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DCI Lorimer #10
The Swedish Girl
Eighteen-year-old Kirsty Wilson can't believe her luck when she lands a room in a luxury Glasgow flat owned by the beautiful Eva Magnusson, a wealthy fellow student from Stockholm. But her initial delight turns to terror when Kirsty finds the Swedish girl lying dead in their home and their male flatmate accused of her murder. Kirsty refuses to accept that he is guilty and, inspired by family friend Detective Superintendent Lorimer, sets out to clear his name.
Meanwhile, Lorimer calls on his trusted colleague, psychologist Solly Brightman, to help unravel the truth behind the enigmatic Eva's life and death. But it is not long until another woman, bearing a marked resemblance to Eva, is brutally murdered in Glasgow. Horrified, Lorimer and his team realise that Kirsty could be right. Is it possible that Glasgow's finest detective has put the wrong man behind bars? And is there a cold-blooded killer out there orchestrating the death of their next innocent victim?
In this absolutely gripping read, Alex Gray sends her dynamic Scottish detective from the gritty heart of Glasgow to the snowy streets of Stockholm in his toughest case yet.
Meanwhile, Lorimer calls on his trusted colleague, psychologist Solly Brightman, to help unravel the truth behind the enigmatic Eva's life and death. But it is not long until another woman, bearing a marked resemblance to Eva, is brutally murdered in Glasgow. Horrified, Lorimer and his team realise that Kirsty could be right. Is it possible that Glasgow's finest detective has put the wrong man behind bars? And is there a cold-blooded killer out there orchestrating the death of their next innocent victim?
In this absolutely gripping read, Alex Gray sends her dynamic Scottish detective from the gritty heart of Glasgow to the snowy streets of Stockholm in his toughest case yet.
468 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
94 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Alex Gray
88 books346 followersAlex Gray was born and educated in Glasgow. She worked as a folk singer, a visiting officer in the DSS and an English teacher. She has been awarded the Scottish Association of Writers Constable and Pitlochry trophies for her crime writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
March 31, 2018
I couldn't pass up the chance to read this book with a title like this. I mean The Swedish Girl. It's like it's written just for me...
Anyway, I have read a couple of Lorimer books by now and this one is one of the best so far. I quite enjoyed the storyline with a young girl getting murdered it what seems like an open an shut case. But, is it really so. Jo Grant, the police in charge seem to think so. However, Kirsty, one of the roommate with Eve, the Swedish girl, doesn't believe that her fellow roommate and friend Colin is the one that killed Eva. And, with some help from DCI Lorimer is she going to prove that.
I found the story to be engaging from the very start. I liked the premise of the story, with five young students living together and later one is one found murdered. Who would kill a girl everyone liked and why? I also enjoyed the contrast between the police investigation that went straight for the one person that seemed most likely to have done it, vice versa to Kirsty who instead started to dig a bit deeper. And, it turned out that Eva had some skeletons in the closet.
I really like Kirsty, she's the daughter of a college to Lorimer, and she turned out to be a pretty fine amateur detective. In contrast, to Jo Grant, who seemed more eager to grab the very first suspect just to be able to close a case quickly. I have to be honest, Jo Grant is a pretty annoying character. Thankfully, Kirsty has Lorimer on her side.
On a side note, I love that the story takes place both in Glasgow and in Stockholm. The author did a fine job describing Stockholm. Reading it felt like was back there.
As for the ending, here I found the only real let down, don't take me wrong. It's a good ending. However, it was hardly surprising. I would have wanted a more shocking ending. And, ending I had not seen coming. But, all and all is this a great book!
Anyway, I have read a couple of Lorimer books by now and this one is one of the best so far. I quite enjoyed the storyline with a young girl getting murdered it what seems like an open an shut case. But, is it really so. Jo Grant, the police in charge seem to think so. However, Kirsty, one of the roommate with Eve, the Swedish girl, doesn't believe that her fellow roommate and friend Colin is the one that killed Eva. And, with some help from DCI Lorimer is she going to prove that.
I found the story to be engaging from the very start. I liked the premise of the story, with five young students living together and later one is one found murdered. Who would kill a girl everyone liked and why? I also enjoyed the contrast between the police investigation that went straight for the one person that seemed most likely to have done it, vice versa to Kirsty who instead started to dig a bit deeper. And, it turned out that Eva had some skeletons in the closet.
I really like Kirsty, she's the daughter of a college to Lorimer, and she turned out to be a pretty fine amateur detective. In contrast, to Jo Grant, who seemed more eager to grab the very first suspect just to be able to close a case quickly. I have to be honest, Jo Grant is a pretty annoying character. Thankfully, Kirsty has Lorimer on her side.
On a side note, I love that the story takes place both in Glasgow and in Stockholm. The author did a fine job describing Stockholm. Reading it felt like was back there.
As for the ending, here I found the only real let down, don't take me wrong. It's a good ending. However, it was hardly surprising. I would have wanted a more shocking ending. And, ending I had not seen coming. But, all and all is this a great book!
April 24, 2025
I like to begin by saying that this eventful crime novel is the 10th volume of the now "Detective Superintendent Lorimer" series.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a part of an appropriate poem by Oscar Wilde called "The Ballad of Reading Goal", in relation to this crime story.
The author's storytelling is as ever wonderful, and most characters featuring in this story come splendidly to life, there's something that's absolute a no can do for me, and that's Kirsty Wilson, daughter of DS Alistair Wilson, acting as a kind of PI for the police, and because this is way too far fetched for me I have been forced to degrade this book somewhat in star rating.
The story itself is about the murder of the Swedish Girl called, Eva Magnusson, at her home, a home that is shared with Kirsty, Colin, Gary and Rodger before her death, while later on in the story young women resembling in appearance to Eva are murdered in several places in Glasgow, and so for DI Grant and her team to start investigating these crimes.
Although the evidence is weak, still Colin Young is under remand in HMP Barlinnie Prison for the murder of Eva, and so will Kirsty start playing PI for Detective Superintendent Lorimer, while also the professional psychological help of Professor Solly Brightman will be needed for his profiles for both sets of murder, before DI Grant and her team will find the perpetrator of the various killings of young women, and Lorimer will uncover the real culprit of the murder of Eva in the end.
What is to follow is a very human and likeable police procedure, but the part Kirsty is playing as a kind of PI is in my view unbelievable, but nevertheless the story overall is still a good tale to read, ending with a well executed plot.
Very much recommended, and although this is not the author's best effort, its still a very likeable addition to this otherwise excellent series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "An Enjoyable Swedish Case"!
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a part of an appropriate poem by Oscar Wilde called "The Ballad of Reading Goal", in relation to this crime story.
The author's storytelling is as ever wonderful, and most characters featuring in this story come splendidly to life, there's something that's absolute a no can do for me, and that's Kirsty Wilson, daughter of DS Alistair Wilson, acting as a kind of PI for the police, and because this is way too far fetched for me I have been forced to degrade this book somewhat in star rating.
The story itself is about the murder of the Swedish Girl called, Eva Magnusson, at her home, a home that is shared with Kirsty, Colin, Gary and Rodger before her death, while later on in the story young women resembling in appearance to Eva are murdered in several places in Glasgow, and so for DI Grant and her team to start investigating these crimes.
Although the evidence is weak, still Colin Young is under remand in HMP Barlinnie Prison for the murder of Eva, and so will Kirsty start playing PI for Detective Superintendent Lorimer, while also the professional psychological help of Professor Solly Brightman will be needed for his profiles for both sets of murder, before DI Grant and her team will find the perpetrator of the various killings of young women, and Lorimer will uncover the real culprit of the murder of Eva in the end.
What is to follow is a very human and likeable police procedure, but the part Kirsty is playing as a kind of PI is in my view unbelievable, but nevertheless the story overall is still a good tale to read, ending with a well executed plot.
Very much recommended, and although this is not the author's best effort, its still a very likeable addition to this otherwise excellent series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "An Enjoyable Swedish Case"!
December 29, 2017
3.5 Stars
DS Lorimer is back to his old station, but is now the boss. It doesn't take long for a new murder investigation only this time he has to wait for his team to keep him updated.
Eva Magnusson a beautiful, rich college student. Her flatmates are Kirsty, daughter of another detective and Colin, Roger and Gary ... all handpicked by her father.
Kiisty is absolutely horrified to find Eva lying dead in their home, a vicitm of murder. And she is horrified when the police arrest the one man Kirsty swears would never have hurt anyone, least of all Eva. Refusing to accept that he is guilty, she turns to family friend DS Lorimer to help.
But when a series of women, all who look very much like Eva, are attacked, bludgened and then strangled, Lorimer begins to have doubts himself about the young man they have jailed.
Once he starts investigating, with Kirsty's help, he finds that Eva may have been hiding a lot of dark secrets from everyone.
Although 10th in this series, it's perfectly fine as a stand alone. However, as always, I recommend starting at the beginning to watch how the characters seem to grow into their stories.
The story premise is a good one, with twists and turns and lots of suspects to keep a reader satisfied. It becomes very suspenseful when Eva's secrets ... and those of others ... come to light.
The characters are credible with one exception. Police generally do not suggest that a private citizen, let alone a young college girl, help with the investigation, especially knowing there is another killer out there.
Many thanks to the author / Harper Collins / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
DS Lorimer is back to his old station, but is now the boss. It doesn't take long for a new murder investigation only this time he has to wait for his team to keep him updated.
Eva Magnusson a beautiful, rich college student. Her flatmates are Kirsty, daughter of another detective and Colin, Roger and Gary ... all handpicked by her father.
Kiisty is absolutely horrified to find Eva lying dead in their home, a vicitm of murder. And she is horrified when the police arrest the one man Kirsty swears would never have hurt anyone, least of all Eva. Refusing to accept that he is guilty, she turns to family friend DS Lorimer to help.
But when a series of women, all who look very much like Eva, are attacked, bludgened and then strangled, Lorimer begins to have doubts himself about the young man they have jailed.
Once he starts investigating, with Kirsty's help, he finds that Eva may have been hiding a lot of dark secrets from everyone.
Although 10th in this series, it's perfectly fine as a stand alone. However, as always, I recommend starting at the beginning to watch how the characters seem to grow into their stories.
The story premise is a good one, with twists and turns and lots of suspects to keep a reader satisfied. It becomes very suspenseful when Eva's secrets ... and those of others ... come to light.
The characters are credible with one exception. Police generally do not suggest that a private citizen, let alone a young college girl, help with the investigation, especially knowing there is another killer out there.
Many thanks to the author / Harper Collins / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 15, 2024
Character development was a trifle thin and it was laughable how a Detective Superintendent green lighted a member of the public to snoop around and gather potential evidence in a murder case. Easy read but a fairly weak storyline with a damp squib resolution.
September 6, 2016
A good storyline. However some of it difficult to accept. Do the police really suggest that members of the public conduct their own investigations and carry out searches?
January 15, 2018
Find more in Chill and read
DCI Lorimer, now DS Lorimer, is back in his old division, only that he is now the boss. He has a team of capable officers working for him in the 10th installment of the series taking place in Scottish city of Glasgow.
Eva Magnusson is a beautiful Swedish student at the University. She is leaving in a newly owned flat, her father bought for her, in a poss district of the city. Her flatmates, all hand picked by her father, are four. Kirsty, a detective’s daughter and the only other girl in the flat, Colin, Roger and Gary. Two girls and three boys, what could go wrong?
Truth be told, the five of them make a very good company all together. Until one night, when Kirsty returns to the flat after work expecting to find it it empty, as all her mates were at a party, and she actually finds Eva, the Swedish girl. Only she is dead. Murdered actually. As one of her friends is accused with the murder and being locked up until the trial, Kirsty finds it difficult to believe that this kind boy would be capable of such an act, Therefore, she contacts DS Lorimer, who is now her father’s boss and ask for his help in finding the Eva’s killer.
To be honest here, this is the first of the Lorimer books I’ve ever read. However, I had no difficulty connecting the dots and following the Detective’s character along the book, neither that of any other character in the story. The author does a pretty good job displaying all the information to make the reader understand who is who and their characters, without having to go back in time to understand the very essence of their existence. Whenever there is reference to the past, it is done in such way that the abstract information is there and out for the reader, without implying any hidden stories.
Lorimer’s character is the series star, however, it seems that the whole investigation team as well as other characters play significant role into the narration, which is a very good thing actually. I loved the fact that he is not a detective with issues and that he does enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea through the book!
The story is told from different angles and we can see how the different characters are built, how the feel and what they think during the course of the story. There are a few suspects that could be responsible for the girl’s death and the author is taking us from one to the other by revealing every little detail that could be each one’s motive. There’s even a parallel case that the detective’s team is working on, on what turns out to be a serial killer, that could be connected to Eva’s case. It works as a hope for the girl and detective as well, so as to set free the poor boy they believe to be innocent.
One thing that I did not like about the book is a female character that played significant role in the boy’s arrest. Eva’s case is headed by DI Jo Grant, a beautiful, strong opinionated, tough female cop that dresses pretty fashionably and arrests people with very little evidence. How could a district attorney allow this arrest with only so little in hand? And even if this is not how things are done in Scotland, why should there be a female character making that mistake? It goes without saying that a cop’s job is harder for women, as they have to work twice hard as their male colleagues to prove themselves. I would not expect a female writer to support the idea that female cops don’t do a good job and jump into conclusions very easily. Even though, there were second thoughts from the DI’s side, no matter how she did not like the fact that her superior was investigating a case she considered closed, behind her back.
And that, is the background plot that adds to the story!
DCI Lorimer, now DS Lorimer, is back in his old division, only that he is now the boss. He has a team of capable officers working for him in the 10th installment of the series taking place in Scottish city of Glasgow.
Eva Magnusson is a beautiful Swedish student at the University. She is leaving in a newly owned flat, her father bought for her, in a poss district of the city. Her flatmates, all hand picked by her father, are four. Kirsty, a detective’s daughter and the only other girl in the flat, Colin, Roger and Gary. Two girls and three boys, what could go wrong?
Truth be told, the five of them make a very good company all together. Until one night, when Kirsty returns to the flat after work expecting to find it it empty, as all her mates were at a party, and she actually finds Eva, the Swedish girl. Only she is dead. Murdered actually. As one of her friends is accused with the murder and being locked up until the trial, Kirsty finds it difficult to believe that this kind boy would be capable of such an act, Therefore, she contacts DS Lorimer, who is now her father’s boss and ask for his help in finding the Eva’s killer.
To be honest here, this is the first of the Lorimer books I’ve ever read. However, I had no difficulty connecting the dots and following the Detective’s character along the book, neither that of any other character in the story. The author does a pretty good job displaying all the information to make the reader understand who is who and their characters, without having to go back in time to understand the very essence of their existence. Whenever there is reference to the past, it is done in such way that the abstract information is there and out for the reader, without implying any hidden stories.
Lorimer’s character is the series star, however, it seems that the whole investigation team as well as other characters play significant role into the narration, which is a very good thing actually. I loved the fact that he is not a detective with issues and that he does enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea through the book!
The story is told from different angles and we can see how the different characters are built, how the feel and what they think during the course of the story. There are a few suspects that could be responsible for the girl’s death and the author is taking us from one to the other by revealing every little detail that could be each one’s motive. There’s even a parallel case that the detective’s team is working on, on what turns out to be a serial killer, that could be connected to Eva’s case. It works as a hope for the girl and detective as well, so as to set free the poor boy they believe to be innocent.
One thing that I did not like about the book is a female character that played significant role in the boy’s arrest. Eva’s case is headed by DI Jo Grant, a beautiful, strong opinionated, tough female cop that dresses pretty fashionably and arrests people with very little evidence. How could a district attorney allow this arrest with only so little in hand? And even if this is not how things are done in Scotland, why should there be a female character making that mistake? It goes without saying that a cop’s job is harder for women, as they have to work twice hard as their male colleagues to prove themselves. I would not expect a female writer to support the idea that female cops don’t do a good job and jump into conclusions very easily. Even though, there were second thoughts from the DI’s side, no matter how she did not like the fact that her superior was investigating a case she considered closed, behind her back.
And that, is the background plot that adds to the story!
March 30, 2014
This is one of a series featuring Glasgow Det. Superintendent Bill Lorimer. All the regulars are back: his wife Maggie (teacher), Prof. Solly Brightman (psychologist/profiler) & Dr. Rosie Fergusson (police pathologist/Solly's wife).
Due to cutbacks, Lorimer has been returned to his old station but now he's the boss & he's welcomed with open arms. He doesn't have long to settle in before they catch their first murder case.
Eva Magnusson seemed to have everything. Money, beauty, brains & a doting father. She came to Glasgow from Sweden for university & lived with 4 roomies in a gorgeous flat. Everyone she met was struck by her perfect manners & appearance. Too bad it was all a facade.
When her flatmate Kirsty Wilson gets home late one night, she finds Eva dead on the living room floor. Her father is DS Wilson, one of the cops from Lorimer's station. Although he assigns the case to DI Jo Grant, Lorimer takes more than a passing interest in the investigation.
And so it begins. Initial evidence points to Colin, one of the young men also living in the flat & he's quickly arrested. Then a second young woman is assaulted. Her resemblance to Eva is startling...have they got the wrong guy?
Meanwhile, Kirsty can't accept her room mate is a killer & starts her own investigation. Encouraged by Lorimer, she goes through Eva's things & soon finds some clues to pass on. It becomes apparent the Swedish girl had a few secrets & as the team continues digging, they can hardly keep up with the number of credible suspects.
Sounds like a real page turner, right? Oddly enough, not. This book got me thinking about how our tastes can change as we expand our reading lists with new authors & genres. I read several of the older books in this series years ago but for some reason hadn't picked one up for awhile. I remembered enjoying them so decided to jump back in with this instalment.
But I guess my preferences have changed as I found this a slow & unchallenging read. I almost put it down several times during the first half but hate to put any book on the DNF pile so kept slogging away.
This is not the Lorimer I remember. He comes across as indecisive & constantly second guesses himself, strange qualities for a superintendent. He quickly takes an active role & it consumes his thoughts on & off the job. There's no mention of any other cases or duties that would surely require his attention. Also, it's difficult to believe an officer at his level would not only encourage a civilian involved in the case (Kirsty) to carry out their own investigation but divulge confidential information to her concerning what they've uncovered.
DI Jo Grant is a familiar stereotype as the tough young female cop (although she dressed better than most in popular fiction). She is remarkably close minded & barely skirts insubordination in her dealings with Lorimer. When her speedy arrest of Colin is questioned, her first thought is for herself & the effect on her career, not the suffering of a possibly innocent young man sitting in jail. As for the arrest itself, it's made on the basis of extremely weak evidence & just didn't seem credible. I'm hardly an expert on police procedure but I think any lawyer worth their salt would have had him out PDQ.
At the core of these novels are the relationships between Lorimer, Maggie, Solly & Rosie. The two couples are close friends & frequently get together. It's all very nice, polite and...dare I say it...bland (gasp).
There are several more assaults on pretty blondes as the book progresses (and Colin remains banged up) & this is the only aspect of the plot that creates any suspense as you'll figure out early on who killed Eva.
So this is where I apologize to the author & say it's not you...it's me. We've grown apart. Readers who have been faithful fans of these books over the years will find much the same here & no doubt enjoy this instalment as they have the others.
Due to cutbacks, Lorimer has been returned to his old station but now he's the boss & he's welcomed with open arms. He doesn't have long to settle in before they catch their first murder case.
Eva Magnusson seemed to have everything. Money, beauty, brains & a doting father. She came to Glasgow from Sweden for university & lived with 4 roomies in a gorgeous flat. Everyone she met was struck by her perfect manners & appearance. Too bad it was all a facade.
When her flatmate Kirsty Wilson gets home late one night, she finds Eva dead on the living room floor. Her father is DS Wilson, one of the cops from Lorimer's station. Although he assigns the case to DI Jo Grant, Lorimer takes more than a passing interest in the investigation.
And so it begins. Initial evidence points to Colin, one of the young men also living in the flat & he's quickly arrested. Then a second young woman is assaulted. Her resemblance to Eva is startling...have they got the wrong guy?
Meanwhile, Kirsty can't accept her room mate is a killer & starts her own investigation. Encouraged by Lorimer, she goes through Eva's things & soon finds some clues to pass on. It becomes apparent the Swedish girl had a few secrets & as the team continues digging, they can hardly keep up with the number of credible suspects.
Sounds like a real page turner, right? Oddly enough, not. This book got me thinking about how our tastes can change as we expand our reading lists with new authors & genres. I read several of the older books in this series years ago but for some reason hadn't picked one up for awhile. I remembered enjoying them so decided to jump back in with this instalment.
But I guess my preferences have changed as I found this a slow & unchallenging read. I almost put it down several times during the first half but hate to put any book on the DNF pile so kept slogging away.
This is not the Lorimer I remember. He comes across as indecisive & constantly second guesses himself, strange qualities for a superintendent. He quickly takes an active role & it consumes his thoughts on & off the job. There's no mention of any other cases or duties that would surely require his attention. Also, it's difficult to believe an officer at his level would not only encourage a civilian involved in the case (Kirsty) to carry out their own investigation but divulge confidential information to her concerning what they've uncovered.
DI Jo Grant is a familiar stereotype as the tough young female cop (although she dressed better than most in popular fiction). She is remarkably close minded & barely skirts insubordination in her dealings with Lorimer. When her speedy arrest of Colin is questioned, her first thought is for herself & the effect on her career, not the suffering of a possibly innocent young man sitting in jail. As for the arrest itself, it's made on the basis of extremely weak evidence & just didn't seem credible. I'm hardly an expert on police procedure but I think any lawyer worth their salt would have had him out PDQ.
At the core of these novels are the relationships between Lorimer, Maggie, Solly & Rosie. The two couples are close friends & frequently get together. It's all very nice, polite and...dare I say it...bland (gasp).
There are several more assaults on pretty blondes as the book progresses (and Colin remains banged up) & this is the only aspect of the plot that creates any suspense as you'll figure out early on who killed Eva.
So this is where I apologize to the author & say it's not you...it's me. We've grown apart. Readers who have been faithful fans of these books over the years will find much the same here & no doubt enjoy this instalment as they have the others.
February 1, 2015
This story will keep you guessing to the very end as you try to figure out who killed Eva. Gray does a wonderful job of giving you lots of clues and insights into each of the characters and their motives. Then the reader must try to figure out who the murderer or murderers are. I am hooked on Gray's mysteries and her intriguing characters.
September 1, 2016
This is the first book by Alex Gray I have read. I quite enjoyed this although at times I thought it was quite predictable and the interaction between the police and a member of the public "sleuthing " didn't quite ring true. Another Scottish author but for me well behind Ian Rankin or James Oswald in terms of the quality of the writing - not sure if I will read another one.
January 3, 2019
The Swedish Girl
By
Alex Gray
What it's all about...
Murders of young joggers are occurring and actually increasing in frequency. The women who are murdered are similar in appearance. However a young girl is murdered in the house she lives in. The problem is trying to establish a connection with the other murders or even if there is one. And a housemate has been accused and jailed for this murder. But is he the one? Many secrets and lies come out about the murdered housemate that connect other people...including her father.
Why I wanted to read it...
This is my first venture into this series but not my last. I already purchased three more books in this series. I love Chief Inspector Lorimer And his wife and his cat. I loved the mystery in the book I read. I loved the other characters and their dialogues as they try to solve these crimes.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
I loved these characters...well Lorimer and the good guys...not the bad ones.
Why you should read it, too...
If you love a great Scottish Mystery...this is an amazing series! I was actually sad when it ended so I bought two more!
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
By
Alex Gray
What it's all about...
Murders of young joggers are occurring and actually increasing in frequency. The women who are murdered are similar in appearance. However a young girl is murdered in the house she lives in. The problem is trying to establish a connection with the other murders or even if there is one. And a housemate has been accused and jailed for this murder. But is he the one? Many secrets and lies come out about the murdered housemate that connect other people...including her father.
Why I wanted to read it...
This is my first venture into this series but not my last. I already purchased three more books in this series. I love Chief Inspector Lorimer And his wife and his cat. I loved the mystery in the book I read. I loved the other characters and their dialogues as they try to solve these crimes.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
I loved these characters...well Lorimer and the good guys...not the bad ones.
Why you should read it, too...
If you love a great Scottish Mystery...this is an amazing series! I was actually sad when it ended so I bought two more!
I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss and Amazon. It was my choice to read it and review it.
September 7, 2022
The story was interesting but poorly written
October 11, 2024
The Swedish Girl stands out from the others in this series, because it could easily be read as a standalone. This is a gripping crime thriller from Alex Gray, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters are beautifully brought to life, as Swedish student Eva Magnusson and her father purchase a flat in Glasgow where she will be studying, and fill it with four other flatmates. All are strangers to one another, although readers of the series will recognise Kirsty Wilson, whose father is a policeman. And then, of course, someone is murdered.
Five stars and recommended. Would I read it again? Definitely!
Five stars and recommended. Would I read it again? Definitely!
December 7, 2020
I've read a few of Alex Gray's Lorimer books, but not for a while so it was great to meet the regular characters again and find out what they're up to. The plot was clever, with a satisfying reveal, and we get to spend some time in Sweden - an interesting comparison with Glasgow.
All in all I enjoyed it a great deal and will now be filling in the gaps with the series' books I haven't read.
All in all I enjoyed it a great deal and will now be filling in the gaps with the series' books I haven't read.
June 8, 2014
This was so obvious, the dialogue was clunky, the relationship between Kirsty and Lorimer was unbelievable - as if a senior police officer would act in that way! I won't be wasting any of my time reading more of these.
November 26, 2013
This is probably one of the best books I have ever read. Plot and characters are unforgettable. This is the first Alex Gray book I have read, but it won't by my last.
November 25, 2014
Rambling storyline, and poor police work even for Glasgow! Story could have been so much better, my times in a flat in Hyndland were much more exciting and no one got killed!
October 23, 2015
I thought the plot was ok, but the writing was a bit overblown and simplistic. Glad I only paid 50p!
March 4, 2014
Decent enough but the premise seems a bit shallow.
January 7, 2018
Review of “Swedish Girl” by Alex Gray
This is the tenth (of fourteen) installment of the “Lorimer and Brightman” series of police procedurals based in Glasgow Scotland. Lorimer has just been returned to his old precinct and been promoted to Detective Superintendent. His biggest problem is to be the senior detective and not being out on “the streets” doing the actual investigations.
Eva Magnusson is the only daughter of a wealthy Swedish manufacturer. Not only is she a well-to-do exchange student but she is also the stereotypical Scandinavian blond, thin and attractive. She has an outgoing and pleasing personality, and all the men at school are attracted to her.
In order to help her get used to Scotland, her father has bought her an apartment that allows her to rent rooms to four other students. Her father ‘interviews’ her prospective roommates, and settles on one girl and four boys. The girl (Kirsty) happens to be the daughter of one of Lorimer’s colleagues, a detective sergeant. The five students seem to get along well and have settled into school.
They tend to party together and on a Saturday night they are all at a friend’s flat. Eva leaves early, as does one of the boys. When Kirsty returns to the flat, she finds Eva on the floor, she is dead, and she has been strangled. One of the boys is arrested for the murder. Kirsty knows the boy is not just a ‘gentle’ soul but the last person you would suspect of murder.
Without her father knowing, Kirsty goes to Lorimer, telling him about her suspicion. Lorimer is at sixes and sevens. He doesn’t want to interfere with the first murder investigation as a Superintendent. The investigation discovers that Eva has had multiple assignations, so there are multiple suspects as to which lover could be the killer.
The story is nicely paced and the major characters are all well described. There are no red herrings, but you have to pay attention to all the peripheral information that Gray throws out.
Note: this was a free eBook from Edelweiss
Zeb Kantrowitz zworstblog.blogspot.com zebsblog@gmail.com
This is the tenth (of fourteen) installment of the “Lorimer and Brightman” series of police procedurals based in Glasgow Scotland. Lorimer has just been returned to his old precinct and been promoted to Detective Superintendent. His biggest problem is to be the senior detective and not being out on “the streets” doing the actual investigations.
Eva Magnusson is the only daughter of a wealthy Swedish manufacturer. Not only is she a well-to-do exchange student but she is also the stereotypical Scandinavian blond, thin and attractive. She has an outgoing and pleasing personality, and all the men at school are attracted to her.
In order to help her get used to Scotland, her father has bought her an apartment that allows her to rent rooms to four other students. Her father ‘interviews’ her prospective roommates, and settles on one girl and four boys. The girl (Kirsty) happens to be the daughter of one of Lorimer’s colleagues, a detective sergeant. The five students seem to get along well and have settled into school.
They tend to party together and on a Saturday night they are all at a friend’s flat. Eva leaves early, as does one of the boys. When Kirsty returns to the flat, she finds Eva on the floor, she is dead, and she has been strangled. One of the boys is arrested for the murder. Kirsty knows the boy is not just a ‘gentle’ soul but the last person you would suspect of murder.
Without her father knowing, Kirsty goes to Lorimer, telling him about her suspicion. Lorimer is at sixes and sevens. He doesn’t want to interfere with the first murder investigation as a Superintendent. The investigation discovers that Eva has had multiple assignations, so there are multiple suspects as to which lover could be the killer.
The story is nicely paced and the major characters are all well described. There are no red herrings, but you have to pay attention to all the peripheral information that Gray throws out.
Note: this was a free eBook from Edelweiss
Zeb Kantrowitz zworstblog.blogspot.com zebsblog@gmail.com
September 24, 2020
SPOILER ALERT
Eva Magnusson comes to the UK to attend Strathclyde. From a prominent Swedish family, she is living in a large flat that accommodates four other mates, and all become friends. Shortly after she is murdered. The other students living there are Kirsty Wilson, Colin Young, Gary Calderwood, and Rodge Dunbar. Across the hall is crabby old Derek McCubbin who objects to everything about the young people who have taken over the home of his deceased friend, and is being taken advantage of by his daughter who's moving him out. DSU William Lorimer and his team are surprised by the promiscuous lifestyle Eva lead, that also makes finding the killer very difficult. She had relationships with not only the three flat mates, but also a teacher, Dirk McGregor and others.
Colin is remanded to Barlinnie Prison and awaits trial as Kirsty Wilson, the DS's daughter, pushes that he would not have done it. It appeared to me that the police, led by DI Jo Grant on this case, were too quick to land on the easiest suspect. The failed to look at other possible men, and it is Kirsty who finds additional info that causes Lorimer to look further and push DI Grant to look again. It is by accident that the killer is found out when they go to interview McCubbin about what he might have seen, and find him hanged, with a note that he killed her out of frustration about the noise, as she was yelling at her father as he left the flat. Kirsty in her excellent investigating finds a new direction for the career.
Eva Magnusson comes to the UK to attend Strathclyde. From a prominent Swedish family, she is living in a large flat that accommodates four other mates, and all become friends. Shortly after she is murdered. The other students living there are Kirsty Wilson, Colin Young, Gary Calderwood, and Rodge Dunbar. Across the hall is crabby old Derek McCubbin who objects to everything about the young people who have taken over the home of his deceased friend, and is being taken advantage of by his daughter who's moving him out. DSU William Lorimer and his team are surprised by the promiscuous lifestyle Eva lead, that also makes finding the killer very difficult. She had relationships with not only the three flat mates, but also a teacher, Dirk McGregor and others.
Colin is remanded to Barlinnie Prison and awaits trial as Kirsty Wilson, the DS's daughter, pushes that he would not have done it. It appeared to me that the police, led by DI Jo Grant on this case, were too quick to land on the easiest suspect. The failed to look at other possible men, and it is Kirsty who finds additional info that causes Lorimer to look further and push DI Grant to look again. It is by accident that the killer is found out when they go to interview McCubbin about what he might have seen, and find him hanged, with a note that he killed her out of frustration about the noise, as she was yelling at her father as he left the flat. Kirsty in her excellent investigating finds a new direction for the career.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
Eva Magnusson hat großes Glück. Die Studentin muss sich keine Sorgen um eine Wohnung machen, als sie ihr Studium in Glasgow beginnt. Ihr Vater kauft ihr einfach eine. Auch bei der Wahl ihrer Mitbewohner hat sie Glück und die jungen Leute freunden sich schnell an. Aber dann wendet sich das Blatt. Eva wird ermordet und der Täter wird schnell gefunden. Es ist einer der Mitbewohner. Ein schneller Erfolg für DS Lorrimer und sein Team. Nur die junge Kirsty glaubt an die Unschuld ihres Freundes. Sie hofft, Lorrimer mithilfe ihres Vaters, der ein Kollege von ihm ist, umstimmen zu können.
Am Anfang lernt man Eva und ihre Clique durch die Augen eines alten Mannes kennen, der im selben Wohnblock wohnt. Für ihn sind die jungen Leute bedrohliche Störenfriede, die in der gehobenen Gegend nichts zu suchen haben. Später ändert sich der Blickwinkel und der Leser stellt fest, dass Eva und ihre Freunde ganz anders sind.
Diese unterschiedlichen Blickwinkel gibt es noch öfter im Buch. Nicht immer ist der erste Eindruck der Richtige. Sei es bei Eva, die nicht die perfekte Freundin und Tochter ist, die sie zu sein scheint. Oder die Auswahl ihrer Mitbewohner, die der Vater mehr als sorgfältig und mit vielen Hintergedanken vorgenommen hat. Es gibt nur eine Ausnahme, Kirsty ist genauso wie sie auf den ersten Blick scheint: geradlinig, loyal und bereit, für ihre Überzeugung einzutreten.
Der Fall ist nicht einfach, aber Schritt für Schritt kommt Lorrimer der Lösung näher. Es sind diese kleinen Schritte, die diesen Krimi so spannend machen.
Am Anfang lernt man Eva und ihre Clique durch die Augen eines alten Mannes kennen, der im selben Wohnblock wohnt. Für ihn sind die jungen Leute bedrohliche Störenfriede, die in der gehobenen Gegend nichts zu suchen haben. Später ändert sich der Blickwinkel und der Leser stellt fest, dass Eva und ihre Freunde ganz anders sind.
Diese unterschiedlichen Blickwinkel gibt es noch öfter im Buch. Nicht immer ist der erste Eindruck der Richtige. Sei es bei Eva, die nicht die perfekte Freundin und Tochter ist, die sie zu sein scheint. Oder die Auswahl ihrer Mitbewohner, die der Vater mehr als sorgfältig und mit vielen Hintergedanken vorgenommen hat. Es gibt nur eine Ausnahme, Kirsty ist genauso wie sie auf den ersten Blick scheint: geradlinig, loyal und bereit, für ihre Überzeugung einzutreten.
Der Fall ist nicht einfach, aber Schritt für Schritt kommt Lorrimer der Lösung näher. Es sind diese kleinen Schritte, die diesen Krimi so spannend machen.
January 16, 2018
This novel is another great one featuring DCI Lorimer. I have read several in the series and continue to enjoy the combination of police procedure and character development. I am getting to know Lorimer, his wife and their friends better. The plot revolves around finding a murderer through understanding the personalities of the victim and the suspects. While there were some hints along the way, the culprit was a surprise to me.
I recommend this novel and the series to those who like a mystery in the British style with lots of description and character development. There is really no suspense, just methodical investigating by Lorimer and his team.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I recommend this novel and the series to those who like a mystery in the British style with lots of description and character development. There is really no suspense, just methodical investigating by Lorimer and his team.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 12, 2020
Another enjoyable read from Alex Gray.
Eva, a young Swedish woman is found dead in her Glasgow flat (recently bought for her by her businessman father). One of the flatmates is chief suspect and sent to Barlinnie to await his trial. Another flatmate, Kirsty, is convinced of his innocence and persuades DCI Lorimer to look more closely into the case, while she does a bit of 'digging' herself.
The neighbour across the landing is dour and complaining. His daughter wants to sell his flat and move to a nice little bungalow.
A woman is discovered dead in a park - a woman who looks surprisingly like the dead Swedish woman, killed in a very similar fashion. Then another, then another. Obviously not the work of the locked-up flatmate!! But who is it? A trip to beautiful and cold Stockholm to visit Eva's father, who is hiding secrets of his own, follows.
Worth a read.
Eva, a young Swedish woman is found dead in her Glasgow flat (recently bought for her by her businessman father). One of the flatmates is chief suspect and sent to Barlinnie to await his trial. Another flatmate, Kirsty, is convinced of his innocence and persuades DCI Lorimer to look more closely into the case, while she does a bit of 'digging' herself.
The neighbour across the landing is dour and complaining. His daughter wants to sell his flat and move to a nice little bungalow.
A woman is discovered dead in a park - a woman who looks surprisingly like the dead Swedish woman, killed in a very similar fashion. Then another, then another. Obviously not the work of the locked-up flatmate!! But who is it? A trip to beautiful and cold Stockholm to visit Eva's father, who is hiding secrets of his own, follows.
Worth a read.
December 9, 2017
I've not read all of the Lorimer novels (they're only now being issued in the US) so this was a more or less a standalone for me- but it was also a return to some terrific characters. Lorimer and his pals Solly, Rosie, and Jo are all well rounded and entirely believable as a team who investigate murder in Glasgow. Lorimer has his issues to be sure but he's not the tortured detective cliche. In this case, the team takes on the case of a student accused of killing his wealthy flatmate- Eva. Who was Eva, why was she killed, and who killed her? Well, no spoilers from me. There are good twists, nice atmosphere, and a plot that will keep you turning pages. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. I'm looking forward to more from Gray. Try this for a Scottish procedural.
March 5, 2021
I've never read any of the others in this series and this could be read as a stand alone. Three students in Glasgow feel the are so lucky to be accepted as tenants in a beautiful flat in a nice area, far better than most students flats. Eve Magnussen's father renovated the flat for her, he is a very rich man. Kirsty Wilson is the one that finds Eve murdered in the flat. When a fellow tenant Colin is arrested for the murder Kirsty knows he isn't capable of murder. She seeks help from Lorimer to prove it. He doesn't want to step on toes but another girl turns up dead. The Swedish Girl is not the sweet innocent she seemed to be. It's a tough case but Lorimer is up to the task. Alex Gray wrote a great story with a surprise murderer.
October 8, 2021
A wealthy Swedish businessman buys a flat for his daughter in Glasgow, then takes it upon himself to interview students to share the flat with the daughter.
After attending a party , the girl is found dead.
The storyline itself is fairly interesting, but unfortunately the characters are not. I’m assuming that Alex Gray has written several novels using the same characters, but sadly, she has assumed that everyone who reads the subsequent novels, if familiar with them all. ( I hadn’t read anything by her before this ). She therefore gives them no personality at all in this book.
The story is far fetched.... the ‘dynamic Scottish detective’ leading the case is in fact a clueless damp squib who relies on one if the students to solve the case.
After attending a party , the girl is found dead.
The storyline itself is fairly interesting, but unfortunately the characters are not. I’m assuming that Alex Gray has written several novels using the same characters, but sadly, she has assumed that everyone who reads the subsequent novels, if familiar with them all. ( I hadn’t read anything by her before this ). She therefore gives them no personality at all in this book.
The story is far fetched.... the ‘dynamic Scottish detective’ leading the case is in fact a clueless damp squib who relies on one if the students to solve the case.
January 25, 2018
This was a book that was a dark horse for me, and I enjoyed reading it. I had never heard of the author before. The story involves some Glasgow college students living in a shared apartment, and one of the girls is murdered in the apartment. The plot thickens as it is discovered that the victim, the Swedish girl, was very promiscuous and had sex with another roommate, Colin, prior to her murder. So Colin is sent up awaiting his trial for murder, while more murders occur with the same MO. Finding the real killer becomes the focus of the story, while unveiling all the different perspectives people have of college age students.
August 15, 2018
Another excellent Lorimer story from Alex Gray. As always I love the Glasgow references and following the settings of the story. This was a good one, uncomfortable at times, but I had my trust in Lorimer, back in his native A Division. It will be interesting to see how the dynamic with DI Grant works out in future stories and how Lorimer settles into his senior role. I enjoy the relationships between the characters - Lorimer and Maggie, Solly and Rosie - that we follow from book to book. I felt this story could stand on its own - I had guessed the perpetrator, but I changed my mind back and forward as I read so it was by no means obvious.
May 22, 2022
2.5 stars but not quite 3 stars. It was an easy read, but lacking depth and substance. It's the kind of storyline I will completely forget in 3 months time. It was also very obvious from the beginning who the perpetrator was. I do like storylines which focus/entertain the theme of wrongful incarceration; this was the strength of the storyline for me and it added that something different- other aspects are forgettable. I didn't like the character of 'Kirsty' she is portrayed as ditzy, homely and naïve. Colin, Roger and Gary all blurred as one single character for me; their differences were not emphasized and character development was poor.
August 9, 2021
This was an older one from Alex Gray but I hadn’t read it before so it was good to find it. An intriguing story regarding a Swedish student who lives in Glasgow and how her father runs her life, even choosing her flat mates for her. There is a murder of course and Lorimer has to find out who did it and the story moves on quickly and is well written. Alex Gray is becoming the Ian Rankin of Glasgow and am happy to read her books.
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