‘The Assistant’ by Kjell Ora Dahl and translated by Don Bartlett is a blend of two of my favourite genres, a historical thriller. Whenever I see that an Orenda book is on tour I mentally rub my hands and jump in the air. I totally know I will adore whatever book it is.

In this latest book by Kjell Ora Dahl, we are transported to 1924. We see Jack Rivers who happens to be the assistant in the story, busy bootlegging the spirits that are banned around Kristiania. It just happens that Jack can get exactly what he needs, when he needs. Ludwig Paaske is a sworn enemy of Jacks and lives in the hope he will have Jack Rivers behind bars as soon as he can.

Fast forward to 1938 and we are in what was formerly Kristiania is now Oslo and Jack now works with Ludwig as his assistant in his Private Investigation work. The question is how has this managed to happen? Last we saw Ludwig was gunning to take Jack down, not take him into his business.

Their current investigation is on the face of It all is a pretty simple one. They are tasked with following a woman’s husband as she suspects him of having an affair. Jack begins to feel like there is more to this than meets the eye. As the story unfolds we are going back and forth between the two time periods as they begin to slowly entwine. We see that Jack is actually correct in his assumption that the case is so much more than a husband straying.

These two men are a great pair when working their case but I have to say Ludwig is a difficult character compared to Jack who is quite the open book to read. He finds himself torn during this book and he really needs to think carefully. He is a caring man who just has that gut feeling and follows it. I do hope there will be another outing for these two in the future.

A book that, as I tend to say; educated as well as entertained me. The 1920s Norway I knew nothing about and it had me enthralled. The crime thriller factor was spot on. Kjell Ora Dahl has the knack of bringing authentic and original stories with rounded characters that have depth to them.

Thank you to Anne Cater and Orenda Books for my place on the tour and the copy of the book.