Reviews

Lazarus: Joona Linna Series: #7 by Lars Kepler

alissacoopermiles's review

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4.0

The writing duo behind the Lars Kepler pseudonym has added to the Joona Linna series with LAZARUS. Lars Kepler is known for writing out-of-the-box twists with suspenseful plot complexities. Lazarus is no different. A continuation of Linna's storyline answers some questions from past books and opens new doors for the future. As with other books they've written, there is a gore aspect that may not be for everyone, but the choice to include such scenes keeps the stories at a high level of suspense bordering on frightening in some places. It feels much more like a movie than other thriller detective novels while also maintaining good dialogue and interesting characters. Readers do not necessarily have to have read the other titles in the series, but it would help with some background.

cc_1978's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

5.0

cockie's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

booknookie's review against another edition

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2.0

You can read more of my reviews at my blog The Book Chick.

Lazarus has not yet been translated to English but Lars Kepler and the series about Joona Linna is highly popular. That’s why I do not think it will be long before it have been translated. Just be patience. 

The 7th book about the Swedish/Finish cop Joona Linna is finally here. I have been waiting for this one since June. Joona is finally back and trying to take control over his life. There is finally some good things happening when it all comes crashing down and burns. Surprised? No. Did I foresee it? Yes. Was it in the way I though? Well, pretty much. It is bloody and violent, certainly not a book for sensitive readers and highly predictable. At least in my opinion. I feel that Kepler did not take the story where it should have gone. Just chewed on what they already have and spit it out. The same but in a new form. Highly disappointing.

I found it quite boring that Kepler still going on with the same plot-line. It’s mediocre, overrated and even flamboyant at times. The Ahndorils aka Keplers need to learn when to stop. And that time was two books ago. Don’t do what I’m thinking you will do with that end you left us with. It is not interesting and I do not want it. Try something new. We are soon in 2019 you know. Not 2011.

kathrinexxx's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

diggitalot's review against another edition

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3.0

Den sjunde boken om Joona är den mest brutala hittills. Saga och Joona måste stoppa den mördare som vill ta ifrån dom allt.
För mig är det är något som saknas i serien om Joona. Han är en bra karaktär men han fastnar inte helt i mig. Ta till exempel scenerna när någon blir levande begravd som borde vara något av det värsta som kan hända en människa som läser jag utan att direkt beröras.

georgiaallison's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

kbranfield's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars.

Lazarus by Lars Kepler is a chilling addition to the Joona Linna series. This latest release can be read as a standalone but I HIGHLY recommend the previous mysteries for important back story.

Police Superintendent Joona Linna's life is finally getting back to normal when two recent murders lead him to believe serial killer Jurek Walter is still alive. Setting in motion the plans he already has in place, he and his daughter Lumi disappear. Before leaving, he tries to convince his girlfriend Valeria deCastro to join him but she refuses.  Saga Bauer, who works for the Swedish Special Police, does not heed his warning about Jurek which leaves her father Lars-Erik and her half-sister Pellerina and Valieria unprotected. By the time she finally believes him, will it be too late to save her and Linna's loved ones from Jurek's diabolical plot for revenge?

Saga and Nathan Pollock are working to find a violent killer whom Linna is certain has been recruited by Jurek. Neither Saga nor Nathan are convinced of his assertion but there is no doubt this killer is extremely dangerous. During the course of their investigation, they finally learn that Joona's uncanny supposition about Jurek is correct. Time is not on their side as they frantically try to find answers about where he was after they thought he was dead.

Joona eventually abandons his plan and returns to find Jurek. His instincts once again prove to be invaluable as he, Saga and Nathan continue their hunt for their adversary. Saga deeply regrets not trusting Linna's advice and she is absolutely devastated as Jurek's thirst for vengeance threatens her loved ones.

Lazarus is a dark and gritty mystery that is incredibly fast-paced and engaging. The tension remains high as Joona and Saga hunt for a nemesis who will stop at nothing to destroy them. Lars Kepler brings this disturbing mystery to a nail-biting, edge of the seat conclusion. The final chapter will leave readers of the Joona Linna series impatiently awaiting the next installment in this absolutely outstanding series.

mereteh's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

thirre92's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5