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kwouw's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
This is one of the later Martin Beck mysteries and an enjoyable one at that. In addition to providing a good mystery/police drama, this book shed light on aspects of Swedish society that had previously not been openly discussed. I liked the dry wit that was woven into the text and will definitely seek out more in this series. Even though the book was originally published in 1973, the text didn't feel dated. A must read for anyone who (like me) is hooked on the current batch of Scandinavian crime writers.
atlibrarienne's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent procedural as usual for those in this series, no kitsch or gotcha twists. Just solid mystery writing with a dash of mid-1960s Scandinavian political commentary and satire thrown in for flavor (which somehow remains relevant, despite its age).
smunro's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
rainbowarpaint's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
deborahmaryrose's review against another edition
4.0
Not my favourite Martin Beck, but a worthwhile addition to the series nonetheless.
marco5599's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Points deducted for S&W's social criticism. Not because I disagree with it, but because of the way they (don't) weave it into their story here. Blunt, preachy and pushy. It's just annoying. Not annoying; Beck and his crew. Always nice hanging out with these guys. They once again face cases that are not as straightforward as they appear to be. This one has a bit of gangster flavour as well, with ambitious baddies planning one of those career-ending heists. Enjoyable, but the aforementioned noise makes this the weakest entry in the series (for now) for me. MVP? Bulldozer Olsson. Every bank robber's nightmare.
revengeofthepencil's review against another edition
3.0
Engaging plot, but the prose was incredibly awkward. I think I may have picked up a weaker translation.
margaret21's review against another edition
4.0
Chief Inspector Martin Beck has just returned to work aftef a long convalescence, and the job he's given is on the face of it a little dull. His colleagues meanwhile are on the trail of a female bank robber, and seeking to end the apparently never-ending stream of such robberies. The two apparently unrelated cases eventually converge. Justice is done - in a roundabout way - and also not done.
We meet some interesting characters along the way: Mauritzon, the professional crook; Monita, the amateur crook; Rhea Nielsen, a possible love-interest for Beck, as well as a whole cast of police and crriminals.
Underlying it all is the authors' contempt for modern Swedish society, which doesn't always ring true. But the story convinces, especially in the ending, when not all loose ends are neatly tied up. A good read.
We meet some interesting characters along the way: Mauritzon, the professional crook; Monita, the amateur crook; Rhea Nielsen, a possible love-interest for Beck, as well as a whole cast of police and crriminals.
Underlying it all is the authors' contempt for modern Swedish society, which doesn't always ring true. But the story convinces, especially in the ending, when not all loose ends are neatly tied up. A good read.
smemmott's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder