KRIPOS investigator Skarphedin Olsen is enjoying a gourmet dinner at his nephew Fredric Drum's fine dining restaurant, but what he looks forward to most is a long-awaited fishing trip to Hessdalen—a valley also famous for strange light phenomena that some believe to be UFOs. Outside the restaurant, a gunshot rings out, and they discover the establishment's final guest lying shot on the pavement. Before long, it turns out the victim is a renowned researcher who had recently spent time in Hessdalen. Much against his will, Olsen is ordered to investigate the case, and his fishing getaway is ruined.

"Reading The Messenger leaves you with a warm, pleasant feeling. Not because of breathless suspense, but mostly due to its chuckling, distinct atmosphere and finely chiseled prose."
Stavanger Aftenblad

"Nygårdshaug portrays Skarphedin Olsen with great humor. His demeanor is always charmingly eccentric, the investigator's vocabulary is impeccable, and his dialogue is magnificent. While the fundamental plot points don't stray far from standard crime fiction, the execution is exquisite."
Dagsavisen

"It was only a matter of time before author Gert Nygårdshaug would find his way to UFO territory in Hessdalen. And when it finally happens, he does it in style. (...) The unorthodox is an essential aspect of Gert Nygårdshaug's crime novels, and in this year's book, he embraces it with unmatched charm."
Hamar Arbeiderblad