Locked In by Jussi Adler-Olsen Summary
Overview of Locked In
In "Locked In," Adler-Olsen delivers the breathtaking finale to his 27-million-copy Department Q series. Set during Covid-19, this Nordic noir masterpiece from Denmark's three-time "Favourite Author" explores institutional betrayal with the psychological precision that crowned him king of Scandinavian crime.
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Key takeaways
A Web of Deception Unravels
Detective Carl Mrck's world collapses when he's arrested by his own colleague, Chief of Homicide Marcus Jacobsen, and thrown into Vestre Prison. The charges against him are devastating: murder, corruption, theft, and drug dealing. The evidence? A suitcase full of drugs and cash that Carl had stored for his former colleague Anker Hyer, unaware of its contents. As Carl adjusts to prison life - guards treating him with contempt, inmates recognizing him as a cop - a well-groomed visitor delivers a chilling message in the prison yard: people believe Carl knows too much and want him silenced. The threat extends to his family. Before Carl can process this, five men force open his cell door, beating him severely and attempting to stage his suicide with a noose. Just as consciousness fades, another prisoner named Malthe bursts in and savagely attacks the assailants, saving Carl's life. Behind Carl's imprisonment lies a sophisticated criminal organization with tentacles reaching deep into law enforcement. Eddie Jansen, a Dutch police officer corrupted years ago, coordinates the attempted murder through a corrupt guard. Eddie's descent began innocently - losing his family cabin to foreclosure, then accepting it back from a mysterious man with heterochromatic eyes in exchange for "minor" police information. What started as small favors escalated until Eddie became entangled in drug money operations and nail gun murders. Now he maintains detailed records as insurance while continuing to serve his criminal masters. When the attempt on Carl's life fails, Eddie receives devastating news: his prison contact demands double payment, and his employers are losing patience.
Department Q's Counteroffensive
The Criminal Mastermind
Prison Break and Pursuit
The Enemy Within
Desperate Measures
Finding Purpose Beyond the Badge
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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