HomeThrillerThe absent one

Cover of The absent one

Thriller · 2012 · R

The absent one

by Jussi Adler-Olsen

Department Q investigates a decades-old boarding school murder case that leads to a network of wealthy, sadistic killers.

For17+GenreThrillerLength387 pagesRead time~10 hours

This analysis was generated by AI from publicly available reader reviews, literary criticism, and book discussions. It has not been verified by a BookLens community reviewer and may contain errors. Be the first to verify →

Content snapshot

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What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.

Violence

A lot

Graphic violence including sadistic murders; the case involves killings of teenagers and disturbing crime scenes

Language

Some

Moderate-to-strong language consistent with adult Scandinavian crime fiction

Sexual Content

Some

References to sexual violence as part of the criminal case

Substance Use

Barely any

Brief substance references

Emotional Intensity

A lot

Disturbing psychological themes around sadism, class privilege, and people who kill for sport

What this book is about

The second Department Q novel is darker than the first, featuring graphic violence tied to sadistic murder including the killing of children. Strong language throughout. Adult crime fiction at the darker end of the spectrum.

Notes for sensitive readers

Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.

Graphic sadistic violence

Child murder

Sexual violence references

Dark crime fiction

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