Victim 2117 by Jussi Adler-Olsen (Dutton Books)

"Victim 2117" by Jussi Adler-Olsen is the eighth book in the Department Q series, known for its gripping Nordic noir genre with captivating characters and snappy dialogues. 

The novel explores significant themes of military violence in the Middle East and the struggles faced by refugees, weaving together multiple storylines that culminate in a compelling conclusion. The plot revolves around Assad's enigmatic past and a vengeful terrorist, intertwined with a subplot involving a solitary young man planning acts of violence.

The unidentified victim, referred to as Victim 2117 by the media, represents much more than just a statistic - she becomes the catalyst for a series of events that propel Department Q, Copenhagen's cold cases division led by Detective Carl Morck, into an exceptionally perilous, and deeply personal investigation. This case not only uncovers dark secrets from the past but also holds dire implications for the future.

For troubled Danish teenager Alex, who hides behind the anonymity of his computer screen, Victim 2117's death embodies all that he resents and provides the perfect opportunity to unleash his murderous inclinations in the real world. For Ghallib, one of the most brutal tormentors from Abu Ghraib, Saddam Hussein's infamous prison, the murder of Victim 2117 is the initial step in a meticulously planned terrorist scheme years in the making. And for Assad, a member of Department Q, Victim 2117 represents a connection to his buried past and a clue that the family he believed was long gone might still be alive.

With the assistance of his Department Q team; Carl, Rose, and Gordon, Assad must confront painful memories from his time in Syria and Afghanistan to track down Ghallib. However, with time running out before Alex's first kill and Ghallib's devastating attack, the thinly stretched Department Q must remain one step ahead of their most formidable opponent to avert the loss of countless innocent lives.

Meanwhile, underlying themes related to Carl Morck, the head of Department Q and the series' main character, simmer in the background. They are neither boiling over nor cooling off, creating anticipation for the next installment.

Adler-Olsen once again showcases his skill in weaving intricate plots while maintaining a consistent sense of suspense throughout the book. The novel captivates readers with its complex storytelling, compelling characters, and relentless suspense, solidifying its place as a profound addition to the Department Q series.

This novel veers into darker and grimmer territory compared to the earlier Department Q books, trading some of the humor for moments of deeply tragic events. Buckle up; this one is a thrilling ride packed with action!

5/5