This book provided a stunning experience for me as a reader: I grew to like an unsympathetic, arrogant and seemingly unlikeable protagonist. But do I want more of Carl and Assad? I usually enjoy a well-written book which does not need a sequel. This ultimately does not lead up to a second volume in terms of the plot, so I'll probably not continue following this series. But I'll definitely commemorate Carl and Assad well. 
 The atmosphere was cold and enthralling at the same time. It's usually difficult to find such a story, but that's what I will keep in mind when thinking about this story. It will have a place on the top of my shelves, where the books are located which have moved me the most - and Jussi Adler-Olsen certainly did with this well-written thriller. Every time I opened the book to read more of Merete's fate no one could ever wish upon another soul, I grew more and more fascinated with the author's abilities to take his reader into another world of torture and pain, making the reader feel with the protagonist and leading him to hope something as terrible will never be happening to himself. 
 I would sometimes have wished more depth for characters like Carl's son or his ex-wife, but Carl, Assad, Merete and Lasse were characterized good enough for me to keep them reminded well. One point to criticise, though: I know I'm a nitpicker, but there were way too many commas missing. 
 Overall, it was a solid 4-stars-rating. I can easily recommend this as a must-read for fans of the genres Crime & Thriller, especially those of novels written by Scandinavian authors.