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Oslo Detectives #4
Little Drummer
When a woman is found dead in her car in a Norwegian parking garage, everyone suspects an overdose ... until a forensics report indicates that she was murdered. Oslo Detectives Frølich and Gunnarstranda discover that the victim's Kenyan scientist boyfriend has disappeared, and their investigations soon lead them into the shady world of international pharmaceutical deals.
While Gunnarstranda closes in on the killers in Norway, Frølich and Lise, his new journalist ally, travel to Africa, where they make a series of shocking discoveries about exploitation and corruption in the distribution of foreign aid and essential HIV medications.
When tragedy unexpectedly strikes, all three investigators face incalculable danger, spanning two continents. And not everyone will make it out alive...
Exploding the confines of the Nordic Noir genre, Little Drummer is a sophisticated, fast-paced, international thriller with a searingly relevant, shocking premise that will keep you glued to the page.
While Gunnarstranda closes in on the killers in Norway, Frølich and Lise, his new journalist ally, travel to Africa, where they make a series of shocking discoveries about exploitation and corruption in the distribution of foreign aid and essential HIV medications.
When tragedy unexpectedly strikes, all three investigators face incalculable danger, spanning two continents. And not everyone will make it out alive...
Exploding the confines of the Nordic Noir genre, Little Drummer is a sophisticated, fast-paced, international thriller with a searingly relevant, shocking premise that will keep you glued to the page.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
128 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Kjell Ola Dahl
34 books129 followersBorn in 1958, Dahl's first novel was published in 1993. He is best known for his series about Oslo detectives Frank Frølich and Inspector Gunnarstranda.
Also publishes as K.O. Dahl
Also publishes as K.O. Dahl
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 16, 2023
The next instalment of the Gunnerstranda/Frølich series following the brilliant Faithless, The Ice Swimmer and Sister, and once again a sterling example of why Scandinavian crime fiction is so far in its reach, and so brilliant in its execution…
Reminding me strongly of the late, great Henning Mankell’s forays into Africa with his fiction, Kjell Ola Dahl constructs a story that beautifully balances the familiar tropes of not only the genre as a whole and this series in particular, but also navigates into corruption and science in an intensely compelling and knowledgeable way. As the story migrates from Norway to Africa, focussing on the bribery and shady deals of the international pharmaceutical world, not only did I learn a significant amount of how these tendrils of connection between Europe and Africa stretch, but how easily people abuse and profit from a trade that should aid developing countries with the HIV explosion, but in reality leads to the help being interrupted and manipulated for gain. With the story bridging the gap between two murder investigations in Norway, and the strange disappearance of a young, committed Kenyan scientist, Dahl seamlessly ties the plots together, plunging detective Frank Frølich into the role of the blundering European abroad, and leaving detective Gunnerstranda holding the fort in Norway as the connections between the cases slowly begin to reveal themselves.
Throughout this series and Dahl’s standalone books, I am always mightily impressed by the way he constructs his characters and the little foibles that illuminate their personalities. Gunnerstranda is an obstinate and headstrong man, grappling with the fact that his favourite addiction is proving detrimental to his health, and behaving like a bear with a sore head as a consequence. Frølich is as steadfast and resolute as usual but once again, finding himself succumbing to matters of the heart, and a seemingly very unsuitable entanglement. Although they both easily inhabit their professional roles as dedicated and tenacious investigators, these little kinks in their characters allow Dahl to emphasise the men behind the badges, and also allows for moments of his wry and dark humour to break the surface throughout.
This book can only further cement Dahl’s position on the Norwegian crime fiction scene, echoing the strong characterisation and wit of compatriot Gunnar Staalesen, and the tension and action of Jo Nesbo, but with his own unique style and writing flair. I was once again enraptured by this taut, eye-opening and compelling read, for not only the reasons I have outlined, but also by his rendition of the particular atmosphere and feel of the African location too. I would like to extend a special note of praise to translator Don Bartlett for not only his use of the word ‘noggin’, but also for his utterly perfect and lively translation of Little Drummer– one of the finest translators on the crime fiction scene. A highly recommended read all round.
Reminding me strongly of the late, great Henning Mankell’s forays into Africa with his fiction, Kjell Ola Dahl constructs a story that beautifully balances the familiar tropes of not only the genre as a whole and this series in particular, but also navigates into corruption and science in an intensely compelling and knowledgeable way. As the story migrates from Norway to Africa, focussing on the bribery and shady deals of the international pharmaceutical world, not only did I learn a significant amount of how these tendrils of connection between Europe and Africa stretch, but how easily people abuse and profit from a trade that should aid developing countries with the HIV explosion, but in reality leads to the help being interrupted and manipulated for gain. With the story bridging the gap between two murder investigations in Norway, and the strange disappearance of a young, committed Kenyan scientist, Dahl seamlessly ties the plots together, plunging detective Frank Frølich into the role of the blundering European abroad, and leaving detective Gunnerstranda holding the fort in Norway as the connections between the cases slowly begin to reveal themselves.
Throughout this series and Dahl’s standalone books, I am always mightily impressed by the way he constructs his characters and the little foibles that illuminate their personalities. Gunnerstranda is an obstinate and headstrong man, grappling with the fact that his favourite addiction is proving detrimental to his health, and behaving like a bear with a sore head as a consequence. Frølich is as steadfast and resolute as usual but once again, finding himself succumbing to matters of the heart, and a seemingly very unsuitable entanglement. Although they both easily inhabit their professional roles as dedicated and tenacious investigators, these little kinks in their characters allow Dahl to emphasise the men behind the badges, and also allows for moments of his wry and dark humour to break the surface throughout.
This book can only further cement Dahl’s position on the Norwegian crime fiction scene, echoing the strong characterisation and wit of compatriot Gunnar Staalesen, and the tension and action of Jo Nesbo, but with his own unique style and writing flair. I was once again enraptured by this taut, eye-opening and compelling read, for not only the reasons I have outlined, but also by his rendition of the particular atmosphere and feel of the African location too. I would like to extend a special note of praise to translator Don Bartlett for not only his use of the word ‘noggin’, but also for his utterly perfect and lively translation of Little Drummer– one of the finest translators on the crime fiction scene. A highly recommended read all round.
May 12, 2022
My first introduction to Oslo detectives Gunnarstranda and Frølich was in Faithless which I read back in 2017. (I also read the author’s historical crime novel, The Assistant, last year.) Although Little Drummer is the fourth book of the author’s Gunnarstranda and Frølich series to be published in English, it was first published in 2003 – hence the reference to passengers on an airplane watching films on overhead screens! It therefore pre-dates events in Faithless and the other two books in the series published by Orenda – Sister and The Ice Swimmer. (Do try to keep up.) Although you would miss out on learning more about the backstories of Gunnarstranda and Frølich by not having read previous books (personally I remain unsure about the nature of Gunnarstranda’s relationship with Tove), I certainly think Little Drummer can be enjoyed as a standalone crime novel.
Initially an investigation into an apparent suicide that turns out to be murder, and a separate missing persons enquiry, it’s not long before Little Drummer is transformed from police procedural to international thriller as the action moves from Oslo to Kenya. Whilst pursuing separate lines of inquiry Gunnarstranda and Frølich gradually unearth a web of financial corruption involving insider dealing, the use of shell companies and speculation on risky ventures. When individuals are playing for such high stakes, those who might threaten their enterprise are expendable.
Gunnarstranda and Frølich slowly gather together the pieces of what becomes a frustratingly complex jigsaw. As Gunnarstranda remarks, ‘Following clues after a murder is like gathering the fragments of a dream. It’s all about finding pieces of some surrealistic act and trying to make them fit into a comprehensible picture’. It’s a puzzle which sees them forced to co-operate with others whose motives are not always clear. Frølich in particular finds himself in unfamiliar territory – and unexpected company – when he flies to Kenya to follow leads about the missing scientist.
What I really enjoy about the books is the partnership between Gunnarstranda and Frølich, both on a personal and professional level. Frølich, whilst pondering on his history of failed relationships, always keeps an eye out for his boss, trying to persuade Gunnarstranda to modify his unhealthy habits (even hiding his tobacco at one point). Little Drummer finds Gunnarstranda in particularly melancholy mood, pondering on his own mortality as his lifestyle shows signs of taking its toll. As he admits, he’s ‘a neurotic, work-obsessed, socially dysfunctional man with poor self-knowledge’, not to mention a chain smoker and a whisky drinker.
Although Gunnarstranda and Frølich’s investigation goes to some dark places, exposing some of the inequalities that exist in the world, there are also moments of humour. For example, when Frølich observes a guest at his hotel who is so drunk he passes out with his face in a plate of spaghetti or, my absolute favourite, the incessant, inane chatter of Frølich’s mother and her friend Edna when he gives them a lift in his car.
With its combination of intricate plot and exciting moments of drama, Little Drummer is a skilfully-crafted crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages.
Initially an investigation into an apparent suicide that turns out to be murder, and a separate missing persons enquiry, it’s not long before Little Drummer is transformed from police procedural to international thriller as the action moves from Oslo to Kenya. Whilst pursuing separate lines of inquiry Gunnarstranda and Frølich gradually unearth a web of financial corruption involving insider dealing, the use of shell companies and speculation on risky ventures. When individuals are playing for such high stakes, those who might threaten their enterprise are expendable.
Gunnarstranda and Frølich slowly gather together the pieces of what becomes a frustratingly complex jigsaw. As Gunnarstranda remarks, ‘Following clues after a murder is like gathering the fragments of a dream. It’s all about finding pieces of some surrealistic act and trying to make them fit into a comprehensible picture’. It’s a puzzle which sees them forced to co-operate with others whose motives are not always clear. Frølich in particular finds himself in unfamiliar territory – and unexpected company – when he flies to Kenya to follow leads about the missing scientist.
What I really enjoy about the books is the partnership between Gunnarstranda and Frølich, both on a personal and professional level. Frølich, whilst pondering on his history of failed relationships, always keeps an eye out for his boss, trying to persuade Gunnarstranda to modify his unhealthy habits (even hiding his tobacco at one point). Little Drummer finds Gunnarstranda in particularly melancholy mood, pondering on his own mortality as his lifestyle shows signs of taking its toll. As he admits, he’s ‘a neurotic, work-obsessed, socially dysfunctional man with poor self-knowledge’, not to mention a chain smoker and a whisky drinker.
Although Gunnarstranda and Frølich’s investigation goes to some dark places, exposing some of the inequalities that exist in the world, there are also moments of humour. For example, when Frølich observes a guest at his hotel who is so drunk he passes out with his face in a plate of spaghetti or, my absolute favourite, the incessant, inane chatter of Frølich’s mother and her friend Edna when he gives them a lift in his car.
With its combination of intricate plot and exciting moments of drama, Little Drummer is a skilfully-crafted crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages.
May 9, 2022
Following the fairly recent publication of two standalone novels The Courier and The Assistant by Kjell Ola Dahl, Little Drummer is a return to his long standing Oslo Detectives series. In contrast to the historical thriller aspects of the aforementioned books, the series can be described as a collection of intricately crafted and hard boiled police procedurals. Little Drummer features all the classic hallmarks of first class Nordic Noir. There are detectives who put the investigation before their personal health, a strong social awareness, specifically between the powerful and the exploited, the conflicts between police and media and a very strong sense of setting; in this case in the Norwegian capital of Oslo. Yet Dahl also goes beyond these parameters where a third of the story is set in Kenya.
Although this story was published in his native Norway back in 2003, there is a timeless quality to Dahl’s work which doesn't allow it to feel dated. While perhaps the capital has perhaps gentrified in recent years like many major European cities, you can virtually imagine yourself in some of the dark and rundown pubs that the contrasting lead characters of Frølich and Gunnarstranda of Oslo police department find themselves in several times during this storyline. While the expectation would be that Dahl could write convincingly a story set in his home country irrespective of the time period, Little Drummer also shows he is also fully adept at describing scenes set elsewhere in the world very realistically. I credit this due to extensive research by the author which really gives his novels a persuasive and potent edge in combination with forceful social realism which always keep his novels grounded.
When a woman is found dead in a car with drug paraphernalia, the assumption is that she has died of an overdose, however Gunnarstranda, who is far more concerned about finding the truth than minimising police expenditure goes to the extra step of getting an autopsy done. When the results come back, they do indicate foul play vindicating the veteran detective’s approach. A regular feature of Scandinavian crime fiction novels is the balance between the police and the media. In this case the victim has been found by Lise, a leading and detriment newspaper reporter which means that the authorities need to work quickly to try to find who was the cause of the crime to avoid scathing criticism. When it is discovered that the murdered woman had a Kenyan boyfriend who has since disappeared, the investigation leads to Frank Frølich to reluctantly make the journey to the African country to try to find the missing man.
Frølich finds himself in an unfamiliar location with stifling heat and potential danger at every corner. The local police forces who appear to be following their own agenda while to make matters worse, the better resourced journalist Lise has also made the journey there and appears to have far superior leads than he has. While the younger detective must try to find a way to convince a woman suspicious of cooperation to help him, his partner back in Oslo has to try to retrace the last steps of both victim and suspect. Each is led into unexpected places in a novel that examines a range of issues including corruption and exploitation. The character of Lise is fully explored which makes her manoeuvres an interesting foil for the more orthodox approaches of the police.
Little Drummer is a tightly wound drama which gradually unravels and avoids leaving any unexplained threads. The translation by Don Bartlett, who has translated all Dahl’s previous novels, I felt was very effective and sustains the atmospheric narrative. Having not yet read any earlier books in this series, I did find this Little Drummer worked well as an introduction to the partnership between the two detectives and I don’t feel my appreciation of the book was impacted by having not read the earlier stories. Upon the strength of The Assistant, I did purchase a copy of The Fourth Man from this series earlier this year and I very much look forward to enjoying more of Dahl’s work before long.
Although this story was published in his native Norway back in 2003, there is a timeless quality to Dahl’s work which doesn't allow it to feel dated. While perhaps the capital has perhaps gentrified in recent years like many major European cities, you can virtually imagine yourself in some of the dark and rundown pubs that the contrasting lead characters of Frølich and Gunnarstranda of Oslo police department find themselves in several times during this storyline. While the expectation would be that Dahl could write convincingly a story set in his home country irrespective of the time period, Little Drummer also shows he is also fully adept at describing scenes set elsewhere in the world very realistically. I credit this due to extensive research by the author which really gives his novels a persuasive and potent edge in combination with forceful social realism which always keep his novels grounded.
When a woman is found dead in a car with drug paraphernalia, the assumption is that she has died of an overdose, however Gunnarstranda, who is far more concerned about finding the truth than minimising police expenditure goes to the extra step of getting an autopsy done. When the results come back, they do indicate foul play vindicating the veteran detective’s approach. A regular feature of Scandinavian crime fiction novels is the balance between the police and the media. In this case the victim has been found by Lise, a leading and detriment newspaper reporter which means that the authorities need to work quickly to try to find who was the cause of the crime to avoid scathing criticism. When it is discovered that the murdered woman had a Kenyan boyfriend who has since disappeared, the investigation leads to Frank Frølich to reluctantly make the journey to the African country to try to find the missing man.
Frølich finds himself in an unfamiliar location with stifling heat and potential danger at every corner. The local police forces who appear to be following their own agenda while to make matters worse, the better resourced journalist Lise has also made the journey there and appears to have far superior leads than he has. While the younger detective must try to find a way to convince a woman suspicious of cooperation to help him, his partner back in Oslo has to try to retrace the last steps of both victim and suspect. Each is led into unexpected places in a novel that examines a range of issues including corruption and exploitation. The character of Lise is fully explored which makes her manoeuvres an interesting foil for the more orthodox approaches of the police.
Little Drummer is a tightly wound drama which gradually unravels and avoids leaving any unexplained threads. The translation by Don Bartlett, who has translated all Dahl’s previous novels, I felt was very effective and sustains the atmospheric narrative. Having not yet read any earlier books in this series, I did find this Little Drummer worked well as an introduction to the partnership between the two detectives and I don’t feel my appreciation of the book was impacted by having not read the earlier stories. Upon the strength of The Assistant, I did purchase a copy of The Fourth Man from this series earlier this year and I very much look forward to enjoying more of Dahl’s work before long.
May 12, 2022
4.5* rounded up to 5*
A body of a young woman is found in a car in an underground car park. As drug paraphernalia were found next to the body, the pathologist gives the verdict of a drug overdose.
When Oslo detectives Gunnarstranda and Frølich begin their investigation, they discover that the victim never touched drugs. This prompts Gunnarstranda to order a post mortem, which confirms his suspicions of murder.
Meanwhile, another case crops up – this time, it’s a disappearance of a Kenyan scientist. Gunnarstranda and Frølich uncover a link between the scientist and the woman in the car park. How are those cases connected? What will the detectives discover?
Team Orenda have done it again! This time, we are transported on a journey of shady business deals, share holdings, and exploitation of HIV medicines. If you think that’s not enough, Kjell Ola Dahl also takes you to Africa, where you can almost feel the oppressive heat and sweat pouring out of the pages of the book.
The African part was my favourite. I felt we were offered a glimpse of the corruption, and the stark contrast between the richest and the poorest.
This is a fast paced book with a devilishly well planned plot. Also, the translation by Don Bartlett is sublime and effortless.
Overall, it’s a great thriller. I cannot wait for Kjell Ola Dahl’s next book.
A body of a young woman is found in a car in an underground car park. As drug paraphernalia were found next to the body, the pathologist gives the verdict of a drug overdose.
When Oslo detectives Gunnarstranda and Frølich begin their investigation, they discover that the victim never touched drugs. This prompts Gunnarstranda to order a post mortem, which confirms his suspicions of murder.
Meanwhile, another case crops up – this time, it’s a disappearance of a Kenyan scientist. Gunnarstranda and Frølich uncover a link between the scientist and the woman in the car park. How are those cases connected? What will the detectives discover?
Team Orenda have done it again! This time, we are transported on a journey of shady business deals, share holdings, and exploitation of HIV medicines. If you think that’s not enough, Kjell Ola Dahl also takes you to Africa, where you can almost feel the oppressive heat and sweat pouring out of the pages of the book.
The African part was my favourite. I felt we were offered a glimpse of the corruption, and the stark contrast between the richest and the poorest.
This is a fast paced book with a devilishly well planned plot. Also, the translation by Don Bartlett is sublime and effortless.
Overall, it’s a great thriller. I cannot wait for Kjell Ola Dahl’s next book.
May 16, 2022
Although it's book eight in the series it could easily be read as a standalone, and northing was lost in translation.
I do like a good piece of Nordic dark noir, but although this story was very intense, and full on, I found myself getting easily confused with what was happening, names and places etc.
Don't get me wrong, the story is well paced, gripping and compelling. It has some great, well developed characters whom I'm hoping to read more about.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐
I do like a good piece of Nordic dark noir, but although this story was very intense, and full on, I found myself getting easily confused with what was happening, names and places etc.
Don't get me wrong, the story is well paced, gripping and compelling. It has some great, well developed characters whom I'm hoping to read more about.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐
May 27, 2022
Little Drummer is the fourth book in Kjell Ola Dahl's Oslo Detectives series; originally published in Norway in 2003, the technology within may be dated but the issues explored here feel bang up to date and it can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone or, as I did, read as a sort of prequel to later instalments in the series.
One of the features I most love about Nordic Noir is the atmospheric sense of place and Little Drummer has that in spades. The scene where a woman's body is discovered in a parking garage is crushingly tense, using Lise Fagenrnes' claustrophobia to intensify the suspense until it becomes almost too much to bear. This may be a more slow-burning crime novel but it's not short on tension throughout the book as Gunnarstranda and Frølich try to discover who killed the young woman and how her death is connected to the disappearance of a Kenyan scientist.
With the Press pushing for updates, a reluctant Frølich is sent to Kenya to follow up a potential lead into the whereabouts of Stuart Takeyo. Taking the action to Africa is a bold move by Kjell Ola Dahl but as he superbly captures the essence of the country. This is a chilling book which examines global issues with penetrating insight without ever losing control of the multi-layered, twisty plot. The actions of criminals and opportunists who seek to make money from the HIV and AIDS crisis in parts of Africa drives part of the storyline but it's clear that Kjell Ola Dahl isn't suggesting that his Oslo Detectives are able to solve anything other than their own investigation. Nevertheless, there is a particularly powerful scene involving dried fishbones which has little to do with the actual search for the truth but which reveals the impact of Western imperialism and opportunistic investment into countries like Kenya. Highlighting subjects like this means that although the contrast between the two countries is searingly vivid, it remains unmistakably Nordic Noir.
As always, the authenticity of the prose cannot be faulted; the ordinariness of Gunnarstranda and Frølich means they are entirely believable characters who earn their results through dogged determination and attention to detail. Indeed, the revelation that the young woman in the car was murdered only comes about thanks to a petty decision by Gunnarstranda to push for an autopsy. Both men have distractions away from the case too; Frølich must negotiate a relationship which often leaves him baffled as to where he stands but although undoubtedly finds himself in more dangerous circumstances, it's actually Gunnarstranda who is forced to consider his own mortality. When Frølich attempts to hide his boss's cigarettes, it's done for the benefit of them both – this isn't a cheesy buddy pairing but neither is it a battle of egos and the mutual understanding between the two is far more subtle. Meanwhile, Lise Fagenrnes proves to be an excellent addition to the cast, she is a principled, resolute journalist but has a vulnerability about her which ensures she is totally convincing.
This is a serious story exploring dark and complex topics but there are moments of humour too. I mentioned in my review of a previous Oslo Detectives novel, The Ice Swimmer how much I enjoyed a scene where Gunnarstranda makes soup, despite it having nothing to do with the investigation and there's a similar moment here when Frølich gives a lift to his mother Edna and her friend, Karin. It's a delightful interlude that beautifully confirms not only how good Kjell Ola Dahl is at bringing characters to life but also what an excellent job Don Bartlett has done translating the book into English.
Little Drummer is elegantly compelling crime fiction that makes a real impact, I highly recommend it.
One of the features I most love about Nordic Noir is the atmospheric sense of place and Little Drummer has that in spades. The scene where a woman's body is discovered in a parking garage is crushingly tense, using Lise Fagenrnes' claustrophobia to intensify the suspense until it becomes almost too much to bear. This may be a more slow-burning crime novel but it's not short on tension throughout the book as Gunnarstranda and Frølich try to discover who killed the young woman and how her death is connected to the disappearance of a Kenyan scientist.
With the Press pushing for updates, a reluctant Frølich is sent to Kenya to follow up a potential lead into the whereabouts of Stuart Takeyo. Taking the action to Africa is a bold move by Kjell Ola Dahl but as he superbly captures the essence of the country. This is a chilling book which examines global issues with penetrating insight without ever losing control of the multi-layered, twisty plot. The actions of criminals and opportunists who seek to make money from the HIV and AIDS crisis in parts of Africa drives part of the storyline but it's clear that Kjell Ola Dahl isn't suggesting that his Oslo Detectives are able to solve anything other than their own investigation. Nevertheless, there is a particularly powerful scene involving dried fishbones which has little to do with the actual search for the truth but which reveals the impact of Western imperialism and opportunistic investment into countries like Kenya. Highlighting subjects like this means that although the contrast between the two countries is searingly vivid, it remains unmistakably Nordic Noir.
As always, the authenticity of the prose cannot be faulted; the ordinariness of Gunnarstranda and Frølich means they are entirely believable characters who earn their results through dogged determination and attention to detail. Indeed, the revelation that the young woman in the car was murdered only comes about thanks to a petty decision by Gunnarstranda to push for an autopsy. Both men have distractions away from the case too; Frølich must negotiate a relationship which often leaves him baffled as to where he stands but although undoubtedly finds himself in more dangerous circumstances, it's actually Gunnarstranda who is forced to consider his own mortality. When Frølich attempts to hide his boss's cigarettes, it's done for the benefit of them both – this isn't a cheesy buddy pairing but neither is it a battle of egos and the mutual understanding between the two is far more subtle. Meanwhile, Lise Fagenrnes proves to be an excellent addition to the cast, she is a principled, resolute journalist but has a vulnerability about her which ensures she is totally convincing.
This is a serious story exploring dark and complex topics but there are moments of humour too. I mentioned in my review of a previous Oslo Detectives novel, The Ice Swimmer how much I enjoyed a scene where Gunnarstranda makes soup, despite it having nothing to do with the investigation and there's a similar moment here when Frølich gives a lift to his mother Edna and her friend, Karin. It's a delightful interlude that beautifully confirms not only how good Kjell Ola Dahl is at bringing characters to life but also what an excellent job Don Bartlett has done translating the book into English.
Little Drummer is elegantly compelling crime fiction that makes a real impact, I highly recommend it.
June 3, 2022
A scared journalist discovers a woman seated motionless in her car in an underground carpark. She is dead from a drugs overdose and at first sight it seems to be a case of suicide or accidental death.
Detective Gunnarstranda has his doubts though and orders an autopsy, which reveals that she was drugged by ether first before the fatal overdose so now it is a murder investigation. The woman is identified as Kristine Ramm and her Kenyan boyfriend Stuart Takeyo is missing. Stuart is a scientist working towards his doctorate thanks to an aid project through the University of Kampala.
Progress is frustrated until the journalist who discovered Kristine, Lise Fagernes, tracks the missing Stuart back to his hometown of Kisumu. As he is the main suspect he must be questioned and Frølich reluctantly flies off to African. Lise, however, is a couple of steps ahead of him.
Whilst Frølich is away Gunnarstranda pursues the case in Norway and takes special interest in Freddy Pedersen the owner of the bar in which Kristine worked part time. He appears to have wealth and influence far more than that which might be expected for his business stature.
To borrow from the famous football cliché this is a book of two halves, or rather two parts. The part set in Norway is a traditional police procedural albeit with the Nordic twist. When the action moves on to Kenya it transforms into a political thriller of journalistic investigations into corruption. Both sides of the story are expertly covered managing to build up the intrigue in Norway and the tension in Africa.
The writing is brisk and the chapters short helping to build the tension in the second half of the novel. The chapters set in Africa mange to capture its difference to Europe, it’s almost alien feel to Westerners. Austin, the local police officer assigned to Frølich, sums it up best with his oft used adage ‘in Africa anything can happen’. Here the reader gets a feel for the endemic corruption, the chaotic streets and the low value that is put on some lives.
The plot is both excellent and unexpected as it throws off the shackles of the traditional Nordic Noir genre and moves across continents. The fraud perpetrated is credible, to this accountant reader, and the loose threads come together at the end without being it any way predictable.
Although there is a lot of incident packed into a relatively short book the characterisation is excellent. One of the advantages of a series is being to flesh out the recurring characters, so we learn of Gunnarstranda’s health problems and having to give up smoking which provides some light-hearted ribbing, and welcome humour as a counterpoint to the dark subject matter. Frølich is missing Anna his ex-girlfriend and keeps seeing her in unexpected places, but of course it’s never her it’s his memory of her haunting his reality. Lise proves to be the cure to the manifestation of this obsession, through a relationship that develops like a modern take on a Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy movie. Lise has problems of her own, not helped by the discovery of the body of Kristine, stemming from her being buried in the ice tunnel.
Many Scandinavian crime writers manage to include a strong social conscience within their work without it becoming dull and preachy. Kjell Ola Dahl is indeed one of these and in Little Drummer manages to pose the reader difficult questions about poverty, exploitation, and treatment of the third world.
Little Drummer manages to encompass everything you would expect from a great Nordic Noir but with a modern parable to describe the plight of much of Africa delivered with compassion. The ‘Oslo Detective’ series manages to tackle some of the difficult issues of our time with intelligent and creative plots that retain the brooding darkness to be expected of the genre but remain magnificently entertaining. For me a must read series.
Detective Gunnarstranda has his doubts though and orders an autopsy, which reveals that she was drugged by ether first before the fatal overdose so now it is a murder investigation. The woman is identified as Kristine Ramm and her Kenyan boyfriend Stuart Takeyo is missing. Stuart is a scientist working towards his doctorate thanks to an aid project through the University of Kampala.
Progress is frustrated until the journalist who discovered Kristine, Lise Fagernes, tracks the missing Stuart back to his hometown of Kisumu. As he is the main suspect he must be questioned and Frølich reluctantly flies off to African. Lise, however, is a couple of steps ahead of him.
Whilst Frølich is away Gunnarstranda pursues the case in Norway and takes special interest in Freddy Pedersen the owner of the bar in which Kristine worked part time. He appears to have wealth and influence far more than that which might be expected for his business stature.
To borrow from the famous football cliché this is a book of two halves, or rather two parts. The part set in Norway is a traditional police procedural albeit with the Nordic twist. When the action moves on to Kenya it transforms into a political thriller of journalistic investigations into corruption. Both sides of the story are expertly covered managing to build up the intrigue in Norway and the tension in Africa.
The writing is brisk and the chapters short helping to build the tension in the second half of the novel. The chapters set in Africa mange to capture its difference to Europe, it’s almost alien feel to Westerners. Austin, the local police officer assigned to Frølich, sums it up best with his oft used adage ‘in Africa anything can happen’. Here the reader gets a feel for the endemic corruption, the chaotic streets and the low value that is put on some lives.
The plot is both excellent and unexpected as it throws off the shackles of the traditional Nordic Noir genre and moves across continents. The fraud perpetrated is credible, to this accountant reader, and the loose threads come together at the end without being it any way predictable.
Although there is a lot of incident packed into a relatively short book the characterisation is excellent. One of the advantages of a series is being to flesh out the recurring characters, so we learn of Gunnarstranda’s health problems and having to give up smoking which provides some light-hearted ribbing, and welcome humour as a counterpoint to the dark subject matter. Frølich is missing Anna his ex-girlfriend and keeps seeing her in unexpected places, but of course it’s never her it’s his memory of her haunting his reality. Lise proves to be the cure to the manifestation of this obsession, through a relationship that develops like a modern take on a Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy movie. Lise has problems of her own, not helped by the discovery of the body of Kristine, stemming from her being buried in the ice tunnel.
Many Scandinavian crime writers manage to include a strong social conscience within their work without it becoming dull and preachy. Kjell Ola Dahl is indeed one of these and in Little Drummer manages to pose the reader difficult questions about poverty, exploitation, and treatment of the third world.
Little Drummer manages to encompass everything you would expect from a great Nordic Noir but with a modern parable to describe the plight of much of Africa delivered with compassion. The ‘Oslo Detective’ series manages to tackle some of the difficult issues of our time with intelligent and creative plots that retain the brooding darkness to be expected of the genre but remain magnificently entertaining. For me a must read series.
May 18, 2022
Little Drummer is the latest novel in the Oslo Detective series by Kjell Ola Dahl. Gunnarstranda and Frølich are getting to grips with another complex mystery in the latest book, with the discovery of the body of a young woman in a car left behind in a car park. When a Nigerian immigrant disappears, shortly after the discovery of the woman, the police immediately suspect him of murder, especially when there might be a connection between the suspect and the victim. But what is really going on here? This soon turns into a far more complex case than the detectives first realise.
I was really interested in finding out what had happened to the young woman who had been found dead. From the outset I could see that the police’s focus on the Nigerian man seemed to be too narrowly minded. I was sure that there was something more going on here. The mystery element surrounding her death was done very well. It drew me into the plot and it kept me turning the pages.
The investigation soon moves to Nigeria, and I really liked this part of the novel. It is Frølich who is sent there to find answers and to try and track the suspect down. I think it’s always interesting when we see authors take their characters out of their comfort zone, and you can feel that there is an imminent threat of danger, after Frølich arrives in Africa. This is where the suspense begins to really build, and although I would describe Little Drummer as more of a slow burner, than a fast paced novel, it is here that the tension begins to pick up. I also thought the scenes between him and the journalist were really well done and I liked the tension that seemed to be there between them.
I’ve read a couple of books in this series, but not all of them, so this can definitely be read as a standalone. I think I definitely need to try and catch up on the books I’ve missed as soon as possible. I really like the friendship that is there between the detectives, Gunnarstranda and Frølich. I could see that they have a lot of respect for each other and it is clear to see that they are good friends. I liked them a lot as I was reading this book, and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series, to see how their personal lives and their careers have developed.
Little Drummer is a gripping thoroughly enjoyable novel. The novel flowed really well and I was kept utterly engaged in the characters and the mystery they were trying to unravel. I flew through it in just a couple of sittings. I highly recommend it.
I was really interested in finding out what had happened to the young woman who had been found dead. From the outset I could see that the police’s focus on the Nigerian man seemed to be too narrowly minded. I was sure that there was something more going on here. The mystery element surrounding her death was done very well. It drew me into the plot and it kept me turning the pages.
The investigation soon moves to Nigeria, and I really liked this part of the novel. It is Frølich who is sent there to find answers and to try and track the suspect down. I think it’s always interesting when we see authors take their characters out of their comfort zone, and you can feel that there is an imminent threat of danger, after Frølich arrives in Africa. This is where the suspense begins to really build, and although I would describe Little Drummer as more of a slow burner, than a fast paced novel, it is here that the tension begins to pick up. I also thought the scenes between him and the journalist were really well done and I liked the tension that seemed to be there between them.
I’ve read a couple of books in this series, but not all of them, so this can definitely be read as a standalone. I think I definitely need to try and catch up on the books I’ve missed as soon as possible. I really like the friendship that is there between the detectives, Gunnarstranda and Frølich. I could see that they have a lot of respect for each other and it is clear to see that they are good friends. I liked them a lot as I was reading this book, and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series, to see how their personal lives and their careers have developed.
Little Drummer is a gripping thoroughly enjoyable novel. The novel flowed really well and I was kept utterly engaged in the characters and the mystery they were trying to unravel. I flew through it in just a couple of sittings. I highly recommend it.
May 18, 2022
Little Drummer is book number eight in the Oslo Detective series featuring Detective Frølich and Gunnarstranda. This is the first book I have read from this series. I have read other books from Kjell Ola Dahl and always thoroughly enjoyed them.
I wasn't too sure how much I would enjoy this with it being so far into the series. I must say, I did enjoy getting to know the two detectives. This book start as it means to go on, a case that ends up on Frølich and Gunnarstranda's desk. A woman, dead from a suspected overdose, until a coroners report tells them different.
As they work the investigation, it sends them in the direction of a Kenyan scientist. Frølich travels to Kenya. The journalist who found the dead woman is on the same plane too, as she is carrying out her own investigation. This soon begins to cross with the police's investigation. Gunnarstranda stays in Norway to continue investigations there. As both branches of the investigation play out there are multiple shocking twists. They uncover secrets in the world of foreign aid and prescription medications which takes the case to a global scale, and puts everyone at risk.
A dark and clever thriller. One that ramps up the gritty suspense of chasing international criminals to the max, while still keeping it grounded within reality. The two detectives are both very well-rounded. Both unique and with their differences, but they strengthen each other and make a brilliant team. Even Lise, the journalist is a character that stands out. She shows us a perspective from a different angle and eventually becomes interwoven with the detectives.
The way Kjell Ola Dahl uses the settings to create an atmospheric read is so clever. The tension and threat that is so apparent in Kenya is almost touchable. The differences between how the Kenyan police act, shooting first,and how the Norwegian counterpart would,are clear to see.
The translation of Don Bartlett is again pitch, nuance and word perfect. This allows us to read Little Drummer as the author meant it to be read. I was hooked from the first page to the last! An entertaining and engrossing read that has introduced me to yet another series I need to catch up with at some point.
I wasn't too sure how much I would enjoy this with it being so far into the series. I must say, I did enjoy getting to know the two detectives. This book start as it means to go on, a case that ends up on Frølich and Gunnarstranda's desk. A woman, dead from a suspected overdose, until a coroners report tells them different.
As they work the investigation, it sends them in the direction of a Kenyan scientist. Frølich travels to Kenya. The journalist who found the dead woman is on the same plane too, as she is carrying out her own investigation. This soon begins to cross with the police's investigation. Gunnarstranda stays in Norway to continue investigations there. As both branches of the investigation play out there are multiple shocking twists. They uncover secrets in the world of foreign aid and prescription medications which takes the case to a global scale, and puts everyone at risk.
A dark and clever thriller. One that ramps up the gritty suspense of chasing international criminals to the max, while still keeping it grounded within reality. The two detectives are both very well-rounded. Both unique and with their differences, but they strengthen each other and make a brilliant team. Even Lise, the journalist is a character that stands out. She shows us a perspective from a different angle and eventually becomes interwoven with the detectives.
The way Kjell Ola Dahl uses the settings to create an atmospheric read is so clever. The tension and threat that is so apparent in Kenya is almost touchable. The differences between how the Kenyan police act, shooting first,and how the Norwegian counterpart would,are clear to see.
The translation of Don Bartlett is again pitch, nuance and word perfect. This allows us to read Little Drummer as the author meant it to be read. I was hooked from the first page to the last! An entertaining and engrossing read that has introduced me to yet another series I need to catch up with at some point.
August 8, 2023
I have loved the books involving Detectives Frølich and Gunnarstranda and this time they are involved in an investigation into the death of a young woman found in a car in a parking lot. What initially looks like an overdose soon becomes a murder investigation. When her boyfriend disappears, it looks like he is somehow involved. As they dig deeper the investigations see them working the case in both Oslo and Kenya.
This case is certainly puzzling for Frølich and Gunnarstranda with everyone claiming they have no idea why the victim may have been killed or if they knew the missing boyfriend. Frølich is continually on the back foot with the reporter following the case, somehow she always seems to be one step ahead of him using the fact that she found the victim as a way into the investigations. Their interactions in Kenya seem to be when things change slightly as she realises that she may be slightly out of her depth. Gunnarstranda still seems to have a way of rubbing people up the wrong way, but he is also slightly distracted by personal issues as he contemplates his health choices.
The relationship between Frølich and Gunnarstranda is one that just works and will often bring a smile to your face. Frølich is always trying to get Gunnarstranda to make better life choices albeit not very successfully, but they always have each other’s backs when it’s really needed. We also get to see their lives outside the investigation making them a little bit more human and relatable.
Little Drummer is not fast paced, but the dual locations will keep the reader turning the pages to work out exactly how what seem like two separate investigations/stories are intertwined and if the detectives will find the true motives and solve the case. This book highlights so much that is wrong with big business and how those in most need are often the ones who suffer the most from decisions that are made but unfortunately it is unlikely to ever truly change. I did take a little longer hitting my stride with this book but once I did I was as involved with outcome almost as much as Frølich and Gunnarstranda
This case is certainly puzzling for Frølich and Gunnarstranda with everyone claiming they have no idea why the victim may have been killed or if they knew the missing boyfriend. Frølich is continually on the back foot with the reporter following the case, somehow she always seems to be one step ahead of him using the fact that she found the victim as a way into the investigations. Their interactions in Kenya seem to be when things change slightly as she realises that she may be slightly out of her depth. Gunnarstranda still seems to have a way of rubbing people up the wrong way, but he is also slightly distracted by personal issues as he contemplates his health choices.
The relationship between Frølich and Gunnarstranda is one that just works and will often bring a smile to your face. Frølich is always trying to get Gunnarstranda to make better life choices albeit not very successfully, but they always have each other’s backs when it’s really needed. We also get to see their lives outside the investigation making them a little bit more human and relatable.
Little Drummer is not fast paced, but the dual locations will keep the reader turning the pages to work out exactly how what seem like two separate investigations/stories are intertwined and if the detectives will find the true motives and solve the case. This book highlights so much that is wrong with big business and how those in most need are often the ones who suffer the most from decisions that are made but unfortunately it is unlikely to ever truly change. I did take a little longer hitting my stride with this book but once I did I was as involved with outcome almost as much as Frølich and Gunnarstranda
June 4, 2024
Police procedural set in NORWAY and KENYA
No.8 in the Oslo Detective Series and can be read as a standalone
The author sets the tension benchmark high from the get-to. The story opens with a woman anxiously driving around a multi-storey car park, and just happens to park next to a car which clearly has a dead woman at the wheel. The victim is identified and it then turns out that her Kenyan boyfriend, Stuart Takeyo, has disappeared…. Did he kill her? But then, it would seem, he turns up in Kenya, yet the police have his passport and he doesn’t seem to be on any passenger lists.
Frølich and Gunnarstranda are the two police officers who take on the case. They work well together and have developed into a convincing investigative team over the series, each complementing the other’s character traits. Frølich heads to Kenya, with a new companion in tow and there the investigations take on a new and rather alarming trajectory.
This is a story that moves around, punching in themes of racism, corruption and the shady dealings within the international pharmaceutical industry.
This author always brings his settings to life, both Oslo - “Hanging tremulously over Nesoddland peninsula, the sun made the sea resemble a tray covered with crinkly grey paper…” - and Kenya are colourfully rendered.
An involving read with a storyline that feels very pertinent in the 21st Century
No.8 in the Oslo Detective Series and can be read as a standalone
The author sets the tension benchmark high from the get-to. The story opens with a woman anxiously driving around a multi-storey car park, and just happens to park next to a car which clearly has a dead woman at the wheel. The victim is identified and it then turns out that her Kenyan boyfriend, Stuart Takeyo, has disappeared…. Did he kill her? But then, it would seem, he turns up in Kenya, yet the police have his passport and he doesn’t seem to be on any passenger lists.
Frølich and Gunnarstranda are the two police officers who take on the case. They work well together and have developed into a convincing investigative team over the series, each complementing the other’s character traits. Frølich heads to Kenya, with a new companion in tow and there the investigations take on a new and rather alarming trajectory.
This is a story that moves around, punching in themes of racism, corruption and the shady dealings within the international pharmaceutical industry.
This author always brings his settings to life, both Oslo - “Hanging tremulously over Nesoddland peninsula, the sun made the sea resemble a tray covered with crinkly grey paper…” - and Kenya are colourfully rendered.
An involving read with a storyline that feels very pertinent in the 21st Century
July 13, 2022
Little Drummer (Oslo Detectives #4) Kyell Ola Dahl, Don Bartlett (Translator). 2003/2022 !
If you have read the series, this is #4 of 9! No clue why so late but despite the technology and some other issues being slightly dated, it’s a good read, as are the rest in the series.
A young journalist Lise, finds a woman’s body in a parked car in a parking lot but was it a drug overdose or was she murdered?
Oslo Detectives Frølich and Gunnarstranda discover that the victim’s Kenyan scientist boyfriend has disappeared, and their investigations soon lead them into the shady world of international pharmaceutical deals, exploitation and corruption.
While Gunnarstranda closes in on the killers in Norway, Frølich and Lise, join forces in Africa and make a series of discoveries while more people are killed.
Gunnarstranda, meanwhile is interviewing people in Norway to find out who knows the dead woman and missing scientist and what are the connections. His ongoing health issues are something he just wants to ignore despite his girlfriend urging him to take things seriously.
Eventually Frølich and Lise come home and continue to fit the pieces together which becomes very dangerous. There are a few very good twists to this storyline and some good dramatic events. Well worth a read.
If you have read the series, this is #4 of 9! No clue why so late but despite the technology and some other issues being slightly dated, it’s a good read, as are the rest in the series.
A young journalist Lise, finds a woman’s body in a parked car in a parking lot but was it a drug overdose or was she murdered?
Oslo Detectives Frølich and Gunnarstranda discover that the victim’s Kenyan scientist boyfriend has disappeared, and their investigations soon lead them into the shady world of international pharmaceutical deals, exploitation and corruption.
While Gunnarstranda closes in on the killers in Norway, Frølich and Lise, join forces in Africa and make a series of discoveries while more people are killed.
Gunnarstranda, meanwhile is interviewing people in Norway to find out who knows the dead woman and missing scientist and what are the connections. His ongoing health issues are something he just wants to ignore despite his girlfriend urging him to take things seriously.
Eventually Frølich and Lise come home and continue to fit the pieces together which becomes very dangerous. There are a few very good twists to this storyline and some good dramatic events. Well worth a read.
May 12, 2022
EXPLORING THE DARK WORLD OF INTERNATIONAL CORRUPTION
Norwegian author Kjell Ola Dahl is known as the Godfather of Nordic Noir. As I love the dark, tense, atmospheric plots of this genre, I jumped at the chance to read Little Drummer, the latest novel from Dahl. And crikey, it is a dark, sinister and very intriguing story. It also has a clever twist near the end.
When journalist Lise Fagerness discovers a dead body sitting in a car hidden in the corner of a multi-storey carpark, everyone suspects the dead woman has overdosed. Just for the petty reason that Oslo detective Gunnarstranda wants to ‘use sorely needed funds‘ to irritate ‘his boss, the budget holder‘ and pay back a senior officer ‘for a deliberate slight,’ an autopsy is commissioned on the body. It is only then that it is discovered that the woman has been murdered. As Gunnarstranda pursues the case alongside his colleague Frølich, they soon link the dead woman to a research scientist from Kenya who has been reported missing.
To read my full book review, go to my book blog via: https://noveldelights.com/2022/05/06/...
Norwegian author Kjell Ola Dahl is known as the Godfather of Nordic Noir. As I love the dark, tense, atmospheric plots of this genre, I jumped at the chance to read Little Drummer, the latest novel from Dahl. And crikey, it is a dark, sinister and very intriguing story. It also has a clever twist near the end.
When journalist Lise Fagerness discovers a dead body sitting in a car hidden in the corner of a multi-storey carpark, everyone suspects the dead woman has overdosed. Just for the petty reason that Oslo detective Gunnarstranda wants to ‘use sorely needed funds‘ to irritate ‘his boss, the budget holder‘ and pay back a senior officer ‘for a deliberate slight,’ an autopsy is commissioned on the body. It is only then that it is discovered that the woman has been murdered. As Gunnarstranda pursues the case alongside his colleague Frølich, they soon link the dead woman to a research scientist from Kenya who has been reported missing.
To read my full book review, go to my book blog via: https://noveldelights.com/2022/05/06/...
May 26, 2022
As with most, if not all Nordic Noir, this is a tale with more to say than 276 pages it takes up. They are always moralistic and examine deeply why we humans do the things we do to one another, time and again. That said, it’s not preaching it’s just deeply thought provoking, deeply intense, deeply insightful and dark. As you’d expect.
It’s one of a series of books and it’s easily read as a standalone. Though I’m sure it’ll spark you wanting to read the rest of the books in the series. The book highlights differences between Norway and Kenya, and not just the obvious things like weather and people, but how police forces are run, how people think, or tick.
If this book does not give you plenty to think about, I’d be amazed. I always find that Nordic Noir does that to me. It might be how it’s written but I think it’s a more basic thing of Nordic writers seem to look so much deeper for roots and reasoning. Nothing is ever obvious. They mirror people so very well.
With thanks to Anne Cater, Orenda Books and the author for this advanced reading copy of the book.
It’s one of a series of books and it’s easily read as a standalone. Though I’m sure it’ll spark you wanting to read the rest of the books in the series. The book highlights differences between Norway and Kenya, and not just the obvious things like weather and people, but how police forces are run, how people think, or tick.
If this book does not give you plenty to think about, I’d be amazed. I always find that Nordic Noir does that to me. It might be how it’s written but I think it’s a more basic thing of Nordic writers seem to look so much deeper for roots and reasoning. Nothing is ever obvious. They mirror people so very well.
With thanks to Anne Cater, Orenda Books and the author for this advanced reading copy of the book.
May 4, 2022
This is book 8 in the Oslo detective series featuring Detectives Frølich and Gunnarstranda. I do enjoy a dark Nordic thriller so I was really looking forward to reading this book. This certainly lives up to the dark moniker. Although I’ve read this author before it’s the first time I’ve read any of the Oslo detective series and I really enjoyed the two main characters. Although getting my brain around some of these names wasn’t easy! You should also be aware that there is racist language which may prove upsetting to some.
Briefly, a woman is discovered dead of a suspected drug overdose in a car park in Oslo. However Detective Gunnarstranda orders an autopsy which suggests she was murdered. Her Kenyan scientist boyfriend has disappeared. Whilst Gunnarstranda investigates events in Norway Frolich is sent to Kenya to find the missing man. Journalist Lise, who is on the same flight, is carrying out her own investigations that soon cross with the police investigations. Events in both countries take shocking turns as they discover a whole new world of corruption and exploitation of foreign aid and essential drugs.
This is quite a complex story which get into the heart of the reality of catching those involved in international crime syndicates, and highlighting the difference between the way the police react in different countries. Despite the complexity this was full of suspense and kept my interest throughout. There’s a really good twist towards the end and I didn’t see it coming. A very good read and I’ll definitely be reading more of the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Briefly, a woman is discovered dead of a suspected drug overdose in a car park in Oslo. However Detective Gunnarstranda orders an autopsy which suggests she was murdered. Her Kenyan scientist boyfriend has disappeared. Whilst Gunnarstranda investigates events in Norway Frolich is sent to Kenya to find the missing man. Journalist Lise, who is on the same flight, is carrying out her own investigations that soon cross with the police investigations. Events in both countries take shocking turns as they discover a whole new world of corruption and exploitation of foreign aid and essential drugs.
This is quite a complex story which get into the heart of the reality of catching those involved in international crime syndicates, and highlighting the difference between the way the police react in different countries. Despite the complexity this was full of suspense and kept my interest throughout. There’s a really good twist towards the end and I didn’t see it coming. A very good read and I’ll definitely be reading more of the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
April 30, 2022
Detectives Frølich and Gunnarstranda are used to things never being quite what they appear. So when a suspected overdose turns into a murder, they're not surprised that something darker is coming. Then the victims scientist boyfriend goes missing and their case leads them into the hidden world of pharmaceutical deals and power struggles of corruption and murder that will span continents.
Gunnarstranda searches Norway for a cold-blooded killer while Frølich heads to Africa with journalist Lise to try and uncover the deadly secrets that someone is killing to hide …
Little Drummer delves into the terrifying criminal worlds hidden in plain sight - about the power and politics that have control we couldn't even imagine. Our detectives uncover secrets in the world of foreign aid and prescription medications that risk everyone.
This dark procedural thriller is suspenseful, stylish and sophisticated - full of masterful deception and deceit. Getting into the gritty reality of what it takes to chase down international criminals, this still has all the intrigue and suspense without losing its hold on reality.
Frølich and Gunnarstranda are both spectacularly well-rounded characters - each painfully human with insights into their own personal lives and struggles. Their personalities are distinct, and despite their blatant differences they complement each other and make a brilliant team. Journalist Lise brings a unique outer perspective to the story and weaves her own way into the detectives journey.
This is definitely a a heavy-hitter, exploring death, drugs, violence and featuring some racist language that will be distressing and upsetting to some readers.
Little Drummer was originally published in 2003 as part of the Frølich and Gunnarstranda series.
Gunnarstranda searches Norway for a cold-blooded killer while Frølich heads to Africa with journalist Lise to try and uncover the deadly secrets that someone is killing to hide …
Little Drummer delves into the terrifying criminal worlds hidden in plain sight - about the power and politics that have control we couldn't even imagine. Our detectives uncover secrets in the world of foreign aid and prescription medications that risk everyone.
This dark procedural thriller is suspenseful, stylish and sophisticated - full of masterful deception and deceit. Getting into the gritty reality of what it takes to chase down international criminals, this still has all the intrigue and suspense without losing its hold on reality.
Frølich and Gunnarstranda are both spectacularly well-rounded characters - each painfully human with insights into their own personal lives and struggles. Their personalities are distinct, and despite their blatant differences they complement each other and make a brilliant team. Journalist Lise brings a unique outer perspective to the story and weaves her own way into the detectives journey.
This is definitely a a heavy-hitter, exploring death, drugs, violence and featuring some racist language that will be distressing and upsetting to some readers.
Little Drummer was originally published in 2003 as part of the Frølich and Gunnarstranda series.
May 3, 2022
Little Drummer proves that Kjell Ola Dahl has complete control over the narrative of his writing. The plotting is complex and always consistent. You follow different strands of the story across different continents as events unfold. Detectives Frølich and Gunnarstranda lead an investigation which starts with the death of a young woman. Once it becomes clear that this is not a straightforward drug overdose, you follow their lead as the story becomes darker and always suspenseful. With Gunnarstranda working in Norway, Frølich travels to Africa in the search for the instigators of murder. By the end, it is clear that there are some powerful forces at play of a political and global nature.
The two detectives are an interesting contrast with a certain dynamic which is at times uncomfortable, although I did enjoy their early meeting when tobacco was 'mislaid'. In addition, we meet the journalist, Lise, who travels to Africa with Frølich and who carries out her own investigation. This is a well- paced thriller which ramps up the tension and is never obvious, leading you through the twists and turns of the investigations. Special mention also must go for Don Bartlett whose translation never jars and who has helped create such a readable thriller.
In short: complex plotting and powerful characterisation
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
The two detectives are an interesting contrast with a certain dynamic which is at times uncomfortable, although I did enjoy their early meeting when tobacco was 'mislaid'. In addition, we meet the journalist, Lise, who travels to Africa with Frølich and who carries out her own investigation. This is a well- paced thriller which ramps up the tension and is never obvious, leading you through the twists and turns of the investigations. Special mention also must go for Don Bartlett whose translation never jars and who has helped create such a readable thriller.
In short: complex plotting and powerful characterisation
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
October 8, 2024
Confusing and Convoluted Plot
Fragmented storyline that was hard to follow and distracted from the mystery. In terms of the sequence of the book series, this one jumps back in time again. Frustrating how Dahl ends his books abruptly without tying up loose ends. I’ve kept reading the whole series thinking that this last book would bring it together. But this was more of the same and the weakest of all the 8 books. Prose was also disjointed and unclear. Unsatisfying conclusion. Unless he has one more installment coming that pulls all the threads together, I don’t think he’s i. The league of other Nordic Noir authors.
Fragmented storyline that was hard to follow and distracted from the mystery. In terms of the sequence of the book series, this one jumps back in time again. Frustrating how Dahl ends his books abruptly without tying up loose ends. I’ve kept reading the whole series thinking that this last book would bring it together. But this was more of the same and the weakest of all the 8 books. Prose was also disjointed and unclear. Unsatisfying conclusion. Unless he has one more installment coming that pulls all the threads together, I don’t think he’s i. The league of other Nordic Noir authors.
February 8, 2025
Read this between awaiting books. Went off on tangent and could not figure out who I was reading about. Needs more details of characteristics. But this is not the first book. I would try to go back to other previous books to figure out more. Good concept of crime but to me I was not immersed
with it. Something to do with people killing because of companies that were not making money. Dude detective goes to Africa where he meets a journalist that found the 1st dead victim and wants to get a story out about it. Turns out in the end they are targeting her and she knocks out the last guy that was in this group of investors and kicks butt.
with it. Something to do with people killing because of companies that were not making money. Dude detective goes to Africa where he meets a journalist that found the 1st dead victim and wants to get a story out about it. Turns out in the end they are targeting her and she knocks out the last guy that was in this group of investors and kicks butt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2022
It was ok, didn’t pull me in, but perhaps reading this, rather than the series in order, is perhaps a contributing factor.
I didn’t feel any real suspense, and the ending came a little out of left field.
I didn’t feel any real suspense, and the ending came a little out of left field.
August 30, 2022
Going by other reviews, a lot of people have really enjoyed this book. It is well written and has a lot going for it, but I just didn’t enjoy it. It was messy and confusing. I also hate it when authors throw in a bit of romance thinking that it’ll spice things up a bit. It didn’t.
September 28, 2022
An excellent thriller set in Norway & in Kenya with a labyrinthine post-colonial plot worthy of latter-day John Le Carre. I particularly liked the author’s description of everyday things. Good characterisation, action & even a love affair.
October 26, 2022
Norwegian Noir - Nice!
First book I've read by Dahl, but it won't be the last. A tale of corruption and murder, set in both Norway and Kenya. Characters are extremely well developed, and the last fifty pages move in a completely unexpected direction. A very good read!
First book I've read by Dahl, but it won't be the last. A tale of corruption and murder, set in both Norway and Kenya. Characters are extremely well developed, and the last fifty pages move in a completely unexpected direction. A very good read!
April 16, 2024
Complex novel worth reading
excellent novel with great characters. Norway and Africa are both included and the author captures environment and communities very well. Issues of economies and starving and thriving communities are well captured. I heartily recommend this book.
excellent novel with great characters. Norway and Africa are both included and the author captures environment and communities very well. Issues of economies and starving and thriving communities are well captured. I heartily recommend this book.
July 19, 2021
Spannender Norwegen-Afrika-Krimi.
November 27, 2021
Een vlotte lezer. Mooie personages en uiteindelijk best verrassend.
June 8, 2022
Elegant and complexly plotted and always a pleasure to read this writer, but more philosophical and personal than the best of his novels.
July 1, 2022
I struggled a bit to understand what was going on but the last chapter was reveting
August 10, 2022
Rather weak. Poor dialogue and possibly a bad translation? Usually this author is one of my favorites.
January 14, 2023
Read this out of sequence, but still good! Once again a blend of mystery and social commentary.
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