The Kingdom

A Novel

By: Robert Ferguson - Translator, Jo Nesbø

Narrated by: Euan Morton

“I read The Kingdom and couldn’t put it down ... Suspenseful ... Original ... This one is special in every way.” (Stephen King)

Two brothers. One small town. A lifetime of dark secrets. A tense and atmospheric standalone thriller from best-selling author Jo Nesbø.

Roy has never left the quiet mountain town he grew up in, unlike his little brother Carl who couldn't wait to get out and escape his troubled past. Just like everyone else in town, Roy believed Carl was gone for good. But Carl has big plans for his hometown. And when he returns with a mysterious new wife and a business opportunity that seems too good to be true, simmering tensions begin to surface and unexplained deaths in the town's past come under new scrutiny. Soon powerful players set their sights on taking the brothers down by exposing their role in the town's sordid history.

But Roy and Carl are survivors, and no strangers to violence. Roy has always protected his younger brother. As the body count rises, though, Roy's loyalty to family is tested. And then Roy finds himself inextricably drawn to Carl's wife, Shannon, an attraction that will have devastating consequences. Roy's world is coming apart and soon there will be no turning back. He'll be forced to choose between his own flesh and blood and a future he had never dared to believe possible.

©2020 Jo Nesbo (P)2020 Random House Audio

Mountaintop Murders

Jo Nesbo is a master at creating crime drama. In The Kingdom, he places the drama atop a remote mountaintop in his home country of Norway. And this book is as dark as a Norwegian Winter. It is not difficult to tell the “good guys” from the “bad guys” because, in The Kingdom, the “good guys” are AWOL. The characters are complicated and intriguing. And Nesbo keeps us wondering what awful thing will happen next on this mountain where the story is set. There are times when I thought similes were stretched and used to excess. But I was still held hostage by the compelling prose that kept me listening. Euan Morton’s narration was great, as was the translation by Robert Ferguson (although I do not speak Norwegian). This book would lend itself well to a 10-part streaming video binge!

Dark and disturbing

Good character development as usual but the character was less likable- hard to cheer for him, also..unnecessarily long. Became unbelievable. Glad it’s over.

The End

When I started this 19+ hour listen, I wondered if it was worth it. It was. The delicate character development allowed me to become emotionally involved with some very ugly people. I never could determine who or what I was rooting for. The twists and turns and clever analogy kept me on my toes and wanting to listen every chance I could get. Well done Jo Nesbo. Well done.

So powerful — his best so far

I love Jo Nesbo, but this one is in a different category. Gripping and true, start to finish.

Slow burn twist on Cain and Abel

Many reviewers have said that this book is not like the Harry Hole novels and I agree wholeheartedly, but it is still excellent. Jo Nesbo has an amazing insight into human motivation and behavior, which fuels this book all the way to the agonizing end. Narration is excellent too

A truly twisted tale

Set in a Norwegian mountain village a story of both brotherhood hatred and murder. Mountain roads and old American cars.

One of the best books I’ve ever read!!!!

Loved this book! Never wanted to put it down!!! So many twists and so entertaining!! Sad it ended

Outstanding Nesbo

Many thanks to Euan Morton for bringing this book to life! His mesmerizing voice is like creamy coffee on a Norwegian mountain side. Nesbo explores the complexity of family abuse, small town life and a tormented soul in this story. Every word is important and every description is colored with nuanced detail. The author & translator deftly navigated through violence and sexuality without being cheesy or gratuitous, only authentic. I will wait patiently for another Nesbo book & another Eian Morton read.

New twist in perspective

Excellent story and character building. Connection with family dynamics so interesting. Keeps intrigue through book. As always, translation is amazing.

Dark but intriguing

The story compels the reader to read on. Descriptions are vivid without being at all tedious. The narrator sounds just as you expect Roy to sound. The author understands the painful legacy of psychological dysfunction.