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jimbowen0306's review against another edition
3.0
This book sees Kurt Wallander, a moody (I'd say miserable, even before something dad happens to him) Swedish detective investigate a series of cleverly planned, if horrific, murders in and around his town.
It is a little dates now (comments about waiting for the fax to come through, and the usefulness of mobile phones stand out most), but it is a good read.
I do have a few grumbles though. First, it's a police precedural, which is fine, but it can feel almost too procedural on occasions. I get that police investigation have meetings, but the number that Wallander has can only mean he's trying to catch the reader us, after they've put the book down for a while.
Second, the case turns on how a case is packed (it causes Wallander to thin about who packed it), which is daft, when you read it for the first time.
Finally, I found Wallander a little whiney, and not about the thing I'd expect him to shine about, which he barely mention s.
So all in a decent, but not great, read.
It is a little dates now (comments about waiting for the fax to come through, and the usefulness of mobile phones stand out most), but it is a good read.
I do have a few grumbles though. First, it's a police precedural, which is fine, but it can feel almost too procedural on occasions. I get that police investigation have meetings, but the number that Wallander has can only mean he's trying to catch the reader us, after they've put the book down for a while.
Second, the case turns on how a case is packed (it causes Wallander to thin about who packed it), which is daft, when you read it for the first time.
Finally, I found Wallander a little whiney, and not about the thing I'd expect him to shine about, which he barely mention s.
So all in a decent, but not great, read.
chapita4's review against another edition
4.0
After reading a slew of stinkers I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me in many ways of the "Girl with a Dragon Tattoo" series. The writing style is similar in that it takes a round-about way to unravel the story but I have come to enjoy that.
adambecket's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bldownunder's review against another edition
4.0
Such an intriguing entry into Wallander's series. Interesting and addictive look into female murderers and the complicated issues of vigilante justice. Also really intriguing developments in Wallander's personal life. Probably one of my favourite books in the series thus far.
cmorrow05's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
I found myself distracted quite often, unable to really get pulled into the plot. It felt way too far-fetched and unbelievable.
beuckelssen's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
duparker's review against another edition
5.0
Hearing about this book, is what made me start the series. I had this elevated vision in my head about how Wallander would be and how different and how complicated he would be, as compared to other Scandinavian sleuths.
Every expectation was met. The skill of the writing, the details, the emotions, all are present. I found myself so engrossed in this and so buried in the plot and the characters, that I read at a slower pace to drag the story and the enjoyment out for as long as possible.
Part of me wants to get the 7th book, and another part needs a breather.
Every expectation was met. The skill of the writing, the details, the emotions, all are present. I found myself so engrossed in this and so buried in the plot and the characters, that I read at a slower pace to drag the story and the enjoyment out for as long as possible.
Part of me wants to get the 7th book, and another part needs a breather.
rdoyle334's review against another edition
4.0
Great Wallander, had me gripped for a week reading until late.