Books: Down By The Count By Martin Holmen

 (Drivebycuriosity) - Scandinavia does not belong to the most popular travel destinations, nor is the region famous for food. But the cold north of Europe created an interesting segment of crime stories, the Nordic Noir. Martin Holmén, who belongs to the newest voices of the genre, wrote the "Stockholm Trilogy"

I was impressed by his first novel "Clinch", which reminded me of Raymond Chandler`s & Dashiel Hammet´s hard boiled thrillers, but is much, much, much more violent & brutal. ( amazon). I did not like his main character, but I enjoyed the novel anyway because the author can describe characters & environments and creates a chilly but interesting atmosphere.

Unfortunately the second novel, "Down by the Count", is not as strong. Holmén`s descriptions and action scenes are still powerful but there was not much progress to Vol. 1 and there was not much of a plot. And his leading character turned out to be more pathetic.

I still recommend the "Clinch", for those who like hard boiled crime novels, but Vol. 2 is just for those who are hooked with Holmén and his unpleasant character Harry Kvist.