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The Swimmer 

by


Joakim Zander

The Swimmer by Joakim Zander - I am still scratching my head as to how a debut novelist like Joakim Zander, has produced such genius.  I am a big fan of Nordic novels, seldom does a day go by in my house where I am not "reading" a Nordic subtitled TV series like Borgen, The Bridge, Arne Dahl or The Killing.  Joakim has created here, a novel to compare with, and I mean compare, as equal to The Bourne Identity.  Whilst reading it, it was like I was seeing a movie played out in my hands.  The characters, I got to know them all really well.  There are twists aplenty in the book, a few shocks here and there, a good few, "I did not see that coming" moments.  And the ending.  What an ending, I really didn't know how it was going to end until the last few pages.  Not that I wanted it to end either.  I don't know how Joakim Zander created such a masterpiece this first time around, perhaps he is a natural. I would say so.  His UK publisher really has struck gold with this title and author. 
 
I could talk about the individual characters in the book, there are quite a few, and they each have their own story to tell, however, that would be spoiling the novel for you. I will not talk about them here, you will just have to read it and prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of a ride. 
 
What I loved at one point of the book towards the end, is the different viewpoints.  You experience the same situation (no spoilers) but from the perspective and eyes/thoughts of 3 different people.  It was madness, yet it all flowed effortlessly   I have not experienced any written work like this before.  Joakim Zander really is a talent.
 
The publishers (Head of Zeus) deserve a big pat on the back for securing this title!
 
It's daft to say that this is one of the best thrillers that I have read in a while, The Swimmer is beautifully written, vivid in its imagery that drives the tension of this thriller. This really is a good verses evil book, and it's something in the present world situation, which makes quite a believable thriller. There is such a fantastic ruthlessness in this thriller, that we are told is to protect democracy. For a debut novel, this is a fast paced, believable and compelling thriller.

The Swimmer has everything the reader wants from a thriller, and it has everything in it to be a best seller.
 

10 out of 10

Review by Carl Marsh
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