"Faceless Killers" by Henning Mankell is the first in the Inspector Wallander series, featuring a flawed but determined detective, Kurt Wallander, investigating the brutal murder of an elderly couple in a rural Swedish village. The story delves into the strains in Swedish society due to the rise in immigration, adding depth to Wallander's need to solve the case amidst a vivid atmosphere of a cold Swedish winter. The plot unfolds methodically, with red herrings and clues scattered throughout, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties loose ends together in a realistic manner.
The writing style of "Faceless Killers" is praised for its atmospheric setting, realistic portrayal of police work, and well-developed characters. captures the essence of a police procedural with a middle-aged detective facing personal struggles, engaging in a suspenseful investigation filled with subtle humor and hope. The narrative unfolds at a sedate pace, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Wallander's world and appreciate the intricate details of the plot that culminate in a satisfying resolution.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include graphic violence, murder, and themes related to racism and xenophobia.
Has Romance?
There are elements of romance, primarily through Wallander's interactions with Anette Brolin, but it is not the central focus of the story.
From The Publisher:
The mystery thriller series that inspired the Netflix crime drama Young Wallander
From the dean of Scandinavian noir, the first riveting installment in the internationally bestselling and universally acclaimed Kurt Wallander series.
It was a senselessly violent crime: on a cold night in a remote Swedish farmhouse an elderly farmer is bludgeoned to death, and his wife is left to die with a noose around her neck. And as if this didn't present enough problems for the Ystad police Inspector Kurt Wallander, the dying woman's last word is foreign, leaving the police the one tangible clue they have-and in the process, the match that could inflame Sweden's already smoldering anti-immigrant sentiments.
Unlike the situation with his ex-wife, his estranged daughter, or the beautiful but married young prosecuter who has peaked his interest, in this case, Wallander finds a problem he can handle. He quickly becomes obsessed with solving the crime before the already tense situation explodes, but soon comes to realize that it will require all his reserves of energy and dedication to solve.
Ratings (22)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (7) | |
Liked It (12) | |
It Was OK (2) |
Reader Stats (46):
Read It (23) | |
Want To Read (16) | |
Not Interested (7) |
What can you read after
Faceless Killers?
About the Author:
Henning Mankell's novels have been translated into forty-five languages and have sold more than forty million copies worldwide. He was the first winner of the Ripper Award and also received the Glass Key and the Crime Writers' Association Golden Dagger,…
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
