The Sandman by Lars Kepler
Joona Linna Series #4
4.5 / 5 Stars
451 Pages
Originally Published in 2011
Finished Reading on February 29, 2024
Brace yourself, because The Sandman by Lars Kepler is a masterclass in edge-of-your-seat thrillers. If you’re a fan of dark, twisty crime stories that keep you up at night, this one’s for you.
The story follow Joona Linna, a detective tasked with solving a years-old case when a young man, presumed dead, suddenly resurfaces. The man’s reappearance points to a dangerous serial killer, Jurek Walter, who’s been imprisoned in a high-security psychiatric facility. But Jurek’s reach extendws far beyond prison walls, and as Joona races to save another missing victim, he finds himself in a psychological game of cat and mouse with a killer who’s always one step ahead.
“A nightmare is only as strong as the fear it holds over you.”
What I Loved
This book is pure adrenaline. Lars Kepler creates an atmosphere so tense, it felt like I was holding my breath through half the story. The pacing is relentless, with twists that had me whispering, “No way!” to my cup of coffe (yes, I talk to my coffee – it understands me).
Joona Linna is a fantastic protagonist – sharp, determined, and deeply human. The psychological battle between him and Jurek Walter is easily one of the most chilling dynamics I’ve ever read. As a mom, the idea of loved ones vanishing without a trace hit hard.
It made me reflect on how far we’ll go to protect the people we love – and the lengths some people will go to hurt them.
“Some monsters don’t live under your bed; they walk freely among us.”
What I Didn’t Love
This book is DARK as in, make-sure-you’re-in-a-good-headspace dark. It’s also incredibly graphic at times, which is not for everyone. But if you’re a thriller junkie like me, you’ll appreciate the unflinching look at humanity’s darker side.
“Evil doesn’t need a reason – it just needs a way.”
Final Thoughts
The Sandman dives into fear, control, and the psychological power that monsters – both literal and figurative – can have over us. As an Aries moon, I couldn’t help by admire Joona’s fiery drive to confront danger head-on, even when the odds were against him.
This book is for:
- Fans of gritty, psychological thrillers
- Readers who love fast-paced, high-stakes storytelling
- Anyone who enjoys complex detective-villain dynamics
Overall, The Sandman is an intense, gripping thriller that’ll leave you breathless. It’s dark, it’s chilling, and it’s everything I want in a crime novel.
I’d rate it 4.5/5 stars. If you love thrillers, this one’s a must-read!
What’s the most intense book you’ve read lately? Let’s swap recs. – drop a comment below.