The Keeper of Lost Causes Audiobook By Jussi Adler-Olsen cover art

The Keeper of Lost Causes

Department Q, Book 1

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The Keeper of Lost Causes

By: Jussi Adler-Olsen
Narrated by: Erik Davies
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NOW A NETFLIX SERIES, DEPT. Q—STARRING MATTHEW GOODE, CHLOE PIRRIE, AND ALEXJE MANVELOV!

Get to know the detective in charge of Copenhagen's coldest cases in the first electrifying Department Q mystery from New York Times bestselling author Jussi Adler-Olsen.

Carl Mørck used to be one of Denmark’s best homicide detectives. Then a hail of bullets destroyed the lives of two fellow cops, and Carl—who didn’t draw his weapon—blames himself. So a promotion is the last thing he expects. But Department Q is a department of one, and Carl’s got only a stack of cold cases for company. His colleagues snicker, but Carl may have the last laugh, because one file keeps nagging at him: a liberal politician vanished five years earlier and is presumed dead. But she isn’t dead...yet.

Darkly humorous, propulsive, and atmospheric, The Keeper of Lost Causes introduces American readers to the mega-bestselling series fast becoming an international sensation. Police Procedural Thriller & Suspense Crime Fiction Mystery Crime Suspense Fiction Exciting

Critic reviews

"Far from being just another morose Nordic crime writer, Adler-Olsen creates a detective whose curiosity is as active as his soul is tortured. The villain is a monster and the crime horrendous, but readers will root for the victim and for the belabored Department Q. This absorbing psychological thriller is recommended not only for fans of Henning Mankell, Jo Nesbø, and Stieg Larsson but for true crime aficionados who might like to try fiction." — Library Journal, (starred review)

"The new 'it' boy of Nordic Noir." — The Times (London)

"The Keeper of Lost Causes is dark, atmospheric, and compelling. Those who loved The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo will devour this book." — C.J. Box, New York Times bestselling author of Cold Wind

"Gripping storytelling." — The Guardian

"Jussi Adler-Olsen tells his stories as wickedly as Dean Koontz and has his detectives work as hard as Stieg Larsson." — Jydske Vestkysten (Denmark)

"This novel is for every Scandinavian crime fiction fan a must-read!" — Hannoversche Allgemeine (Germany)

"As impressive as it is unnerving." — The Independent

"An unusually fine and extremely fascinating thriller, which will keep you breathless till the very last page." — politiken.dk
Compelling Plot • Intriguing Characters • Wonderful Voice • Complex Protagonist • Unexpected Twists • Dark Humor

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The narrator spends the whole time doing fake Scandinavian accents that sound like schwarzenegger with a mouth full of rocks. Not sure if I can even finish it, it's so distracting.

Narrator is truly awful

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B R A V O!! This book was GOOD till the very last word of the epilogue. Narrartor was perfect. I'm sad the next book changes.

Steig Larson has made a lot of us I think newly interested in Scandinavian/Nordic crime novels. I’ve read a few by Nesbo and others I can’t recall at the moment but this one definitely stands out. Our crime solving duo is an odd couple: Detective Carl Morck (“read” audio so spelling may be incorrect) intuitive detective but recently cynical after a shooting and apparent demotion. Then we have his elusive assistant Assad who curiously provides key insight into their case and another the primary department is working on. We follow their investigation into a cold case involving a missing political figure. This was one of the first times the who dun it reveal was really a surprise for me. I so enjoyed this book and especially the tenderness of the final scene. So well done.

The only part I thought was kind of odd is when they broke the lock and entered the room where ALL of the crime details were displayed. Padlock and all it just seemed not quite right that it would be that obvious or in plain sight.

B R A V O

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The reader's Danish accent is questionable, and the dialogue is delivered at a snail's pace. The book is good, but i took to speeding parts up to lessen the tedium.

good story, oppressive performance

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The book does have a few flaws: the hint of a southern drawl in the narrator's Danish accent, some small holes in the plot, and one too many noir cliches (the cliches may be due to translation). Nevertheless, the strengths, detailed character development, deep plot twists, and a sprinkle of humor, outweigh the weaknesses.

Strengths outweigh the flaws

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What did you love best about The Keeper of Lost Causes?

That's my guide - plain and simple. Does it hook me pretty soon? Do I get excited at the thought of taking it up again? This one did it for me - I kept thinking - find her! Find her! If I'm that into it - it's usually pretty good. Isn't that what you want in a good mystery?

I couldn't stop listening

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