Macbeth by Jo Nesbø

Set in the 1970s in a run-down, industrial town, a police force struggles to shed an incessant drug problem. Duncan, the chief of police, is idealistic and visionary, a dream to the townspeople, but a nightmare for criminals. The drug trade is ruled by two drug lords, one of whom, a master of manipulation named Hecate, has connections with the highest in power, and plans to use them to get his way.

3.5 stars. I liked it. Nesbo did well with the characters and the plot, and mostly stayed true to the story about the Scot we love to hate. I feel that he could have delved deeper into Lady Macbeth's character - she is so fascinating. But a good job all round.

Macbeth (Hogarth Shakespeare) by Jo Nesbø is one of the best books I have read this month. I am rather sad that this review is so late so I do apologize for my late review but go out and get this book. I have a confession when I was in college I did 15 weeks of Shakespeare in college and this is by far my favorite Macbeth. I like many readers found the beginning very slow but a good thriller should be like a good whiskey and give you a nice slow burn. Set in the 1970's, this book focuses on a police force attempting to shed its drug problem. A dangerous drug lord named Hecate has high connections in the city and will use them to get what he wants - absolute power. He is manipulative and clever. Macbeth is a man with demons. He has addiction issues and is prone to violence and paranoia. He also just so happens to be the head of the SWAT team. I found each character complex and unique and for someone like me that is what keeps me engaged. The drug bust in this book is the turning point which keeps the reader turning pages. I find greed ambition and police corruption make for an awesome read. I actually think this would be an awesome tv show to watch. I look forward to reading more books by Jo Nesbo in the future I am very impressed by this novel. I have only read one other by him. This is a much enjoyable departure hands down you have made a new fan. Thank you Netgalley and all parties involved this was a fun ride.

As the title implies, Macbeth is a modern interpretation of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Set in a tiny town in northern Scotland, the characters are police officers rather than nobles. The law enforcement hierarchy is not too far off from that of royalty, and provides a logical setting for all of the death that ensues. While I enjoyed the interpretation, the book was a bit slow at times and could have been shorter. Nonetheless, Nesbo does a good job bringing this Shakespeare story into the modern age.