Ties by Jo Nesbø is a masterful exploration of loyalty, family, and the dark side of human nature, set against the backdrop of the Norwegian village of Os. This gripping thriller continues the story of Roy and Carl Opgard, the siblings from Nesbø’s earlier novel, The Kingdom.

The novel opens with a chilling scene that sets the tone for the high-stakes drama to follow.

Nesbø’s ability to create tension and suspense is on full display, as he weaves a narrative that is both compelling and unpredictable.

Roy and Carl are deeply flawed yet relatable, their sibling rivalry and shared history adding layers of complexity to the story. Nesbø delves into their psyches, exploring the motivations and fears that drive their actions. This character-driven approach makes the novel not just a thriller, but a profound study of human relationships and the bonds that tie us together.

Nesbø’s writing is as sharp and evocative as ever. His descriptions of the Norwegian landscape are vivid and atmospheric, creating a sense of place that is integral to the story. The village of Os, with its secrets and tensions, becomes a character in its own right, its cold, remote setting amplifying the novel’s themes of isolation and desperation.

The plot of Blood Ties is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Nesbø expertly balances action with introspection, allowing for moments of quiet tension that build to explosive climaxes. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the story never loses its grip on the reader’s attention.

Blood Ties is a compelling and thought-provoking thriller that showcases Jo Nesbø’s talent for storytelling. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric setting, this novel is a must-read for fans of crime fiction.

Whether you’re new to Nesbø’s work or a longtime fan, Blood Ties is sure to captivate and intrigue, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Opgard brothers’ saga.

Nesbo
I love love love Harry Hole, so I approached this series cautiously. But, secrets, murder, and betrayal, and two characters who are worth a series, and you have another Nesbo hit.

This is the second in the series but stands alone, though I do encourage you to pick up the first. You won't be disappointed. Ha, ha, ha. Like you could be disappointed with a Jo Nesbo book. That's a good one.

They really need to change the star system. Im choosing five but its really a ten.

Bloodlines by Jo Nesbo

This book is part of a series which can also be read as a standalone, I however have not read the previous books and was enthralled just the same.

This book is about the dark side of humans at its best! Carl and Roy Opegard are from a small Norwegian town and this follows their story about how Roy and his brother have built their hotel called Os Spa and Roy is planning on building an amusement park. As stress tightens Carl is wanting Roy to help him save the hotel as it faces trouble alone but the local sheriff has other ideas as he now has evidence linking the two brothers to his father’s death.
This book was gritty and edgy as you follow the lives of these men, looking around every corner as to the cleverness of these men rise above.

Thank you NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, and Vintage catalog!

Blood Ties by Jo Nesbo

I’ve read all of Nesbo’s Harry Hole series and a few standalones, but I didn’t realize this was an addition to another series until after receiving the ARC. While this is the second in a series, it isn’t necessary to have read the first - it did not diminish my enjoyment of this one. Now I’ll have to go back and read the first.

Given the economics of small villages, Os was heading towards financial decline. With the possibility of a new tunnel connecting major cities, the main road would be re-routed, and Os would have even fewer visitors, no longer being on the road to a big city destination. Businesses and jobs would be lost, including those of the Opgard brothers, Carl and Roy; owners of the spa and hotel, gas station and bar, respectively. This is a story of deceit, secrets, murder, infidelity, retribution, with a touch of sibling rivalry and competition thrown in. Nesbo’s characters are complex – while they may act in evil ways (ends justifying the mean?), does that make them inherently evil?

The story is a slow burn and picks up about midway into the book and I found it hard to put down. If you like the Harry Hole series, you will enjoy this one – a flawed main character and noir sub-genre.

Thank you to NetGalley, Knopf, and Jo Nesbo for an ARC of this book.
Amazon review to be added when published in the U.S.

I'm a longtime fan of Jo Nesbo. He has written one of my favorite series of books ("Harry Hole") and he had the concept for one of my favorite TV series (Okkupert). That being said, Blood Ties might be the best thing he has ever produced. It's masterful. Poignant at times. Violent at times. Even funny at times. Always enthralling. This is the work of a writer at the top of his game. The story of Carl and Roy Opgard is an instant classic. It's a staggering tale of love and death. It's not to be missed. Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor & NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

10 stars - Nesbo never disappoints! Complex tapestry of receipt, lies, secrets, betrayals, infidelity, assault, and murder - woven through intense and broken characters in a small town looking to revive. Money is power, and information the currency. Not to be missed!

Wonderful book Joe husband is very detailed and detail oriented I was anxious to get to the end. Cover is mysterious and dark looking

Nesbo brings it again! Blood Ties is the tale of two brothers -Carl and Roy Opgard. Both are successful but that will rapidly come to an end with the construction of a new highway bypass. The brothers both have violent pasts and have no qualms with taking the matter into their own hands. Add in the town sheriff and suddenly there is an intense cat and mouse game made more intense by the idea of how much can each brother trust the other.

Perfect plot! All Nesbo fans will rejoice and hopefully sign up a new group of fans

#jonesbo #bloodties #knopfpantheonvintage

🌌✨ Okay, like, Blood Ties is a total vibe of family loyalty and dark secrets! ✨🌌 Set in this super cute but eerie Norwegian village called Os, it’s all about these brothers, Roy and Carl Opgard, who are, like, dealing with their seriously twisted past—think seven murders! 😱 Carl tells the story, so you really get to feel their complicated relationship and all the moral dilemmas, you know?

At first, it’s a bit slow, but OMG, the second half? It totally takes off! You get all the suspense and tension that Nesbø is famous for. The brotherly dynamics and their small-town life are, like, super vividly described, making the setting just as intriguing as the drama! 🌲💔

Even if you haven’t read The Kingdom, don’t worry; this one totally stands alone. Fans of Nesbø will dig the character depth, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of his Harry Hole series.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 I’m giving it four stars for this chilling tale of blood ties and moral complexity! Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion! 📚💖

Could not identify with the underlying moral leaning excuses for the violence.
Nesbo always does a fine job with characters and environment and this story was no different.
Brothers and quasi business partners, Roy and Carl have little moral fiber and while I appreciate the
role this plays in the story development of this particular tale, it was just not my thing.
Their shady dealings with present and past developers in their town have them on the
watch list of the town's equally unscrupulous sheriff
I could not feel any redeeming qualities in them, or, in fact, in almost any character.
I do so enjoy the Hole stories; simply could not embrace this offering.

Jo Nesbo creates an aura that’s incredibly dark, haunting, and impossible to turn away from. The scenery takes on a life of its own along with the flawed and incredibly life-like characters that keep you hooked in as the twists drive the narrative with precision in keeping you engaged completely.

I’ve been a Jo Nesbo fan for years. The Snowman may be one of my favorite books of all time. This book however, just wants for me. I think the overarching storyline was interesting. I think the characters were interesting. But the story just didn’t do it for me. Things didn’t mesh the way I wanted them to mesh and the conclusion wasn’t as satisfying as I would have liked it. I think it has the pieces, that puzzle is just not quite built.

Thanks to Jo Nesbo, Alfred A Knopf, and NetGalley for providing me an advanced reading copy.

The dark side of human nature and the complexities of familial bonds are explored in “Blood Ties” by Jo Nesbø.

   Blood Ties’ richly character-driven narratives about loyalty, ambition, and survival take us back to the Norwegian village of Os and the passive-aggressive siblings Roy and Carl Opgard (”The Kingdom”).

   The Opgard Brothers' dark secrets, personal ambitions, and professional rivalries were a malignancy that they chose to ignore—a festering gangrene. It was only a matter of time…

   Making matters worse, was the highway department bypassing Os for a more direct route to Oslo?

   And after a decade, would they be implicated in deaths previously ruled as accidents?

   JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Jo Nesbø, and Publisher Random House UK for this advanced readers copy for review.