Review | I Will Miss You Tomorrow by Heine Bakkeid

Thorkild Aske is a disgraced ex-policeman recently released from prison. He is asked to help find a missing person by the family of a woman he once knew. When he lost his career, he almost lost his mind in the process. And now he might lose his life.

At three minutes past five, regret hits me: a tidal wave rushing through my body as I wheeze and gasp in panic. I tremble and shudder and thrash my legs to break free, but it’s futile.

I Will Miss You Tomorrow is a pretty gloomy book featuring a suicidal main character, Thorkild Aske, who is tormented by his past. Luckily, there are streaks of humour to undercut the despair so it feels like a dark comedy at times. The tone is a bit weird. You get the grimness of a possible murder investigation and you also get a descriptive enema scene! I liked the supernatural aspect in the form of ghosts and a clairvoyant. A couple of scenes are pretty creepy and it’s a nice change from the usual crime fiction fare. The Norwegian coastal setting gives a claustrophobic vibe that adds to Aske’s loneliness and isolation. I thought the mystery of a missing man is intriguing and the final reveal is done well.

The story takes a while to get going because we have to go through Aske’s many problems. I thought his characterisation as a pill-popping addict doesn’t track with who he was before prison from what we see in the flashbacks. I didn’t buy his obsession with a woman he only knew for 5 days. He also performs physical feats that are impossible unless he’s also a supernatural being (he’s not!). I got tired of his drama by the end. While I appreciated the in-depth look into his grief and mental state, I just wish liked I warmed up to him more.

Overall, I Will Miss You Tomorrow is a different type of Nordic noir that’s perfect for when you want something moody. But keep in mind it’s not a happy read!

CW: suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, domestic violence

About the author: Heine Bakkeid

Translator: Anne Bruce

Photo by Daniel Gregoire