Jo Nesbo is a go to author for me, and Blood Ties does not disappoint! I really enjoyed this twisty thriller, it felt like it was slow in some places but picked up again just when I was about to give up and swept me back into the world and story. I cannot wait for the next

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC extract of Blood Ties.

As I was reading this sample book, I initially thought I wasn't that interested. That all changed in the space of a couple of pages. I'm now off to buy the full book!

Two brothers, a small town, and a true battle for power. Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to read all of Jo Nesbo's books yet, but when I came across this short story, I couldn't resist. I just had to dive in.

As I understand, this is a short continuation of The Kingdom, and there may even be a full-length novel in the future. Brothers Carl and Roy have made quite a name for themselves in the town of Os—wealthy, well-known, and in their own way, respected. But at what cost? The reader gets a glimpse into the brothers' lives, filled with lies, fear, passion, anger, and cruelty. The latter is especially apparent when it comes to love, pushing the brothers ever closer to death. What are they willing to do to protect their honor? What must they do to keep the rumors at bay?

Though I haven't read The Kingdom yet, Blood Ties has definitely piqued my interest. In true Nesbo fashion, it's dark, full of secrets, and brimming with intrigue. Despite being brothers with the same blood, behind their friendly facades are faces full of rage and thoughts that are terrifying. Revenge is on the horizon.

Thank you so much, NetGalley and Random House Publishing, for this fantastic reading experience and for the ARC copy!

Review in Estonian: https://brixieblog.wordpress.com/2024/10/14/blood-ties-jo-nesbo/

My thanks to the team of NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this book. I had expected the whole book but this turned out to be a 3 chapter extract from the book. Unfortunately I found out after I had read the 3 chapters which means technically unless I seek out this book it will be a DNF for me. So I'm bound to buy it.
The extract of these chapters basically introduces the brothers Carl and Ray who seem to run all the businesses legally or borderline in a small quaint town where the story is based. The story seems to point towards the complexities of familial bonds and the shadows of the past.
I am a fan of Nesbo's works but this is all that I could glean from the extract.
I am not putting any external link before reading the entire story.
Thanks again.

Sequel to 'The Kingdom' with the body count getting higher for brothers Carl and Roy Opgard. However, a local sheriff Kurt Olsen is on their trail and determined to bring them down. Great Scandi noir.

Whetted the appetite reading about two brothers who don’t let anyone stand in their way!!
Jo Nesbo is as good as ever. Just too short!!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Blood Ties by Jo Nesbø is a masterful exploration of loyalty, family, and the dark side of human nature, set against the backdrop of the Norwegian village of Os. This gripping thriller continues the story of Roy and Carl Opgard, the siblings from Nesbø’s earlier novel, The Kingdom.

The novel opens with a chilling scene that sets the tone for the high-stakes drama to follow.

Nesbø’s ability to create tension and suspense is on full display, as he weaves a narrative that is both compelling and unpredictable.

Roy and Carl are deeply flawed yet relatable, their sibling rivalry and shared history adding layers of complexity to the story. Nesbø delves into their psyches, exploring the motivations and fears that drive their actions. This character-driven approach makes the novel not just a thriller, but a profound study of human relationships and the bonds that tie us together.

Nesbø’s writing is as sharp and evocative as ever. His descriptions of the Norwegian landscape are vivid and atmospheric, creating a sense of place that is integral to the story. The village of Os, with its secrets and tensions, becomes a character in its own right, its cold, remote setting amplifying the novel’s themes of isolation and desperation.

The plot of Blood Ties is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Nesbø expertly balances action with introspection, allowing for moments of quiet tension that build to explosive climaxes. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the story never loses its grip on the reader’s attention.

Blood Ties is a compelling and thought-provoking thriller that showcases Jo Nesbø’s talent for storytelling. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric setting, this novel is a must-read for fans of crime fiction.

Whether you’re new to Nesbø’s work or a longtime fan, Blood Ties is sure to captivate and intrigue, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Opgard brothers’ saga.

I haven't read anything by Jo Nesbo before, and also didn't realise that this was just an extract of the whole book. However, I did enjoy what I read.

The Opgard brothers are back and working hard to expand their wealth and influence. Big fish in a little pond type criminals who keep pushing the limits of the law to reach the success they think they are entitled to. As I was reading this, I got the feel of a family working to become a criminal dynasty. Jo Nesbo may have created the next series family for Taylor Sheridan!!!

Blood Ties is the sequel to The Kingdom by Jo Nesbø.
This is just an extract from the book (the first 3 chapters), a sneak preview if you will.
Roy and Carl Opgard are back. It is eight years since the events in The Kingdom. Construction of Os Spa continues, and Carl is building a new house as befits the King of Os.
If the three chapters I have just read are anything to go by, this book is going to be a cracker. I can't wait to read the full version.

Thanks to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for this digital extract.

I haven't left external feedback for this book as I didn't realise I had requested the extract and not the full book.

I have requested the full book but from what I have read so far, I have loved!

Blood Ties is the sequel to The Kingdom, a dark thriller about two brothers in a remote Norwegian town, which was published in 2020. I had enjoyed that one and so was excited to find out what happened next between Roy and Carl, but it was only when I started this that I realised that NetGalley was providing only the first three chapters. This was not clear when I requested it. I don’t feel I can provide a review based on such a short sample, so I’m not impressed by this new marketing tactic.
Do I want to read the rest? Of course, it’s Jo Nesbo, but if I have to buy it, that might be some time away, given the state of my TBR.

I have enjoyed the Jo Nesbo books I've read but sadly "The Kingdom" underwhelmed me. Objectively, it was a good book but sadly it lacked the "so what". The character work was great, the world felt real and lived in but the ending felt slightly like a damp squib. Thankfully "Blood Ties" looks to elevate The Kingdom story into a promising two piece.

This excerpt is brief but good enough to excite me for the release. It is the type of story that requires knowing what came before which means it's now worth your time reading "The Kingdom". This excerpt doesn't reveal anything major but it does offer a small peek at the ramifications for the brother's actions. I can't wait to read this one.

A book needs to grip me from the 1st few pages and definitely by chapter 3, unfortunately for me this didn’t, it is a slow start, hopefully the book gets better but with only 3 chapters I am not enthralled.

"Blood Ties." Just one chapter into the three-chapter taster and I was aware that this is a follow-on from "The Kingdom" The brothers are back with more murder and mayhem, once I realized who the characters were I was hooked. This will be a winner for me and I can't wait to get the full book to read.

NB: This review is for the advance three chapter extract of Jo Nesbo’s Blood Ties.

Firstly, I was hooked by the first three chapters and can not wait to read the book itself.

The first three chapters introduce you to brothers Carl and Ray who are run all the successful businesses in a mountain town called Os. Indeed, Carl has the nickname King of Os and lives up to the title. In contrast, Ray is the less ostentatious brother and the brother considered to be the less driven and not as smart as Carl. Only having read three chapters, I have the feeling Ray is more astute than people give him credit for. From the first three chapters it becomes clear that the brothers have done everything they can, not always legal, to get where they are today. It’s clear because of that, they are dangerous and not to be crossed.

Within the first three chapters is a potted history on the boys which helped me to understand their history and relationship.

The first three chapter has whet my appetite and I can’t wait for Blood Ties to be published!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Random House UK, for making this available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

With thanks to the author, publishers Random House UK and Vintage, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

NOTE: This review is written purely based on an extract of the first three chapters of the book.

This extract of the first three chapters was a compelling start to what promises to be another very interesting and multi-layered tale from the pen of Jo Nesbo.

We learn in these early chapters what kind of men Roy and Carl are, and what kind of things they are capable of to get what they want. There are elements of bribery, adultery, and murder to name a few, and some hints at how the story may unfold, certainly enough to keep me wanting to find out more!

Slow read, I think I expected more but it was just an excerpt. I think I needed more to pull me in.

This was just an extract but it was certainly enough to make me want to read more. Jo Nesbo is excellent at breathing life into characters from the start and Carl and Roy's story looks to have the makings of a great read. Looking forward to reading the rest!

I’m intrigued. These brothers have limited scruples, determined to get what they want by any means. I want to read more and this sample persuaded me to buy the first in the series