Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Фрекен Мод задумала что-то недоброе

I really wanted to like this book. The cover is cute, the premise intriguing. Something kept me reading it until the end (hence 2 stars). Ultimately I think it lacked a coherent plot, or motivation on the part of the main character, or any depth in what was happening. I’ve wondered if something was lost in translation from Swedish to English.

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parasolcrafter's review against another edition

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dark funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

this was a vvv strange book. im still not sure if i liked it...? i mean...it was interesting, thats for sure!

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sshabein's review against another edition

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dark funny 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? It's complicated

4.0

Reminded me of a lot of Patricia Highsmith's short stories. I admit it was the cover and the title that made me check this out in the first place, but I'm glad it turned out to be a pretty great collection of stories.

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bookishbutch's review against another edition

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dark funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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becksusername's review against another edition

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dark funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A delightful little collection of stories. I only wish it was longer.

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vigil's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny lighthearted relaxing tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

on the rare occasion an older woman is introduced into a book, she’s usually a flat sweet grandmother character meant to occasionally support the (often male) protag.

maud, an 88 year old swedish female murderer is none of these things. its part of what makes her so delightful. another is the skill portrayed by helene tursten, in characterization, and plot. she’s a rotten old lady who’s first instinct to the slightest annoyance is murder, and it makes for an excellent read.

this is a collection of four short stories, easily read in one afternoon. i believe that they should be read in order, especially the last two, which are in direct relation to each other.

needless to say, i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and spending time in maud’s devious little brain. i absolutely plan on picking up the sequel.

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apoppyinthewind's review against another edition

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dark funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a delightfully dark and entertaining quick read. It’s a collection of short stories that are interconnected snapshots of Maud’s adventures as a elderly murderess. The title had caught my eye at the library & I borrowed it, expecting bad ass old lady shenanigans which it delivered. Imagine if Jessica Fletcher had decided to commit murders instead of solving them and she was a no-nonsense Swedish loner instead. I will be checking out the next collection of stories on my next library visit.

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