The Hypnotist
Prepare for The Hypnotist to cast its spell
In the frigid clime of Tumba, Sweden, a gruesome triple homicide attracts the interest of Detective Inspector Joona Linna, who demands to investigate the murders. The killer is still at large, and there’s only one surviving witness—the boy whose family was killed before his eyes. Whoever committed the crimes wanted this boy to die: he’s suffered more than one hundred knife wounds and lapsed into a state of shock. Desperate for information, Linna sees only one option: hypnotism. He enlists Dr. Erik Maria Bark to mesmerize the boy, hoping to discover the killer through his eyes.
It’s the sort of work that Bark has sworn he would never do again—ethically dubious and psychically scarring. When he breaks his promise and hypnotizes the victim, a long and terrifying chain of events begins to unfurl.
An international sensation, The Hypnotist is set to appear in thirty-seven countries, and it has landed at the top of bestseller lists wherever it’s been published—in France, Holland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Denmark. Now it’s America’s turn. Combining the addictive power of the Stieg Larsson trilogy with the storytelling drive of The Silence of the Lambs, this adrenaline-drenched thriller is spellbinding from its very first page.
Lars Kepler
Lars Kepler is the pseudonym of the Swedish writing duo Alexander and Alexandra Ahndoril, a pair whose collaborative genius has redefined Scandinavian crime fiction. Under this name, they've created one of the most thrilling and suspenseful series in modern crime literature, centered around Detective Joona Linna. Their stories are known for their relentless pace, intricate plots, and a chilling exploration of human nature’s darkest corners.
The couple began writing together after their shared passion for crime novels led them to merge their individual talents—Alexandra’s keen psychological insights and Alexander’s experience in writing thrillers. Their first book, The Hypnotist, immediately captured the attention of readers and critics alike, launching the Joona Linna series into the international spotlight. Since then, the duo has continued to captivate audiences with their ability to craft complex characters, nail-biting suspense, and twists that leave readers breathless.
Killer Instinct
Also known as Joona Linna.
In the shadowy corners of Stockholm, a new breed of killer emerges—a chilling figure whose every move seems calculated and every murder meticulously planned. Killer Instinct is a pulse-pounding crime thriller series that dives deep into the minds of both hunters and prey, where nothing is as it seems, and every twist is designed to leave you breathless.
Killer Instinct consists of ten books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

