thesunbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
Wow. One of the best crime books I’ve ever read. Definitely wasn’t expecting that ending. The whole story is so complex and I love how everything made sense in the end. This book is definitely perfect for the spooky season and it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
maziarzl_5736's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
sarcasticnerdette's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
seeandieread's review against another edition
4.0
The Chestnut Man is an incredibly well-crafted crime thriller with graceful setups and surprising twists. I highly recommend this book to any fan of the genre. Most laudible of all, it avoids the drawn out, contrived setups of many thrillers that have the reader banging their head against the book and asking why any character would do such a thing. I was truly pleased with the ending as well.
melfurious's review
5.0
Had me guessing right to the reveal on who the Chestnut Man was and didn't even suspect it! Great read and I can now add chestnuts to my list of irrational fears.
kendrac_117's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Infidelity, Infertility, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Violence, Torture, Child abuse, Alcoholism, Death, Grief, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Mental illness, and Murder
mrose21's review against another edition
3.0
Read this as a BOM with NBRC group. Instead of a review as such going to post the DQs with answers.
I'll spoiler tag to prevent this review from being super long unless you want to read the answers.
DQ Day 1
1. At the very beginning we are hit with a chilling image and as Officer Marius is descending into the basement looking for one of the little girls he "...becomes aware of the room. Glancing around, he realizes what it's been used for. He's disgusted." What do you think this room was used for?
A place of torture?
2. We get brief look at what happens to Laura before Thulin and Hess get called out to the scene. While looking over the body and the garden Thulin notices a chestnut doll and has an odd reaction to it. "It's a simple doll consisting of two spheres and four sticks, but briefly, for some reason she can't explain, it makes Thulin's heart stop." Why do you think she had a strong reaction? Could it be a repressed memory?
Possibly?
3. Speaking of Thulin and Hess. I'm a bit put off by the both of them. Thulin seems to think homicide is boring and Hess just seems to not give a flying rat's behind about anything. What do you think of our MCs so far?
Not so keen on them but maybe they'll get better.
4. Then we have Rosa and Steen, the parents of Kristine who is missing and presumed dead. They each have a different way of handling their grief. Rosa has thrown herself into her work as a politician and Steen is drowning his sorrows in alcohol. As a parent it's really hard to imagine losing a child. How do you think you would handle losing your child? Do you think their reactions are typical for parents who have lost a child?
I don't think many people could imagine the pain of losing a child. I imagine this is fairly typical of parents who lose children.
5. Do you think Kristine Hartung is still alive? Or is it a cruel joke being played on her parents? Why or why not?
Not sure. Probably not though. Its looking unlikely.
DQ Day 2- Chapters 20 – 38
6 We have got a fair way into the book now and my first question is to ask how you feel about it? What do you like / dislike about it
I'm not that keen on this style. I'm not a fan of this genre. I thought the description looked promising. Its just a bit boring.
7. What are your impressions about the time line from Marius to Kristine to Laura?
Not sure seems pretty quick.
8. Hess and Thulin are not necessarily bosom buddies How do you see their differing working methods and relationship developing?
They'll either completely not work or they'll end up gelling very well because they will make up each others shortfalls. At the moment I can see it not working.
9. Hess insists on visiting Magnus Kjaer and showing him some photographs. What do you think is the significance of "The chestnut man" being something new?
The readers always get an advantage over the detective characters; we see things they don't and it takes longer to reach conclusions that we already know. I think its a serial killer's calling card but they've not reached that conclusion yet.
10. Erik Sejer Lassen is arrested - there is a lot going on during the chase - How do you read the events leading up to the arrest and during the questioning?
Perhaps this isn't a serial killer as such and more a person that is punishing those that he believes need punishing. Sort of like a vigilante.
DQ Day 3 - Chapters 39-62
11. Steen finds out from Kristine's friend Mathilde that they didn't make Chestnut Men last year like Rosa said. Do you think Rosa was just mistaken when she told the police Kristine made and sold them or that she purposely lied? What were her intentions if you think she lied - did she just want the cops to get out and leave her grieving family in peace, or do you think she knows something about the chestnut men and/or the killer?
I think Rosa is guilty of something, probably not reporting anything she knew or stopping it.
12. Both victims families were reported to Social Services through an anonymous tip and evidence of sexual/child abuse are later discovered. Do you think the anonymous tipper is the killer?
I wouldn't be surprised that it is. I think this is the point of him killing.
13. When Hess calls social services he speaks with social worker Henning Loeb who gives him information on Magnus, but lies about finding information about the two girls, Lina and Sofia Sejer-Lassen, after he "sees something he doesn't fully grasp, and that makes him wary." What do you think he saw and why did he lie? Do you think there is a connection here with Rosa who is the Minister for Social Affairs?
I think he saw something that could harm his reputation.
14. A few people have speculated that the basement Officer Marius enters in ch. 1 could have been used some sort of abuse, possibly child abuse. Given what we now know do you agree and do you think the killer was possibly a victim?
I had the same thought that it could be the little boy that was found at the beginning. I'm pretty sure its someone turned into a vigilante.
15. While it's clear Hauge was the one abusing Magnus we don't know for sure if Lassen was the one abusing the girls. Do you think the abuser was Lassen or his wife? (He seemed ready to offer up info on his eldest's broken nose which is the only thing giving me pause.) If the killer is reacting to the abuse, why target the mothers and not the abusers (assuming Lassen is the abuser)? Is Thulin right in speculating that in the killers eyes the mother "ought to have know... didn't react to the report."?
I think abuser is going to be one of the parents. Maybe the dad and then the mum was killed because they helped cover it up or turned a blind eye.
DQ Day 4 - Chapters 63-78
16. I could not believe how much abuse Eric afflicted on his wife and children. It made me sick to my stomach reading about how he justified his actions and knew he would get away with it. Even when he found out about his wife’s death after learning that she was planning on running away, Eric thought it was justice being served. How was your experience reading this section?
That is classic abuser behaviour. They need to justify their actions even to themselves by blaming the victim and they really believe that their victim(s) deserve it.
17. Hess is annoyed when he finds out that Nylander is in communication with his ex-boss from Interpol. There’s been hints so far as to what resulted in Hess’s dismissal from his previous job. Do you have any ideas what it might have been?
I think he has a problem with authority. He believes he is right.
18. The killer keeps distracting the police officers with incorrect leads. Did you think the killer was going to come to Jessie’s apartment? Were you surprised that her lover came instead?
Think I'll reiterate what everyone else said. Its too early for the game to be over for the killer.
19. One of the things I really like about this book is how you get multiple viewpoints from the various characters (the women before they are killed, Nylander, the cop in charge of Kristine’s case etc.) It really helps to flesh out the plot and character development. What are your thoughts about this? Do you like this type of narrative or would you have wanted the focus to be on Thulin and Hess?
Personally I don't enjoy switching of POVs.
Bonus question: The author of this book is a writer for the TV show – The Killing. Have you watched it or are you interested in watching it after reading this book?
No. Not my type of show.
DQs Day 5 - Chapters 79-98
20. Why do you think all the victims were from abusive or neglectful homes? And how do you think the minister Rosa Hartem ties into these chestnut men? Is it more than just her daughter’s “disappearance”?
I think he is punishing people he views as part of the problem regardless if they are the abuser themselves.
21. I find the character of Lunas Becker fascinating. I think he makes a great scapegoat for the crime of Katherine’s disappearance, and he seems to know something about The Chestnut Man.. What did you think about the interview Thulin and Hess have with Lunas Becker in the facility for the criminally insane?
I think like everyone else he is enjoying the running around and lack of answers from the police. Hes a sociopath and is enjoying others' pain.
22. Eskar Neergord and his wife Benedicta come up with a plan to infiltrate the Minister’s house by having Eskar hired as her private driver. That gives him direct access to her son Gustav, and when things start to go awry, Eskar and Benedicta decide to kidnap him. At the same time, the police broke into Eskar and Benedicta’s home and find all sorts of photos of the minister’s house. Do you think they are involved somehow with the chestnut dolls showing up?
Think they could be a red herring.
23. Hess appears to be the only one in the room who thinks Eskar and Benedicta are not involved in the murders of the women, even if they are involved in the kidnapping. As he looks around the command room, he seems to think they are all still dancing to invisible strings in the air. Why do you think Hess thinks that and do you agree?
I think his gut is telling him otherwise.
24. Eskar is able to stop Benedicta from hurting Gustav when they pull off into the woods. Then a strange car pulls off into the woods behind them and someone starts walking up. Later we find that both Eskar and Benedicta are dead outside the van, and the boy was saved by the task force that arrives. Who do you think followed the couple into the woods and killed them? Do you think it could be Frederick Vogel the minister’s advisor?
No I don't think its him.
25. Who do you think put the cut off hands and feet in the mini-fridge in the slaughterhouse?
I think it was to throw the police off the track they were on. Maybe they were getting too close.
DQs Day 6 - Chapters 99-113
26. How convenient that Hess found the chestnut people & animals by accident in the photo from the case in 1989. I honestly thought this could have been carried out /written better. What were your thoughts? Did you still remember they had requested the photos but never looked at them?
I didn't but then that is a small detail my brain would have kicked out. I thought a little convenient, however the author's got to throw us some bones.
27. Lol after the chapter in which Genz and Thulin went for a run I made a note to ask you guys what your thoughts were of him, and then there was this big reveal! Did you suspect him at all?
Yes.
28. It had been mentioned before that Rosa was in the foster system. Did you pick up on it back then and already make the connection? What was your theory?
No I didn't. I didn't think it was relevant at the time so I didn't pay it much attention.
29. Wow, that last chapter 113 - didn't expect this background story to hit me so hard. Did you expect anything like this? How do you feel about Rosa, her parents and the twins right now?
I felt sorrow for her because I can see she reacted based on jealousy and then regretted it but she didn't try and stop what happens with them being taken away. Also seems like a huge leap to do this to hurt Rosa. Also explains Rosa's reactions earlier to the doll. I actually disagree she was the catalyst, I feel like she is the excuse. For this to be done, that is something wrong from the get go. That isn't something that develops from one bad thing, that is born. So Rosa is the target of rage because she is one of the obvious people that wronged them but shes not the only target so its basically a revenge for everything that happened before Rosa and after Rosa I think.
30. Also, where is Frederick Vogel??? Do you think he plays a part in this, or was it just a coincidence that he wasn't there when Rosa asked about him?
I don't think he is involved perhaps an unwitting helper in it all.
DQs Day 7 - Chapters 114 - End Will post when I've answered the questions.
I'll spoiler tag to prevent this review from being super long unless you want to read the answers.
DQ Day 1
Spoiler
Day 1 DQs1. At the very beginning we are hit with a chilling image and as Officer Marius is descending into the basement looking for one of the little girls he "...becomes aware of the room. Glancing around, he realizes what it's been used for. He's disgusted." What do you think this room was used for?
A place of torture?
2. We get brief look at what happens to Laura before Thulin and Hess get called out to the scene. While looking over the body and the garden Thulin notices a chestnut doll and has an odd reaction to it. "It's a simple doll consisting of two spheres and four sticks, but briefly, for some reason she can't explain, it makes Thulin's heart stop." Why do you think she had a strong reaction? Could it be a repressed memory?
Possibly?
3. Speaking of Thulin and Hess. I'm a bit put off by the both of them. Thulin seems to think homicide is boring and Hess just seems to not give a flying rat's behind about anything. What do you think of our MCs so far?
Not so keen on them but maybe they'll get better.
4. Then we have Rosa and Steen, the parents of Kristine who is missing and presumed dead. They each have a different way of handling their grief. Rosa has thrown herself into her work as a politician and Steen is drowning his sorrows in alcohol. As a parent it's really hard to imagine losing a child. How do you think you would handle losing your child? Do you think their reactions are typical for parents who have lost a child?
I don't think many people could imagine the pain of losing a child. I imagine this is fairly typical of parents who lose children.
5. Do you think Kristine Hartung is still alive? Or is it a cruel joke being played on her parents? Why or why not?
Not sure. Probably not though. Its looking unlikely.
DQ Day 2- Chapters 20 – 38
Spoiler
6 We have got a fair way into the book now and my first question is to ask how you feel about it? What do you like / dislike about it
I'm not that keen on this style. I'm not a fan of this genre. I thought the description looked promising. Its just a bit boring.
7. What are your impressions about the time line from Marius to Kristine to Laura?
Not sure seems pretty quick.
8. Hess and Thulin are not necessarily bosom buddies How do you see their differing working methods and relationship developing?
They'll either completely not work or they'll end up gelling very well because they will make up each others shortfalls. At the moment I can see it not working.
9. Hess insists on visiting Magnus Kjaer and showing him some photographs. What do you think is the significance of "The chestnut man" being something new?
The readers always get an advantage over the detective characters; we see things they don't and it takes longer to reach conclusions that we already know. I think its a serial killer's calling card but they've not reached that conclusion yet.
10. Erik Sejer Lassen is arrested - there is a lot going on during the chase - How do you read the events leading up to the arrest and during the questioning?
Perhaps this isn't a serial killer as such and more a person that is punishing those that he believes need punishing. Sort of like a vigilante.
DQ Day 3 - Chapters 39-62
Spoiler
11. Steen finds out from Kristine's friend Mathilde that they didn't make Chestnut Men last year like Rosa said. Do you think Rosa was just mistaken when she told the police Kristine made and sold them or that she purposely lied? What were her intentions if you think she lied - did she just want the cops to get out and leave her grieving family in peace, or do you think she knows something about the chestnut men and/or the killer?
I think Rosa is guilty of something, probably not reporting anything she knew or stopping it.
12. Both victims families were reported to Social Services through an anonymous tip and evidence of sexual/child abuse are later discovered. Do you think the anonymous tipper is the killer?
I wouldn't be surprised that it is. I think this is the point of him killing.
13. When Hess calls social services he speaks with social worker Henning Loeb who gives him information on Magnus, but lies about finding information about the two girls, Lina and Sofia Sejer-Lassen, after he "sees something he doesn't fully grasp, and that makes him wary." What do you think he saw and why did he lie? Do you think there is a connection here with Rosa who is the Minister for Social Affairs?
I think he saw something that could harm his reputation.
14. A few people have speculated that the basement Officer Marius enters in ch. 1 could have been used some sort of abuse, possibly child abuse. Given what we now know do you agree and do you think the killer was possibly a victim?
I had the same thought that it could be the little boy that was found at the beginning. I'm pretty sure its someone turned into a vigilante.
15. While it's clear Hauge was the one abusing Magnus we don't know for sure if Lassen was the one abusing the girls. Do you think the abuser was Lassen or his wife? (He seemed ready to offer up info on his eldest's broken nose which is the only thing giving me pause.) If the killer is reacting to the abuse, why target the mothers and not the abusers (assuming Lassen is the abuser)? Is Thulin right in speculating that in the killers eyes the mother "ought to have know... didn't react to the report."?
I think abuser is going to be one of the parents. Maybe the dad and then the mum was killed because they helped cover it up or turned a blind eye.
DQ Day 4 - Chapters 63-78
Spoiler
16. I could not believe how much abuse Eric afflicted on his wife and children. It made me sick to my stomach reading about how he justified his actions and knew he would get away with it. Even when he found out about his wife’s death after learning that she was planning on running away, Eric thought it was justice being served. How was your experience reading this section?
That is classic abuser behaviour. They need to justify their actions even to themselves by blaming the victim and they really believe that their victim(s) deserve it.
17. Hess is annoyed when he finds out that Nylander is in communication with his ex-boss from Interpol. There’s been hints so far as to what resulted in Hess’s dismissal from his previous job. Do you have any ideas what it might have been?
I think he has a problem with authority. He believes he is right.
18. The killer keeps distracting the police officers with incorrect leads. Did you think the killer was going to come to Jessie’s apartment? Were you surprised that her lover came instead?
Think I'll reiterate what everyone else said. Its too early for the game to be over for the killer.
19. One of the things I really like about this book is how you get multiple viewpoints from the various characters (the women before they are killed, Nylander, the cop in charge of Kristine’s case etc.) It really helps to flesh out the plot and character development. What are your thoughts about this? Do you like this type of narrative or would you have wanted the focus to be on Thulin and Hess?
Personally I don't enjoy switching of POVs.
Bonus question: The author of this book is a writer for the TV show – The Killing. Have you watched it or are you interested in watching it after reading this book?
No. Not my type of show.
DQs Day 5 - Chapters 79-98
Spoiler
20. Why do you think all the victims were from abusive or neglectful homes? And how do you think the minister Rosa Hartem ties into these chestnut men? Is it more than just her daughter’s “disappearance”?
I think he is punishing people he views as part of the problem regardless if they are the abuser themselves.
21. I find the character of Lunas Becker fascinating. I think he makes a great scapegoat for the crime of Katherine’s disappearance, and he seems to know something about The Chestnut Man.. What did you think about the interview Thulin and Hess have with Lunas Becker in the facility for the criminally insane?
I think like everyone else he is enjoying the running around and lack of answers from the police. Hes a sociopath and is enjoying others' pain.
22. Eskar Neergord and his wife Benedicta come up with a plan to infiltrate the Minister’s house by having Eskar hired as her private driver. That gives him direct access to her son Gustav, and when things start to go awry, Eskar and Benedicta decide to kidnap him. At the same time, the police broke into Eskar and Benedicta’s home and find all sorts of photos of the minister’s house. Do you think they are involved somehow with the chestnut dolls showing up?
Think they could be a red herring.
23. Hess appears to be the only one in the room who thinks Eskar and Benedicta are not involved in the murders of the women, even if they are involved in the kidnapping. As he looks around the command room, he seems to think they are all still dancing to invisible strings in the air. Why do you think Hess thinks that and do you agree?
I think his gut is telling him otherwise.
24. Eskar is able to stop Benedicta from hurting Gustav when they pull off into the woods. Then a strange car pulls off into the woods behind them and someone starts walking up. Later we find that both Eskar and Benedicta are dead outside the van, and the boy was saved by the task force that arrives. Who do you think followed the couple into the woods and killed them? Do you think it could be Frederick Vogel the minister’s advisor?
No I don't think its him.
25. Who do you think put the cut off hands and feet in the mini-fridge in the slaughterhouse?
I think it was to throw the police off the track they were on. Maybe they were getting too close.
DQs Day 6 - Chapters 99-113
Spoiler
26. How convenient that Hess found the chestnut people & animals by accident in the photo from the case in 1989. I honestly thought this could have been carried out /written better. What were your thoughts? Did you still remember they had requested the photos but never looked at them?
I didn't but then that is a small detail my brain would have kicked out. I thought a little convenient, however the author's got to throw us some bones.
27. Lol after the chapter in which Genz and Thulin went for a run I made a note to ask you guys what your thoughts were of him, and then there was this big reveal! Did you suspect him at all?
Yes.
28. It had been mentioned before that Rosa was in the foster system. Did you pick up on it back then and already make the connection? What was your theory?
No I didn't. I didn't think it was relevant at the time so I didn't pay it much attention.
29. Wow, that last chapter 113 - didn't expect this background story to hit me so hard. Did you expect anything like this? How do you feel about Rosa, her parents and the twins right now?
I felt sorrow for her because I can see she reacted based on jealousy and then regretted it but she didn't try and stop what happens with them being taken away. Also seems like a huge leap to do this to hurt Rosa. Also explains Rosa's reactions earlier to the doll. I actually disagree she was the catalyst, I feel like she is the excuse. For this to be done, that is something wrong from the get go. That isn't something that develops from one bad thing, that is born. So Rosa is the target of rage because she is one of the obvious people that wronged them but shes not the only target so its basically a revenge for everything that happened before Rosa and after Rosa I think.
30. Also, where is Frederick Vogel??? Do you think he plays a part in this, or was it just a coincidence that he wasn't there when Rosa asked about him?
I don't think he is involved perhaps an unwitting helper in it all.
DQs Day 7 - Chapters 114 - End Will post when I've answered the questions.
caitlinwoodington's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
2023 Reread - this crime thriller has all the creepy, chilling vibes I want in autumn reading. Despite knowing how happens I devoured this book. This definitely isn’t a cozy mystery and content warnings abound.
nyxie7's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0