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sngsweelian's review against another edition
4.0
According to fans of this series, this book is not the best. But as a police precedural genre, it is a decent piece of work. I'll definitely be checking out the other books in the series.
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.
tympligtlasande's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
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: Violence, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
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.