Review: 1222

1222 by Anne Holt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Please note: I read and reviewed this book in Dec. 2011. Updating the formatting and adding a disclosure.

Disclosure: I received a free e-galley copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Reading Level: Adult

My Synopsis: Hanne Wilhelmsen used to work for the police until a bullet severed her spine between the 10th and 11th vertebrae, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. She is on a train to Bergen in the middle of winter, on her way to see an American specialist because of health problems she has been experiencing, when the train is derailed. Fortunately they were only just past` the station and near to a hotel that was mostly empty at the time, and the only person killed in the wreck was the driver of the train. However, that first night, there is a murder. And another the second night. What is happening? Who is the killer? And what about the mysterious extra carriage at the end of the train – who is in it? Why is there an armed guard? Will Hanne overcome her self-imposed isolation and help find the answers?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. Apparently it is an homage to Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” (also known in some areas as “Ten Little Indians”). The plot moved quickly, and there were lots of bits of subtle humor interspersed among the tension and suspense. The characters were wonderfully portrayed – while discussing the book with my husband I commented that you know a writer is good if you become attracted to one of the characters simply based upon the description and characterization, and that person’s personality. Magnus Streng was one of my favorite characters – he was absolutely fascinating and if he were a real person, I’d love to meet him. Edit: I should point out I mentioned to someone that I had read only one book with a character to whom I had become strongly attracted, and that was this book and Magnus Streng. So, again, impressive. End Edit

I strongly recommend this book to people who enjoy a good mystery, suspense/thriller, or simply good writing – you won’t be disappointed – it is wonderful!



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