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Evert Bäckström #3
Den sanna historien om Pinocchios näsa
"Den här romanen är en ond saga för vuxna barn och om det inte hade varit för den siste tsaren av Ryssland, Nikolaj II, Englands premiärminister Sir Winston Churchill, Rysslands president Vladimir Putin och kriminalkommissarie Evert Bäckström vid Västerortspolisen i Stockholm, skulle det som den handlar om aldrig ha hänt. I den meningen är det en berättelse om det samlade och slutliga resultatet av de handlingar som fyra män genomför över en period på mer än hundra år.
Fyra män som aldrig träffade varandra, som förvisso levde sina liv i skilda världar, och där den äldste av dem blev mördad fyrtio år innan den yngste av dem ens var född. Och som så ofta förr, oavsett i vilket sällskap eller sammanhang som han nu har hamnat, är det också Evert Bäckström som kommer att sätta punkt för historien."
Fyra män som aldrig träffade varandra, som förvisso levde sina liv i skilda världar, och där den äldste av dem blev mördad fyrtio år innan den yngste av dem ens var född. Och som så ofta förr, oavsett i vilket sällskap eller sammanhang som han nu har hamnat, är det också Evert Bäckström som kommer att sätta punkt för historien."
631 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2013
68 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Leif G.W. Persson
30 books337 followersLeif Gustav Willy Persson - better known as Leif GW Persson - is a Swedish criminologist and novelist. He was a professor in criminology at the Swedish National Police Board from 1992 to 2008.
He is known for his crime fiction novels and for his regular appearances as an expert commentator on notable crime cases in television and newspapers. Between 1999 and 2009 he participated as an expert commentator on the television show Efterlyst (Swedish TV program, equivalent of America's Most Wanted) on TV3. Since 2010, he is the expert commentator of Veckans Brott - roughly translated into Weekly Crimes or Crimes of the Week - on SVT.
He is known for his crime fiction novels and for his regular appearances as an expert commentator on notable crime cases in television and newspapers. Between 1999 and 2009 he participated as an expert commentator on the television show Efterlyst (Swedish TV program, equivalent of America's Most Wanted) on TV3. Since 2010, he is the expert commentator of Veckans Brott - roughly translated into Weekly Crimes or Crimes of the Week - on SVT.
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December 24, 2020
Στα seventies και στα eighties, εάν για κάτι ήταν γνωστή η Σουηδία εις ημάς, ήταν τα όμορφα ξανθά απελευθερωμένα κορίτσια της που έρχονταν να γνωρίσουν το Greek kamaki στα «μπαλέτα» της Ρόδου… τα χρόνια όμως πέρασαν, το να βγαίνεις γυμνόστηθη στην παραλία ισοδυναμεί με Αρσακειάδα μπροστά στις σέξυ influencers του Instagram που τα έχουν πετάξει όλα προ πολλού στη φόρα και τα Greek καμάκια έχουν απομείνει cult φιγούρες για τους ιστορικούς του μέλλοντος που θα μελετούν τις ταινίες του Στάθη Ψάλτη.
Τον 21ο αιώνα, η Σουηδία πλέον εξάγει αστυνομική λογοτεχνία και αντισυμβατικούς, διεφθαρμένους επιθεωρητές που το μυαλό τους είναι στη σουηδική κουζίνα (την ποια;) και το «σούπερ σαλάμι» τους. Συγχωρέστε με μέρα που είναι αλλά η έκφραση δεν είναι δική μου, είναι του συγγραφέα, της μεταφράστριας κι εγώ δεν ξέρω ποιου άλλου και ναι, αυτό το σαλάμι δεν τρώγεται… τώρα μπορείτε να ξεράσετε ελεύθερα…
Είναι το τρίτο βιβλίο από τη σειρά του αστυνόμου Μπέκστρεμ (δεν είχα διαβάσει τα προηγούμενα αλλά αυτό δεν με εμπόδισε να ακολουθήσω την ιστορία – δεν υπήρχε κάποια σχέση μεταξύ τους), ο οποίος καλείται να εξιχνιάσει τη δολοφονία ενός μεγαλοδικηγόρου και τη σχέση του με μία αγοραπωλησία ρωσικών έργων τέχνης.
Βασικά, ο ήρωας μου δημιούργησε τεράστια απέχθεια… ενώ λατρεύω τους αντιήρωες, σε αυτόν δεν βρήκα ένα τόσο δα κομματάκι, να τον συμπαθήσω… Σεξιστής μέχρι εκεί που δεν πάει, διεφθαρμένος μέχρι τα μπούνια, γλοιώδης και φιλοτομαριστής κι είχε και σούπερ σαλάμι, που όπου ακούς πολλά κεράσια κράτα και μικρό καλάθι. Είμαι σίγουρο πως το σαλάμι του θα αποδειχθεί λουκανικάκι φραγκφούρτης…
Μπλα – μπλα, μπλα – μπλα, μια ατέλειωτη πολυλογία, χωρίς λόγο και ουσία, ένα μπες – βγες, σε σπίτια και στο τμήμα, ένα υποτίθεται μπλέξιμο, χα χα γελάσαμε! Και η λύση μιας υπόθεσης, που λες τι πίνει και δεν μας δίνει… Έχω αναφέρει ξανά στο παρελθόν, πως δεν θεωρώ αστυνομικά τα βιβλία που δεν παίζουν τίμια, δηλαδή δεν βάζουν από την αρχή τους υπόπτους στο κάδρο. Δεν είναι δυνατόν στις τελευταίες σελίδες να σου πετάγεται ένας μαϊντανός κι εσύ να αισθάνεσαι ηλίθιος που δεν σκέφτηκες τι θα έβγαζε ο συγγραφέας από το καπέλο του σαν άλλος ταχυδακτυλουργός…
Το μόνο κομμάτι που διάβασα με ευχαρίστηση ήταν το κομμάτι που ο Μπέκστρεμ συναντάται με τον ΓεΓκούρα, τον επιμελητή έργων τέχνης, ο οποίος και αναλύει την πορεία της συλλογής ρωσικών εικόνων και μουσικού κουτιού μέχρι την ημέρα του εγκλήματος… Τσαρική Ρωσία, πριγκηπικοί γάμοι κι ακριβά δώρα, Ρομανόφ και Φαμπερζέ, αυτό το κομμάτι έσωσε το βιβλίο και πήρε δυο αστέρια από μένα και δεν πήγε εντελώς άκλαυτο…
Last but not least, οι αρχαίοι ημών πρόγονοι δεν νοούσαν θεατρική πράξη χωρίς την απαραίτητη κάθαρση στο τέλος, η οποία εδώ δεν έφτασε ποτέ κι εγώ τέτοια βιβλία τα απεχθάνομαι εις το τετράγωνο… όχι ρε φίλε δεν γουστάρω την επιβράβευση της διαφθοράς… Μην μου πείτε πως αυτό είναι real life, εγώ είμαι ψυχή ρομαντίκ κι ευαίσθητη, ονειρεύομαι έναν κόσμο αγγελικά πλασμένο και στο τέλος τα βιβλία τα θέλω με την εκάστοτε δικαίωση…
Τελειώνοντας, μου έκανε ολίγον εντύπωση η άμεση «κατηγορία» για ατασθαλίες της σουηδικής βασιλικής οικογένειας των Μπερναντότ. Μου έκανε τόσο εντύπωση η άμεση αναφορά που έψαξα να δω εάν όντως είναι οι ίδιοι κι όχι επινόηση του συγγραφέως… Τι να πω Σουηδοί είναι αυτοί…
Y.Γ. Αυτό το λάθος μετάφρασης – επιμέλειας, που άλλη φορά εμφανίζεται ως «προέλευση» και άλλη ως «προέλαση», μας πήρε και μας σήκωσε. Είπαμε επανάληψις μήτηρ πάσης μαθήσεως, οκ, δέκα φορές το ίδιο λάθος, το καταλάβαμε… Αν και ευγενικής προέλευσης, η προέλαση του Σκορόφιδου στα λογοτεχνικά καταγώγια θα συνεχιστεί αισίως και το 2021…
Τον 21ο αιώνα, η Σουηδία πλέον εξάγει αστυνομική λογοτεχνία και αντισυμβατικούς, διεφθαρμένους επιθεωρητές που το μυαλό τους είναι στη σουηδική κουζίνα (την ποια;) και το «σούπερ σαλάμι» τους. Συγχωρέστε με μέρα που είναι αλλά η έκφραση δεν είναι δική μου, είναι του συγγραφέα, της μεταφράστριας κι εγώ δεν ξέρω ποιου άλλου και ναι, αυτό το σαλάμι δεν τρώγεται… τώρα μπορείτε να ξεράσετε ελεύθερα…
Είναι το τρίτο βιβλίο από τη σειρά του αστυνόμου Μπέκστρεμ (δεν είχα διαβάσει τα προηγούμενα αλλά αυτό δεν με εμπόδισε να ακολουθήσω την ιστορία – δεν υπήρχε κάποια σχέση μεταξύ τους), ο οποίος καλείται να εξιχνιάσει τη δολοφονία ενός μεγαλοδικηγόρου και τη σχέση του με μία αγοραπωλησία ρωσικών έργων τέχνης.
Βασικά, ο ήρωας μου δημιούργησε τεράστια απέχθεια… ενώ λατρεύω τους αντιήρωες, σε αυτόν δεν βρήκα ένα τόσο δα κομματάκι, να τον συμπαθήσω… Σεξιστής μέχρι εκεί που δεν πάει, διεφθαρμένος μέχρι τα μπούνια, γλοιώδης και φιλοτομαριστής κι είχε και σούπερ σαλάμι, που όπου ακούς πολλά κεράσια κράτα και μικρό καλάθι. Είμαι σίγουρο πως το σαλάμι του θα αποδειχθεί λουκανικάκι φραγκφούρτης…
Μπλα – μπλα, μπλα – μπλα, μια ατέλειωτη πολυλογία, χωρίς λόγο και ουσία, ένα μπες – βγες, σε σπίτια και στο τμήμα, ένα υποτίθεται μπλέξιμο, χα χα γελάσαμε! Και η λύση μιας υπόθεσης, που λες τι πίνει και δεν μας δίνει… Έχω αναφέρει ξανά στο παρελθόν, πως δεν θεωρώ αστυνομικά τα βιβλία που δεν παίζουν τίμια, δηλαδή δεν βάζουν από την αρχή τους υπόπτους στο κάδρο. Δεν είναι δυνατόν στις τελευταίες σελίδες να σου πετάγεται ένας μαϊντανός κι εσύ να αισθάνεσαι ηλίθιος που δεν σκέφτηκες τι θα έβγαζε ο συγγραφέας από το καπέλο του σαν άλλος ταχυδακτυλουργός…
Το μόνο κομμάτι που διάβασα με ευχαρίστηση ήταν το κομμάτι που ο Μπέκστρεμ συναντάται με τον ΓεΓκούρα, τον επιμελητή έργων τέχνης, ο οποίος και αναλύει την πορεία της συλλογής ρωσικών εικόνων και μουσικού κουτιού μέχρι την ημέρα του εγκλήματος… Τσαρική Ρωσία, πριγκηπικοί γάμοι κι ακριβά δώρα, Ρομανόφ και Φαμπερζέ, αυτό το κομμάτι έσωσε το βιβλίο και πήρε δυο αστέρια από μένα και δεν πήγε εντελώς άκλαυτο…
Last but not least, οι αρχαίοι ημών πρόγονοι δεν νοούσαν θεατρική πράξη χωρίς την απαραίτητη κάθαρση στο τέλος, η οποία εδώ δεν έφτασε ποτέ κι εγώ τέτοια βιβλία τα απεχθάνομαι εις το τετράγωνο… όχι ρε φίλε δεν γουστάρω την επιβράβευση της διαφθοράς… Μην μου πείτε πως αυτό είναι real life, εγώ είμαι ψυχή ρομαντίκ κι ευαίσθητη, ονειρεύομαι έναν κόσμο αγγελικά πλασμένο και στο τέλος τα βιβλία τα θέλω με την εκάστοτε δικαίωση…
Τελειώνοντας, μου έκανε ολίγον εντύπωση η άμεση «κατηγορία» για ατασθαλίες της σουηδικής βασιλικής οικογένειας των Μπερναντότ. Μου έκανε τόσο εντύπωση η άμεση αναφορά που έψαξα να δω εάν όντως είναι οι ίδιοι κι όχι επινόηση του συγγραφέως… Τι να πω Σουηδοί είναι αυτοί…
Y.Γ. Αυτό το λάθος μετάφρασης – επιμέλειας, που άλλη φορά εμφανίζεται ως «προέλευση» και άλλη ως «προέλαση», μας πήρε και μας σήκωσε. Είπαμε επανάληψις μήτηρ πάσης μαθήσεως, οκ, δέκα φορές το ίδιο λάθος, το καταλάβαμε… Αν και ευγενικής προέλευσης, η προέλαση του Σκορόφιδου στα λογοτεχνικά καταγώγια θα συνεχιστεί αισίως και το 2021…
June 14, 2016
This is the third, and as far as I know, the final book in what has become Leif G.W. Persson series of books about Evert Bäckström the chief of police in a town in Sweden.
If you watched the Fox television series named “ Bäckström” , then please do not judge the books by that television show which was so far off from the flavor of the character and the theme of all three books.
Leif G.W. Persson is Scandinavia's most renowned criminologist and a leading psychological profiler. He has also served as an advisor to the Swedish Ministry of Justice. Since 1991, he has held the position of Professor at the National Swedish Police Board and is regularly consulted as the country's foremost expert on crime. So he knows of what he speaks.
That said, Evert Bäckström is as close to being a thoroughly corrupt, sexist, misogynistic, racist, egotistical cop, but through the warm fuzzy hand of fate manages to come out on top every time. And become rich in the bargain. He believes all beautiful women love him and want him, he loves nothing more than taking a “small” snort from the bottle hidden in his desk, or spending half the day planning on what to have for lunch and where to go to enjoy further libations and plan on how to launder his ill gotten gains, usually from "favors" he does for acquaintances.
His beloved fish died, and he has a parrot he vehemently dislikes.
There are portions of this story that are wickedly and subtly hilarious, and the plot is finely woven into a well told narrative.
If one doesn’t rush their and enjoys the hijinks of offbeat characters and self-righteous zealots, than this is the book for you.
This was perhaps my favorite in the series, however I highly recommend starting at the beginning.
Should perhaps be four and a half stars.
If you watched the Fox television series named “ Bäckström” , then please do not judge the books by that television show which was so far off from the flavor of the character and the theme of all three books.
Leif G.W. Persson is Scandinavia's most renowned criminologist and a leading psychological profiler. He has also served as an advisor to the Swedish Ministry of Justice. Since 1991, he has held the position of Professor at the National Swedish Police Board and is regularly consulted as the country's foremost expert on crime. So he knows of what he speaks.
That said, Evert Bäckström is as close to being a thoroughly corrupt, sexist, misogynistic, racist, egotistical cop, but through the warm fuzzy hand of fate manages to come out on top every time. And become rich in the bargain. He believes all beautiful women love him and want him, he loves nothing more than taking a “small” snort from the bottle hidden in his desk, or spending half the day planning on what to have for lunch and where to go to enjoy further libations and plan on how to launder his ill gotten gains, usually from "favors" he does for acquaintances.
His beloved fish died, and he has a parrot he vehemently dislikes.
There are portions of this story that are wickedly and subtly hilarious, and the plot is finely woven into a well told narrative.
If one doesn’t rush their and enjoys the hijinks of offbeat characters and self-righteous zealots, than this is the book for you.
This was perhaps my favorite in the series, however I highly recommend starting at the beginning.
Should perhaps be four and a half stars.
July 20, 2016
The Sword of Justice – A Bäckström Classic
I had heard of Bäckström first via the American drama of the same name, which has Americanised the stories. Picking up Leif GW Persson’s latest Bäckström story I wanted to read the original version and in The Sword of Justice, I was not disappointed. My best advice would be to avoid the TV series and read the books, a far better experience.
Detective Superintendent Evert Bäckström was to be woken early with the news that would make the best day in his life, his team woke him to inform him that gangster lawyer Thomas Eriksson had been murdered. He even turns up and has a wander around the crime scene and cannot believe how much of a good day it is going to be.
There is not much positive about Bäckström as a person, he is fat, lazy and not respected by his colleagues who is also lecherous, racist, sexist, homophobic and on the take. All these faults should not make him a success, but at the same time all the cases he is involved with seem to get solved. With all these faults he is still a hero of Swedish Policing to the general public with his own fans forum who he likes to exploit for his own aims.
He is leading the investigation in to the murder of Thomas Eriksson and at various points in the story he is looking at the mafia, biker gangs and crooks all people Eriksson has defended and offended in the past. When an art collector tells him of an art collection, that has links to the last Tsar and in particular a Faberge music box, Bäckström sees an opportunity for self-enrichment while solving the crime.
With all the twists and turns this is an excellent example of Swedish Noir at its finest, and this may be the third book in the Bäckström series, this book would be able too standalone and still be a wonderful read. At times you cannot help but be flabbergasted at what Bäckström that makes him a truly loathsome person, at the same time how he is able to get away with things.
We see a man, who guides the investigation from a far letting everyone else do the hard work, but by using his connections with the rich and powerful, line his own pocket on the back of others. He does not care whose toes he treads on, even if it is the Security Police and the Royal Palace.
Bäckström is a character we should really dislike but he breathes a breath of fresh air in to the Swedish Noir genre and you cannot help but enjoy him. Leif GW Persson has created a monster and uses humour to offset that, and his writing is completely engrossing. It is easy to see why Persson is recognised as a master crime writer.
A Truly loathsome, disgusting anti-hero, Bäckström should not work, but he does and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Brilliant story, great detective anti-hero and humour throughout the book a true masterpiece and bound to become a classic.
I would like to thank the published for the ARC for an honest review.
I had heard of Bäckström first via the American drama of the same name, which has Americanised the stories. Picking up Leif GW Persson’s latest Bäckström story I wanted to read the original version and in The Sword of Justice, I was not disappointed. My best advice would be to avoid the TV series and read the books, a far better experience.
Detective Superintendent Evert Bäckström was to be woken early with the news that would make the best day in his life, his team woke him to inform him that gangster lawyer Thomas Eriksson had been murdered. He even turns up and has a wander around the crime scene and cannot believe how much of a good day it is going to be.
There is not much positive about Bäckström as a person, he is fat, lazy and not respected by his colleagues who is also lecherous, racist, sexist, homophobic and on the take. All these faults should not make him a success, but at the same time all the cases he is involved with seem to get solved. With all these faults he is still a hero of Swedish Policing to the general public with his own fans forum who he likes to exploit for his own aims.
He is leading the investigation in to the murder of Thomas Eriksson and at various points in the story he is looking at the mafia, biker gangs and crooks all people Eriksson has defended and offended in the past. When an art collector tells him of an art collection, that has links to the last Tsar and in particular a Faberge music box, Bäckström sees an opportunity for self-enrichment while solving the crime.
With all the twists and turns this is an excellent example of Swedish Noir at its finest, and this may be the third book in the Bäckström series, this book would be able too standalone and still be a wonderful read. At times you cannot help but be flabbergasted at what Bäckström that makes him a truly loathsome person, at the same time how he is able to get away with things.
We see a man, who guides the investigation from a far letting everyone else do the hard work, but by using his connections with the rich and powerful, line his own pocket on the back of others. He does not care whose toes he treads on, even if it is the Security Police and the Royal Palace.
Bäckström is a character we should really dislike but he breathes a breath of fresh air in to the Swedish Noir genre and you cannot help but enjoy him. Leif GW Persson has created a monster and uses humour to offset that, and his writing is completely engrossing. It is easy to see why Persson is recognised as a master crime writer.
A Truly loathsome, disgusting anti-hero, Bäckström should not work, but he does and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Brilliant story, great detective anti-hero and humour throughout the book a true masterpiece and bound to become a classic.
I would like to thank the published for the ARC for an honest review.
November 17, 2018
Malopre sam uspela da nažvrljam kakav takav review HEX-a uz Footlose sondtrack ali sa žaljenjem moram da vas obavestim da mi je auto lista prebacila na Earth,Wind &Fire - Boogie wonderland i da sam završila s mozgom za danas.
Mada skroz mogu da zamislim našeg anti-junaka kako sluša neki ljigavi boogie zaokupljen mislima o sebi kao objektu požude svih žena ovog sveta.
Vrlo zabavan krimi roman, krajnje komičan i atipičan.
Bekstorm, glavni detektiv, je vrhunac stereotipnog anti-junaka.
Anti-junaci su već dugo u modi i uglavnom se njihovo anti svodi na to što nisu nadljudi već tipični primerci smrtnika.
Bekstorm je apsolutno govedo.
Tragikomično govedo.
Uživala sam u knjizi kao paketu.
Mada skroz mogu da zamislim našeg anti-junaka kako sluša neki ljigavi boogie zaokupljen mislima o sebi kao objektu požude svih žena ovog sveta.
Vrlo zabavan krimi roman, krajnje komičan i atipičan.
Bekstorm, glavni detektiv, je vrhunac stereotipnog anti-junaka.
Anti-junaci su već dugo u modi i uglavnom se njihovo anti svodi na to što nisu nadljudi već tipični primerci smrtnika.
Bekstorm je apsolutno govedo.
Tragikomično govedo.
Uživala sam u knjizi kao paketu.
February 5, 2019
Policijski nadinspektor Evert Bäckström ponovno je s nama.
Najdraži mi anti-junak taman se spremio za nove radne zadatke, koji uključuju što manje stvarnog policijskog posla, a što više posla primjerenijeg Bäckströmovu položaju i intelektu, koji uključuje, dakako, puno jela, pića, žena i općenito ugađanja samom sebi. Ne možeš biti genijalac koji rješava zločine na prazan želudac i iscrpljen radeći gluparije poput rješavanja slučaja zanemarivanja kunića i premlaćivanja nekog tamo baruna. Ima dovoljno nesposobnih kolega koji se time mogu baviti.
Bäckströmov radni plan teče glatko sve dok ga ne pokvari ubojstvo odvjetnika Thomasa Erikssona. Bäckström nije ni najmanje sretan činjenicom da će se ovaj slučaj sručiti na njegova, ionako preoptrećena, pleća, ali kada se ispostavi da je ovaj slučaj možda povezan i s nekim vrlo vrijednim umjetninama, Bäckströmu je slučaj sve manje i manje mrzak. To, dakako, nema nikakve veze s mogućnošću da cijenjeni nadinspektor možda nešto ušićari sa strane i nenadano se okoristi. Baš nikakve veze.
Još jedan zamršen slučaj ispleo je Leif G.W. Persson oko Everta Bäckströma, anti-junaka kojeg volimo mrziti i mrzimo voljeti, a nekako nam uspije i mrziti ga i voljeti istodobno.
Persson je pred nas postavio još jednu briljantno izvedenu policijsku proceduralnu dramu, složen krimi-triler u kojem se istina skriva u detaljima, a svaki se detalj baš savršeno uklapa u slagalicu koju, čitajući, slažemo. Autorovo iskustvo kriminologa vidljivo je u svakom od tih detalja, a zbog tog iskustva sama je priča ispričana na vrlo, vrlo realističan način i neopisivo ju je zanimljivo čitati.
Evert Bäckström jedan je od glavnih likova s najgorim mogućim osobinama - bezobrazan, samoživ, lijen, bahat, oportunist, seksist, šovinist (da ne nabrajam dalje). Da vam je šef, vjerojatno biste ga mrzili. On je tip osobe koja pušta druge da obave sav posao, uredno spreman (besramno) preuzeti sve zasluge za taj posao. Okoristit će se svakom, pa i najmanjom, mogućnosti za osobnu korist koja mu se (slučajno) nađe na putu i na to će gledati kao na svoje bogomdano pravo. Osuđivat će vas, snishodljivo promatrati, nerijetko i častiti uvredama kada niste u blizini. A ako ste žena, vrlo je vjerojatno da je jedina stvar koja će ga na vama zanimati vaše poprsje. No, unatoč svemu tome, unatoč svim tim osobinama, neobjašnjovo će vam se uvući pod kožu i natjerati vas da ga zavolite. Dobro, ne baš zavolite, ali barem natjerati vas da se želite što više i što duže s njim družiti.
Nažalost, ovo je (barem zasad), posljednji roman u kojem ćemo se moći družiti s Bäckströmom. Svaki je od tri romana u ovom serijalu bio na svoj način poseban, svaki zamršen i svaki zanimljiv na svoj način. I u svakom je Bäckström (ne baš osobito svojom voljom i zaslugama) uspio riješiti jedan zamršen slučaj. Isto ga čeka i u ovom romanu. Možda nevoljko i možda s puno gunđanja, izmotavanja i prebacivanja posla na druge, ali Bäckström će se hrabro uhvatiti u koštac s rješavanjem ovog zločina. (Dobro, pokušajem da se obogati dok rješava zločin.) Hoće li uspjeti? Pa, stvari će se svakako riješiti - na Bäckströmov način.
Hej, a gdje je u cijeloj toj priči Pinokio? Pročitajte i saznajte. ;)
Najdraži mi anti-junak taman se spremio za nove radne zadatke, koji uključuju što manje stvarnog policijskog posla, a što više posla primjerenijeg Bäckströmovu položaju i intelektu, koji uključuje, dakako, puno jela, pića, žena i općenito ugađanja samom sebi. Ne možeš biti genijalac koji rješava zločine na prazan želudac i iscrpljen radeći gluparije poput rješavanja slučaja zanemarivanja kunića i premlaćivanja nekog tamo baruna. Ima dovoljno nesposobnih kolega koji se time mogu baviti.
Bäckströmov radni plan teče glatko sve dok ga ne pokvari ubojstvo odvjetnika Thomasa Erikssona. Bäckström nije ni najmanje sretan činjenicom da će se ovaj slučaj sručiti na njegova, ionako preoptrećena, pleća, ali kada se ispostavi da je ovaj slučaj možda povezan i s nekim vrlo vrijednim umjetninama, Bäckströmu je slučaj sve manje i manje mrzak. To, dakako, nema nikakve veze s mogućnošću da cijenjeni nadinspektor možda nešto ušićari sa strane i nenadano se okoristi. Baš nikakve veze.
Još jedan zamršen slučaj ispleo je Leif G.W. Persson oko Everta Bäckströma, anti-junaka kojeg volimo mrziti i mrzimo voljeti, a nekako nam uspije i mrziti ga i voljeti istodobno.
Persson je pred nas postavio još jednu briljantno izvedenu policijsku proceduralnu dramu, složen krimi-triler u kojem se istina skriva u detaljima, a svaki se detalj baš savršeno uklapa u slagalicu koju, čitajući, slažemo. Autorovo iskustvo kriminologa vidljivo je u svakom od tih detalja, a zbog tog iskustva sama je priča ispričana na vrlo, vrlo realističan način i neopisivo ju je zanimljivo čitati.
Evert Bäckström jedan je od glavnih likova s najgorim mogućim osobinama - bezobrazan, samoživ, lijen, bahat, oportunist, seksist, šovinist (da ne nabrajam dalje). Da vam je šef, vjerojatno biste ga mrzili. On je tip osobe koja pušta druge da obave sav posao, uredno spreman (besramno) preuzeti sve zasluge za taj posao. Okoristit će se svakom, pa i najmanjom, mogućnosti za osobnu korist koja mu se (slučajno) nađe na putu i na to će gledati kao na svoje bogomdano pravo. Osuđivat će vas, snishodljivo promatrati, nerijetko i častiti uvredama kada niste u blizini. A ako ste žena, vrlo je vjerojatno da je jedina stvar koja će ga na vama zanimati vaše poprsje. No, unatoč svemu tome, unatoč svim tim osobinama, neobjašnjovo će vam se uvući pod kožu i natjerati vas da ga zavolite. Dobro, ne baš zavolite, ali barem natjerati vas da se želite što više i što duže s njim družiti.
Nažalost, ovo je (barem zasad), posljednji roman u kojem ćemo se moći družiti s Bäckströmom. Svaki je od tri romana u ovom serijalu bio na svoj način poseban, svaki zamršen i svaki zanimljiv na svoj način. I u svakom je Bäckström (ne baš osobito svojom voljom i zaslugama) uspio riješiti jedan zamršen slučaj. Isto ga čeka i u ovom romanu. Možda nevoljko i možda s puno gunđanja, izmotavanja i prebacivanja posla na druge, ali Bäckström će se hrabro uhvatiti u koštac s rješavanjem ovog zločina. (Dobro, pokušajem da se obogati dok rješava zločin.) Hoće li uspjeti? Pa, stvari će se svakako riješiti - na Bäckströmov način.
Hej, a gdje je u cijeloj toj priči Pinokio? Pročitajte i saznajte. ;)
December 31, 2017
Inițial mi-a displăcut profund protagonistul, atât de tare încât mi-a luat câteva zeci de pagini să-mi dau seama că scriitura e bună dacă a reușit să-mi provoace atâta repulsie. Totuși, pentru o carte polițistă, ancheta e neinteresantă, povestea e plină de burți care puteau fi inserate mai elegant, sunt două personaje cu același nume, care sunt deci greu de deosebit între ele...
Per total, singura chestie faină e cât de antipatic poate fi personajul principal.
Per total, singura chestie faină e cât de antipatic poate fi personajul principal.
September 29, 2022
I’m not sure how to describe this book - I really enjoyed it, despite a number of not-so-minor annoyances. It’s way overlong and often repetitive. The story is far too convoluted and way too thin for this number of pages. Persson has gotten stuck at some expressions (“I hear what you are saying” was “popular” for the briefest time in Sweden and was a great marker for detecting pretentious youngsters trying to sound intelligent - here, everyone says it - all the time!) and details; so bad it makes your teeth hurt (the ‘hero’s’ “super salami”, anyone?)
But: The writing is good! The characters are in character and I love most of them. The long, winding story is at best of times to compare with Sjowall-Wahloo, and if you liked previous books, you will like this. With an editor that dared to stand against the good professor and make some much needed cuts, this would be an easy 5-star.
But: The writing is good! The characters are in character and I love most of them. The long, winding story is at best of times to compare with Sjowall-Wahloo, and if you liked previous books, you will like this. With an editor that dared to stand against the good professor and make some much needed cuts, this would be an easy 5-star.
January 27, 2019
I have always despised novels that feature mediocre or stupid heroes. The hero of Sword of Justice: A Bäckström Novel is Detective Superintendent Evert Backstrom of the Swedish Police Authority, who is corrupt, lazy, bigoted, completely self-centered, and a philistine, but he is certainly not mediocre or stupid. He solves the crimes and makes a little money on the side.
The story is complex but entirely coherent, and sometimes funny. It takes a while to get going because Leif G.W. Persson spends too much time telling us about the sexual gymnastics of Bäckström and his Super Salami, his countless drinks, and the expensive food he eats. Try to put up with it, because the book does get better, though I still wished I could like the bastard, who is so irredeemably odious that the verisimilitude of the portrayal is destroyed.
There is a protective convention that authors are not their characters, and that they tell stories for our entertainment and edification that are entirely independent of their own life and values. Of course, that is naive and lazy, and I have never accepted it. I can't help wondering whether Persson, considered, in his own words, to be Sweden's foremost expert on crime, is as big a prick as his fictional character.
The story is complex but entirely coherent, and sometimes funny. It takes a while to get going because Leif G.W. Persson spends too much time telling us about the sexual gymnastics of Bäckström and his Super Salami, his countless drinks, and the expensive food he eats. Try to put up with it, because the book does get better, though I still wished I could like the bastard, who is so irredeemably odious that the verisimilitude of the portrayal is destroyed.
There is a protective convention that authors are not their characters, and that they tell stories for our entertainment and edification that are entirely independent of their own life and values. Of course, that is naive and lazy, and I have never accepted it. I can't help wondering whether Persson, considered, in his own words, to be Sweden's foremost expert on crime, is as big a prick as his fictional character.
August 5, 2016
Bylo to dobre. Ovsem mam par vyhrad :D jednoduse jo, dobra krimi, ale nektere pasaze zbytecne zdlouhave. Komisar je namistrovany idiot se superklobasou a chvilemi me stval - nehorazne a proto me to bavilo! :D co mi trochu kazi dojem je docela caste vyskytu pravopisnych chyb.. Za tech x stran jsem jich "nasla" 8... A to mi prijde dost. Ale pribeh jako takovy je dobry a promysleny! :-) takze za me doporucuji :)
February 2, 2016
The Sword of Justice is the third in the Backstrom police procedural series. It is the first one I have read and it works as a standalone. This is a superb comic crime thriller written by an accomplished author. It is rather different from other Swedish crime fiction which I have read, as it centres on a self centred, sexist, egotistical, crooked and idle police officer. He lives for gourmet meals out, vodka, sex (all women want him and his super salami!), brown envelopes stuffed full of cash and other opportunities to become super rich. He is well connected to the rich and powerful including the media so that he can personally benefit on an ongoing basis. He is fond of a boy, Elvin, who runs errands for him and whose father launders Backstrom’s cash via his betting shop.
Backstrom leads the investigation into the murder of a lawyer, Thomas Eriksson, famous for defending gangsters and crooks. Links to motorcycle gangs, the Brotherhood of Ibrahim and the mafia are uncovered. Over a memorable and long winded meal with Gegurra, a art specialist, it is revealed that the lawyer had extremely valuable Russian art in his possession including a priceless music box with its origin in the marriage between a Swedish royal with a Russian royal. The paintings are missing from the lawyer’s home but the music box is illicitly acquired by Backstrom with the intention of becoming super rich. The answers to the murder eventually come after a myriad of twists and turns.
The police team incorporates a wide range of weird, wonderful and eccentric characters, from the ball busting Annika, the animal rights obsessed Rosita, the conspiracy theorist Jenny, the prosecutor Lisa Lamm etc. Backstrom thinks they are all useless, although he never voices that to them. I particularly liked the ongoing struggle Backstrom had in trying to get rid of his parrot, Isak, whom he loathed beyond measure. This is a well plotted farce with bags of humour. I could see it being turned into a film. The anti-hero Backstrom always seems to come out on top. A book well worth reading. Many thanks to Random House Transworld, the publishers for a copy of the book via netgalley.
Backstrom leads the investigation into the murder of a lawyer, Thomas Eriksson, famous for defending gangsters and crooks. Links to motorcycle gangs, the Brotherhood of Ibrahim and the mafia are uncovered. Over a memorable and long winded meal with Gegurra, a art specialist, it is revealed that the lawyer had extremely valuable Russian art in his possession including a priceless music box with its origin in the marriage between a Swedish royal with a Russian royal. The paintings are missing from the lawyer’s home but the music box is illicitly acquired by Backstrom with the intention of becoming super rich. The answers to the murder eventually come after a myriad of twists and turns.
The police team incorporates a wide range of weird, wonderful and eccentric characters, from the ball busting Annika, the animal rights obsessed Rosita, the conspiracy theorist Jenny, the prosecutor Lisa Lamm etc. Backstrom thinks they are all useless, although he never voices that to them. I particularly liked the ongoing struggle Backstrom had in trying to get rid of his parrot, Isak, whom he loathed beyond measure. This is a well plotted farce with bags of humour. I could see it being turned into a film. The anti-hero Backstrom always seems to come out on top. A book well worth reading. Many thanks to Random House Transworld, the publishers for a copy of the book via netgalley.
May 31, 2015
This detective made me reconsider why I read detective stories. I was convinced it was the love of empathic, hard-working inspectors who truly want to serve justice (and accomplish this in the end) which made me pick up novel after novel. Persson's way to handle the genre made me question my motives. I loved his selfish, lazy and morally flawed protagonist. I was not (very) disappointed when reality wins in the end and not all (or even most) crimes are dealt with according to the law.
It made me stop and think. Do I read about hideous crimes for their 'entertainment value'? Am I attracted to grim parts of reality and a very sober (and amusing) description of them to cope with everyday news?
Whatever is the case, I can recommend this book. It has well-described characters, a very solid plot, lots of humor and at heart it is remarkably feminist... which is a great feat from the writer, since his inspector is the worst kind of male chauvenist pig.
It made me stop and think. Do I read about hideous crimes for their 'entertainment value'? Am I attracted to grim parts of reality and a very sober (and amusing) description of them to cope with everyday news?
Whatever is the case, I can recommend this book. It has well-described characters, a very solid plot, lots of humor and at heart it is remarkably feminist... which is a great feat from the writer, since his inspector is the worst kind of male chauvenist pig.
October 18, 2018
Superintendent Evart Bäckström is one Scandi crime’s outstanding creations. He’s an utterly loathsome creature; lazy, corrupt, bigoted and entirely self-centred. Yet his sly intelligence and his ability to manipulate any situation to suit himself mean that he has an impressive case clearance rate and a public persona to match his inflated self-image.
Bäckström is just the man, then, to investigate the murder of a leading criminal defence lawyer… which turns out to be a complex case involving a maltreated dog, a minor member of Sweden’s royal family, the mafia, feuding Iranian and Iraqi factions, the Russian Romanovs and Fabergé eggs.
Author Leif Persson delights in detail and, as a result, this is a solidly dense read. Bäckström is blissfully unaware of how ghastly he is, so the joke is always on him. The real detectives are the women around him, who Bäckström despises and denigrates as he carelessly delegates. The supporting characters are beautifully drawn; often seen only through Bäckström’s eyes yet Persson cleverly gives them depth and detail that Bäckström would never notice.
There’s a lot of plot in this novel; some of it integral to the tale and some of it existing only to entertain. There’s an entire shaggy dog story involving a parrot, which is ridiculously funny. By contrast, the extended art history lesson on the provenance of missing Russian icons was so tediously presented that I actually had sympathy with Bäckström and yearned for it to be cut short. There were several sections which were so slow that the narrative flat out stalled.
The Sword Of Justice contains a series of separate stories, each one buried within another narrative. There’s a real sense or surprise as each new aspect is unveiled, and the eventual solution is entirely satisfying. But this isn’t a thriller, and nor will it satisfy readers who seek a rapid page-turner.
It’s a slow-burn, sophisticated series of observations, wrapped in a convoluted plot that is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. A bit like one of Bäckström’s better dinners, in fact.
7/10
There are more reviews of crime / thrillers over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
Bäckström is just the man, then, to investigate the murder of a leading criminal defence lawyer… which turns out to be a complex case involving a maltreated dog, a minor member of Sweden’s royal family, the mafia, feuding Iranian and Iraqi factions, the Russian Romanovs and Fabergé eggs.
Author Leif Persson delights in detail and, as a result, this is a solidly dense read. Bäckström is blissfully unaware of how ghastly he is, so the joke is always on him. The real detectives are the women around him, who Bäckström despises and denigrates as he carelessly delegates. The supporting characters are beautifully drawn; often seen only through Bäckström’s eyes yet Persson cleverly gives them depth and detail that Bäckström would never notice.
There’s a lot of plot in this novel; some of it integral to the tale and some of it existing only to entertain. There’s an entire shaggy dog story involving a parrot, which is ridiculously funny. By contrast, the extended art history lesson on the provenance of missing Russian icons was so tediously presented that I actually had sympathy with Bäckström and yearned for it to be cut short. There were several sections which were so slow that the narrative flat out stalled.
The Sword Of Justice contains a series of separate stories, each one buried within another narrative. There’s a real sense or surprise as each new aspect is unveiled, and the eventual solution is entirely satisfying. But this isn’t a thriller, and nor will it satisfy readers who seek a rapid page-turner.
It’s a slow-burn, sophisticated series of observations, wrapped in a convoluted plot that is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. A bit like one of Bäckström’s better dinners, in fact.
7/10
There are more reviews of crime / thrillers over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
February 12, 2016
I enjoyed the Sword of Justice enormously. I'm a bit lukewarm about a lot of Scandi-crime stuff and only tried this on the recommendation of a friend – and I'm very glad I did.
What makes this book stand out is its protagonist, Evert Bäckström. He is, to the public, a national hero of policing: wise, diligent and superbly effective. In fact, he is idle, vain, drunken, corrupt and dishonest. Much of the book is narrated from his point of view, and we also see, from his internal monologue, that he is bigoted, lecherous, grasping, self-deluded, treacherous, sexist, racist…and pretty well every other unpleasant "-ist" you can think of. These attitudes are brilliantly parodied by Persson, and it makes the whole thing slyly funny.
Bäckström is quite shrewd, however, and even though he leaves all the work to others, he does grasp what is going on well enough to maintain his public reputation, even if many of his colleagues see through him. Just as an example of his behaviour, there's a scene in which he discovers a vital piece of evidence in a valuable antique vase…because he had picked the vase up to try to steal it from the crime scene, and is now secretly furious that he's drawn attention to it so he can't take it.
There's lots of very amusing stuff, but it's based in a good police procedural story involving stolen art works, crooked lawyers, violent gangs and so on. It's very well told and has well-drawn characters. I found the book a genuine pleasure and I'll be searching out the two previous Bäckström novels very soon. This is a great read and very warmly recommended.
What makes this book stand out is its protagonist, Evert Bäckström. He is, to the public, a national hero of policing: wise, diligent and superbly effective. In fact, he is idle, vain, drunken, corrupt and dishonest. Much of the book is narrated from his point of view, and we also see, from his internal monologue, that he is bigoted, lecherous, grasping, self-deluded, treacherous, sexist, racist…and pretty well every other unpleasant "-ist" you can think of. These attitudes are brilliantly parodied by Persson, and it makes the whole thing slyly funny.
Bäckström is quite shrewd, however, and even though he leaves all the work to others, he does grasp what is going on well enough to maintain his public reputation, even if many of his colleagues see through him. Just as an example of his behaviour, there's a scene in which he discovers a vital piece of evidence in a valuable antique vase…because he had picked the vase up to try to steal it from the crime scene, and is now secretly furious that he's drawn attention to it so he can't take it.
There's lots of very amusing stuff, but it's based in a good police procedural story involving stolen art works, crooked lawyers, violent gangs and so on. It's very well told and has well-drawn characters. I found the book a genuine pleasure and I'll be searching out the two previous Bäckström novels very soon. This is a great read and very warmly recommended.
June 19, 2019
631 sidor Som dt står en ond krimanal saga för - underhållning för vuxna av deckar experten Gm Persson. Han är duktig, bra på att skriva & att underhålla, han är fullspäckad med fakta och här skrever han i en humoristisk twist som jag gillar. Självklart intresserad av hans andra romaner om ett brott.
Ville bli kriminolog förr, men dt blev dt inget av....
Ville bli kriminolog förr, men dt blev dt inget av....
December 9, 2025
Διασκεδαστικο και εξυπνο, καλα δομημενο. Σηκωνει ανετα και δευτερη αναγνωση
Στην δευτερη αναγνωση του δινω 5* απο 4. Ειναι πραγματικά απολαυστικό, τοσο έξυπνο, τοσο αστείο, περνάς διαβάζοντάς το καταπληκτικά! Κρίμα που δεν εκδόθηκε στα ελληνικά και το 4ο και τελευταιο
Στην δευτερη αναγνωση του δινω 5* απο 4. Ειναι πραγματικά απολαυστικό, τοσο έξυπνο, τοσο αστείο, περνάς διαβάζοντάς το καταπληκτικά! Κρίμα που δεν εκδόθηκε στα ελληνικά και το 4ο και τελευταιο
June 3, 2020
Efter sjuttioelfte sidan om hur Bäckströms assistents nya blus fick hans supersalami att förvandla hans byxor till ett cirkustält fick jag nog. Gav mig känslan av att vara på toaletten till ett äldreboende där folk inte kan sikta.
Brände boken.
Brände boken.
July 14, 2014
Ugh, aldrig mer. Jag är varken intresserad av supersalamin eller "jag hör vad du säger". Vem fan sku nånsin prata på det viset?!
February 26, 2022
Swedish author Leif G W Persson is back with his third novel, "The Sword of Justice" in his Backstrom series. And it's a winner, despite the length - a bit over 700 pages. Detective Superintendent Evert Backstrom is with an adjunct of the Stockholm Police department. If you've read previous books, you'll know he's fairly physically disgusting, morally indifferent, and a clever man who doesn't suffer fools gladly. And "fools" are what he feels he's dealing with in his police career. Backstrom drinks like a fish, eats prodigious amounts of food, and has more than a few sexual peculiarities, as well as having unreasonable prejudices against the world's people- he doesn't even like FINNS! All in all, Evert Backstrom is a piece of work.
"The Sword of Justice" begins with the death of a sleazy lawyer - Thomas Eriksson - introduced in the previous book. He and his dog are found dead in his house, victims of foul play. But how foul was the play and does it add up to a murder case? Backstrom and his team are called in to solve the murder...and follow up on a robbery/financial transaction that may - or may not - have occurred the night of Eriksson's death. The book, as befits a novel written by Leif Persson, has everything from a talking parrot, missing art work, animal-rights activists (see parts about Eriksson's dead dog and Evert's live nuisance parrot), the Neapolitan Mafia to Tsar Nicholas and his family, and other Swedish and Russian aristocrats. Even Vladimir Putin and Winston Churchill make cursory appearances.
But what's the morality play angle? I contend that Leif Persson book is an examination of modern Swedish society - complete with good and bad guys at the edges - but a large middle of morally ambiguous folk. And those morally ambiguous either get a reward or a comeuppance, which often bears no relation to their actions. What does Detective Superintendent Evert Backstrom "get"? You'll have to read Leif Persson's very good book to find out.
"The Sword of Justice" begins with the death of a sleazy lawyer - Thomas Eriksson - introduced in the previous book. He and his dog are found dead in his house, victims of foul play. But how foul was the play and does it add up to a murder case? Backstrom and his team are called in to solve the murder...and follow up on a robbery/financial transaction that may - or may not - have occurred the night of Eriksson's death. The book, as befits a novel written by Leif Persson, has everything from a talking parrot, missing art work, animal-rights activists (see parts about Eriksson's dead dog and Evert's live nuisance parrot), the Neapolitan Mafia to Tsar Nicholas and his family, and other Swedish and Russian aristocrats. Even Vladimir Putin and Winston Churchill make cursory appearances.
But what's the morality play angle? I contend that Leif Persson book is an examination of modern Swedish society - complete with good and bad guys at the edges - but a large middle of morally ambiguous folk. And those morally ambiguous either get a reward or a comeuppance, which often bears no relation to their actions. What does Detective Superintendent Evert Backstrom "get"? You'll have to read Leif Persson's very good book to find out.
August 18, 2016
It's that old rogue Evert Backstrom again, the laziest, most corrupt, vain, politically incorrect and morally reprehensible police officer in the annals of crime fiction. He's so appalling you almost find yourself rooting for him as he slithers and backslides his way through the average working day, eagerly seeking ways of avoiding doing any work and seizing on the slightest pretext to sneak off and satisfy his gluttonous appetites, both prandial and sexual. In this offering from Persson our favourite anti-hero has his eye on a way to turn a serious crime, which threatens to distract him from more pleasurable pursuits, into a highly profitable scam that threatens to earn him millions. As is often the case in these novels there are huge swathes of writing that could easily be cut without causing the reader any confusion or distress whatsoever and some of the humour is either forced or doesn't translate too well - the whole extended saga of Backstrom's attempts to rid himself of an irritating parrot is certainly something I could happily have foregone - but it's a terrific bit of police procedural and there's something about the way Persson writes that sucks me in time and time again. Not a 5 star performance but certainly a solid 4.
April 17, 2018
I am impressed that Leif G.W. Persson could keep making his characters keep changing how they acted. I was always saying not to go with this or that guy in my mind and was right. What I really liked was Bäckström's assistant Anchor Carlsson figuring out what was going on with Pinocchio's nose for her benefit.
It was interesting to see how Bäckström handled the press without getting found out. But his bosses knew that he seemed to be the leak that they couldn't prove. And it was also amazing to see how he was handled by GeGurra in finding the music box.
Everything that was about the supposed murder of the lawyer Thomas Eriksson seemed to wind up around Bäckström's former acquaintances. And it seemed that Bäckström had no qualms about seemly to figure out how he could benefit from any situation he encountered. Proving the providence of the artifacts we encountered the former figures in history that were relevant.
I throughly enjoyed the story and all the necessary delving into history. I would recommend this book to my readers, but tell them to be prepared for a long book (720 pages).
It was interesting to see how Bäckström handled the press without getting found out. But his bosses knew that he seemed to be the leak that they couldn't prove. And it was also amazing to see how he was handled by GeGurra in finding the music box.
Everything that was about the supposed murder of the lawyer Thomas Eriksson seemed to wind up around Bäckström's former acquaintances. And it seemed that Bäckström had no qualms about seemly to figure out how he could benefit from any situation he encountered. Proving the providence of the artifacts we encountered the former figures in history that were relevant.
I throughly enjoyed the story and all the necessary delving into history. I would recommend this book to my readers, but tell them to be prepared for a long book (720 pages).
January 1, 2016
Лейф Першон е отново на висота в поредната книга от поредицата за самовлюбения, неприятен и все пак добър в работата си комисар Еверт Бекстрьом. Този път в завързаната история около смъртта на известен шведски адвокат са намесени гангстери, талибани, мафиоти, спецслужби и изкуствоведи, та дори и кралското обкръжение.
Паралелно Першон е направил опит да навлезе и в сферата на изкуството и колекционерството, но в тази част проучванията му определено са били твърде повърхностни, което е довело до натрупване на неубедителни измислици за руски художници и наследници на династията Романови. Въпреки това, историята е забавна, а Бекстрьом - едновременно антипатичен и смешен, така че книгата си заслужава четенето.
Паралелно Першон е направил опит да навлезе и в сферата на изкуството и колекционерството, но в тази част проучванията му определено са били твърде повърхностни, което е довело до натрупване на неубедителни измислици за руски художници и наследници на династията Романови. Въпреки това, историята е забавна, а Бекстрьом - едновременно антипатичен и смешен, така че книгата си заслужава четенето.
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January 18, 2020Acelasi delicios detectiv Backstrom, care de data asta trebuie sa rezolve o crima speciala pt el: murise o persoana pe care el o dispretuia din suflet. Nu stiu cum ati reactiona voi, dar pe mine m-a pus pe ganduri.
Altfel, strict pe partea de thriller, cartea m-a dezamagit un pic. Mai ales finalul, care este prea soft. Sau poate am ajuns eu prea pretentios.
Altfel, strict pe partea de thriller, cartea m-a dezamagit un pic. Mai ales finalul, care este prea soft. Sau poate am ajuns eu prea pretentios.
September 7, 2017
Много симпатично книжле, което назовава нещата с истинските им имена. Няма лиготии, няма педалщини, лесбийките са наречени „лесбийки“, не гей или там каквото беше политткоректното им ново име... А и кримиисторията си я бива :)
January 20, 2019
Funny and very complicated story about a murder which isn't one, a selling of several Rusdian icons and the wanderings of a music box which once had belonged to the Romanov family, and bunch of criminals who killec a dog in a beastly way. Hilarious at some moments, but unbelievable.
October 14, 2013
Nok en bra historie om super-salamien.
January 3, 2014
nää så less jag blev på supersalamin och en tillkrånglad historia
January 17, 2018
Den bästa Leif GW-boken jag har läst hittills. Både underhållande och rolig. Evert Bäckström - mannen och legenden - är min hjälte. :D
Starkt rekommenderad om du gillar skandinaviska deckare!
Starkt rekommenderad om du gillar skandinaviska deckare!
September 11, 2017
Commercio di icone russe e di oggetti appartenuti agli zar, mafia, criminalità islamica, violenza sugli animali, aggressioni… c’è un po’ di tutto in questo romanzo di Leif G. W. Persson. Una Stoccolma molto diversa da quella delle cartoline e della luce che toglie il respiro. Una Svezia in cui anche la nobiltà non sembra immune dagli illeciti e dalla corruzione.
In tutto questo, Evert Bäckström.
“la convinzione di Bäckström che un vero poliziotto dovesse essere anche un vero uomo, mentre una vera donna si sarebbe potuta dedicare a compiti decisamente più delicati, sulla cui natura concreta ormai aveva il buon senso di tenere la bocca chiusa”
Un poliziotto che pensa a tutto, tranne che alle indagini. Cibo, cocktail, donne, bustarelle e soffiate per assicurarsi una vita al di sopra delle sue possibilità. Un personaggio molto scomodo, sia per i suoi colleghi (che ne conoscono i difetti) sia per il lettore che, per gran parte della storia, non riesce a capire come sia possibile che un poliziotto di tal fatta si ritrovi ancora a capo della sezione reati violenti del distretto di Västerort. Poi, però, tutto si spiega: perché il commissario Bäckström ha grandi capacità di intuizione ed è talmente bravo a condurre gli interrogatori che i casi sembrano risolversi da soli. E anche il lettore, alla fine, riesce ad apprezzare questo cinico, egoista e seccante personaggio.
Un romanzo complesso, perché costituito dall’intreccio di molte vite che, forse, lo appesantisce un po’, ma, di certo, lo rende più interessante; perché ci fa conoscere aspetti di Stoccolma che non tutti gli scrittori hanno il coraggio di affrontare. La macchinosità con cui le indagini vengono portate avanti, ad esempio, è molto realistica; come, del resto, la ricerca dello scandalo da parte dei quotidiani più importanti.
In questa fitta rete di avvenimenti, i cui tempi sono scanditi dai “bioritmi” di Bäckström, la storia del naso di Pinocchio diventa una metafora, nemmeno troppo velata, della menzogna che dilaga ovunque, della difficoltà di capire le vere intenzioni di ognuno e della facilità con cui la realtà può essere manipolata
In tutto questo, Evert Bäckström.
“la convinzione di Bäckström che un vero poliziotto dovesse essere anche un vero uomo, mentre una vera donna si sarebbe potuta dedicare a compiti decisamente più delicati, sulla cui natura concreta ormai aveva il buon senso di tenere la bocca chiusa”
Un poliziotto che pensa a tutto, tranne che alle indagini. Cibo, cocktail, donne, bustarelle e soffiate per assicurarsi una vita al di sopra delle sue possibilità. Un personaggio molto scomodo, sia per i suoi colleghi (che ne conoscono i difetti) sia per il lettore che, per gran parte della storia, non riesce a capire come sia possibile che un poliziotto di tal fatta si ritrovi ancora a capo della sezione reati violenti del distretto di Västerort. Poi, però, tutto si spiega: perché il commissario Bäckström ha grandi capacità di intuizione ed è talmente bravo a condurre gli interrogatori che i casi sembrano risolversi da soli. E anche il lettore, alla fine, riesce ad apprezzare questo cinico, egoista e seccante personaggio.
Un romanzo complesso, perché costituito dall’intreccio di molte vite che, forse, lo appesantisce un po’, ma, di certo, lo rende più interessante; perché ci fa conoscere aspetti di Stoccolma che non tutti gli scrittori hanno il coraggio di affrontare. La macchinosità con cui le indagini vengono portate avanti, ad esempio, è molto realistica; come, del resto, la ricerca dello scandalo da parte dei quotidiani più importanti.
In questa fitta rete di avvenimenti, i cui tempi sono scanditi dai “bioritmi” di Bäckström, la storia del naso di Pinocchio diventa una metafora, nemmeno troppo velata, della menzogna che dilaga ovunque, della difficoltà di capire le vere intenzioni di ognuno e della facilità con cui la realtà può essere manipolata
July 15, 2018
Detective Superintendent Evert Bäckström is arrogant and profane; greedy and corrupt; and a glutton who is also something of a functioning alcoholic. Not to mention that he is a male chauvinist who has contempt for persons of color and those born in Finland. On the other hand, Bäckström is a savvy and resourceful detective whose cynicism and talent for deceit give him a window into the personalities of like-minded reprobates. In "The Sword of Justice," translated from the Swedish by Neil Smith, Leif G. W. Persson showcases Bäckström's selfishness, unscrupulousness, and disregard for others people's rights and feelings. This antihero is even cruel to his pet parrot, Izak, whom he would love to strangle.
The humor is tasteless and mean-spirited, and the insanely convoluted plot involves art fraud, theft, vengeance, a mob figure, assorted thugs, politicians, and member of the royal family. Bäckström delegates a host of tasks to his subordinates, but does little work himself. He takes long breaks and leisurely lunches, and enjoys occasional erotic interludes that are completely devoid of affection. This time around, Bäckström is in charge of looking into the apparent murder of a dodgy attorney who died under mysterious circumstances. The cops interview witnesses, ask for tips from the public, and scrutinize the victim's activities, financial affairs, and numerous associates.
At over seven hundred pages, this novel is a tough slog. The author bombards us with forensic minutiae, games of cat and mouse, endless twists and turns, and most upsetting of all, Bäckström's rude remarks and underhanded shenanigans. The story's entertainment value stems from its politically incorrect witticisms and the history lesson it provides about a priceless artifact that Fabergé fashioned for Tsar Nicholas II. "The Sword of Justice" is a jaded look at individuals with no moral compass who brutally inflict harm on others in order to further their own interests. This unusual work of fiction is a colorful and critical look at Sweden's criminal justice system, but it is too meandering and unpleasant to be every reader's cup of tea.
The humor is tasteless and mean-spirited, and the insanely convoluted plot involves art fraud, theft, vengeance, a mob figure, assorted thugs, politicians, and member of the royal family. Bäckström delegates a host of tasks to his subordinates, but does little work himself. He takes long breaks and leisurely lunches, and enjoys occasional erotic interludes that are completely devoid of affection. This time around, Bäckström is in charge of looking into the apparent murder of a dodgy attorney who died under mysterious circumstances. The cops interview witnesses, ask for tips from the public, and scrutinize the victim's activities, financial affairs, and numerous associates.
At over seven hundred pages, this novel is a tough slog. The author bombards us with forensic minutiae, games of cat and mouse, endless twists and turns, and most upsetting of all, Bäckström's rude remarks and underhanded shenanigans. The story's entertainment value stems from its politically incorrect witticisms and the history lesson it provides about a priceless artifact that Fabergé fashioned for Tsar Nicholas II. "The Sword of Justice" is a jaded look at individuals with no moral compass who brutally inflict harm on others in order to further their own interests. This unusual work of fiction is a colorful and critical look at Sweden's criminal justice system, but it is too meandering and unpleasant to be every reader's cup of tea.
November 10, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
When gangster lawyer Thomas Eriksson, renowned defender of the guilty, is found brutally murdered in his own home the police face a rare problem. Finding a suspect isn’t difficult, but narrowing down the long list of people who wanted Eriksson dead might be...
High on the list is the celebrated Detective Superintendent Evert Bäckström, in charge of the investigation. Unfortunately for him a high profile case really gets in the way of his routine, namely avoiding the office, keeping work to a minimum and steering well clear of his inept colleagues – aside from the attractive ones, of course.
Luckily, by virtue of his questionable contacts, Bäckström has an unequalled skill for having the guilty handed to him on a plate. All he has to do is break every rule in the book – and receive a healthy wad of cash for his trouble. But this time he’s in for a surprise because even Bäckström couldn’t have predicted where this trail would lead, or how far from comfortable he might be at its end.
This is the third book in the Bäckström series.
This book was another case of "great, story, but I hate the character,"
The mystery/thriller plot was quite fascinating. Lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing right up until the end. I have long been a fan of Nordic thrillers - sometimes it is just based on the settings, and descriptions of such. And this book doesn't let me down in that regard, either.
However, the lead character is a jerk. I couldn't stand him. And, at one point, I actually hoped he died. I hate when that happens. But there wasn't many redeeming qualities...
To sum up, a great Scandinavian thriller that is sadly let down by its lead character.
Paul
ARH
When gangster lawyer Thomas Eriksson, renowned defender of the guilty, is found brutally murdered in his own home the police face a rare problem. Finding a suspect isn’t difficult, but narrowing down the long list of people who wanted Eriksson dead might be...
High on the list is the celebrated Detective Superintendent Evert Bäckström, in charge of the investigation. Unfortunately for him a high profile case really gets in the way of his routine, namely avoiding the office, keeping work to a minimum and steering well clear of his inept colleagues – aside from the attractive ones, of course.
Luckily, by virtue of his questionable contacts, Bäckström has an unequalled skill for having the guilty handed to him on a plate. All he has to do is break every rule in the book – and receive a healthy wad of cash for his trouble. But this time he’s in for a surprise because even Bäckström couldn’t have predicted where this trail would lead, or how far from comfortable he might be at its end.
This is the third book in the Bäckström series.
This book was another case of "great, story, but I hate the character,"
The mystery/thriller plot was quite fascinating. Lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing right up until the end. I have long been a fan of Nordic thrillers - sometimes it is just based on the settings, and descriptions of such. And this book doesn't let me down in that regard, either.
However, the lead character is a jerk. I couldn't stand him. And, at one point, I actually hoped he died. I hate when that happens. But there wasn't many redeeming qualities...
To sum up, a great Scandinavian thriller that is sadly let down by its lead character.
Paul
ARH
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