The Keeper of Lost Causes Book Summary - The Keeper of Lost Causes Book explained in key points

The Keeper of Lost Causes summary

Brief summary

The Keeper of Lost Causes is a gripping crime novel by Jussi Adler-Olsen. Follow detective Carl Mørck as he reopens a cold case involving the disappearance of a prominent politician and uncovers dark secrets and a twisted motive.

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    The Keeper of Lost Causes
    Summary of key ideas

    The Start of a New Chapter

    In The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen, we are introduced to Carl Mørck, a detective in the Copenhagen Police Department. The story begins with a tragic incident where Carl is shot and his partner, Hafez el-Assad, is killed. This leaves Carl with a severe case of survivor's guilt and a paralyzing injury. As a result, he is transferred to Department Q, a new division that deals with cold cases, as a form of punishment.

    Initially, Carl is not interested in his new job and spends most of his time sulking and feeling sorry for himself. However, his assistant, Assad, a mysterious and enigmatic character, is determined to change Carl's attitude. Assad is a Syrian immigrant with a troubled past, but his relentless optimism and unorthodox methods begin to thaw Carl's icy demeanor.

    The Case of the Missing Politician

    As Carl and Assad start sifting through the old cases, they come across the disappearance of Merete Lynggaard, a rising political star who vanished five years ago. The police had initially ruled it as a suicide, but Carl and Assad find evidence that suggests otherwise. They believe that Merete might still be alive and held captive somewhere.

    Driven by this new lead, Carl and Assad embark on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth. They face numerous obstacles, including bureaucratic red tape, lack of resources, and the skepticism of their colleagues. However, their unorthodox methods and relentless pursuit of justice start yielding results, and they begin to unravel the mystery surrounding Merete's disappearance.

    A Race Against Time

    As they dig deeper, Carl and Assad discover a web of lies, corruption, and abuse of power that leads them to a sinister figure with a personal vendetta against Merete. They realize that Merete is indeed alive and being held captive, and they must race against time to save her before it's too late.

    The story takes a dark turn as the duo gets closer to the truth, putting their own lives in danger. However, their determination and unbreakable bond keep them going, and they refuse to back down, no matter the cost.

    The Unveiling of the Truth

    In the climax of The Keeper of Lost Causes, Carl and Assad finally manage to locate Merete's whereabouts. They uncover a horrifying truth about her captivity and the people responsible for her ordeal. The revelation is both shocking and heartbreaking, but it also brings a sense of closure to Merete's case.

    As the book concludes, Carl and Assad's relationship has evolved from a reluctant partnership to a deep friendship. They have also managed to solve a case that had haunted the police force for years. Despite the odds, they have proven that even the coldest of cases can be solved with the right amount of determination and teamwork.

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    What is The Keeper of Lost Causes about?

    The Keeper of Lost Causes is a gripping thriller by Jussi Adler-Olsen that follows detective Carl Mørck as he reopens a cold case involving a missing politician. As Mørck delves into the investigation, he uncovers dark secrets and a race against time to save the victim. This intense and intricately plotted novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

    The Keeper of Lost Causes Review

    The Keeper of Lost Causes (2011) by Jussi Adler-Olsen is a riveting crime novel that will captivate fans of suspense and mystery. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • With its intriguing plot and well-developed characters, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth.
    • Adler-Olsen skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating a complex and unpredictable narrative that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
    • The book delves into the psychological motivations of the characters, providing a deeper understanding of their actions and adding layers of depth to the story.

    Who should read The Keeper of Lost Causes?

    • Readers who enjoy Nordic noir and crime fiction
    • People looking for a compelling and unconventional detective story
    • Those interested in exploring the darker side of human nature and the complexities of solving cold cases

    About the Author

    Jussi Adler-Olsen is a Danish author known for his captivating crime thrillers. With a background in medicine, Adler-Olsen brings a unique perspective to his writing. He is best known for his Department Q series, which follows the investigations of detective Carl Mørck and his team. The series has gained international acclaim and has been translated into numerous languages. Some of his notable works include The Absent One and The Purity of Vengeance.

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    The Keeper of Lost Causes FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Keeper of Lost Causes?

    In The Keeper of Lost Causes, the main message is a gripping crime novel that explores the dark side of human nature.

    How long does it take to read The Keeper of Lost Causes?

    The estimated reading time for The Keeper of Lost Causes varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Keeper of Lost Causes a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Keeper of Lost Causes is worth reading for crime fiction fans. It offers a thrilling plot, complex characters, and keeps you hooked till the end.

    Who is the author of The Keeper of Lost Causes?

    The author of The Keeper of Lost Causes is Jussi Adler-Olsen.

    What to read after The Keeper of Lost Causes?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Keeper of Lost Causes, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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