The Son by Jo Nesbo
Sonny Lofthus is a drug addict who has spent the past 12 years in prison for crimes he did not commit. In exchange for his silence, his jailers provide him with a never ending supply of heroin. When Sonny learns the truth of his father’s suicide, he escapes from prison and hunts down the people responsible for committing the crimes for which he is doing time. Though hunting, he is also being hunted; by the police, corrupt members of the justice system, the crime overlord who runs them, and the only person who knows the ultimate truth.
Though all of the characters were fully fleshed out and believable, Sonny was my favorite. He still possesses extreme intelligence, though somewhat fogged, mixed with emotions that run deep. He has the rare gift of being able to sit quietly and listen while others speak. This is the very thing that draws people to entrust him with all of their secrets without the slightest suspicion that he may have hidden motives.
I was engaged in this story, and the life of Sonny Lofthus, from the first chapter. Right away you know that everything is not what it seems and, as each chapter unfolds, you learn a little more about the circumstances that turned a young man with a bright future into a fugitive. A man who is capable of committing dark despicable acts and also exhibiting the kind of tenderness I would like to see more of in the world.
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genres of mystery, suspense, crime, and/or thrillers. If you don’t mind profanity, some gore and damn smart writing, you need to go get this book. Now.
Happy reading!
Kat Chandler Books 