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bookph1le's review against another edition
4.0
A good read with a dark tone. Sejer is sn engaging character snd Fossum does a good job of weaving plot threads together and exploring the psychology of a crime. More complete review to come.
milla2201's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
cemoses's review against another edition
4.0
First book I have read in this series. I was pleasantly surprised.
bookwrm526's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
tobinlopes's review against another edition
4.0
Picked this up based on the Norwegian line of crime authors that I've enjoyed. It did not disappoint at all. It's a rare thing where an author can create a compelling tale in which nothing that the lead characters know that the reader does not. We read as they discover, reflect, and take action.
A truly engrossing and compelling crime tale.
I gave it a 9/10 on a personal scale.
-tpl
A truly engrossing and compelling crime tale.
I gave it a 9/10 on a personal scale.
-tpl
dee9401's review against another edition
3.0
I tried another Scandinavian mystery, this time choosing Karin Fossum, a Norwegian writer. She's my fourth writer from this area, and my second Norwegian. My first was Gunnar Staalesen. The Swede was Henning Mankell and the Icelander, Arnaldur Indriðason. I was hoping for something better this time but I came away disappointed again. The story was violent and depressing, like the other three. This is one of the draws for this genre, but I guess I was trying to find something beyond just that.
The pacing of the story, especially the bulk middle of it, was very good. I flew through the prose, waiting for the next outcome. But, the ending seemed a bit too tied up, a little rushed. I felt like I was reading a Hollywood script and not a novel. And like the other books I've read from this geographic area and genre, I was surprised and shocked at the stereotyping and strong bias against the non-white characters. Barely mentioned, barely treated as fellow humans, they are one-dimensional cut-outs used to reconfirm a biased point of view.
I guess I'm more of an English mystery fan. It's not that I'm turned off by violence or dark psychological situations. I am a devoted fan of Minette Walters, and I don't think anyone would call her work happy or feel-good.
The pacing of the story, especially the bulk middle of it, was very good. I flew through the prose, waiting for the next outcome. But, the ending seemed a bit too tied up, a little rushed. I felt like I was reading a Hollywood script and not a novel. And like the other books I've read from this geographic area and genre, I was surprised and shocked at the stereotyping and strong bias against the non-white characters. Barely mentioned, barely treated as fellow humans, they are one-dimensional cut-outs used to reconfirm a biased point of view.
I guess I'm more of an English mystery fan. It's not that I'm turned off by violence or dark psychological situations. I am a devoted fan of Minette Walters, and I don't think anyone would call her work happy or feel-good.
sandin954's review against another edition
5.0
[a:Karin Fossum|163027|Karin Fossum|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1274131378p2/163027.jpg]'s English debut features older, widowed Inspector Konrad Sejer who is trying to solve a murder that took place in a small Norwegian village. Very well done police procedural. Sucked me in from the first page. Great plot, suspense, and characters. Will definitely continue on with the series.
harperv28's review against another edition
4.0
I was told this series was like Steig Larsson's. It reminds me more of Donna Leon and her Brunetti character. I liked this book. It was enjoyable.
jeffgreen's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty good Scandinavian mystery ala Wallander. Good writing, good mystery, good pacing...but not quite "great" or a must-read. This is the first of the English translations of Fossum's series about this detective. I picked up a pile of them during a Kindle sale. Good enough for me to want to read the next one...but nothing profound.