kchisholm's review against another edition
2.0
The fifth book in the Annika Bengtzon series, I've absolutely no idea whether or not the entire series has been translated in order or not. I've sort of lost the plot with this series, probably because the first book - THE BOMBER - didn't appeal a lot. The last I read, PRIME TIME, was better, but a lot of the problem is that Annika, as the main focus, is a character I find it very hard to either warm to, or increasingly raise much interest in.
The plot of RED WOLF, that idea of the past having a direct impact on the present, is something I'm noticing a lot these days. The interweaving of the 1969 destruction of a plane on a Swedish air base, home-grown Communist sleeper cells and the impacts of the Cold War on Sweden then and now was carefully drawn out, given immediacy and current day relevance by the death of another journalist, Benny Ekland. It's an interesting idea, in this book executed reasonably well, although it does take a little while to get going. Which wasn't exactly helpful, as there's also a lot going on in Annika's personal life, which, if like me, you're having trouble with Annika, doesn't help with getting into this book.
This is probably my biggest cause of confusion with this series. I can't work out why Annika grates quite as much as she does. Somehow she comes across to me as less stoic and determined and more whingy and inclined to play the martyr. Less put upon and more the cause of most of her problems.
There's also another pattern I've noticed a bit. Whilst having a journalist as an investigator of crimes, outside the law, isn't that big a stretch of the imagination, there is sometimes a tendency to just make out that the official police investigators have "missed" vital clues. Again, not a big stretch of the imagination to think that maybe it could happen... but every time a journalist is involved?
Blast, I think I'm in nitpicking territory. Which isn't a good thing. The biggest problem I've now got is that I'm not keen on the idea of just abandoning a series based on problems with one or two books - working on the principle that a book should stand alone, as well as be part of the series. 3 books out of 5 translated that have left me feeling a bit disappointed might mean that I have to shuffle the other couple down the priority pile a bit.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/red-wolf-liza-marklund
The plot of RED WOLF, that idea of the past having a direct impact on the present, is something I'm noticing a lot these days. The interweaving of the 1969 destruction of a plane on a Swedish air base, home-grown Communist sleeper cells and the impacts of the Cold War on Sweden then and now was carefully drawn out, given immediacy and current day relevance by the death of another journalist, Benny Ekland. It's an interesting idea, in this book executed reasonably well, although it does take a little while to get going. Which wasn't exactly helpful, as there's also a lot going on in Annika's personal life, which, if like me, you're having trouble with Annika, doesn't help with getting into this book.
This is probably my biggest cause of confusion with this series. I can't work out why Annika grates quite as much as she does. Somehow she comes across to me as less stoic and determined and more whingy and inclined to play the martyr. Less put upon and more the cause of most of her problems.
There's also another pattern I've noticed a bit. Whilst having a journalist as an investigator of crimes, outside the law, isn't that big a stretch of the imagination, there is sometimes a tendency to just make out that the official police investigators have "missed" vital clues. Again, not a big stretch of the imagination to think that maybe it could happen... but every time a journalist is involved?
Blast, I think I'm in nitpicking territory. Which isn't a good thing. The biggest problem I've now got is that I'm not keen on the idea of just abandoning a series based on problems with one or two books - working on the principle that a book should stand alone, as well as be part of the series. 3 books out of 5 translated that have left me feeling a bit disappointed might mean that I have to shuffle the other couple down the priority pile a bit.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/red-wolf-liza-marklund
tt569's review against another edition
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
etoiline's review against another edition
3.0
Reminded me of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, of course. There were definitely times when I could tell that this was part of a series, but overall I didn't feel like I was missing too much. One day I might go back and look for the previous books. Like The Girl... this story took a while to get going but once it did, things moved along pretty rapidly and the story was well told.
lisadolak's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good book. I had a feeling there had been others in the series, but that didn't detract from the story. I think the plot might have been a bit complicated for me at this time of year. Back to School reading needs to be a bit lighter. After a long day of teaching, I need fluff. I would read another book by this author.
aquaflame64's review against another edition
4.0
I won this book in a good reads contest and can't wait to read it. I adore this series and can't wait to get my hands on the book.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, this bit before the review is really an angry rant about publishing. Honestly what is with you publishers? Releasing book five in a series, at least in America, before releasing the other ones? How does this make sense? Fix it!
I first heard about Marklund though a reviewer here at Goodreads that I follow. At that time, Marklund's series was not availble in the U.S.,because we American are illiterate readers, because I don't know. The books are up on Amazon, but a 25 dollar paperback is WAAAAAAAAAAY out of my price range. I couldn't find any in any used backstore.
Then Red Wolf came out and I got it this weekend.
I love Liza Marklund. I really, really do. I want her and her creation, Annika, to beat up the publishers and make them publish the rest of the books. (And if any author could do it, it's Marklund).
Now, I can hear you asking - well, if you feel that way about it, why did you give it four stars?
That's the publisher's fault. Because this is book five in a series, there is a sense of entering mid-point. This doesn't make it necessary to read the other books to know what is going on. I, however, have the feeling that reading the other books in the series would answer the central question I have about Annika in this book - whether or not she is suffering PTSD or something more? Additionally, as American, I found the whole bit about the television station, while easy enough to follow, slightly, strange. It felt like it tied into some comment on Swedish or EU television that I didn't get because I lack the political background. Not that it stopped me from enjoying the novel.
Red Wolf deals with the reporter Annika and her investigation into a terrorist attack in Sweden during the 1970s. Annika is a bit like Lisabeth (or whatever her name is) from [b:The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo|6620989|The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1)|Stieg Larsson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1249217009s/6620989.jpg|1708725], though I believe this series predates Larsson. Annika is not a socially acceptable woman, she tends to be a bit hard headed, but she also is married with two children. She also has friends and doesn't put people off.
That in part, is why I liked this book. Annika is different but she is not a total outsider. She feels normal as well as different, almost more believable and less cliche. It's nice to the see the friendship in the novels, in particular the friendship she has with two women (one an old friend, another a co-worker). It makes her part of the world instead of part of a man's world, which can happen in books with a heroine.
During the course of her work, Annika must also deal with conflicts in her marriage (and how she deals with it, will spark a 'hey yeah'). In addition to the up front mystery and the homefront sub-plot, Marklund also deals with current trends in newspaper reporting. In other words, if you loved the last season of The Wire, you'll want to read this.
It is most likely true, that the reader will be able to figure out one of the baddies before hand, but Marklund seems to credit the reader with this ability. The writing is wonderful and gripping, though as a new reader to the series, it took about 35 pages to really get into it. I read the last 100 without looking up I was so engrossed.
Now, I just got to get the others in the series.
I first heard about Marklund though a reviewer here at Goodreads that I follow. At that time, Marklund's series was not availble in the U.S.,
Then Red Wolf came out and I got it this weekend.
I love Liza Marklund. I really, really do. I want her and her creation, Annika, to beat up the publishers and make them publish the rest of the books. (And if any author could do it, it's Marklund).
Now, I can hear you asking - well, if you feel that way about it, why did you give it four stars?
That's the publisher's fault. Because this is book five in a series, there is a sense of entering mid-point. This doesn't make it necessary to read the other books to know what is going on. I, however, have the feeling that reading the other books in the series would answer the central question I have about Annika in this book - whether or not she is suffering PTSD or something more? Additionally, as American, I found the whole bit about the television station, while easy enough to follow, slightly, strange. It felt like it tied into some comment on Swedish or EU television that I didn't get because I lack the political background. Not that it stopped me from enjoying the novel.
Red Wolf deals with the reporter Annika and her investigation into a terrorist attack in Sweden during the 1970s. Annika is a bit like Lisabeth (or whatever her name is) from [b:The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo|6620989|The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1)|Stieg Larsson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1249217009s/6620989.jpg|1708725], though I believe this series predates Larsson. Annika is not a socially acceptable woman, she tends to be a bit hard headed, but she also is married with two children. She also has friends and doesn't put people off.
That in part, is why I liked this book. Annika is different but she is not a total outsider. She feels normal as well as different, almost more believable and less cliche. It's nice to the see the friendship in the novels, in particular the friendship she has with two women (one an old friend, another a co-worker). It makes her part of the world instead of part of a man's world, which can happen in books with a heroine.
During the course of her work, Annika must also deal with conflicts in her marriage (and how she deals with it, will spark a 'hey yeah'). In addition to the up front mystery and the homefront sub-plot, Marklund also deals with current trends in newspaper reporting. In other words, if you loved the last season of The Wire, you'll want to read this.
It is most likely true, that the reader will be able to figure out one of the baddies before hand, but Marklund seems to credit the reader with this ability. The writing is wonderful and gripping, though as a new reader to the series, it took about 35 pages to really get into it. I read the last 100 without looking up I was so engrossed.
Now, I just got to get the others in the series.
5wamp_creature's review against another edition
4.0
excellent Nordic detective book. Very slow buildup had me pondering completion, but second half was terrific(ly) paced and ended really well. Solid backstory and believable plot twist. Cheating husband and alcoholic best friend make fine subplots. Lottery win, though, may push things too far. You decide,
I like Annika and am looking for her other stories.
One of the better books I've read this year.
I like Annika and am looking for her other stories.
One of the better books I've read this year.
More...