The Kingdom

The Kingdom cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Technical
  • ID: 4170
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781473559943
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2020-09-17
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Kingdom follows the story of Roy and Carl, two brothers whose lives take drastically different paths after their parents' sudden death. Roy, the responsible elder brother, stays behind in their quiet village, content with his simple life as a mechanic. Meanwhile, Carl embarks on a globe-trotting adventure in search of fortune and legacy. Years later, Carl returns with ambitious plans, but his homecoming quickly spirals into a series of violent events that put Roy's peaceful life at risk. As the body count rises, the brothers' loyalty to each other is stretched to its limits, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful climax. /n/n Praised by Stephen King for its originality and suspense, The Kingdom is a gripping tale of family, ambition, and the dark consequences of unchecked desires. The novel has been recognized as a Richard & Judy Book Club pick and a Times Crime Book of the Year, highlighting its compelling narrative and masterful storytelling. With over 60 million books sold worldwide, Jo Nesbø's work continues to captivate readers with its intense and unpredictable plots.

Reviews
Crime Review · 2021-01-16
harrowing 3.50

While the book is enjoyed, it leaves the reviewer feeling depressed by the end. It is noted that this is not the usual escapism one might expect from Nesbø.

This review notes that The Kingdom is not the typical escapism one might expect from Jo Nesbø, but rather a darker and more introspective story. The reviewer enjoyed the read but felt a sense of depression by the end, highlighting the book's exploration of darker themes and emotional trauma. They appreciate Nesbø's ability to delve into the darker recesses of the human psyche, making the book a masterclass in emotional storytelling. However, the reviewer suggests that readers should be prepared for a more somber and thought-provoking experience.


Quick quotes

    This isn't the usual Nesbo escapism and although I enjoyed the read, I realised that by the end I was feeling quite depressed.

    Nesbø has always excelled in portraying emotional trauma on the page and The Kingdom is a masterclass in the study of the darker recesses of the human psyche.

    The book is a darker and more introspective story, exploring themes of sibling rivalry and sexual jealousy in a way that is both compelling and unsettling.

Crime by the Book · 2020-11-10
excellent 4.50

The book is described as a masterful work of rural noir that immerses the reader in a small, fictional town. The story is praised for its ability to transport the reader and its compelling narrative.

This review highlights The Kingdom as a standout example of rural noir, emphasizing its atmospheric setting and engaging storytelling. The reviewer appreciates how the book pulls the reader into its world, making it a captivating read. They also note the book's slow-burn tension and the way it delves into the darker aspects of human nature, making it a memorable experience. The reviewer suggests that the book will appeal to fans of crime fiction as well as those who enjoy a well-crafted, suspenseful narrative.


Quick quotes

    THE KINGDOM is a masterful work of rural noir, a story that will pluck you up from wherever you are sitting and bring you to a small (fictional) town nestled in the mountains of northern Norway.

    The story is a slow-burning mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with a cast of characters that are as complex as they are compelling.

    Nesbø's writing is as sharp as ever, and his ability to weave a tale that is both suspenseful and deeply emotional is on full display in this novel.

Goodreads · Barb Saffer · 2020-08-27
great 4.00

The book is highly recommended as an excellent suspense story. The reviewer finds it to be a gripping and highly enjoyable read.

Barb Saffer highly recommends The Kingdom, praising it as an excellent suspense story. She finds the book to be gripping and highly enjoyable, with a narrative that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The reviewer appreciates the slow-burn elements and the way the story unfolds, making it a standout in Jo Nesbø's repertoire. They also note that the book's characters are well-developed and the plot is intricate, adding to the overall enjoyment. The reviewer suggests that fans of suspense and mystery will not be disappointed.


Quick quotes

    This is an excellent suspense story, highly recommended.

    You can't help but be drawn into the story and the characters, making it a page-turner.

    The slow-burn elements add to the suspense, making it a highly enjoyable read.

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