Headhunter

Geschrieben von Johannes Steck und Jo Nesbø

Erzählt von Johannes Steck

Roger Brown genießt als Headhunter in Wirtschaftskreisen einen exzellenten Ruf. Was niemand weiß: Er raubt seine Klienten aus, bringt sie um ihre Kunstwerke. Auf einer Vernissage lernt er den Holländer Greve kennen, der ihm die perfekte Besetzung für den Geschäftsführerposten eines GPS-Unternehmens zu sein scheint. Als Brown erfährt, dass Greve einen lange verloren geglaubten Rubens besitzt, stiehlt er das wertvolle Gemälde. Eine gnadenlose Verfolgungsjagd beginnt.

• Sprache: Deutsch
• Herausgeber: Hörbuch Hamburg
• Erscheinungsdatum: 16. Juli 2010
• ISBN: 9783844903805

Rezensionen für Headhunter

[col2910_1 · Bewertung: 3 von 5 Sternen]

Synopsis/blurb......
Roger Brown is a corporate headhunter, and he's a master of his profession. But one career simply can't support his luxurious lifestyle and his wife's fledgling art gallery. At an art opening one night he meets Clas Greve, who is not only the perfect candidate for a major CEO job, but also, perhaps, the answer to his financial woes: Greve just so happens to mention that he owns a priceless Peter Paul Rubens painting that's been lost since World War II - and Roger Brown just so happens to dabble in art theft. But when he breaks into Greve's apartment, he finds more than just the painting. And Clas Greve may turn out to be the worst thing that's ever happened to Roger Brown.
With the month fast disappearing and not having got my Scandinavian crime fiction fix yet, I was, after an exchange of views with Keishon from Yet Another Crime Fiction Blog tempted into giving this standalone book by Nesbo a spin. Nesbo’s adult books tend to deal with his main character Harry Hole in a series of police procedurals, with Headhunters being his sole venture away from Hole. My first experience of the author was earlier this year when The Bat, his debut novel was finally released in English for the first time. As the second Hole adventure doesn’t appear until towards the end of this year, my OCD tendencies steered me away from later books in the series, that have long been available in the UK.
Well, how did we get on with Headhunters?
At 380-odd pages long and only taking maybe 2 or 3 working days to read, it was fast and using the old cliché – a bit of a page-turner.
What was our overall assessment? Enjoyable, interesting, one to recommend?
Hmm.... I would have to say I enjoyed it, without actually being able to gush or enthuse about it dramatically. Would I recommend it.........I wouldn’t put anyone off reading it, but conversely it’s not a book that I will be forcing on to other people either. A bit of a fence-sitting here.
What was the problem then?
Whilst the plot and premise of the book interested me to a degree, my main problem was that Roger Brown wasn’t particularly likeable. There’s a thin line between characters that exude self-confidence and have an appeal that has you rooting for them and characters that emit arrogance and leave you indifferent to their fate. Brown/Nesbo crossed the line, whether Nesbo intentionally portrayed Brown in this unflattering way would be interesting to know. His combatant in Headhunters, Clas Greve instead of contrasting with Brown was of the same ilk, gaining his super-ego from having previously excelled whilst in the Dutch military.
The plot was a little bit far-fetched, but as all fiction is made up words, I was ok suspending belief for the duration of the story. Nesbo introduced a twist towards the end, that whilst not quite telegraphed had a certain predictability about it. I was a little bit confused at the switch around, but not enough to force myself to re-cap and reread maybe the previous 10 or so pages to see if it was totally plausible or to perhaps pick-up on a small hint I may have missed.
The characters I liked most in the book were several of the supporting cast. One whose name escapes me was Brown’s partner in crime. I found myself somewhat sympathetic to him, particularly as he was so hopelessly love-struck, though I’m not sure his paranoid tendencies would have earmarked him as ideal boyfriend material. The second character I enjoyed was Ferdy, Brown’s underling in the workplace. Had both Brown and Greve exploded from a dangerous overload of testosterone, I would happily have watched Ferdy sail in to take the spoils.
Overall?
I’ll go a 3 from 5. There wasn’t enough about it to merit a 4 or drag it above the barrier of averagely-interestingly- enjoyable. It was better than a 2, insofar as I was never mired in treacle reading it or ever felt like stopping at any point.
I’m unsure where I picked up my copy from. It would have been late last year or early this year, second hand either via Amazon, E-bay or as a book swap.
I haven’t been put off reading more from Nesbo, but as stated before will be holding off until I get my hands on Cockroach.
As a further note, I believe there has been a film adaptation of the book. I haven't been compelled to find out more about it, or hunt it down.

[librarycin · Bewertung: 3 von 5 Sternen]

Roger Brown is a headhunter, pretty much the best. He is married to Diana, but can’t really afford the lifestyle she wants. She runs a small art gallery (that he paid for). When the former head of a tech company in Amsterdam comes to Norway, he is the perfect candidate for a big tech company in Oslo. When Roger meets him, he also discovers that he has a rare piece of artwork. Far too tempting for the sometimes-art thief/forger! And things go very awry… It took me a while to “get into” this. Even when it picked up, unfortunately, my mind was a bit elsewhere, but I did get my mind back on what I was reading after a bit. At first, the twist at the end confused me a bit, but it was explained. It’s kind of one of those things where it’s tempting to go back knowing what you know “now”, at the end of the book, to see how you had been led astray in your thinking. I’m rating it “ok”, but I feel like if my mind had been paying better attention at the moment it picked up, I “should” be rating it good.

[tmph_1 · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

Pretty good. Not of the "Harry Hole" detective series, but interesting characters. Even the hero isn't much of a good guy, but compared to the bad guys! Whoa. Many great twists.

[susandennis-139327 · Bewertung: 5 von 5 Sternen]

I had a lot of issues with this book. The reader (audible) seemed really bored so I had a hard time getting into it. The plot hinges on what I consider a really lame trick. A critical part of the story is told via a cheap trick. But... even with all that, it was a 5 star read for sure. There were several memorable scenes but one in particular that was one of the most vivid scenes I've ever read. I'll never forget it. There was a character - not even a main one - drawn to completely, I'd know him if I ran into him on the street. The story was just wild and the writing delicious.

[decaturmamaof2 · Bewertung: 2 von 5 Sternen]

Didn't finish. I really enjoy the Harry Hole novels by Nesbø, and found this book a bit boring, and not as well-written.

[terran_9 · Bewertung: 3 von 5 Sternen]

3.5 stars because it's by Nesbo. Totally different from Nesbo's Harry Hole series, but if you like his writing, you'll like this too. The main character is very unlikable in my opinion and never shows any positive development. I kept wondering if I wanted him to succeed or fail in his endeavors. As a "headhunter" who matches job-seekers to executive positions, Roger Brown can't afford his luxurious lifestyle, so he supplements his income with art thefts. He runs across some unsavory characters, horrible situations and the police before the end of the book. There were enough twists and turns to keep this reader reconsidering her predictions as to the outcome.

[stahl2ricco · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

Roger Brown goes through quite a lot in this book! He is a corporate headhunter (hence the title!)by day, art thief by night (and day). He gets into trouble, survives an outhouse (blech) and a car accident (strange air bags)and being pursued by a different kind of headhunter! It's a really good read, and I loved the way it wrapped up, with all of the twists and turns! I also liked that Roger went to a hotel that is also in Nesbo's "The Snowman", which I had just read.

[arubabookwoman · Bewertung: 3 von 5 Sternen]

This is a stand-alone crime novel by the creator of Harry Hole. Roger Brown is a headhunter for upper, upper corporate executives. He is also an art thief, and uses his interviews with potential clients to learn if they own art, where the art is located, whether their homes have burglar alarm systems, whether anyone is at home during the day, whether they have a dog, etc. etc. All goes well until he interviews Clas Greve, and learns he owns what may be a Rubens painting missing since the Nazis confiscated it during WW II. The book then becomes a game of cat and mouse between Brown and Greve, with the reader wondering who is scamming whom. This is a book in which a criminal is hunted by a worse criminal.

[jkdavies · Bewertung: 3 von 5 Sternen]

Started out well, fast paced and entertaining, a little OTT. Didn't really like that the venal Roger got away with it...

[nipf-2 · Bewertung: 5 von 5 Sternen]

Sehr gutes Buch - und mein erstes von dem Autor. Ich hatte schon viel von ihm gehört, mich aber bislang immer dagegen gesträubt, etwas von ihm zu lesen. Warum genau weiß ich nicht - aber das hat sich in jedem Fall geändert. Mir gefiel der Schreibstil sowie der Aufbau der Geschichte. Auch die Personen waren schlüssig, wenn auch z.T. etwas zu heldenhaft angelegt.

[paulrx04 · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

Another great Nesbo read. Plot a bit far out, but still good.
Even made a decent movie.

[phillipfrey · Bewertung: 3 von 5 Sternen]

As a note of interest, this book was made into a movie in Norway (with English subtitles) by Norway's Nordisk Film. Netflix has it. I gave the book a 3 star rating because, for me, it wasn't as thrilling as the other Nesbo books I have read. A Newsday reviewer had written "Chance are you'll be hooked..." The reviewer did not write, You will be hooked. But for those who like crime stories, it should satisfy, meaning it is definitely not a waste of time.

[moonfleur_1 · Bewertung: 3 von 5 Sternen]

A first Nesbo book for me and while the plot is surprising the protagonist is unique which one would seldom find in fiction
Characters wise would prefer more development or explanations on how the protagonist became who he is

[bookscentlover · Bewertung: 5 von 5 Sternen]

If only there were ten starts. This is the book to end all books! I just can't throw around enough clichés.When I read THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP, I thought there'd never be another book as good. Then I read THE GODFATHER. And now, nine years later, I read HEADHUNTERS.I had taken to skipping over the end of books, if not dropping them mid-book altogether, once the crime was resolved. But this one, the writing kept me going. I wonder if another Jo Nesbo can even keep up! This was my first.

[bwkramer · Bewertung: 5 von 5 Sternen]

I've read 3 of the Harry Hole series and really liked them. This is proof that the guy can really write.

[richardcjennings · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

"I had been thinking of putting a single bullet through your head as a mark of respect for being a prey worthy of a hunter, Roger. But I think I'll go back to the original plan after all. Shooting you in the stomach. Have I told you about the stomach shots? How the bullet bores through your spleen causing gastric acid to leak out and burn its way through the rest of the intestines? Then I have to wait until you beg me to kill you. And you will, Roger."

Fast paced. Couldn't put it down, Can't wait for the movie. Four stars.

[femme_letale · Bewertung: 1 von 5 Sternen]

What was this all about? I am a fan of Nesbø but I found this book very disappointing. THe characters and the plot are completely unbelievable. I know that part of the appeal of the Harry Hole series is the false clues, the red herrings, but the ones in this book are just totally ridiculous. I don't even know why I finished it. I should have left it as soon as the military guy made his appearance and the alpha-male competition started.

[liz_57-1 · Bewertung: 5 von 5 Sternen]

Dark thriller with an ending I never suspected.

[katherinegregg · Bewertung: 3 von 5 Sternen]

Roger Brown is a "top of the heap" headhunter, meaning that every client he recommends for the job gets it. Clas Greve conspires for months to set up a chance meeting with Brown, knowing he has what it takes to land a job with one of Brown's clients, a company that will make him a very wealthy man. And so begins a story with plenty of Nesbo's trademark twists and turns, chase scenes, murders and intrique. The story line was not terribly believeable but I still enjoyed it. I kept thinking that Harry Hole would have been able to solve the crimes committed in The Headhunters in a jiff.

[cameling_2 · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

Not as gritty as his Harry Hole series, this Norwegian thriller had a bit of a slow start but once it got going, it became a pretty good thriller about a professional executive headhunter who supplements his income with art thefts. He may have bitten off more than he can chew on his latest heist though when he discovers the man he's stealing from is having an affair with his wife. When he decides not to recommend this man later as a suitable candidate for a job position he would be perfect for, he doesn't know that he has set off a chain of events that will result in the death of a friend and business partner, him assuming another identity, and voluntarily submerging himself at the bottom of a cabin's rustic toilet. Things are not as they seem and the finale came as a total surprise.

[jerhogan · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

This was up to the brilliant standard of the Harry Hole books in terms of excitement with the added extra of some laugh-out-loud moments. The ending was quite good though just a tad too pat, as evidenced by the media savvy but clueless detective. However the ending was also quite funny. Definitely one of the better Nordic thrillers as are the Harry Hole books.

[rdhawk6886 · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

Very pleasantly impressed. Reminiscent of a nordic Don Winslow with a little more substance. THe set-up is terrific and very convincing. I am a sucker for book's that involve art heists, although, the art heist in this novel is a Maguffin of sorts. Roger Brown, the main character, has a authentic and convincing voice. The action is a bit over-the-top, the Quentin Tarantino references are well-arned. ALthough there are several laugh out-loud sections; the book does loose some of its credibility. Ultimately, I think the book may have been stronger relying on the real emotions that were created early on. I found the epilogue to strain believability even within the books own constructs. I have not yet read any of the Harry Hole books, overall, I did enjoy this stand alone.

[martinhughharvey_1 · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

Wasn't sure at first but took off nicely part way through. Interesting read, unexpected twists, and an unusual role for the central character. I'll read more.

[clq_2 · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

The English translation of this book, "Headhunters", has been on the bestseller-lists in the UK for quite a while. Also, I wanted to read this book before watching the film of it. However, having read Nesbø before, and not quite liking it, I was a little sceptical. Fortunately I liked Hodejegerne better, perhaps partly because it doesn't include Harry Hole, the recurring character in quite a few of the other books, and a character I never quite liked. Hodejegerne is very original, both in its story, and in the way the story unfolds. The thing that bothered me throughout the book was the fact that I just didn't believe a lot of what was happening. At some point almost all of the main characters make choices which seem more than a little contrived. Still, this is a quick, rather fast-paced, sometimes genuinely thrilling, book. Worth a read.

[bookczuk · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

What a well-choreographed dance of duplicity, malice and mistrust, with Machiavellian overtones. It read like a screen-play, which means the recently released movie based on the book must be pretty good. The movie probably will never get to Charleston, but hopefully will hit our radar at some point. The main character is despicable and unlikeable, yet I found myself sort of rooting for him, since everyone else was worse. I'd never have made it in the high-power business world.It's only looking at the cover on book sites that I realize the white on read forms a primitive face, complete with canines, which is apt, given part of the story. The book has one of the best toilet scenes I've ever read, and I'm pleased to say I caught one of the major plot elements because it had just a touch of a character similarity to something in the Harry Hole books (and made me wonder if Jo Nesbø had personal experience with something, to have put it in both this book and the Hole series.) We picked up this book at the Stanford Book Store while there for our son's graduation(!!).

[aramissciant · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

I missed Harry Hole but I still really liked this book, especially the improbable surprise ending. I realized though how much of what I like about Nesbø is how well and precisely he builds his characters and how much depth he gives them and I missed that a bit with this novel. Maybe it was because the protagonist is an anti-hero.. Still the great pacing and suspense is there and I found it a very entertaining read.

[les121 · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

I liked this book, but not because I liked a single one of the characters in it. In fact, I was about 50 pages in when I decided that the protagonist is a despicable person who deserves whatever’s coming to him. And yet, I didn’t stop reading. Within the next 50 pages, I became hooked. I still didn’t sympathize with any of the characters, but I was enthralled by the drama that played out, compelled to find out what twisted, messed-up thing was going to happen next. Although some parts are ridiculous and unbelievable, it’s a testament to Nesbo’s writing that I was so powerfully drawn into a story about characters that I abhorred. The surprise ending is perfectly crafted, and I loved putting the pieces of the mystery together. Overall, this thriller starts out slow, but once the action starts to build, you won’t be able to put it down.

[coachsully_1 · Bewertung: 4 von 5 Sternen]

An anti-heroic narrator is dangerous. I wasn't crazy about him at the beginning of the novel and not sure by the end if I liked him any better. But the nasty things he does and lives through to survive are fascinating. And the ending-it was quite a surprise! Will be thinking about it for awhile, that's for sure.

[kakadoo202 · Bewertung: 3 von 5 Sternen]

solid story but then gets a little frazzled. i was surprised to different characters than detectic horn but that was a nice change. translation was better than the leopard. easier read.

[smik_3 · Bewertung: 5 von 5 Sternen]

Norwegian crime fiction writer Jo Nesbo is well known to us for his Harry Hole police procedural series. I have read and reviewed a number of them (see the list below).HEADHUNTERS is a stand-alone, not a Harry Hole title.Set in Oslo, the novel's central character is Roger Brown, a highly successful corporate headhunter. Roger Brown, the headhunter who has never nominated a candidate for a job he did not get, who if necessary manipulates, forces, levers and rams the candidate in, who has clients who trust his judgement implicitly, who without a moment’s hesitation place their company’s fate in his – and only his – hands. To put it another way, it was not Oslo Port Authority who appointed their new traffic director last year, it was not Avis who appointed their Scandinavian director and it was quite definitely not the local authority who appointed the director of the power station in Sirdal. It was me.Roger's problem is that he leads a lifestyle that demands an income well beyond what he actually earns, but Roger has come up with a ploy by which he supplements his income by stealing from the people he interviews.In the interviews Roger uses a nine-step model developed by American police investigators designed to lead to confession. In Roger's case he wants the person being interviewed to come to realise how unsuitable he is for the job. The rare interviewee who does not, is the one who is suitable for the job. In the process Roger discovers what assets the person has that might be worth stealing. When a theft takes place the finger of suspicion never points back to Roger because he has other measures in place.HEADHUNTERS begins at a very sedate pace and in fact had me wondering why I was reading it. I know some readers who give a novel 20 or 50 pages to ramp up. If it hasn't grabbed their interest, or they can't see where it is heading, then they abandon it. They might easily have done so with HEADHUNTERS. But it is not in my nature to abandon ship and my persistence was rewarded when, at 20% into the novel, Roger interviews Clas Greve. Greve appears to be very clever, able to turn the tables on Roger. From that point on the action ramps up and we are reading a fast moving thriller.This is a very clever novel. Although the cards are all on the table, in fact some of what the reader is told is ambiguous and there are a number of red herrings. I particularly enjoyed a scene towards the end where the police investigator gives an extended television interview in which he explains the events for the benefit of the audience. It reminded me of a Hercule Poirot denouement, except that HP doesn't usually get it wrong.HEADHUNTERS isn't Nesbo's best novel, and I'm not sure I ever want to read about Roger Brown again, but it is still top level crime fiction.