Headhunters

The Book

This was the first of Jo Nesbo's thrillers that I have read. I know he has a huge following and I have read quite a few comments that this stand alone crime novel is not as good as his Harry Hole series. I read it with a ghoulish fascination, however.

Roger Brown is a headhunter for companies - finding them the best candidates for the top jobs. In his research and interviews he also gathers valuable information for his hobby - breaking into their houses and stealing any valuable art. What starts as a run of the mill art theft for Roger turns into a fight for survival as he has become the pawn in a bigger game.

The story and its twists, red herrings and reveals are precision plotting. Towards the end I was beginning to think this was all too much co-incidence, but further reveals show that nothing is left to chance.

Some of the situations that Roger's character is subjected to are particularily harrowing and degrading and made me groan out loud in disgust - particularly the outhouse toilet episode and the escape from between two dead policeman in an upside down car. This is almost a cleansing process for his character, however, as penance for his past misdeeds and he is a more likeable and less arrogant character at the end of the book.

The Film

The film sticks pretty much to the book, with all the complicated plot twists either well explained or filmed in a sequence that makes it understandable. The sight of Roger covered in sh*t from head to toe, driving a tractor down the road with a pitbull impailed on the front did add some comedy to the thrills (whether intentional or not). I am also glad that the graphic gore in which Roger escapes from between the two large dead policemen was missed out - it was difficult to watch as it was, waiting with baited breath in case he blinks as Cleve inspects the car.
The acting was very good and the relationship between Roger and his wife was well played out, adding an aspect of more tender emotions through their insecurities and love for each other.
Overall a top notch thriller.