Ennen lähtöä

Maria Kallio #7

by Leena Lehtolainen

Pyörätien laidalla makaa ruhjottu mies. Joku on pahoinpidellyt henkihieveriin Petri Ilveskiven, huonekalusuunnittelijan ja Espoon vihreiden kaupunginvaltuutetun. Teräväkielinen ja julkisuudessakin hyvin tunnettu Ilveskivi on ehtinyt suututtaa yhden jos toisenkin ihmisen sekä yksityiselämässä että politiikassa. Onko pahoinpitelyssä kyse henkilökohtaisesta kaunasta vai onko kyseessä satunnainen väkivallanteko? Ovatko skinheadit suivaantuneet Petrin julkihomoudesta?

Ilveskiven tapaus osoittautuu tavallista visaisemmaksi. Mukana kiehuvat huumeet, muukalaisviha ja Espoon kunnallispolitiikan valtasuhteet.

Maria Kallio puolestaan joutuu törmäämään yksityiselämässään kysymykseen perheenlisäyksestä. Vaikka kotona kaikki tuntuu menevän mukavasti, Maria joutuu yhä punnitsemaan poliisin työn merkitystä itselleen ja perheelleen. Lisäksi hän joutuu huomaamaan, että oman lisäksi myös perheen turvallisuus on uhattuna…

Genres: Crime, Finnish Literature, Fiction, Mystery, Nordic Noir, Thriller, Audiobook

375 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Leena Katriina Lehtolainen is a Finnish crime novelist, best known for her series of novels about the policewoman Maria Kallio.

Lehtolainen was born in Vesanto, Northern Savonia. Her first novel was released when she was only 12 years old. She studied literature in Helsinki until 1995 and wrote crime novels from 1993 on. Since about 2007 she has written other genres of books. Her works have been translated into various languages: Spanish, Dutch, Chinese, Lithuanian, Polish, French, Swedish, German, Estonian, Czech.

Reviews

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to forgive the author for the "spouse/child/pet in peril" trope here because it's much milder than it could be, and ends happily, and I'm not going to consider that a spoiler!

In fact I've decided to give this book a four star rating because I love Maria so much. She struggles with everything in her life and never gives herself a break, so I'll do it for her.

This book also features another quick cameo by a lawyer named Leena who is certainly modeled on the author herself, and I'm glad that clearly she and her character are good friends!

[di Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh, finished another mystery by Leena Letholainen - like a reunion with best friends who also enjoy good writing!

[Mike Cuthbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have come across Lehtolainen’s work before and enjoyed it. This entry has all of the features of her earlier works with a faster pace. Maria Kallio is a lieutenant in the Espoo police department. (Espoo is the second-largest city in Finland and a suburb of Helsinki.) Her staff is mixed and one of the features of Kallio’s world is how they all interact outside the office as well as inside it. My favorites may be Koivu and Wang. They are partners and in this novel they are discussing whether or not to become partners in life as well as on the job. Their decision to move in together is fraught with tension and it becomes funny as they struggle. Kallio is a complex figure. She has a continuing fascination with a murderer, living in prison. She fantasizes about him and, in a memorable scene in the novel, she goes into prison to interview Mikke about her ongoing murder cases and he, in fact, gives her information that helps solve the case. The case involves the murder of a prominent political figure in Espoo, Petri Ilveskivi, who is knifed to death after being clubbed while bike riding to work. It turns out that Petri has another life as a gay man, which his wife does not know about so the question initially becomes is this a gay murder or not? Fortunately, it is not that simple and the suspects multiply, as does the complexity of the case. Ilveskivi is also the chairman of the City Planning Commission and soon the investigation into his death and, later, the death of the man suspected of killing him, broadens into a case of civic corruption—a facet of Nordic Noir that is typical. Also typical is the incompetence and political insensitivity of the leaders of the Espoo police. It’s almost as though being a higher up in the force puts you under suspicion automatically. Antti Sarkela, Maria’s husband, is largely a peripheral figure, good for an occasional roll in the hay, but inconspicuous. Her daughter, Iida, is central to a lot of Maria’s off hours and is a constant presence in her mind, especially when threatened. (Child endangerment also a classic part of Nordic Noir.) Kallo plays soccer, works out with weights, acts like a feminist and behaves like one but she is not above flirting when it suits her. She remains delightfully offbeat throughout the novel. If you read like I do and try to pronounce characters’ names, this one will drive you batty. Try negotiating the following: Puupponen, Putusjärvi, and Saastamoinen! There is plenty of atmosphere, cold,aa and even a summer day or two to warm the surroundings. You’ll probably want to meet Kallio for coffee. She’s that kind of cop.

[Roxann · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the cover: When Petri Ilveskivi is murdered in the street on his way to a city-planning meeting, Maria Kallio, commander of Espoo’s Violent Crime Unit, and her team are first on the scene. Almost immediately, her focus is on the band of skinheads who brutally attacked the Finnish commissioner and his husband three years earlier. Did they finally finish the hate crime they started? But the trail soon reveals a web of lies—secrets Petri was keeping from even those closest to him—and a long list of suspects. As she juggles her obligations as a wife, mother, and detective, Maria suggests to her superiors that what first appears to be a random assault may actually be something more sinister. When she’s met with silence and higher-ups take her off the case, she disobeys orders and investigates on her own, putting both her family and herself at risk. In this captivating tale in the Maria Kallio series, someone is protecting a killer. Can Maria track them down before the next victim falls?

I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

This is the 7th book in the series, but I have not read any of the others in the series. The names for me were unusual, but when I couldn’t pronounce them I try to come up with something that phonically worked and kept it the same throughout the book. I also notice a large cast of characters-this was a little difficult to follow. Some of the story was hard to follow, but that could be because of the translation. The story almost could have ended in the middle since that’s when the killer was revealed. The rest of the book was finding and questioning everyone. I’m not used to that style of writing/plot. Overall it is an ok book to read.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won a copy of Before I Go from a Goodreads Giveaway.

I didn't read the first six books so there was some background I lacked in terms of the main character and her life so far. Otherwise, it could do as a standalone.

In Before I Go, Maria Kallio, a working mother and lover of punk rock, is called to investigate the brutal assault and death of a local politician and gay activist. As she probes into the death, she finds herself dealing with skinheads, drug addicts, a close call to a bomb, office politics and chauvinistic colleagues.

The mystery wasn't so much a mystery since the perp is called out midway through the book and the plot deals with Kallio and her colleagues having to interview and chase down suspects, pull in relatives for questioning and contend with politics in and outside of the office. Personal issues arise within her circle of colleagues, as well as her own troubles, that Kallio is forced to deal with, and like any working mother juggling multiple responsibilities, she deals with everything with a level head and mostly sound judgment.

Before I Go lacked suspense which made it hard to keep reading. I didn't dislike Kallio, I was just not very interested in her or her life. I also found the many references to flirting with colleagues to keep their conversation engaging completely unnecessary and out of place for the character and where she works, unless its a Finnish thing.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to win an ebook copy of the seventh book in the Maria Kallio series. I've read the first four, so there was a bit of a gap between the last one I read and this one. However, I felt like it was easy enough to pick back up with Kallio and crew. While there are recurring characters and events in Kallio's personal life have changed over the course of the series, I've found that these books work well as stand-alone novels, too.

In this one, Kallio is investigating the death of Petri Ilveski, who was killed on his way to a city-planning meeting. Kallio immediately focuses her attention a group of skinheads who attacked Ilveski and his husband three years prior. When Kallio suggests something more sinister may be at play, her superiors shut her down. However, she persists, as she often does, but her pursuit of the truth puts herself and her family at risk. Kallio seemed more restless in this offering, a bit like she was trying to find her bearings while juggling her professional and personal life obligations. While she's always been restless, she seemed a little more out of sorts than when she was single. As with other offerings in this series, I appreciated the societal issues that were woven into the story and enjoyed being reacquainted with Kallio and the recurring characters.

As a bonus, I used this for the 2017 Ultimate PopSugar Reading Challenge prompt to read "a book with a cat on the cover" (woo-hoo!). Many thanks to FirstReads for giving me the chance to read another book in the always enjoyable Maria Kallio series -- I look forward to finding copies of the fifth and sixth to find out what happened between the fourth and this one!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Latest in this series . . . perhaps a little less satisfying than previous entries but still an enjoyable story with likeable characters. The main plot involves the death of a City Planning commission member and includes following the clues but also interference from City leaders as it becomes likely that the murder was to prevent exposure of a wide ranging scandal.

For me, the biggest difficulty with the book is the unfamiliarity of the Finnish names. Many seemed to be spelled similarly to each other so you have to pay pretty close attention. Also, there does tend to be a pretty big cast of characters and sometimes they're referred to by first names and sometimes last names.

I also felt like the links between clues weren't always explained thoroughly, but there's no way of knowing if that's the fault of the author or of the translator. Overall, though, I enjoyed it, and look forward to #8.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the "simplified Finnish" (selkosuomea) version of a much longer and complex police procedural about Detective Maria Kallio in the city of Espoo, immediately west of Helsinki. A gay man is murdered, and at first it looks like a simple hate crime, but when it turns out that the murderer was paid to do it, and later turns up dead, it seems the case is more complicated.

I like these simplified detective novels because they provide an interesting, modern adult story and I develop my Finnish language skills at the same time. I don't have to consult a dictionary on every second word, or exhaust my cognitive resources wrestling with complex grammar, so I'm motivated to read them. I'd read two simplified Lehtolainen novels earlier that were too easy for me but I felt there was enough challenge with this one, so it did its job and I had fun at the same time. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Elisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate to sound like an old-fashioned anti-feminist but... "sorry, I won't be investigating a murder today because it's mother's day and I need to cuddle with my daughter"? In real life I'd applaud that woman. Heck, I'd be that woman because I agree that family should be priority number one, but when it comes to literary characters, I want them to be tortured and indestructible. I cheer when things go well, but I want to read about the crime, and how it's investigated by a realistic team. Reading about how Maria plays football and cooks for her family, or how she discusses the case with a witness WHILE EATING ICE-CREAM! simply did not do it for me. Not to speak of her leaving her cat, wonderful Einstein, in the hospital while she goes on a weekend trip! What kind of person does that? Sorry, I used to love this series when it was about catching bad guys.

[Janne Paananen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Espoon kaupunginvaltuutettu, Petri Ilveskivi, piestään kuoliaaksi. Paikalla on moottoripyörän renkaanjäljet ja epäilylykset viittaavat skiniin, joka on aiemminkin runnellut Ilveskiveä. Homoseksuaalina poliitikkona Ilveskivi ei ole skinien keskuudessa kovassa huudossa.

Asiat menevät kuitenkin paljon syvemmälle Espoon kunnallispolitiikkaan. Luvassa on kähmintää ja korruptiota, poliisilaitosta myöten. Mariaa hiillostetaan jättämään tutkimukset. Keneen voi enää luottaa?

Ennen lähtöä on sujuvaa dekkariviihdettä, kuten aikaisemmatkin Kalliot. Poliisien väliset sisäiset väännöt (niin valtaan kuin ihmissuhteisiin liittyvät) olivat mielenkiintoisia, niitä olisi voinut viedä vielä paljon pidemmällekin. Marian omassa elämässä keskeisimmät asiat olivat tällä kertaa, että ajaako poliisin työ oman perheen turvallisuuden edelle ja olisiko kenties aika yrittää toista laista.

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book from Goodreads. While it is the seventh book in the series, it also works well as a stand-alone.

When Petri Ilveskivi is killed on his way to a City Planning Commission meeting, it falls to Maria Kallio and her Violent Crimes Unit to investigate. Petri and his lover Tommi had been attacked in the past. As Maria looks into the murder, she finds connections not only to the past attack but also to the Planning Commission.

Leena Lehtolainen has developed a cast of characters that work well together. There is a balance between the investigation and the personal lives of members of the unit that brings them to life. Their investigation involves topical social issues while also providing some interesting twists to keep the reader involved.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I would like to acknowledge Goodreads, Ms Lehtolainen, AmazonCrossings and Kindle for the honor of reading this novel. The length was just right for a rainy day and it was a quick and fun read. The only difficulty I had was keeping the names straight till i figured out the characters, The novel moved at a fast pace and the characters were well developed. The novel stood alone and I did not feel that I needed to read the previous 6 novels to understand the characters. This would be a great beach read.

[Isabelle Larocque · Rating 3 out of 5]

Style scandinave que j'adore, cette fois-ci en Finlande, ce qui me plait aussi. On apprend beaucoup de la vie personnelle du personnage principal. Par contre la fin est totalement illogique. Quelqu'un qui engage des tueurs ne va pas tout d'un coup se rendre lui-même chez quelqu'un et se mettre dans une situation compromettante! Ca m'a un peu énervé et a enlevé tout le suspense. Et je vois maintenant que c'est déjà le 7e livre... pour moi c'était une erreur de débutant. Mais bon, reste que le roman est tout de même bien quand on aime découvrir la Finlande à travers un roman policier

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are just good, solid mysteries. The most special thing about them is their Scandinavian setting (which is out of the ordinary for mysteries we get to read in North America). And I've become fond of Maria Kallio. She can be exasperating at times (definitely not one of those "absolutely perfect" detectives we have gotten from some authors), and I don't know that I could be friends with her if we knew each other as real life people, but I enjoy getting a chance to see some interesting things through her eyes.

[Pat Ojanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story felt so relevant because of collusion lead by a wealthy powerful business owner and developer who also has a position on the city planning committee. Sound vaguely familiar??

I enjoy this Finnish mystery series with Detective Maria Kallio as the main character. This book published in Finland in 2000 was recently translated and released here. There are several more in the series and I hope I don't have to wait to long for them.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book I had a hard time keeping my interest. I feel some of the problem is that it is book #7 in a series and I have never read this series. Some series are best started with the first book to grow with the characters maybe that is the problem. I was not drawing this book well and it didn't Jeremy engaged. I will give a benefit of doubt to author and try the 1st in the series and see if it is any better.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to be a fan of this series, although this one was rather sad as Maria seems to be having to go it alone a lot through lack up support from the "higher-ups", including her heretofore favorite boss/friend. But, there is a maturing in her interactions with her friends, and I suspect the revelations of corruption in city government are pretty realistic. Despite all that, she does find the culprit. I look forward to seeing what's next for Maria in both her personal and professional life.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it very much. The only (minor) downside was the fact that, as a non-Finnish speaker, I found myself getting confused by the names of the many characters. The characters were interesting, the plot was suitably twisting and the descriptive passages gave a good picture of the Finnish landscape. I will probably read more of the Kallio books.

[Kay Kinsler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

Like all the other books so far in this series, this is a fairly quick enjoyable read. I am enjoying the development of the various characters Including Maria Kallio and the various police officers that she works with. It’s also been a great escape from current events in the USA with pandemic, extreme heat, forest fires, etc. Escaping mentally to Finland is a great change of pace!

[Bud Mallar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just seem to like this series.

Some social commentary, lots of real 'people,' a good whodunit, some police procedural stuff trying not to get in the way, but just a good character driven story.

I had hoped to find some Nordic Noir in starting this and some other Scandinavian series, but most have just turned out to be 'mysteries' but in another country.

I do think it necessary however, should you be interested in Maria and crowd, to start with #1

[Tiina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Selvitettävä murha kiinnosti, mutta kirjassa kulutettiin turhan paljon aikaa Maria Kallion rakkaus- ja perhe-elämän pohteisiin. Lopussa murhakin selvisi, mutta syiden ja muiden käsittely jäi kovin kevyeksi. Pillerireseptistä kuitenkin kerrottiin huolellisesti.

Selkeämpi dekkari ilman päähenkilön päänsisäistä pähkäilyä olisi saanut ainakin kaksi tähteä enemmän.

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ensimmäinen Maria Kallioni. Tämä kirja on ollut puolison kirjahyllyssä varmaan 10 vuotta, ja nyt ennen kirppikselle joutumista tuli luetuksi.

Tykkäsin kyllä, peruskiva dekkari. Kamalaa oli vain se, että kirja on julkaistu vuonna 2000 ja se näkyy kyllä hyvin kirjan teemoissa ja hahmojen puhetavassa.

[Malcolm Blair-Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Novel But a Lesser Thriller

Reading this many years after its first publication reminded me how much the structure of a page turner has changed in recent years. This is as much about relationships and politics as it is about crime and because of that is rather refreshing. But I found myself skip reading bits, so it dropped a star.

[Kaija Karlsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kirja on seitsemäs Maria Kallio dekkari. Espoon kaupunginvaltuutettu Petri Ilveskvi löytyy kuolleena pyörätieltä. Hän asuu laillistetussa parisuhteessa miehen kanssa. Hän haaveilee omasta lapsesta. Hän on ollut napit vastakkain kaavoitus asioissa ympäristölautakunnassa. Kirjassa on monia juonen käänteitä Ämmässuon kaatopaikalta löytyy myös miehen ruumis.

[Lynne Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book in this series. I really enjoyed it. The storyline was well put together that keep me interested till the very end. The characters were quirky and fun . I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Linden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Available through the Kindle Owner’s Lending Library, this police procedural in the Nordic Noir genre is set in Finland. Even though it is listed as book seven in a series, I felt it worked well as a stand-alone.

[Sha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Älykästä (ja mielestäni hyvin aikaa kestänyttä) pohdiskelua lapsista, rakkaudesta ja erilaisista perhemuodoista. Sen rinnalla pohdittiin yhteiskuntaa, valtaa ja vapautta. Samaistuttava ja kiinnostava.

[Tuatara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ihan perinteistä tätä sarjaa, eli sellaista tavaraa jota kivasti jaksaa kuunnella silloinkin, kun on pakko lojua sängyssä migreenin kourissa. Tässä oli suht kiintoisa käänne se, että esimiehenkin kanssa tuli vaihteeksi skismaa eikä kaikki ollut sen suhteen niin autuasta.

[Outi Mäkinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Maria Kallio -series. Leena Lehtolainen gives a very credible picture of Finnish police work, description of Finnish society and a life of a working woman with a family. She is also very good at foreseeing topics to come, fiction but so much true also.

[John Stotesbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done! From her fifth Maria Kallio onwards, she continues to improve. It's only a slight pity that the American translator uses occasional US terms -- also that the text wasn't thoroughly proofread.