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barbarianlibarian's review against another edition
4.0
This was actually my first Wallander book. Way to do things backwards.... Anyways, I'd seen the most recent Wallander mini-series which were based on a number of the past books and loved them, so I assumed I'd also like the books. Got this one on audio - the reader was excellent. While the pace was slow due to a hella lot of description, I realize that is actually why the book was so good. It felt like the characters were alive. I bought the last 7 (out of 14) discs into my house from my car this weekend, and listened practically non-stop so I could get to the end -- something I rarely do. Now I'm going to have to go back and read the books that didn't get ruined by learning the endings via the mini-series!
liberrydude's review against another edition
4.0
And just who is the "troubled man" in this book? It purports to be the new father-in-law of Wallander, but in reality it is Wallander. I purposely did not read much about this book in advance. I had heard it was to be the last of the series. It was quickly apparent that this book was headed down a road of no return. The entire book evolves around a personal quest while Wallander is on leave from his police duties. Wallander does much soul searching with the way his life has transpired. He is dreaming and really being visited with ghosts from his past-his former Latvian lover shows up on his doorstep overnight. His ex-wife has become an alcoholic and he is dragged along by his daughter for an intervention that he is altogether indifferent to its outcome. He is alarmed by his health and memory lapses which cause him personal embarassment and almost the loss of his home. Yet he seems happy. He now has his house in the country, a granddaughter, and a dog. What more could a man want? He ends up personally chasing down a Cold War mystery that involves submarines and spies and the family of his son-in-law-he is shocked by the subterfuge and the deceit. The ending is not what you would expect from an officer of the law. However. it's the epilogue in which we finally bid adieu to Kurt. I will miss you, Kurt Wallander. Thank you for many fulfilling hours of reading about your imaginary life and the new and real Sweden.
eowyns_helmet's review against another edition
5.0
A real lesson in taking a story slow then buyilding through character. Sometimes you want Mankell to GET ON WITH IT, but then you realize that the detours and cul de sacs are an essential part of the ride.
shaughnp26's review against another edition
4.0
My first book in this series. I loved it! I listened to the audiobook which was very well done.
This book involves Sweden, Russian spies and aging police detectives. What else could you ask for!
Can't wait to read some more in the series.
This book involves Sweden, Russian spies and aging police detectives. What else could you ask for!
Can't wait to read some more in the series.
elbarton312's review against another edition
5.0
Henning Mankell does a wonderful job of wrapping up the FINAL book in the Kurt Wallander series. My high expectations were met, and in some areas exceeded. I liked that anyone could pick up this book and really enjoy the story and characters, but Mankell also referenced previous stories, plots and characters and for devotees to Wallander these little tweeks made Troubled Man a treasure to read. ~BRC
abroadwell's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first Henning Mankell book, and possibly I made a mistake in starting with this one, which seems to be the last in a series. The writing was compelling, but the book was not entirely satisfying at the end, since various of the puzzles are not resolved.
cwknudsen's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0