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kcfromaustcrime's review
4.0
THE FALLING DETECTIVE is the second Leo Junker book written by Swedish author Christoffer Carlsson. Not having read the first was a minor irritation (with myself) in reading this because Junker is complicated, challenging, slightly off-beat and utterly charismatic. In an odd, shadowy, slightly blurry sort of way. Hence the irritation with not having read the first book as there's obviously more to this portrayal than is declared in this outing.
Perhaps because of that slightly off-camera feeling, THE FALLING DETECTIVE was also a book that felt like it took a while to get going. It's easily understood that Junker is back in the homicide unit, or snake pit, after a murder case that went wrong. It's also obvious that he's got a bad prescription drug addiction, and some big personal problems, but the details of why he has, and why he's behaving like he is, take a while to become clear. Whilst all that's going on, there's a confusing and complicated case underway when a sociologist is found murdered, with the only potential lead some decidedly cryptic research findings hinting somebody else is likely to die. Whilst that little snippet might contribute to the confusion, it certainly helped increase the tension.
What starts to play out, and once it hits its straps, quickly becomes very addictive, is the interconnections between politics and crime, complex plot and characters, that are often explored in Scandinavian thrillers of this type. Whilst it does feel like there's the potential for a heap of stereotypes here - lone wolf, damaged central detective; baffling motivations for murder; and the requisite external interference THE FALLING DETECTIVE uses those elements well. In Junker Carlsson has created a really good form of the stereotypical lone wolf. Bitter and twisted, often wryly funny about his situation, he's an appealing mixture of unrepentant and disappointed in himself. The external interference makes sense, the confusion over motivation is really the only scenario that works in this instance, and the dogged manner in which the investigation proceeds is exactly what you'd expect with all of the surrounding elements.
Extremely engaging, requiring the reader to really pay attention, one of the best things about THE FALLING DETECTIVE was the way it made this reader really regret missing the first book in the series. Anything that makes you want to catch up with a series this badly is a very good thing.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/review-falling-detective-christoffer-carlsson
Perhaps because of that slightly off-camera feeling, THE FALLING DETECTIVE was also a book that felt like it took a while to get going. It's easily understood that Junker is back in the homicide unit, or snake pit, after a murder case that went wrong. It's also obvious that he's got a bad prescription drug addiction, and some big personal problems, but the details of why he has, and why he's behaving like he is, take a while to become clear. Whilst all that's going on, there's a confusing and complicated case underway when a sociologist is found murdered, with the only potential lead some decidedly cryptic research findings hinting somebody else is likely to die. Whilst that little snippet might contribute to the confusion, it certainly helped increase the tension.
What starts to play out, and once it hits its straps, quickly becomes very addictive, is the interconnections between politics and crime, complex plot and characters, that are often explored in Scandinavian thrillers of this type. Whilst it does feel like there's the potential for a heap of stereotypes here - lone wolf, damaged central detective; baffling motivations for murder; and the requisite external interference THE FALLING DETECTIVE uses those elements well. In Junker Carlsson has created a really good form of the stereotypical lone wolf. Bitter and twisted, often wryly funny about his situation, he's an appealing mixture of unrepentant and disappointed in himself. The external interference makes sense, the confusion over motivation is really the only scenario that works in this instance, and the dogged manner in which the investigation proceeds is exactly what you'd expect with all of the surrounding elements.
Extremely engaging, requiring the reader to really pay attention, one of the best things about THE FALLING DETECTIVE was the way it made this reader really regret missing the first book in the series. Anything that makes you want to catch up with a series this badly is a very good thing.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/review-falling-detective-christoffer-carlsson
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
3.7 stars. I enjoyed this second book int the series and I'm happy I've found a series of books by Christoffer Carlsson that I liked, as I hoped I would. Not my favorite but good to spend some time with and intriguing enough
ecka2's review against another edition
4.0
http://frokenchristina.blogspot.se/2016/09/den-fallande-detektiven-av-christoffer.html
mirareadsbooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
scribepub's review against another edition
This is an incredibly strong crime novel, I would venture to say that among contemporary crime fiction it is in the absolute top! … This is not a rush job, rather it is solid work crafted by a young man who impresses with his maturity and his analysis of the dark side of Sweden. If you like crime literature, don't miss these novels for the world!
litteraturmagazine.se
Christoffer Carlsson has once again written a beautiful crime novel. Complex, topical and with stylistic verve … This is brilliant and promising.
Borås Tidning
One of Sweden’s most interesting crime authors … Carefully crafted language that is at times very poetic, without becoming over-saturated. It isn’t too long either … Every word carries meaning, every character has fascinating psychological depth.
Magnus Utvik, Gomorron Sverige, Swedish television
Christoffer Carlsson has once again written a beautiful crime novel. Complex, topical and with stylistic verve … This is brilliant and promising.
Per-Axel Svensson, Borås Tidning
An exceedingly relevant, insider deep-dive into a terrifying world where violence and blind obedience is the rule. But also a convincing tale of friendship and betrayal, relationships and double loyalties. A dark, thrilling story that feels close to reality.
Aftonbladet
I seldom appreciate authors who write genre novels, but Carlsson does it so well that one is tempted to call it a reinvention of the genre.
Hallandsposten (SE)
The Falling Detective develops into an ambitious political thriller with an unnervingly topical — and fully plausible — plot … A suspense novel miles above average. So, what is The Swedish Crime Writers’ Academy to do this year?
Jönköping-Posten
… Life-or-death stakes but also literary acrobatics that lure the reader in … Christoffer Carlsson is truly a master of mixing play with gravity and crime genre nostalgia with contemporary realism … Christoffer Carlsson loves the crime genre and that love makes me love reading his books.
Gunilla Wedding, Norra Skåne
Christoffer Carlsson has done it again … a truly excellent crime novel.
Smålandsposten
The best part with The Falling Detective is the psychosocial point of view originating from everyday life in the neglected neighbourhoods, showing how they've been forgotten by society. This creates a breeding ground for extremism.
Helsingin Sanomat
The Falling Detective is an extremely well-written crime novel, but it’s also more than that. It’s a novel that ought to appeal to a much broader audience than the typical crime reader. It’s well-written, thrilling and encapsulated in a dense atmosphere.
Den Döda Zonen
This story hits at the very core of our contemporary society. What I like about this author is that he doesn’t just focus on the suspense of the plot, but is a master at depicting how class and upbringing shapes us into who we are.
Aftonbladet
This is an incredibly strong crime novel, I would venture to say that among contemporary crime fiction it is in the absolute top! […] This is not a rush job, rather it is solid work crafter by a young man who impresses with his maturity and his analysis of the dark side of Sweden. If you like crime literature, don’t miss these novels for the world!
Litteraturmagazinet
Christoffer Carlsson belongs to the truly talented who want to offer more than simply suspense.
Upsala Nya Tidning
Captivating language and a breathtakingly thrilling plot makes [The Falling Detective] a real page-turner.
Allers
Carlsson belongs to the truly talented who want to offer more than simply suspense.
Upsala Nya Tidning
litteraturmagazine.se
Christoffer Carlsson has once again written a beautiful crime novel. Complex, topical and with stylistic verve … This is brilliant and promising.
Borås Tidning
One of Sweden’s most interesting crime authors … Carefully crafted language that is at times very poetic, without becoming over-saturated. It isn’t too long either … Every word carries meaning, every character has fascinating psychological depth.
Magnus Utvik, Gomorron Sverige, Swedish television
Christoffer Carlsson has once again written a beautiful crime novel. Complex, topical and with stylistic verve … This is brilliant and promising.
Per-Axel Svensson, Borås Tidning
An exceedingly relevant, insider deep-dive into a terrifying world where violence and blind obedience is the rule. But also a convincing tale of friendship and betrayal, relationships and double loyalties. A dark, thrilling story that feels close to reality.
Aftonbladet
I seldom appreciate authors who write genre novels, but Carlsson does it so well that one is tempted to call it a reinvention of the genre.
Hallandsposten (SE)
The Falling Detective develops into an ambitious political thriller with an unnervingly topical — and fully plausible — plot … A suspense novel miles above average. So, what is The Swedish Crime Writers’ Academy to do this year?
Jönköping-Posten
… Life-or-death stakes but also literary acrobatics that lure the reader in … Christoffer Carlsson is truly a master of mixing play with gravity and crime genre nostalgia with contemporary realism … Christoffer Carlsson loves the crime genre and that love makes me love reading his books.
Gunilla Wedding, Norra Skåne
Christoffer Carlsson has done it again … a truly excellent crime novel.
Smålandsposten
The best part with The Falling Detective is the psychosocial point of view originating from everyday life in the neglected neighbourhoods, showing how they've been forgotten by society. This creates a breeding ground for extremism.
Helsingin Sanomat
The Falling Detective is an extremely well-written crime novel, but it’s also more than that. It’s a novel that ought to appeal to a much broader audience than the typical crime reader. It’s well-written, thrilling and encapsulated in a dense atmosphere.
Den Döda Zonen
This story hits at the very core of our contemporary society. What I like about this author is that he doesn’t just focus on the suspense of the plot, but is a master at depicting how class and upbringing shapes us into who we are.
Aftonbladet
This is an incredibly strong crime novel, I would venture to say that among contemporary crime fiction it is in the absolute top! […] This is not a rush job, rather it is solid work crafter by a young man who impresses with his maturity and his analysis of the dark side of Sweden. If you like crime literature, don’t miss these novels for the world!
Litteraturmagazinet
Christoffer Carlsson belongs to the truly talented who want to offer more than simply suspense.
Upsala Nya Tidning
Captivating language and a breathtakingly thrilling plot makes [The Falling Detective] a real page-turner.
Allers
Carlsson belongs to the truly talented who want to offer more than simply suspense.
Upsala Nya Tidning
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