Pierced

Henning Juul continues to bear the scars, both facial and emotional, from the death of his six-year-old son in an unexplained fire two years earlier in Enger's lethargic second novel featuring the Oslo investigative reporter (after 2011's Burned). But Henning may have hope of finding out why the fire was set. Convicted murderer Tore Pulli agrees to tell Henning what happened the night of the fire if the reporter can find out who set him up. Henning reluctantly teams with fellow journalist Iver Gundersen, who lives with Henning's ex-wife, to delve into Norway's mafia, whose members meet in gyms and strip clubs. Repetitious scenes and bland characters dilute the action, which finally kicks into gear more than halfway through with Iver's severe beating, which prompts Henning's reporter skills to shine at last. A sympathetic but weak hero will exasperate some readers. A generic view of Norway and too many loose ends don't help. (Oct.)