A review by corriespondent
The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf by Alexander McCall Smith

funny lighthearted slow-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? No

5.0

The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf might be one of my favorites of Alexander McCall Smith’s books! Part of the Detective Varg series, which can be described as “Scandinavian Blanc” instead of Nordic Noir (dark, bleak crime novels set in Scandinavia - like Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), this installment was heartwarming, funny, and sweet. Detective Varg has become one of my favorite characters after reading this book, which involves an investigation into a missing house, Varg getting pressured by his girlfriend into an expensive surgery for his dear, deaf dog Martin, and the looming stress of departmental budget cuts. I will always find the references to the Moderate Extremist political party hilarious (not to be confused with the Extreme Moderates), and the layers of internal dialogue that are part of every book by Smith are always amazing.