The Son

I imagine with the growing popularity of Norwegian crime novelist Jo Nesbo, Hollywood came looking for a property they could do a film adaptation for that didn't carry the weight of a 10 book series ala Harry Hole.

Nesbo is mining familiar territory featuring a damaged cop with a dark past nearing retirement, the eager protege, rampant corruption within the force and a unique and colourful cast of underworld characters. Take for example Sonny Lofthus who has been in prison for over a decade, hooked on heroin and absolving the sins of his fellow inmates after his hero father's apparent suicide to avoid disgrace. When he finds out his father was set up and killed, Sonny kicks his habit (easy) and goes on a remarkably clear-headed but blood spattered revenge spree. Suspension of disbelief required - this feels more like a movie plot for the latest Bruckheimer movie than a literary thriller. It's made for the big screen but it's still an enjoyable page turner.