The Lion’s Mouth: A Hanne Wilhelmsen Novel

First published in Norway in 1997 and coauthored with Reiss-Andersen, Edgar-finalist Holt’s compelling, character-driven fourth Hanne Wilhelmsen novel (after 2013’s Death of the Demon) delivers a one-two punch: first, the fatal shooting of Norwegian prime minister Birgitte Volter at her desk by a killer who seemingly vanishes without a trace; then, days later, the death of a Supreme Court judge in mysterious circumstances. And despite unprecedented efforts by the police and Security Service—with no lack of conspiracy theories by pundits, who point the finger at everyone from right-wing extremists to mysterious forces linked to a controversial probe into the deaths of at least 800 Norwegian children decades earlier—it looks like an investigation in danger of going nowhere fast. But as series fans know, smart money doesn’t bet against Oslo’s Chief Insp. Hanne Wilhelmsen, who’s officially on extended leave. Holt uses her surprising plot to highlight the nature of power and the extent to which it can corrupt. (Feb.)