In two noir novels, crime lurks beneath small town life in Norway and New England

Summary

NPR's Book of the Day: In Two Noir Novels, Crime Lurks Beneath Small Town Life in Norway and New England Release Date: March 21, 2025

NPR's Book of the Day delves into the shadowy realms of human nature with a spotlight on two gripping noir crime novels. Hosted by NPR, the episode features in-depth conversations with authors Joseph Finder and Joe Nesbo, exploring their latest works, The Oligarch's Daughter and Blood Ties, respectively. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from these interviews, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.

Exploring Modern Thrillers with Joseph Finder

Overview of The Oligarch's Daughter

Joseph Finder introduces listeners to his new thriller, The Oligarch's Daughter, a plot-driven narrative set against the backdrop of small-town New Hampshire. The story centers on Grant Anderson, whose seemingly ordinary life as a boat builder masks a perilous reality. As Mary Louise Kelly outlines, “Grant Anderson is not the man he claims to be. He is in hiding, on the run from Russians who want him dead” (02:52).

Navigating the Digital Age in Thrillers

Finder discusses the intricate challenge of crafting a thriller in today's era of pervasive surveillance. Addressing the difficulty of making a protagonist disappear amidst ubiquitous cameras and facial recognition technology, he reveals his research process: “The secret these days is to find a small town where they don't have CCTV cameras and to live a life based on cash” (07:28). This strategy underscores the heightened realism and complexity in modern suspense narratives.

Insights into Russian Oligarchs

A significant portion of the novel delves into the enigmatic world of Russian oligarchs. Finder characterizes them as the “new Medicis” and “princes of capitalism” before geopolitical shifts rendered them Persona non grata. He highlights Arkady, a billionaire hedge fund manager in New York, portraying him as both charming and sinister: “Arkady is a kind of a charming, jovial, lovable guy. And at the same time, he's quite sinister” (04:16). This duality adds depth to the antagonistic forces Paul (Grant Anderson) faces.

Character Development and Plot Dynamics

Finder emphasizes the importance of multi-dimensional characters and intricate plotlines. Mary Louise Kelly remarks on the lavish lifestyle of the characters, comparing it to a Bond villain scenario, to which Finder humorously responds, “I didn't sail on yachts with the rich Russians” (05:35). Instead, his meticulous research, including interviewing yacht captains, brings authenticity to the narrative.

Addressing Secrecy and Identity

The novel explores themes of identity and secrecy, particularly through Paul’s alias as Grant Anderson. Finder explains the meticulous steps Paul takes to vanish: avoiding bank accounts with interest, handling all transactions in cash, and cutting ties that could lead back to his former identity (07:58). This portrayal reflects the evolving complexities of evading capture in a hyper-connected world.

Delving into the Human Psyche with Joe Nesbo

Overview of Blood Ties

Joe Nesbo, hailed as the king of Nordic noir, introduces his latest novel, Blood Ties. The story reintroduces readers to the compelling brothers, Carl and Roy Upgard, whose tangled relationships and dark secrets drive the narrative forward. Mary Louise Kelly sets the stage with a memorable quote from Roy: “When Shannon Alleen came hurtling into my life eight years ago, I was 35 years old, single and a mass murderer who was absolutely ready to start a family” (09:56). This captivating opening line exemplifies Nesbo’s ability to hook readers instantly.

Creating a Likable Mass Murderer

Nesbo delves into the challenging task of making Roy Apgaard—a mass murderer—a character readers can empathize with. He explains, “Roy is a guy who you can root for” by giving him relatable problems: “What you need to do is to put your protagonist in trouble, some kind of problem that needs solving” (11:48). Roy's complexities, such as his tendency to fall in love with his brother’s girlfriends and the unfortunate circumstances leading to his violent actions, add layers to his character, making him intriguingly human despite his flaws.

Character Dynamics and Conflict

The relationship between the brothers, Carl and Roy, is fraught with tension and tragedy. Carl, portrayed as the more intelligent and socially adept brother, contrasts sharply with Roy’s likable yet flawed persona. Nesbo reveals the dark history between them: “Roy sleeping with Carl's wife. And then Carl, the married brother, kills the wife by hitting her on the head with an iron” (13:09). This intense familial conflict becomes the driving force behind the novel's suspenseful plot.

Setting: The Quiet Town of Oz

Blood Ties is set in the serene spa town of Oz, a stark contrast to the dark deeds of its inhabitants. Nesbo describes Oz as “a typical Norwegian small town” with its close-knit community where “everybody knowing more or less everything about you” creates a claustrophobic atmosphere (14:40). This setting amplifies the suspense, as hidden secrets emerge within an otherwise peaceful locale, underscoring the universal theme that darkness can lurk anywhere.

Nesbo’s Writing Process and Influences

Nesbo shares his creative process, emphasizing spontaneous ideation and the influence of his storytelling background. He credits his family's storytelling legacy and his experience as a songwriter for his narrative skills: “Writing lyrics for my band... is a great way of teaching yourself that you need to leave up to the readers to imagine most of the story” (16:11). This approach ensures that his novels are both engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to actively participate in unraveling the plot.

Conclusion

NPR's Book of the Day masterfully navigates through the intricate worlds crafted by Joseph Finder and Joe Nesbo. Both authors excel in blending rich character development with suspenseful narratives, set against the nuanced backdrops of small-town life and high-stakes drama. Finder’s exploration of identity and modern surveillance intertwines with Nesbo’s portrayal of familial conflict and moral ambiguity, offering listeners deep insights into the complexities of human nature and societal structures. Whether delving into the high-stakes maneuvers of Russian oligarchs or the dark secrets of Norwegian brothers, these noir novels provide a compelling examination of crime and its impact on individuals and communities.

Notable Quotes:

Joseph Finder on Grant Anderson's true identity: “Grant Anderson is not the man he claims to be. He is in hiding, on the run from Russians who want him dead.” (02:52)
Joseph Finder on the challenges of writing modern thrillers: “The secret these days is to find a small town where they don't have CCTV cameras and to live a life based on cash.” (07:28)
Joe Nesbo on creating a likable mass murderer: “What you need to do is to put your protagonist in trouble, some kind of problem that needs solving.” (11:48)
Joe Nesbo on his writing influences: “Writing lyrics for my band... is a great way of teaching yourself that you need to leave up to the readers to imagine most of the story.” (16:11)

This episode offers a profound exploration of modern noir fiction, shedding light on the intricate balance between character relatability and narrative suspense. Whether you're a fan of high-octane thrillers or psychological dramas, NPR's Book of the Day provides valuable insights into the artistry behind crafting compelling crime novels.