Who would have thought that a person needed to practice mindfulness in order to kill? But that is exactly what helped Björn Diemel, do what he did. Bjorn is 42, and a criminal lawyer, He is involved with the wrong people and he decides on muder to keep his wife...

I loved this novel.. it is deliciously dark, with a little tongue in cheek humour and a fabulous plot.

Recommended read.

I really enjoyed this book! Mindfulness and gangsters shouldn't work but it really does! I thought this was a really funny dark comedy and some of the mindfulness bits were actually quite good.

I do think the only main female ancillary character (Bjorn's wife Katharina) could have been a bit more fleshed out as she just came across as a cow, but all of the gangsters were great. The plot was good and very well paced. The ending made me laugh. What more could you want?

The only thing that drove me mad (after I realised it would happen A LOT) was the repetition in the book of the mindfulness book that opened the chapters.

I loved the idea for the book and enjoyed the characters as I read further. I especially liked how it was in the first person.

From the first page of "Murder Mindfully" by Karsten Dusse, I was drawn into the hilariously grotesque yet strangely enlightening world of Björn Diemel. The premise is both absurd and brilliant: a criminal lawyer turns to murder to restore balance in his life, all while embarking on a mindfulness journey. Who would have thought that achieving inner peace could lead to violent escapades?
The narrative begins with Björn, a man on the brink of losing his wife, Katharina, and their daughter due to his workaholic tendencies. His reluctant decision to attend a mindfulness class is both relatable and laughable. I didn’t expect to find myself chuckling at the absurdity of a mindfulness session turning into a catalyst for murder. Yet, Dusse seamlessly weaves humour into the dark subject matter, making it an enjoyable ride.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the character development—especially for Björn. He starts as a typical overworked professional, but his journey of self-discovery amidst chaos is entertaining and thought-provoking. His newfound ability to stay calm in the most dangerous situations, juxtaposed with his violent tendencies, showcases Dusse’s unique storytelling. The mindfulness techniques, even if comically misplaced, are surprisingly enlightening; I even found myself taking a deep breath alongside Björn during some of his more tense moments.
However, I did feel that Björn’s wife, Katharina, could have been given a bit more depth. She often seems more like an obstacle than a fully realised character, which detracted from the emotional stakes of their relationship. It felt like she played the role of the nagging spouse rather than a partner with her own complexities. Nonetheless, the colourful cast of gangsters surrounding Björn brought a refreshing vibrancy to the plot. Each character was exaggerated yet memorable, making them delightful to read about.
The pacing of the plot may very well be its strongest suit. Dusse expertly balances the dark comedy with the tension of Björn’s decisions, creating a rhythm that kept me turning pages. And the ending? Let’s just say it’s not something I anticipated, and that’s precisely what made it perfect. Who knew a book about murder could leave you with a satisfied grin on your face?
One aspect that did grate on me a bit was the repetition of the mindfulness quotes at the beginning of the chapters. It quickly became formulaic and detracted slightly from the flow of the narrative. I understood the intention behind it, but it could have benefited from a more subtle approach.
Overall, "Murder Mindfully" is a deliciously dark romp through the mind of a man struggling with priorities and sanity, while exploring the absurd intersections of mindfulness and mayhem. Karsten Dusse has crafted a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. If you're looking for a read that offers a unique blend of humour, crime, and a twist on self-help, then grab a copy of this one. Just remember: calm your mind, be here now, and maybe—just maybe—don’t take things too seriously.