gayatriii 's review for:

The Sandman by Lars Kepler

4.0

---

I was debating between a 3 or a 4 star review. It could be either depending on which portion of the story I focus on. One major drawback for me was that sometimes things just seem too bloody convenient - information comes by too easily, or the detectives know exactly who to call etc. But, overall it's a fast paced story that progresses quickly (hallmark of great Nordic noir). Lots of reviewers have said that this book is terrifying - it was not. Not for me atleast. Maybe if you are a parent then this might give you the shivers... but even that will be because of what your imagination conjures up, rather than the storytelling or the prose.
Lastly, I don't know if it's just me, but I was not smitten with the prose. It felt too matter-of-fact (even for Nordic noir which is famous for cutting to the chase), and I missed the smartness, wisdom or reflective nature of words. The kind where you reread a sentence because of its impact. There was none of that. It's a very, "then this happened, and then this happened" kinda story.

But it's a good story. Keeps you reading.
The end, for me, was solid. Tightly wraps up everything and even manages to leave a little surprise for the end. Very well created bad guy too. All his motivations and triggers make sense in the end.
So, no regrets.