Blood Ties: A Novel

Roy Opgard and his younger brother Carl run a business empire in the town of Os. Roy has handled any threats to their business with ruthless efficiency. Roy has acted as his brother’s keeper for decades, whether it be cleaning up Carl’s messes or becoming an accomplice to his crimes. There is a sizable body count that has accumulated as a result of this fraternal devotion. Local Sheriff Kurt Olsen has been gunning for Roy for years, as he believes Roy murdered his father, the former sheriff of Os. As Roy must deal with the scrutiny of law enforcement, he begins to question his loyalty to his brother and wonder if the bond of brotherhood has become an albatross.

Jo Nesbo has distinguished himself as a superb writer of the mystery thriller with his Harry Hole series, along with other standout novels. Blood Ties continues to show his versatility in crafting riveting crime fiction. Roy and Carl Opgard are fascinating lead characters who are united by birth as well as their shared crimes. Nesbo subtly builds the tension until the inevitable but engrossing showdown.