THE MARCO EFFECT

Author:  Jussi Adler-Olsen

Genre:  Thriller, Department Q Series #5

Published:  2014

Personal Rating:  3.5/5 (good)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  105

From NetGalley:

All fifteen-year-old Marco Jameson wants is to become a Danish citizen and go to school like a normal teenager. But his uncle Zola rules his former gypsy clan with an iron fist. Revered as a god and feared as a devil, Zola forces the children of the clan to beg and steal for his personal gain. When Marco discovers a dead body—proving the true extent of Zola’s criminal activities—he goes on the run. But his family members aren’t the only ones who’ll go to any lengths to keep Marco silent . . . forever.

Meanwhile, the last thing Detective Carl Mørck needs is for his assistants, Assad and Rose, to pick up a missing persons case on a whim: Carl’s nemesis is his new boss, and he’s saddled Department Q with an unwelcome addition. But when they learn that a mysterious teen named Marco may have as much insight into the case as he has fear of the police, Carl is determined to solve the mystery and save the boy. Carl’s actions propel the trio into a case that extends from Denmark to Africa, from embezzlers to child soldiers, from seemingly petty crime rings to the very darkest of cover-ups.

 Bummer.  The first 4 books in this series I rated a 4.25/5.  This one did not quite make that status.  It took me 4 months to finish it, because it never fully drew me in.  I liked the Marco scenes, but not some of the unbelievable chase scenes.  I missed the natural shenanigans of Assad and Rose, but didn't like the camel references.  I didn't like the embezzler chatter.  All in all, it wasn't enough for me to enjoy the entire book.  A disappointment?  A little bit, yes.  But, I'm still eager for more Adler-Olsen.

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Penguin Group and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.