- #1
'My First Murder' by Leena Lehtolainen is a Finnish detective story featuring rookie detective Maria Kallio investigating the murder of a choir singer, Tommi Peltonen, at a seaside Helsinki villa. The book is described as a police procedural with a classic detective story structure, focusing on a small group of suspects and a puzzle to solve. The writing style is praised for its hard-boiled realism and likable protagonist, Maria Kallio, who navigates through a web of bitterness, passion, and jealousy among the choir members to uncover the truth behind the murder.
When the telephone rang, I was in the shower rinsing the salt off my skin. I heard my own voice on the answering machine and then a colleague’s urgent message to call him back. I had been able to enjo... - #2
"Still Waters" by Viveca Sten is a mystery novel set in Sandhamn, an island in the Stockholm archipelago. The story revolves around Detective Thomas Andreasson and his friend, lawyer Nora Linde, who get involved in solving a murder mystery when bodies start washing up on the shore. is praised for its sunny setting, engaging characters, and the sense of community in the small island village. While the murder investigation forms the central plot, the book also delves into the personal lives of the characters, adding depth to the narrative.
The man gazed irritably at the dachshund as she ran down the beach; she had been cooped up on the boat for several days. He really should have kept her on the leash. Dogs were not allowed to run loose... - #3
In the book "Snow Angels" by James Thompson, Inspector Kari Vaara investigates the brutal murder of a Somalian refugee turned actress on a reindeer farm in Finland. As the investigation progresses, numerous suspects emerge, including the philandering boyfriend of Vaara's ex-wife, leading to a complex web of deceit and betrayal. Set against the backdrop of perpetual winter in Finnish Lapland, the story delves into Scandinavian politics and the influence of conservative Lutherans, providing a dark and atmospheric setting for the mystery to unfold.
The writing style in "Snow Angels" is described as detailed and atmospheric, capturing the essence of the long winter nights and the chilling landscape of Finland. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on edge as Inspector Vaara navigates through a series of brutal killings and unexpected revelations, all while grappling with personal connections to the case and the challenges of living in a harsh environment.
I’M IN HULLU PORO,The Crazy Reindeer, the biggest bar and restaurant in this part of the Arctic Circle. It was remodeled not long ago, but pine boards line the walls and ceiling, like an old Finnish f... - #4
Henning Juul, a journalist scarred by a tragic fire that claimed his son's life, returns to work to investigate the murder of a young woman. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex plot involving themes of faith, prejudice, and revenge. Enger skillfully weaves together various storylines, keeping the reader engaged with unexpected twists and a correct and intriguing story logic. The book portrays Henning's emotional struggles, his determination to uncover the truth, and his interactions with a diverse set of characters.
The ground has opened up and tried to swallow her. Only her head and torso are visible. Her rigid body is propped up by the damp earth; she looks like a single, long-stemmed red rose. Blood has trickl... - #5
When a flight crew member on a Sweden to New York flight finds a note in the bathroom stating there is a bomb on board, Fredrika Bergman and Alex Recht team together with members of the international security community to figure out how to keep the passengers alive. The pilot has been told he must keep the plane in the air and that two demands must be met by the Swedish and American governments. Analyst Fredrika Bergman, who has left the police and gone to work for the Justice department, returns to act as a liaison between former boss, Alex Recht, and Eden Lundell, a flamboyant agent with the security service's counter-terrorism unit. They have only a matter of hours to determine whether there really is a bomb aboard the plane. As the investigation proceeds, German intelligence reveals that the captain of Flight 573 has been ordered to fly his plane into the US Capitol building. The Americans plan to destroy the plane as soon as it enters US airspace, so the tension ratchets up even more.
Hostage takes Ohlsson's two central characters out of their normal police procedural world and puts them right into the middle of a developing incident of international terrorism. The pace is pounding, and the suspense is gripping. The book had a clever plot involving a plane hijack, the Swedish police, SAPO, and the Americans. The ending was handled a lot better than expected, and the story of the team and their relationships was fascinating.
One of the disadvantages of no longer working at Police HQ in Kungsholmen was the lack of decent places for lunch. At the moment, they were in a mediocre Asian restaurant on Drottninggatan. Alex’s cho...
(Also, see 12 recommendations for the series Fredrika Bergman and Alex Recht ) - #6The Shadow DistrictBook 1 in the series:Reykjavik Wartime Mystery/Flovent and Thorson Thrillers
'The Shadow District' by Arnaldur Indridason is a murder mystery novel set in Reykjavik, Iceland, spanning two time periods - 1944 and the present day. The story follows a cold case from 1944 involving a young woman found murdered in the Shadow District, a part of Reykjavik where Allied troops were stationed during World War II. The narrative weaves between the past and present, as a retired detective investigates the old case, which becomes linked to a modern-day murder. The author skillfully creates a compelling plot with atmospheric descriptions, engaging characters, and a cleverly constructed storyline that keeps the reader intrigued from the first page to the last.
- #7
'Last Rituals' by Yrsa Sigur ardottir follows Thora Gudmundsdottir, a lawyer and investigator, as she delves into the ritualistic murder of a German student at an Icelandic university. With the help of a German associate, Thora navigates through a complex investigation involving a group of friends obsessed with witchcraft rituals. The plot unfolds with historical references to witch hunts in Iceland and Germany, blending modern murder mystery elements with dark medieval themes. The writing style is described as basic, with some clunky moments possibly due to translation, but the detailed knowledge of Icelandic history adds depth to the contemporary story.
- #8
Maria Kallio returns to her hometown as temporary sheriff to investigate the death of a local artist who fell from a copper mine's tower. The story unfolds as Maria delves into the mystery of whether the incident was an accident, suicide, or murder, with multiple suspects adding layers of intrigue. The setting of a small Finnish town, the character development of Maria Kallio, and the evocative descriptions create an interesting Finnish murder mystery with a pace that keeps readers engaged.
(Also, see 44 recommendations for the series Maria Kallio ) - #9
'The Darkness Knows' revolves around retired Detective Konrad, who is haunted by an unsolved case from thirty years ago involving a missing man whose body is found in a glacier. As Konrad delves into the case, he uncovers secrets, lies, and personal connections that lead him to question his past and confront his demons. The writing style is dark and atmospheric, with a focus on character development and the impact of time and nature on the unfolding mystery.
- #10
'The Katharina Code' revolves around Detective William Wisting who is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of Katharina Haugen, a case that has remained unsolved for twenty-four years. Wisting, along with his journalist daughter Line, delves into the investigation of a cold case in Norway, where the plot thickens as they uncover new information and potential links between different missing persons cases. The story unfolds through dialogue-driven interactions, meticulous police procedures, and the gradual unraveling of cryptic clues left behind by the missing individuals.
The narrative of 'The Katharina Code' is characterized by a slow-burning mystery that keeps readers engaged as they follow Wisting's pursuit of truth, the involvement of his daughter in the case from a journalistic angle, and the complexities that arise as the investigation progresses. weaves together elements of family dynamics, police investigations, and the intricate web of connections between the characters, culminating in a suspenseful journey towards solving the cold case and deciphering the cryptic codes left behind by the missing women.