Book Review: The Chestnut Man

The Chestnut Man by Søren Sveistrup was originally published on October 31, 2018, in Denmark. The English translation was published on September 3, 2019. This book has also been translated into Bengali. It was translated by Salman Haque and first published in June 2021.

Review

The Chestnut Man by Søren Sveistrup is a riveting, dark thriller that expertly intertwines elements of classic Nordic noir with psychological horror. Set in a chillingly atmospheric Copenhagen, the novel follows detectives Thulin and Hess as they investigate a string of brutal murders, each marked by a haunting symbol: a tiny figure crafted from chestnuts left near the crime scenes. Sveistrup, known as the creator of The Killing, uses his screenwriting prowess to craft suspenseful and cinematic scenes that keep readers on edge.

One of the novel’s strongest elements is its relentless pace and intricate plotting. Sveistrup doesn't shy away from confronting dark themes—trauma, family dynamics, and societal corruption—adding emotional depth to a narrative that’s already relentless in its suspense. Each character is crafted with complexity, particularly Hess and Thulin, who bring contrasting approaches to their work and face personal struggles that unfold as the story progresses. Their friction adds a layer of tension that complements the eerie and often gruesome hunt for the Chestnut Man.

“The Chestnut Man” book cover.

Sveistrup’s atmospheric storytelling shines through vivid descriptions of autumnal Copenhagen, where cold streets and fog-shrouded suburbs echo the unsettling events unfolding. He adds a touch of psychological horror by exploring the ways grief and secrets can fester into something monstrous. These elements combine to create a murder mystery that is both terrifying and deeply engaging, pulling the reader into a world where innocence can be deceptively fragile.

Overall, The Chestnut Man is a compulsive read for fans of dark thrillers and Nordic crime. Its cleverly layered plot, chilling atmosphere, and complex characters set it apart from standard fare in the genre. Sveistrup’s novel lingers in the mind long after the final page, leaving readers questioning the nature of evil and the fragility of justice.

Thumbnail Image Source: Taken from the poster for The Chestnut Man series airing on Netflix.{alertInfo}