Author: Henning Mankell
Genre: Mystery, Kurt Wallander Series #1
Published: 1991
Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 39
Set in Sweden, an older, farming couple are found brutalized in their home. The husband was viciously murdered, but the wife was found alive under peculiar circumstances. Kurt Wallander is on the case and spends a great deal of time trying to solve this horrific crime.
I finally met Kurt Wallander! I have been wanting to meet him for a very long time. Kurt isn't a flashy character or one that has a special quality that makes him stand out, however, I like him. He represents many middle-aged men who are struggling with relationships (spouse and family), and at the same time trying to do the best they can do at their job. A tiny bit on the gloomy side? Yes. Boring? No. I thought the relationships and the process in solving the crime were both very realistic. Even though, I didn't experience any great suspense or gripping plot, I thought it was very good. Now I look forward to meeting him again in The Dogs of Riga.
I keep meaning to read a Kurt Wallander book. I will eventually. Glad to hear that he didn't disappoint. It sounds like you liked Wallender like I liked the first Harry Hole I read. I'll probably try to finish Harry Hole before I start Kurt.
ReplyDeleteThat's 2 new good mysteries for us to read.
Raidergirl3 ~ Yes, I did like him and liked Mankell's writing style. Guess what? I went to a library sale today and picked up The Devil's Star! Now I have 3 Harry Hole books! I'm in the process of getting a list of authors/books that I want to read this summer. Nesbo is on my list. :)
ReplyDeleteYou've made me curious about how the wife was found. This sounds like a book I would like!
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ It was a good, solid police procedural. I look forward to more.
ReplyDeleteNow that I've finished all the Steig Larsson books, I'm anxious to get my hands on the Wallander series. I've heard nothing but great things about Mankell, so it's time! Glad you gave it such a high rating, since I've come to trust your opinion. :)
ReplyDeleteBTW, I loved Bel Canto. How's the audio?
Les ~ I just put the last Larsson audiobook on my iPod. :) However, I read somewhere a while back that his girlfriend (?) is going to finish his incomplete manuscripts, so there may be more. I do not know how true that is, though.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased with my first Mankell experience. I hope you like it as much as I did.
I'm about halfway through Bel Canto, and I'm not loving it. So far I'd say it's "good." I just can't relate to these people's awe of a singer.
The opening scene of this book was so good.
ReplyDeleteCharley ~ I agree! :) Have you read more in this series?
ReplyDelete