As Chief Inspector investigates the second body, his journalist daughter, Line Wisting , begins a feature story on the first—exploring how a human being could be so utterly forgotten in a prosperous welfare state like Norway. Their paths eventually converge when it becomes clear they are hunting a "usurpador"—a serial killer who evades detection by stealing the identities of his victims. Key Themes & Style
Drawing from Horst's background as a former police investigator, the novel offers a highly realistic look at interrogations and administrative hurdles. El Usurpador Jorn Lier Horst epub
A corpse is found semi-buried in the snow near a spruce tree, clutching a tuft of blonde hair. As Chief Inspector investigates the second body, his
A man is found dead in his chair, having sat unnoticed for four months in front of a flickering television. A corpse is found semi-buried in the snow
The book serves as a critique of modern isolation, using the forgotten neighbor as a "mirror" to society's failings.
