Author Jussi Adler-Olsen shares cancer timeline: Expects another 10 to 12 years

Hey there! Let's chat about that crazy photo from 2021 featuring Line Holm, Stine Bolther, and Jussi Adler-Olsen. You know, the one where Jussi looks all relaxed, but the ladies look like they've seen a ghost? Turns out, they were about to dive headfirst into a massive challenge. Jussi, in all his brilliance, asked them if they'd consider continuing his thrilling series about police officer Carl Mørck.

Originally, Jussi planned to cap off the Department Q series with the tenth book. But some clever publishers in Germany and the UK had other ideas. They didn't want to see this cash cow dry up, so they asked Jussi if he was serious about just stopping his biggest success. His response? "Well, I don't have to, but then we need to find someone younger who writes better and looks better than me."

Luckily for Jussi, Line Holm and Stine Bolther were up for the challenge. They agreed, and before they knew it, they were knee-deep in Jussi's extensive archive, filled with backgrounds on all characters from the series. Their instructions? Don't you dare kill off anyone from the core group of characters (Mørck, Assad, Rose, the trio from the basement office). But introducing a new character like Helena Henry? Total a-okay.

Why the hell not, right? Line Holm and Stine Bolther dove headfirst into the Department Q universe, reading, rereading, and even listening to the novels. Their mission? To absorb the way Jussi uses words, how he makes grumpy ol' Carl Mørck endearing, and his descriptions of Rose's looks. They had to nail those details down cold because, let's face it, fans have some impressive memories.

Jussi stepped back a bit, focusing on family and travel, while Line Holm and Stine worked on the story. They even plotted it together. But then, in early 2024, Jussi took a serious turn for the worse. He's dealing with incurable bone marrow cancer.

Luckily, Line Holm and Stine's manuscript passed muster with Jussi. He slapped the pages and declared, "This is the real Department Q!" He was impressed at how they managed to inject even more humor into the series. Now, there's practically something to laugh about on every page. Thanks, ladies!

As for the Netflix series, well, Carl Mørck is now investigating in Edinburgh instead of Copenhagen. Jussi thinks that's great because Scots are just as crazy as Danes. The only downside? He can't understand a bloody word they're saying.

Jussi's health has been up and down, but he's currently in the best shape he's been since his illness. He's fighting to stick around for another ten to twelve years. And Line Holm and Stine Bolther are hopeful that he'll be healthy enough for a book tour this fall in the German-speaking region. Let's hope he doesn't get mobbed by those crazy Danish fans!

Whew, what a wild ride for our Department Q crew! Here's hoping Jussi gets better and keeps writing those thrilling mysteries we all love.

Line Holm and Stine Bolther found solace in health-and-wellness books during their work on the Department Q series, often turning to books about managing stress and overcoming challenges.
In the world of entertainment, celebrities like Line Holm and Stine Bolther often have to delve into medical-conditions books to better understand the struggles their characters might face, such as cancer, in the stories they tell.
As the authors of the Department Q series continued without Jussi Adler-Olsen, they found inspiration in science books, seeking to maintain the intricate plotlines and detailed police procedurals that made the series so popular.
With Jussi Adler-Olsen's newfound interest in health-and-wellness, celebrities and fans alike have been following his journey closely, eager to see how his experiences might influence future books in the Department Q series.