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jassie_77's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I was intrigued by the title and was eager to start on a new crime series. However, I was quite disappointed by the characters and their interaction. All of them are angry, pissy, sulky men who can't do anything but be mean to eachother. The mystery itself was fine, but the rest made me not like the story. I also thought the ending was way too quick in relation to the rest of the story and felt rushed.
deborahmaryrose's review against another edition
5.0
Another great mystery-detective novel by the team of Sjowall and her husband Per Wahloo. Lovely characterizations and droll tongue-in-cheek humour, along with compelling storyline keeps you going. Currently ordered the remaining five books and eagerly awaiting a chance to dig in.
michael5000's review against another edition
5.0
A fairly ripping piece of hard-boiled police procedural with flashes of good humor.
rainbowarpaint's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Murder
marco5599's review against another edition
4.0
Another all-absorbing Martin Beck mystery, which it isn't, because it's more of a team effort really. Other detectives take the spotlight from time to time, one of them even claims the role of hero of the book. Gunvar Larsson is a life saver and therefore wins this round. Also because I love his no nonsense attitude. This guy does not clown around and his mouth is more lethal than a loaded shotgun. The case is a rather peculiar one. It looks as if a man who was about to commit suicide has been murdered in what appears to be an accidental fire. That's.. Puzzling. And there's lots more to it. Sjöwall & Wahlöö's novels might be slim, but they have more to tell about detectives, their work and the world they live in than many of its modern day, double sized counterparts. This series is gold.
tombomp's review against another edition
3.0
The crime itself isn't particularly mysterious and the ending sort of whiffs out a bit. But it keeps your interest enough and as others have said it's mainly about the characters, which are well written and believable.
The book is full of a sort of understated and sometimes grim humour which makes it pretty enjoyable to read. The characters feel very real and a lot is made of their daily routine, their home life, what they like to eat and drink, their frustrations with police work... it gives it an edge over much of the "gritty" stuff that usually turns me off because it's super unrealistic and macho. Also I feel justified in thinking some of the characters are utter pricks and bad and I feel the author agrees with me on that. I dunno, it's just a refreshing change of style. There's a few crappy moments here and there but nothing too awful.
Also it's really interesting reading a book where the Greek junta is talked about as present but without it being a plot point. A lot of late 60s politics appears as background in these books and it interests me
The book is full of a sort of understated and sometimes grim humour which makes it pretty enjoyable to read. The characters feel very real and a lot is made of their daily routine, their home life, what they like to eat and drink, their frustrations with police work... it gives it an edge over much of the "gritty" stuff that usually turns me off because it's super unrealistic and macho. Also I feel justified in thinking some of the characters are utter pricks and bad and I feel the author agrees with me on that. I dunno, it's just a refreshing change of style. There's a few crappy moments here and there but nothing too awful.
Also it's really interesting reading a book where the Greek junta is talked about as present but without it being a plot point. A lot of late 60s politics appears as background in these books and it interests me
esmu's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't capture my attention as much as the previous books. I missed Martin Beck who was not as involved as earlier. But the book told a little more about the society and time.
senkahawke's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0