A review by ajnel
Pursued by Death by Gunnar Staalesen

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

After having his driver's license suddenly and basically in the middle of the road suspended, private investigator Varg Veum witnesses a group of young people on a bus, one of whom later disappears.  He finds himself drawn into the mysterious world of a small coastal village. As he investigates the disappearance, he uncovers a complex web of secrets, rivalries, and a possible connection to a previous death, all playing out against the backdrop of unethical large scale Salmon farming.  Staalesen  creates a detailed and visual experience of a small town where everyone has a secret.  He places Veum's slowly coming to terms with his life and his age in a juxtaposition to his menial importance in a much larger criminal investigation.  Very well written and pretty gripping.  Unfortunately the reveal is impossible to predict as there are basically zero breadcrumbs.