Murder in Malmö

Inspector Anita Sundström #2

by Torquil MacLeod

A gunman is loose in Malmö and he's targeting immigrants. The charismatic head of an advertising agency is found dead in his shower. Inspector Anita Sundström wants to be involved in the murder investigations, but she is being sidelined by her antagonistic boss. She is assigned to find a stolen painting by a once-fashionable artist, as well as being lumbered with a new trainee assistant. She also has to do to restore her professional reputation after a deadly mix-up in a previous high-profile case. Then another prominent Malmö businessman is found murdered and Sundström finds herself back in the action and facing new dangers in the second Anita Sundström Malmö mystery.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Nordic Noir, Scandinavian Literature, Ebooks, Sweden

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2013

About the author

Torquil MacLeod was born in Edinburgh and brought up in the north east of England. After a brief spell as a teacher in Worcestershire, he worked in advertising agencies in Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle; since 2000 he has been a freelance writer.

See also: Torquil R. MacLeod

Reviews

[Rebecca Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author needs to add depth to Det. Sundstrom. Her sadness that her son is growing up and doesn't need her so much anymore is one thing; however, the depiction of her emotional involvement with a man in prison is totally unconvincing. Her worries are more along the lines of "what will my colleagues think?" rather than "what is WRONG with me? this guy already killed one woman and maybe two!" (I shake my head and frown, uncomprehending).

[Zain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introducing, Hakim!

An art theft, the murder of a famous ad executive, the murder of an established banker, and the execution of multiple Malmo immigrants has a lot happening in this episode.

With so much happening, you would expect to feel muddled or discombobulated, but Macleod does such an excellent job of separating and combining each act of the “play,” that you’re able to follow along, and reach your culmination with Anna Lundstrom.

And Anna has a lot on her mind to distract her from her work. She is still seeing a therapist for her issues from the first series and we find her doubting herself. But, fortunately, as the story progresses, Anna gets her mojo back and her confidence returns.

Just in time to solve the case!

[Ken Fredette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't say that I read books out of order but I've had fun reading Torquil MacLeod's books that way, giving me insight into how he writes. I like the way he's set up different characters to play out his deception in reviewing how things happened, such as Karl Westermark always bugging Anita into believing that he was out for her, yet some of his other feelings were greater. It shows up in this book. Torquil makes us believe that certain characters are immune to having the gumption to be a killer while others could be the killers. He does a pretty good job of doing this in his story line. It's here we meet Khalid Hakim Mirza for the first time, he's been placed under Anita for being a new trainee. He uses this as a new character to fulfill his necessary requirements in filling his need to make Anita fumble and wonder why she has been put under pressure. But it has a wonderful outcome. I experienced a complete murder mystery with the outcome quite complex, Torquil did a wonderful job at making this a great experience.

This story was a good read in 2020 and now it's a good read in 2025.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series and will stick with it for when I need a good mystery. Anything set in Sweden works for me! I go back and forth on what I think about the detective. In a lot of ways, she's pretty annoying - she is emotionally dependent on her teenage son and needs to let go. But the plots are good and I find myself rooting for her.

[Linda Root · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I am still having difficulties getting in synch with a protagonist who is a major crimes detective in love with a man who is in prison for the murder of a famous and indeed faultless movie actress, at least MacLeod writes her as being as discombobulated by it as I am. The new plots catches up after the first novel, and as one would expect, Anita Sundstrum has taken a serious dive in prestige and integrity after her questionable handling of story#1. While struggling with fall from grace and her petty jealousy of only child Lasse's girlfriend Rebekka, she is cold-shouldered out of participation in the team'smajor case and relegated to what seems to be an art theft and a suicide. Of course,nothing is that simple as her cases and the two major ones in the office mesh. Lecherous detective Westerbrook and and lead detective both make repeat performances. Detective Westermark is an offensive and ever, and again, Anita's own disregard for her precarious status feeds into his hands when he discovers she is making prison visits. The appearance of the new character Hakim as her assistant enriches the cast. The writing is slightly less brilliant in the first book, but the more feasible storyline makes up for it. Overall, it is a superior mystery evolving out of a poignant social issue in many Western nations. I'll ante in for the third.

[Pamela Mclaren · Rating 4 out of 5]

IN the second of the Malmo mysteries by Torquil MacLeod, his main character, Inspector Anita Sundström has returned from a forced leave, still dealing with the actions and her feelings from that previous incident.

She is eager to see action, especially as Malmo reels from two high-energy cases: a gunman targeting immigrants and the head of an advertising agency deviously murdered in his home. But Sundstrom is being sidelined to an investigation of a stolen painting by a once-fashionable artist — a man whose daughter was once a close friend of hers. If that is not enough, she is handed a new trainee assistant.

But right when she thinks her life is going downhill, Sundström finds her strengths, especially when another prominent businessman — somehow tied to the stolen art — turns up dead. Then the death toll raises once again with another prominent Malmö businessman is murdered. Sundström finds herself back in the action and facing new dangers.

MacLeod has created a multilayered character in Sundström — what woman of her generation hasn't felt what she has felt about her life and all its complications — as well as a complicated mystery that keeps bringing surprises. The end result is a tense and exciting story that is well written and riveting for the reader. I found it hard to put down, enjoying it all from the beginning to the finish.

[R.E. E. Derouin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This English author writes a mystery series set in Sweden and this is his fourth. Inspector Anita Sundstrom is his main character and except for the setting, (All are set in Malmo, Sweeden) it reads like any well written English or American police detective novel. I’ve read all four and this one is just as good as the others. The story concerns stolen art, an antagonistic boss, … a good read!

[Mike Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, reasonably complex plot, with some aspects carrying over from Book #1. The main characters are further developed and the addition of a socio-political aspect is a real bonus. It's been a while since I really wanted to find out how a story finished, but I did with this one!
A very good police procedural book, in my view and I'm off to start Book #3...

[Claire Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Malmö by Torquil MacLeod Blog Tour  
Today is my spot on the blog tour for Murder in Malmö by Torquil MacLeod, the second in his Inspector Anita Sundström euro noir crime series.
 
Published by: McNidder & Grace (23rd July 2015)
 
ISBN: 978-0857161147
 
Rating: 5*
 
Synopsis:
A gunman is loose in Malmö and he's targeting immigrants.
 
The charismatic head of an advertising agency is found dead in his shower.
 
Inspector Anita Sundström wants to be involved in the murder investigations, but she is being sidelined by her antagonistic boss. Instead, she is assigned to find a stolen painting by a once-fashionable artist, as well as being lumbered with a new trainee assistant. She also has to do to restore her professional reputation after a deadly mix-up in a previous high-profile case. Then another prominent Malmö businessman is found murdered and Sundström finds herself back in the action and facing new dangers.
 
Review:
Having enjoyed getting to know Inspector Anita Sundström in Meet me in Malmö, I was eagerly anticipating this second novel to feature the Swedish detective and had high expectations.
 
Sundström starts this book as the underdog and has several belligerent male colleagues that oppose her every attempt to get involved in the murder cases. Although she looks upon her new trainee as another obstacle to overcome initially, his initiative eventually impresses. As the story grows, so does Sundström as a character. We learn more about her emotional side and vulnerability.
 
With compelling characters and a tantalizing plot, I found Murder in Malmö to be head and shoulders above its predecessor. From the very outset, suspense and intrigue abound. As every new chapter raised the level of tension, so the twists and turns in the story became increasingly complex and the book more difficult to put down. I'm looking forward to catching up with Inspector Sundström when Missing in Malmö is published next month.
 
Thanks to Linda at McNidder & Grace for providing me with a review copy of Murder in Malmö.
 
 
The last few remaining days of the tour schedule -
22nd August - Mystery People http://mysterypeople.co.uk
23rd August - Crime Thriller Girl http://crimethrillergirl.com
24th August - La Crème de la Crime http://lacremedelacrime.wordpress.com
 
 
Here's author Torquil MacLeod in the city of Malmö -

 
 
 
 
 

[ReadsSometimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really starting to love this series. This is the second release from Torquil MacLeod – Murder In Malmo. It’s a cleverly written classic mystery, crime procedure novel. I found the characters very easy to interact with and the consistency with each personality keeps you quite endeared. Inspector Anita Sundstrom has here struggles to keep here status after an incident in the first novel but she manages to keep her head above water. She is a lovely character and warmed to her very quickly. There are references to the first novel – Meet Me In Malmo. I would suggest reading this first but don’t let it put you off, it still reads as a stand - alone novel. A highly recommended read. Nicely paced and keeps you guessing until the end.

[Ron Chicaferro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super book and a super series. Inspector Sundstrom battles everything from male chauvinism to right-wing power brokers as well as a few murderers along the way. Sundstrom is no shrinking violet - she is a good cop and knows how to go about an investigation. She also is battling some ghosts left over from the first book in the Sundstrom series, Meet Me In Malmo - The author cleverly brings the reader up to date from the first book so nothing is lost if you haven't yet read it. This book is a clever mystery and a strong police procedural - It takes place in Sweden so the names of the streets and cities might be unfamiliar but its a strong story and very well written.

[Kat Walter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning: there are no spoilers in this review, but if you read the series out of order, book two reveals everything that happens in book one.! Read more like a logic problem than an interesting novel. Constant repetition of known clues got annoying. Main character is not convincing...she thinks she’s in love with a murderer, but doesn’t know why—well, the reader doesn’t know either. Maybe that’s the real mystery in the here. All that aside, the story is decent, I like the setting, and I plan to continue reading the series.

[Gary Van Cott · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book. His main character seems to have more problems (personal and professional) than any other female detective I have read about. I am disappointed there aren't any more in this series (yet?). It is interesting that most of the Swedish detective series seem to take place outside of Stockholm (except for some of Larsen's books).

[Dave Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Murder in Malmo

First if you are new to the series read them in order.
Easy non- challenging crime fiction.
I've read two, primarily because I bought two. Really not sure, I will read a third.
I can see the appeal , just not for me.
D

[Karen Lowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining, and an intricate plot, tho I never bought into the 'love affair' with Ewan in the first book so that aspect didn't work for me.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was fine, but nothing special. Just a decent murder mystery.

[Caroline Ingvaldsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second Inspector Anita Sundstrom thriller is a complex police procedural with a timely focus on white supremacy and domestic terrorism.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

#2 in the member of the Malmo serious crime unit Inspector Anita Sundström mystery series. She is 42, a single mother whose son is a way at school. She is coming off sick (administrative) leave for shooting an innocent man (she thought was the guilty party) to save the life of the man she thought was innocent who would would turn out to be the real murderer and who she was developing a romantic relationship with. She returns to work as an embarrassment to the department and is regulated to minor things by her immediate supervisor who she doesn't really get along with and is pretty much an ass. Also on the team is bigoted sexual harasser detective who would like to bed her and advance his career at her expense.

So there is a lot going on here in a quickly moving story with Anita dealing with a stolen painting case while the team deals with multiple murders while another team is trying to find the gunman who is shooting nonSwede aliens. Another issue is the developing anti immigrant views among Swedes.

[Amanda Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisting turning until the end..

Detective Anita Sundström is due to return to work following extended leave after the last case. Her colleagues are keeping their distance after she shot the wrong man notwithstanding the fact that he was about to murder his wife's killer.

With multiple high profile murder cases on the line her boss, the obese and unpleasant Möberg, gives her the theft of a Pelle Munk painting instead and a junior colleague Hakim to train. She's still got the smug Westermark gloating at her and trying to keep her from involvement in the murder cases but Anita's case becomes more involved when another Pelle Munk painting is stolen and its owner killed.

With a madman on the loose killing immigrants Anita and Hakim almost join the ever increasing number of victims, escaping by pure chance. A dearth of viable leads soon changes when Anita sees links between the multiple cases but is she right this time?

[Bud Mallar · Rating 4 out of 5]

yes and no.

Again, some really good chracters, and, again, a few over the top.

There is a concentration of similarities in the Nordic noir series I've been reading. And probably in the US authors series, where I'll be someday.

Once again we have a female cop, who does things she shouldn't and then wonders why she 'gets in trouble,' and there is always at least one male cop around who makes her life miserable (be it trying to tarnish her image so she won't get promoted or the 'good' assignments, or just pain sexual harassment) and we again have the Scandinavian 'issue' of too many wishing the immigrants would go home.

The whodunit was good, mixing several possibilities into the investigation, with plain old detective work trying to figure it all out, and I had no idea until the reveal. And not too many issues keeping up with all the 'actors'

And I liked our typically flawed heroine, who just won't give up.

[Kathy Belcher · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing

I don’t want my heroine to be in love with a cold blooded killer. We are expected to believe that a beautiful, intelligent police detective falls in love with a not so attractive man after a couple of conversations and is not bothered in the least that he has murdered two people in his life, one he just met, to settle a 25 year old score. It is never mentioned. It’s like she’s just bothered by the fact that he’s in prison but could care less about what he did to get there. It’s not like he even killed in self-defense or accidentally. She acts like she would have a relationship with him tomorrow if he got out! That storyline is so frustrating! I only continued to read because I was hoping she would come to her senses by the end of the novel. She didn’t. No more of this series.

[Ilona Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sniper, three different murders, and art theft

There is a lot going on in this one. It seems like too much, but it all comes together in the end. Like the first book, this one ends rather abruptly, and leaves you wanting more. Anita gets a new partner, still has trouble with Westermark, and, less pleasing, is still enamored with Ewan. That part of the story almost made this book a three star but it didn’t spend a lot of time on it. Anita needs some friends, or a hobby, or something besides work to fill her life. As far as the mysteries, there are plenty of hints so that in the end I wasn’t really surprised, but it was pretty interesting getting there.

[Terry Slaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

The transition between the first novel of this series and this, the second, is like the Oresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmo: long, but a sooth ride. In perspective, the abruptly unexpected (and uncharacteristic ) ending of the first book segues into another story, this one of shame and redemption. Our heroine is sidetracked by her superiors away from a juicy murder investigation and the hunt for a terrorist vigilante to solve a mundane art theft with the help of a new Iraqi-born trainee. Will all these threads blend together? Of course, but it is interesting to see how. And the writing is very good. On to number 3!

[Victoria Rivero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muchos asesinatos y un robo de pintura. Un asesino de inmigrantes. La muerte de un dueño de agencia de publicidad y de un banquero. Anita Sundstrom es encargada de dilucidar el robo de la pintura. Luego también del asesinato del banquero. Hay varios asesinatos que finalmente corresponden a fascistas anti judíos. Por otro lado, hay asesinatos callejeros que corresponden a inmigrantes asiáticos. Y para rematar, hay un asesinato vinculado a un pintor, autor de la pintura robada, que es causado por su hija. Demasiados asesinatos.

[alan clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, but not a prize winner from me.

For a start, you need to read book 1 first. There were some original ideas in this book, but too much padding and “the story so far” moments, plus the necessary back story from book 1. I am familiar with Malmö and surrounding area and found this part of the book very acceptable,but most of the police colleagues are very 2 dimensional characters , and to me, this is where the book fails. Not certain if I will carry on with the series (already purchased) or just hang until I run out of options.

[Tony da Napoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I thought this was better than #1. Seemed to drag on a bit in the middle. Some frustrating relationships between characters and not clear where he is taking it. The plots and solutions were well done and outside my ability to solve in advance (as normal). I recommend it to others that read Nordic mysteries and police procedural. The Nordic names can be difficult so I tend to picture them rather than try to pronounce them. I will go on to number 3. Oh, and Anita, cut the apron strings to your kid :-)

[Jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better that the first book but I get tired of crime/police bbok where the person in charge is a real pain and there is always a racist, homophobic sexist member of the force who is actaully dishonest. If what happened to Anita had actaully happened to a male member of the force, he would have just gotten a slap on the wrist and told to get on with it. She was vilified and had to double her work to get back to where she started in the first place. I am hoping in future books there is more about her and Hakin and that a certain cop finally gets his comeuppance.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in this Swedish crime series. Anita Sundström is returning to work after the disgrace of her last case when she shot the wrong person. She is given a job of investigating a stolen artwork and feels rebuffed as her speciality and passion is homicide. In the meantime, her colleagues are investigating a mysterious case where a man dies alone in his shower and the forensics indicate it was murder.
Some interesting twists in this story and great characters. I left it a long time since I read book 1 and will need to get onto book 3.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series years ago, but was easily able to pick up the story line. Inspector Anita Sunstrom has been assigned to an art heist case as punishment for her past blunder in a big case. The fact that the rest of her unit is working on a high-profile serial killer case, and the fact that she has been saddled with a new trainee, just adds to her angst. Anita soon finds herself involved in both cases and begins to tackle the cases in her own style.

[Kevin P Greenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good second installment in the series.

Anita is a well rounded main chatacter- smart a d effective but also vulnerable, insecure, and sometimes wrong. In other words, human. The plot here has some nice twists with a little national history and a timely depiction of current issues related to immigration and racism in a country that prides itself.on its liberal culture of acceptance.