Quick Take

The Disciple opens with psychologist and criminal profiler Sebastian Bergman doing everything he can to bring some order into his chaotic life. Having tried to find his daughter for many years, he's at last learned her identity - and she happens to be Vanya, a respected colleague of his. Though Sebastian longs to tell Vanya that he's her biological father, he also understands it may complicate her life given she already has a 'dad', whom she loves. At the same time, Sebastian's old team in the National Crime Squad - including Vanya - is investigating a series of brutal murders of women. The murders remind Sebastian of Edward Hinde, a convicted serial killer he put behind bars many years ago. But Hinde is still in jail, which leads the police to believe that they might be dealing with a copycat. Sebastian manages to convince Torkel, his old boss and teamleader, to let him have a close look at the investigation. He comes to the unsettling conclusion that all the victims are connected to him - and that Vanya might be in imminent danger.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Disciple

Introduction

The Disciple, written by Michael Hjorth and co-authored with Hans Rosenfeldt, is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a criminal profiler and his personal life. Set against the backdrop of a series of brutal murders, the novel explores themes of identity, family, and the darker side of human nature. With its fast-paced narrative and intricate plot, The Disciple has captivated readers and garnered praise for its complex characters and suspenseful storytelling. In this article, we will delve into the book's summary, author information, analysis of views, and reasons for recommendation.

About Michael Hjorth

Michael Hjorth, the author of The Disciple, is a successful screenwriter and film producer. He co-founded the production company Tre vänner, which has created films for both television and the silver screen. Hjorth has also acted as an executive producer for several films. The Sebastian Bergman series, which he co-wrote with Hans Rosenfeldt, has been a huge success in several countries and was adapted into a TV series aired by Swedish Television. Hjorth's expertise in screenwriting and his ability to create engaging stories make him a highly regarded author in the thriller genre.

Analysis of Views

Dark and Fascinating: Readers have praised The Disciple for its dark and captivating narrative. The story delves into the mind of a criminal profiler, exploring the psychological complexities of his character and his personal struggles. The book's ability to create a sense of unease and suspense has been widely appreciated by readers.
Engaging Characters: One of the strengths of The Disciple lies in its well-developed characters. Readers have appreciated the depth and complexity of Sebastian Bergman, as well as the other characters in the story. The relationships between these characters, both personal and professional, add depth to the narrative and keep readers invested in the story.
Intricate Plot: The Disciple's plot is intricate and keeps readers on their toes. The investigation into the brutal murders of women is intertwined with Sebastian's personal life, creating a sense of urgency and tension. The novel's ability to balance these two storylines seamlessly has been commended by readers for its skillful storytelling.
Slow Pacing: While some readers have praised the book's cleverness in incorporating backstory into the narrative, others have found it to be slow-paced. The second volume of the series, which focuses on filling in backstory, has been criticized for its lack of excitement compared to earlier volumes. However, it should be noted that this criticism is relative to the overall fast-paced nature of the series.
Predictable Motivations: A few readers have found certain aspects of the story predictable, particularly in relation to the serial killer's motivations. While some readers appreciate the psychological depth of these characters, others feel that they are overdone and lack originality. This critique may be subjective, as different readers have varying preferences when it comes to thriller novels.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Narrative: The Disciple's engaging narrative keeps readers hooked from start to finish. With its dark and suspenseful tone, it is a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Well-Developed Characters: Michael Hjorth's ability to create well-rounded characters is a major strength of this book. Readers appreciate the depth and complexity of Sebastian Bergman and his colleagues, which adds depth to the story and makes it more enjoyable.
Intricate Plot: The intricate plot of The Disciple adds layers of complexity to the story, making it a satisfying read for those who enjoy psychological thrillers. The intertwining of personal relationships with the investigation keeps readers invested in the story from beginning to end.
Skillful Storytelling: Michael Hjorth and Hans Rosenfeldt's skillful storytelling is evident in The Disciple. Their ability to balance multiple storylines seamlessly and incorporate backstory into the narrative without sacrificing momentum is commendable. This skillful storytelling makes for a compelling reading experience.

Conclusion

The Disciple by Michael Hjorth is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a criminal profiler and explores themes of identity, family, and the darker side of human nature. With its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, intricate plot, and skillful storytelling, this book has captivated readers and garnered praise for its suspenseful storytelling and complex characters. While some readers may find certain aspects predictable or slow-paced, overall The Disciple is recommended for those who enjoy psychological thrillers with a dark and captivating atmosphere.