Midnight Sun

Midnight Sun cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Technical
  • ID: 4172
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780804172585
  • Publisher: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard
  • Published: 2016-02-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Ulf, once a trusted fixer for Oslo's most notorious drug kingpin, finds himself on the run after betraying his former boss. Hiding out in the remote northern reaches of Norway, he lives among the locals, forming an unlikely bond with a mother and son that stirs long-dormant emotions. As he awaits the inevitable confrontation with his pursuers, Ulf grapples with the possibility of redemption and the harsh reality of his past actions. The novel is praised for its brisk pace and likable protagonist, offering a gripping exploration of despair and the search for hope.

Reviews
Seven Circumstances · 2018-06-02
compelling 3.50

The novel is short and written in a spare style, with a simple plot. It depicts a failed hitman trying to escape his past.

The reviewer notes the brevity and simplicity of the novel, which is written in a spare style. They appreciate the straightforward plot and the depiction of Jon Hansen, a failed hitman trying to escape his past. The reviewer also highlights the atmospheric setting and the nightmarish qualities of the story, which add depth to the narrative. Overall, they find the book to be a compelling and engaging read, despite its simplicity.


Quick quotes

    The novel is short, written mostly in a spare style, and with a fairly simple plot.

    It depicts “Jon Hansen”, a failed hitman who tries to escape his past.

    The atmospheric setting and the nightmarish qualities of the story add depth to the narrative.

Mum of Three World · 2016-08-05
satisfying 4.00

This is a complete and satisfying story with an unlikely bond between the main characters. The reviewer loved the relationship dynamics and found the story very engaging.

The reviewer was captivated by the unlikely bond between Jon and Knut, finding it to be a central strength of the story. They appreciated the completeness of the narrative and the satisfying resolution. The reviewer also noted the emotional depth and the engaging nature of the characters, which made the story particularly enjoyable. The setting and the atmosphere were also highlighted as contributing to the overall appeal of the book.


Quick quotes

    Nesbo's Midnight Sun is a complete and, to my mind, very satisfying story.

    I loved the unlikely bond between Jon and Knut.

    The emotional depth and engaging nature of the characters make this a standout read.

Crime by the Book · 2015-12-06
beautiful 4.50

This is a beautiful, emotional short story of transformation and redemption. It is more than a crime novel, focusing on an average man's journey.

This review highlights the emotional depth and transformative journey of the protagonist. The reviewer appreciates the story's beauty and emotional resonance, emphasizing that it transcends the typical crime novel genre. They find the exploration of redemption and personal growth to be particularly compelling. The reviewer also notes the simplicity and effectiveness of the storytelling, which makes the narrative both engaging and impactful.


Quick quotes

    MIDNIGHT SUN is quite simply a beautiful, emotional short story of transformation and redemption.

    More than a crime novel, this is a story about an average man who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances.

    The emotional depth and simplicity of the storytelling make this a standout read.

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