Reviews

Roseanna by Maj Sjöwall, Per Wahlöö

Only show reviews with written explanations

duparker's review against another edition

dark lighthearted tense slow-paced

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

4.25

Great introduction to the characters, mindset and environment for this series. I enjoyed the way the investigation played out, the raw nerves it tried to touch and the general language and movement involved and portrayed. There are similarities to other Scandinavian crime novels, but also a unique writing style due to the tandem author approach.

aritrigupta's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I really liked the book.
My previous ventures into Scandinavian crime novels this year featured a Van Veteeren and a Wallander - both of which were disappointing.
The story is set in the 60s, an interesting time with limited technology and forensics to aid the overworked detectives. The build was good, albeit a little slow at the beginning. I loved their methodical and relentless search for the perpetrator, the timely reveal of the murderer, and the just enough details of the characters besides Beck - this is exactly how the first book in a series should be. The stage was set up well, and I certainly want to read a bit more about Kollberg, Melander and certainly about Beck as he balances his work with his crumbling personal life.

pdestrienne's review

Go to review page

tense medium-paced

3.5

Kind of dry but in a way that I enjoyed.

rileypowell's review

Go to review page

dark mysterious 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

3.0

sophiedebolle's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Just very very good. Classic Swedish detective novel. Every scene is beautifully set out and the story just works. Only downside is the ending, just a bit of an odd change of pace.

mobyskine's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Quite straight-forward and well written. Fairly mysterious and intense, those nervousness reading on how Martin Beck and his team gonna solve the case is quite intriguing. I love that it somehow looked like a tough and macho-ness for a detective story but it was quite heartfelt at the same time. I have no idea how Beck really confidence on the real culprit like the way he knows and stuff, the decoy plan was a bit expected but the team's patience for waiting for few months to catch the killer is making me nervous on whether they will succeed or not.

A very suspense ending-- but somehow I love Beck's style a lot. Gonna read the other books in the series too later. 3.8 stars!