Helpful Score: 2
I LOVE this author! The Wallander series is exciting. It's also interesting to compare the Swedish justice system to the U.S. system. This author brings Sweden to life in his books, almost as if you are there.
Helpful Score: 1
#2 in the Inspector Wallander series set in Ystad, Sweden, though the translation order is really screwed up, so I've been reading this series sort of out of order. Two dead bodies, shot through the heart, are washed up in a life raft not far from Ystad, and Wallander is put in charge of the investigation. Eventually the trail leads to Riga, Latvia, with one of their policemen coming to Ystad to assist with the case. When Major Lieba is brutally murdered on his first day back in Latvia, Wallander is sent to investigate any possible connection to their case and ends up in the midst of a full-blown political intrigue.
It took me awhile to get through this book; not that I didn't like it, because I did, but sometimes the melancholy Wallander can be a bit overwhelming. Made me want to fly him off to the Caribbean for some sunshine while force-feeding him Prozac! LOL Still, a very interesting book where much of the action takes place in a country (Latvia) that I know little about, and as I say, anytime you can learn something while reading for pleasure, it's always a bonus!
It took me awhile to get through this book; not that I didn't like it, because I did, but sometimes the melancholy Wallander can be a bit overwhelming. Made me want to fly him off to the Caribbean for some sunshine while force-feeding him Prozac! LOL Still, a very interesting book where much of the action takes place in a country (Latvia) that I know little about, and as I say, anytime you can learn something while reading for pleasure, it's always a bonus!
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent north Eurpean setting and feel. Does remind me of Wahloo Martin Beck mysteries. Dark, broding, realistic "un-super heroes". Loved the Baltic setting and sense of turmoil of the early 90's.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoy the Kurt Wallander character, but I did find this book lacking a bit in the flow of the plot and the logical progressions. It may have a lot to do with the translation. The characters were not defined well enough to make their actions and feelings realistic.
