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The Butterfly House

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The Butterfly House

Written by: Katrine Engberg
Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm
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In this chilling Nordic noir thriller set in Copenhagen, detectives Jeppe Kørner and Anette Werner investigate a series of brutal murders tied to a hospital, blending psychological suspense, police procedural, and dark social commentary in this sequel to the #1 international bestseller The Tenant that is “brimming with personality, eccentric characters, and plenty of mystery and intrigue” (Crime by the Book).

Hospitals are places of care—or so it seems. In the coronary unit of a leading Copenhagen hospital, a nurse quietly administers a fatal overdose to an elderly patient.

Days earlier, a paperboy makes a gruesome discovery in the heart of the city: the nude body of a young woman in a fountain, her arms marked by precise incisions, her body completely drained of blood.

Detective Jeppe Kørner, navigating the aftermath of divorce and a fragile new relationship, takes the lead. His partner, Anette Werner—on maternity leave but unwilling to stay sidelined—begins her own unofficial investigation. But working outside the system draws her into increasingly dangerous territory.

As the case unfolds, Jeppe and Anette uncover a horrifying pattern of exploitation and control lurking within caregiving institutions. What they find is as unsettling as it is deadly—and far closer than they ever imagined.

A “thrillingly nerve-racking” (Shelf Awareness) Scandinavian crime novel, this gripping installment delivers a dark, atmospheric mystery exploring power, vulnerability, and the chilling consequences of misplaced trust. Crime Crime Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction International Mystery & Crime Literary Fiction Medical & Forensic Mystery Police Procedural Thriller & Suspense Thriller Suspense Heartfelt
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What the critics say

"Graeme Malcolm brings an English accent and a fine performance to this Danish mystery. People are dying, drained of their blood through tiny cuts. The victims' other commonality is Butterfly House, a facility for teens with mental health issues. Detective Jeppe Kørner is assigned to the case; his partner, Anette Werner, is at home with a new baby and is thoroughly bored. Slowly, she begins to inject herself into the proceedings. Malcolm's voice is naturally deep and rather smooth. His narrative tone often differs from his dialogue delivery. The former is more relaxed and rhythmic, which is especially appropriate when Engberg focuses on the domestic lives of her two protagonists and the backgrounds of the other characters in this compelling audiobook."

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All stars
Most Relevant
it's a good Nord Noir, could have been great if it dug deeper in psychology or social services related to that in Denmark. it's the 1st i read in the series and by the writer.
also the book had a good potential to be more gore, it was too soft considering what was going on.
but by far what caused the 3 out 5 is the very last discovery by police, too cheesy.
generally it looks like the writer is writing it with American production in mind.

good book, doesn't disappoint nor challenge

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This was extremely well plotted and engaging. I liked it. The secondary characters are great, and while I'm not such a huge fan of the protagonist, unlike so many messy maverick officer characters, she's willing to change, and wow, do I appreciate that.
Fast pace, great writing, interesting plot.

great

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The story itself is well thought out and interesting but the actions of the main characters at times are far too irrational to make sense (e.g. not calling or using voicemail).

Generally good

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