Inger Wolf - Page Turner Featuring Wasps Set in Denmark

From Bestselling Scandinavian author Inger Wolf comes another spine-chilling mystery.

In an empty villa in Aarhus, Denmark, a teenage boy is found murdered. He has been tortured, and around his body, dead wasps are scattered. Lieutenant Daniel Trokic and the rest of the investigation team suspect that the murdered boy's parents are hiding a secret about a series of scars on the boy's body. But the police find it extraordinarily difficult to uncover what the parents are concealing and how it ties together with the wasps, a fanatic collector, and an old rape case. Meanwhile, a patient escapes from the psychiatric hospital's closed ward–a patient obsessed with wasps.  As our Author of the Day, Wolf tells us all about her latest book, Wasp Nest.

Please give us a short introduction to what "WASP NEST" is about.

Wasp Nest is a crime novel that follows Lieutenant Daniel Trokic as he investigates the gruesome murder of a boy, whose body is discovered surrounded by dead wasps. The investigation uncovers complex secrets involving the boy’s parents, a fanatic collector, and an old unresolved case. The novel delves into themes of hidden pasts and the dark sides of human nature.

What was the inspiration behind the story, particularly the use of dead wasps as a key element?

While searching for a unique ritual to attribute to my serial killer, I heard the song "Mouthful of Wasps" by one of my favorite bands Kashmir on the radio. The haunting title triggered a vivid image in my mind: a killer with a chilling obsession with wasps. As I developed my perpetrator’s backstory, I delved into the origins of his fixation and sculpted his disturbing persona. Now, his story is ready for the world to discover.

The character of Lieutenant Daniel Trokic is central to the investigation. How does his character evolve in this novel compared to your previous works?

In "Wasp Nest," Daniel Trokic continues to be the central figure in the investigation, but we see his character evolve as he deals with the personal and psychological toll of his work. Compared to earlier works, Trokic's experiences in this novel reveal more about his inner struggles and vulnerabilities, I think, making him a more complex and relatable character.

The plot involves the complex secrets of the murdered boy's parents, a fanatic collector, and an old case. How did you weave these elements together to create a cohesive and compelling narrative?

This was achieved by gradually revealing each layer of the story, ensuring that each element contributed to the overall narrative and kept the reader engaged. The connections between these elements are revealed through meticulous plotting and the use of suspense to maintain a cohesive and compelling storyline.

What challenges did you face in writing such an intricate plot, and how did you overcome them?

To be honest, I often experience serious blockages during my writing process. I have high expectations for myself and the stories I create, so I put a lot of pressure on myself. I’m trying to accept that self-doubt is part of the process, and it’s what drives me to improve constantly. The process is like solving a challenging puzzle, and it sometimes feels like working on a mathematical equation. However, solving the mystery in a satisfying way feels great, and it keeps me coming back for more.

Besides writing, what other secret skills do you have?

Not too many, but I’m a decent cook and good with animals.

Lieutenant Daniel Trokic faces numerous challenges in this investigation. Please tell us a bit more about what makes him tick.

Lieutenant Daniel Trokic is driven by a deep sense of justice and a desire to uncover the truth, no matter how dark it may be. His methodical approach to investigations is complemented by his ability to empathize with victims and understand the psychological motivations of criminals. He learned these skills during his childhood and the civil war in the former Yugoslavia.

The motif of wasps is quite striking in "WASP NEST." What symbolic significance do wasps hold in the context of the story?

They represent danger, pain, and a lurking threat, which mirrors the underlying tension and secrets in the novel. The idea of a “nest” filled with such creatures is symbolic of hidden dangers and unresolved trauma that the characters face.

Themes of hidden secrets and past traumas are prevalent in the novel. What message or exploration did you aim to convey through these themes?

I want to explore the idea that unresolved issues from the past can have a powerful and destructive influence on the present. Through these themes, the novel delves into the psychological impact of trauma and the lengths to which people will go to keep their darkest secrets buried.

Your novels are known for their gripping and detailed narratives. Can you share some insights into your writing process for crafting such intricate plots?

I will usually start out with my notebook and an idea. It could be triggered by a documentary about an unsolved murder case or anything like that. So, the murder and the motive are at the center of my story. Then by using input from research, I will try to make a detailed outlining of the story, and then allow it to evolve naturally from there. The protagonist will be with me from the beginning. I make a lot of rewriting and several drafts until the story is complete. Also, I like making maps of places.

How do you conduct research for your books, particularly for the forensic details and psychological aspects of the characters?

I’ve visited forensic institutes, spoken with several pathologists, and consulted with professionals in specific fields. I believe this is crucial for creating realistic scenarios. Regarding the psychological aspects of the characters, it’s important to understand human nature and people in general. I’ve learned this by listening to people from all walks of life, and I draw a lot from my own experiences. My goal is to create believable characters that resonate with readers.

How did your surroundings in Aarhus influence the setting and mood of "WASP NEST"?

I grew up in Aarhus and have lived here for much of my life. It’s a very cozy place, with not much violence or crime. But when something does happen, it shocks us all to the core. My books deal with a lot of evil, and I think I need good people and beautiful surroundings to balance that. Aarhus is close to the forest and the sea, and I think it provides a good backdrop for my stories.

You've transitioned from a translator to a full-time author. How has this career shift influenced your storytelling and narrative style?

Quitting my day job as a translator gave me time to evolve as an author. Until then, I had never taken any creative writing classes or had formal training at all. I wrote ten books with only the storytelling knowledge I gained in high school. It has been a great joy to be able to study the art of storytelling and improve as a writer. There is always more to learn.

What are you working on right now?

I'm working on my 15th and 16th books in Danish, and I'm also preparing the next Daniel Trokic novel for the English-speaking market. It's called Evil Water and will be the 5th book in the Daniel Trokic series.

Where can our readers discover more of your work or interact with you?

You can follow me on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/ingerwolfauthor/ or on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/ingerwolf/ – or have a look at my website at www.inger-wolf.dk