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Inspector Van Veeteren #10
The G File
1987 - Verlangan, a former cop turned private detective, is hired by a woman to follow her husband, Jaan G Hennan. A few days later, the woman is found dead at the bottom of an empty swimming pool.
Maardarn police, led by Chief Inspector Van Veeteren, investigate the case. Van Veeteren has encountered Jaan G Hennan before and knows only too well the man's dark capabilities. As more information emerges about G's shadowy past, the Chief Inspector becomes more desperate than ever to convict him. But G has a solid alibi - and no-one else can be found in relation to the crime.
2002. Fifteen years have passed and The G File remains the one case former Chief Inspector Van Veeteren has never been able to solve. But when Verlangan's daughter reports the private detective missing, Van Veeteren returns to Maardarn CID once more. For all Verlangan left behind was a cryptic note; and a telephone message in which he claimed to have finally discovered the proof of G's murderous past ....
Maardarn police, led by Chief Inspector Van Veeteren, investigate the case. Van Veeteren has encountered Jaan G Hennan before and knows only too well the man's dark capabilities. As more information emerges about G's shadowy past, the Chief Inspector becomes more desperate than ever to convict him. But G has a solid alibi - and no-one else can be found in relation to the crime.
2002. Fifteen years have passed and The G File remains the one case former Chief Inspector Van Veeteren has never been able to solve. But when Verlangan's daughter reports the private detective missing, Van Veeteren returns to Maardarn CID once more. For all Verlangan left behind was a cryptic note; and a telephone message in which he claimed to have finally discovered the proof of G's murderous past ....
602 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
43 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Håkan Nesser
142 books1,108 followersHåkan Nesser is a Swedish author and teacher who has written a number of successful crime fiction novels. He has won Best Swedish Crime Novel Award three times, and his novel Carambole won the Glass Key award in 2000. His books have been translated from Swedish into numerous languages.
Håkan Nesser was born and grew up in Kumla, and has lived most of his adult life in Uppsala. His first novel was published in 1988, but he worked as a teacher until 1998 when he became a full-time author. In August, 2006, Håkan Nesser and his wife Elke moved to Greenwich Village in New York.
Series:
* Inspector Van Veeteren
* Inspector Barbarotti
Håkan Nesser was born and grew up in Kumla, and has lived most of his adult life in Uppsala. His first novel was published in 1988, but he worked as a teacher until 1998 when he became a full-time author. In August, 2006, Håkan Nesser and his wife Elke moved to Greenwich Village in New York.
Series:
* Inspector Van Veeteren
* Inspector Barbarotti
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
December 5, 2016
The G File by Hakan Nesser.
Chief Inspector Van Veeteren is reality anything else in your life goes on hold!
THE Chief Inspector has but one file that has never been closed...never been solved. That of Jaan G. Hennan. Did it start 15 years ago when private eye Maarten Verlangen was paid a visit by Barbara Hennan. Fru Hennan wanted Verlangen to tail her husband and report back to her with any results.
It actually started with the body of Jaan G. Hennan's former wife's body being found after an exhausting search. That happened in the States with "G" being found not guilty due to lack of evidence. Now it appears that a 2nd wife has met with a similar "accident". Can "G" get away with murder another time in another country? NOT if ret. chief Inspector Van Veeteren has anything to say about it.
Be prepared to put anything else going on in your on hold. Van Veeteren is reality until the very end. Absolutely on a level so far above other authors Nesser's brilliance can't be measured.
Chief Inspector Van Veeteren is reality anything else in your life goes on hold!
THE Chief Inspector has but one file that has never been closed...never been solved. That of Jaan G. Hennan. Did it start 15 years ago when private eye Maarten Verlangen was paid a visit by Barbara Hennan. Fru Hennan wanted Verlangen to tail her husband and report back to her with any results.
It actually started with the body of Jaan G. Hennan's former wife's body being found after an exhausting search. That happened in the States with "G" being found not guilty due to lack of evidence. Now it appears that a 2nd wife has met with a similar "accident". Can "G" get away with murder another time in another country? NOT if ret. chief Inspector Van Veeteren has anything to say about it.
Be prepared to put anything else going on in your on hold. Van Veeteren is reality until the very end. Absolutely on a level so far above other authors Nesser's brilliance can't be measured.
December 31, 2020
Il caso più bello e interessante di Van Veeteren è quello che non è riuscito a risolvere. Lo riaprirà parecchi anni dopo e la soluzione sarà ben diversa da quella da lui immaginata.
Un Nesser superlativo, ben scritto e con un ottimo ritmo.
Un Nesser superlativo, ben scritto e con un ottimo ritmo.
July 24, 2015
The final Inspector Van Veeteren mystery is a worthy conclusion to this wonderful series.
The G File is perhaps two books in one; certainly at over 600 pages you get value for money. However the book is in two distinct parts, 15 years apart and beautifully crafted to run smoothly together.
The initial section set in 1987 concerns a case before the master detective retires and resulted in the only failure and blemish on his career. Although convinced of the guilt of the husband he can not get a conviction as G has a cast iron alibi when his beautiful wife dies.
Van Veeteren retires and this remained his only unsolved case. Now some 5 years into his life as a bookseller around 2002, the second section of the page takes up the story
A PI, Maarten Varlangen, involved in the original murder investigation goes missing, having left vague clues that he has solved the case finally. Despite some clever detective work they are no closer to finding Jaan G Hennan and The G File remains stubbornly open and Varlangen has disappeared.
When the PI's body turns up murdered the final part of the book gathers pace as the former Chief Inspector attempts to solve what he recognises will be his last case.
A superb read from a wonderful author and talented story-teller. A fitting end to a classic series, made extra special and memorable having met this humble writer recently.
The G File is perhaps two books in one; certainly at over 600 pages you get value for money. However the book is in two distinct parts, 15 years apart and beautifully crafted to run smoothly together.
The initial section set in 1987 concerns a case before the master detective retires and resulted in the only failure and blemish on his career. Although convinced of the guilt of the husband he can not get a conviction as G has a cast iron alibi when his beautiful wife dies.
Van Veeteren retires and this remained his only unsolved case. Now some 5 years into his life as a bookseller around 2002, the second section of the page takes up the story
A PI, Maarten Varlangen, involved in the original murder investigation goes missing, having left vague clues that he has solved the case finally. Despite some clever detective work they are no closer to finding Jaan G Hennan and The G File remains stubbornly open and Varlangen has disappeared.
When the PI's body turns up murdered the final part of the book gathers pace as the former Chief Inspector attempts to solve what he recognises will be his last case.
A superb read from a wonderful author and talented story-teller. A fitting end to a classic series, made extra special and memorable having met this humble writer recently.
August 23, 2018
At 600 pages, this was about 300 too long. There was a murder mystery to solve and the resolution was quite clever, but by the time I got there I was so desperate to finish the book I was past caring. Most of the book was really turgid and there was so much repetition of "we know he did it but we can't prove it!", it drove me crazy. No real detective work per se, and just saying over and over "he's so evil!" is not not good enough to convey someone's evilness. Generally I'm a fan of Scandi thrillers, but this was was very disappointing.
November 2, 2015
Thought the story was a good one, you don't know how it was done until Håkan lets it fly.
December 8, 2017
ecco da dove viene l'impressione di deja vu: "la donna che visse due volte".
September 3, 2025
Murder stories don't have to add up. You are meant to rate them as other books of fiction but it is thrill that counts in the end. Whether your thrill in reading deserves 3 or 5 - this seems to be the point.
This book is saved for me by the author's humour and ability to create a bunch of policemen who are quite different from one another. However, the murder story is terribly complex, takes a long time and, having finished the book, I have nothing to think about - nothing remains.
This book is saved for me by the author's humour and ability to create a bunch of policemen who are quite different from one another. However, the murder story is terribly complex, takes a long time and, having finished the book, I have nothing to think about - nothing remains.
August 4, 2014
This is the last in the Van Veeteren series unless Håkon Nesser decides to resurrect him. It G file refers to the only case that Van Veetren hasn't solved in his career. The G file has been hinted at in several previous instalments. The story is presented in two parts a retelling of the past and the story of the one who got away.
The G File does have a nice twist at the end which does tie the whole story up nicely. Also many of the characters that Van Veeteren has been associated with are found in this the last of his adventures. Definitely worth reading the series in order.
I enjoyed this one enormously it has in my opinion a most satisfying end. As with any series it’s like losing an old friend when the series comes to an end. Although there is a hint that it could come back. Van Veeteren is in a reflective mood pondering his mortality and he believes will be his last investigation. I will miss the “somewhere” in Northern Europe Maardam with its murderers and grumpy Chief Inspector.
A footnote
This is the third in this series that I have read on my Nexus 7 tablet. I complained in an earlier review that the punctuation was shot. The apostrophe falling foul of modern technology. I can report that in is book punctuation makes a welcome return.
The G File does have a nice twist at the end which does tie the whole story up nicely. Also many of the characters that Van Veeteren has been associated with are found in this the last of his adventures. Definitely worth reading the series in order.
I enjoyed this one enormously it has in my opinion a most satisfying end. As with any series it’s like losing an old friend when the series comes to an end. Although there is a hint that it could come back. Van Veeteren is in a reflective mood pondering his mortality and he believes will be his last investigation. I will miss the “somewhere” in Northern Europe Maardam with its murderers and grumpy Chief Inspector.
A footnote
This is the third in this series that I have read on my Nexus 7 tablet. I complained in an earlier review that the punctuation was shot. The apostrophe falling foul of modern technology. I can report that in is book punctuation makes a welcome return.
August 4, 2015
The last, number ten, of the Van Veeteren series and I have enjoyed the series and the writer's storytelling and quirky touches all along. Why only three! Because this good read was too long and meandering. Yes, the twists were interesting, characters well drawn, old and new, storyline tidied up nicely with some good touches at the end. But why did it take so many to come to this conclusion, so late....this I am left mulling over! Anyway, a good read as always and looking forward to watching the two box sets of the TV series Van Veeteren now I've finished this final book.
August 1, 2024
Cool how it takes place in 1987 then 2002. Follows the classic Nesser crescendo at the very end. Enjoyed this one
October 14, 2019
3.5 stars. The first half was a lot longer than it needed to be, and, if that were it, it would have barely made 3 stars; but the second half was vintage Van Veeteren with a twist at the end, and resulted in a great finale to the series
September 2, 2012
Auch auf die Gefahr hin von anderen der Blasphemie bezichtigt zu werden: Håkan Nesser ist der bessere Henning Mankell!
Aufgrund letzterem kam ich eigentlich schon zu der Überzeugung, dass skandinavische Krimis wohl einfach nichts für mich seien, obwohl ich eigentlich "Drumherumerzählungen" sehr mag ;) Håkan Nessers Krimi (und es ist mein erster des Autors) hat es aber geschafft, mich zu begeistern: Er verbindet hier intensive Beschreibungen mit sehr spannenden Sequenzen und schafft so einen runden Krimi, der ein sehr überraschendes Ende bereithält. Sowohl die Personen als auch die verschiedenen Settings erscheinen lebensecht und ließen mich sehr gut in die Geschichte abtauchen. Zur Geschichte an sich mag ich eigentlich gar nichts sagen, weil ich sonst schon zu viel verraten würde.
Mir hat auch die Stimme und die Erzählweise des Sprechers sehr gut gefallen. Insgesamt ein spannender und doch nicht zu rasanter Krimi mit hohem Detailreichtum.
Aufgrund letzterem kam ich eigentlich schon zu der Überzeugung, dass skandinavische Krimis wohl einfach nichts für mich seien, obwohl ich eigentlich "Drumherumerzählungen" sehr mag ;) Håkan Nessers Krimi (und es ist mein erster des Autors) hat es aber geschafft, mich zu begeistern: Er verbindet hier intensive Beschreibungen mit sehr spannenden Sequenzen und schafft so einen runden Krimi, der ein sehr überraschendes Ende bereithält. Sowohl die Personen als auch die verschiedenen Settings erscheinen lebensecht und ließen mich sehr gut in die Geschichte abtauchen. Zur Geschichte an sich mag ich eigentlich gar nichts sagen, weil ich sonst schon zu viel verraten würde.
Mir hat auch die Stimme und die Erzählweise des Sprechers sehr gut gefallen. Insgesamt ein spannender und doch nicht zu rasanter Krimi mit hohem Detailreichtum.
May 2, 2015
Håkan Nesser is one of my favourite Swedish crime writers. This is the most recent in his van Veeteren series, and takes place after the 'Chief Inspector' has retired. After a successful career, the chief inspector has only one unsolved case. Fifteen years before, he was unable to prove that G murdered his wife, after previously escaping justice for the murder of his former wife in the USA. New evidence is unearthed and his ex-colleagues bring him into the case again. Nesser characterises the chief inspector as rather aloof yet with a strong sense of morality. van Veeteren is convinced that G is guilty without a shred of evidence, and in the face of his ex-colleagues doubts; his own instinct and insight are enough for him. The story is ingenious, with hunour and philosophy sprinkled around. A good addition to the series.
January 5, 2016
Un giallo un po' insolito che racconta di un'indagine non risolta nonostante che la polizia tenti di incriminare l'uomo che ritiene colpevole di aver assassinato la moglie. Un caso che nessuno dei poliziotti coinvolti riesce a dimenticare, in particolare il commissario Van Veeteren, che ha guidato l'indagine. Dopo quindici anni dall'omicidio qualcosa rimette in moto la caccia all'uomo e, anche se ormai in pensione, Van Veeteren collabora con i colleghi nell'intento di affidare finalmente alla giustizia il colpevole. Quando sembra che non sia nuovamente possibile incriminare l'uomo un colpo di scena dà l'avvio all'inaspettato epilogo.
Trovo che sia un romanzo molto ben condotto, con personaggi e vicende molto credibili e con un finale che fa quadrare tutto e che non avevo immaginato. Non conoscevo questo autore ma devo dire che è stato un buon incontro.
Trovo che sia un romanzo molto ben condotto, con personaggi e vicende molto credibili e con un finale che fa quadrare tutto e che non avevo immaginato. Non conoscevo questo autore ma devo dire che è stato un buon incontro.
June 28, 2016
Un ottimo thriller, scritto, come sempre fa Håkan Nesser, in modo impeccabile (anche il traduttore questa volta è preciso) e la migliore storia per concludere il ciclo di Van Veeteren. Ci mancherà.
Mai noioso, fotografa situazioni assolutamente normali, così normali da risultare molto interessanti.
Un libro che chi ama il giallo non può perdere.
Mai noioso, fotografa situazioni assolutamente normali, così normali da risultare molto interessanti.
Un libro che chi ama il giallo non può perdere.
March 27, 2015
Zapraszam serdecznie do zapoznania się z moją recenzją powieści "Sprawa G", któa znajduje się pod adresem: http://magicznyswiatksiazki.pl/recenz...
August 10, 2015
Fitting closure to this series of Van Veeteren. It is a brilliantly crafted thriller spanning over 15-16 years.
November 22, 2015
A greatly satisfying end to the Van Vetereen series and probably the most engaging book in the entire series
March 16, 2021
FINALLY, we learn what all that falderol about Van Veeteren was all about. All those books. All those chewed up toothpicks. All those cryptic says. And those hidden good qualities--wait, NO. I cannot go that far. Anyway, in this extremely lengthy book we get to go back to Van Veeteren's early years and a kid who bullied him and others and to guilt that has underlaid so much of Van Veeteren's relationship with this man who served time in prison and has vowed never to do that again. We learn about a set of cases that has pursued him into his years as a retired Chief Inspector and the owner of an "antiquarian bookshop."
It took me a while before I looked up Maarsdam, Sweden, to learn that it does not exist and is, as Nesser's books imply, actually some fictional combination of Sweden, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, and who knows what all. I like for my Scandanavian books to be deeply rooted in their settings and to be realistic in that way. Sure, a made up street or housing complex I expect--but a whole city, surrounding cities, all the streets, restaurants, forests, etc. What this fellow's study must look like so he doesn't trip his characters up in this mythical map! But at least that explains the honorifics (Mister, Ms, Mistress, and a few other descripters of status).
G gets his "name" from school days. There are two boys with the same first and last name and a careless school teacher gives him the G which ended up becoming his nickname. As a great bully, he learned to take even bad things that happened to him and turning them into strengths in the eyes of "his lessers." And, boy howdy, does he make use to let Van Veeteren to know he is still far stronger than the Chief Inspector.
Will his great skills as a detective and an interrogator finally get G to confess? Just how Hakan Nesser, our author, deals with that is quite a step for a writer who seems finally have decided to let this character retire and is turning his writerly attention to a more loveable character in his new books. Barbarotti works in SWEDEN, but he is Italian by heritage so Nesser can mess around with that little bit.
It took me a while before I looked up Maarsdam, Sweden, to learn that it does not exist and is, as Nesser's books imply, actually some fictional combination of Sweden, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, and who knows what all. I like for my Scandanavian books to be deeply rooted in their settings and to be realistic in that way. Sure, a made up street or housing complex I expect--but a whole city, surrounding cities, all the streets, restaurants, forests, etc. What this fellow's study must look like so he doesn't trip his characters up in this mythical map! But at least that explains the honorifics (Mister, Ms, Mistress, and a few other descripters of status).
G gets his "name" from school days. There are two boys with the same first and last name and a careless school teacher gives him the G which ended up becoming his nickname. As a great bully, he learned to take even bad things that happened to him and turning them into strengths in the eyes of "his lessers." And, boy howdy, does he make use to let Van Veeteren to know he is still far stronger than the Chief Inspector.
Will his great skills as a detective and an interrogator finally get G to confess? Just how Hakan Nesser, our author, deals with that is quite a step for a writer who seems finally have decided to let this character retire and is turning his writerly attention to a more loveable character in his new books. Barbarotti works in SWEDEN, but he is Italian by heritage so Nesser can mess around with that little bit.
March 8, 2019
Once again, too many cliches and tacked together phrases (but is that Nesser or his translator?). I wonder if someone has counted the number of "crystal clear"s or "couldn't care less"es ...ing these pages. I think I've hit an unlucky patch with cliche-ridden books in recent weeks. Still, I enjoyed the story and characters, as well as the quotations (hey!--fresh language!) below:
"'It is very seldom that haste is linked with reason and perspicacity'" (147).
*There's a lengthy passage on p. 233 which really captures the feeling of young love. Some may find it overdone, but I found it truthful and good.
"We like to believe that children and young people think life is easier than adults do, he thought. It's a sort of precondition of parenthood--but of course in fact it's an illusion and a misunderstanding. Yet another one" (305).
"...looking at everything in the rear-view mirror--we understand life backwards, but we have to live it forwards, he had read in Kierkegaard--" (315).
"And he wondered about that 'anybody'. Was it a euphemism for 'I' or for 'men'?" (351).
"We? thought Munster, conducting a rapid analysis of the implications of that little pronoun" (393).
"'An advantage of...is that they can't have wristwatches on,' he said" (395).
"'Yoga's another...It hangs your soul in the right places inside your body, as it were'" (448).
"Facing up to your own motives is painful..." (527).
"Cheating was easier, and you received no reward for not doing so.
"Apart from recognizing your true self" (527).
"The insistent sound of the lawnmower hung over the whole area like a stubborn virus" (540).
"'It is very seldom that haste is linked with reason and perspicacity'" (147).
*There's a lengthy passage on p. 233 which really captures the feeling of young love. Some may find it overdone, but I found it truthful and good.
"We like to believe that children and young people think life is easier than adults do, he thought. It's a sort of precondition of parenthood--but of course in fact it's an illusion and a misunderstanding. Yet another one" (305).
"...looking at everything in the rear-view mirror--we understand life backwards, but we have to live it forwards, he had read in Kierkegaard--" (315).
"And he wondered about that 'anybody'. Was it a euphemism for 'I' or for 'men'?" (351).
"We? thought Munster, conducting a rapid analysis of the implications of that little pronoun" (393).
"'An advantage of...is that they can't have wristwatches on,' he said" (395).
"'Yoga's another...It hangs your soul in the right places inside your body, as it were'" (448).
"Facing up to your own motives is painful..." (527).
"Cheating was easier, and you received no reward for not doing so.
"Apart from recognizing your true self" (527).
"The insistent sound of the lawnmower hung over the whole area like a stubborn virus" (540).
August 9, 2018
I have loved reading the Van Veeteran mysteries, especially this last book in the series. Van Veeteran is one of my favorite protagonists in the mystery genre and he is the main detective throughout this book which is split between two timelines. The first part of the book is about the one case VV couldn't solve during his career and the second takes place 15 years later when someone associated with the case goes missing leaving Van Veeteran wanting to finally solve the old case. It was fun to return to an earlier time when Van Veeteran is the chief inspector with his quirky ways and incredible intuition then read about him as a bookseller who is reluctant to return to solving crimes but cannot help be drawn back one last time finally solve the one case that eluded him.
The plot is well weaved and after finishing the book, I realized the clues I should have picked up on but didn't because I was enjoying book so much that I just stayed up reading. I am sad that this is the last Van Veeteran mystery but love how Hakan Nesser ended this series.
The plot is well weaved and after finishing the book, I realized the clues I should have picked up on but didn't because I was enjoying book so much that I just stayed up reading. I am sad that this is the last Van Veeteran mystery but love how Hakan Nesser ended this series.
December 12, 2024
This is the second novel by Hakan Nesser that I have read. I really like the main character chief inspector Van Veeteren. I also like the fact that none of the murders are described in a gruesome shocking way.
The story is about a woman who dies and husband is seen as the guilty person but they cannot pin it on him as he has an alibi. The book is spilt in two parts as the husband gets away with the crime. But then the story is taken up 15 years later with the death of the ex police officer Verlangen.
I found the story to be too drawn out and too much repetition of key points. It could have been written in 300 pages not 600. Plot too predictable at the end. Unsure how they can say on the cover that he is one of swedens best crime writers.
The story is about a woman who dies and husband is seen as the guilty person but they cannot pin it on him as he has an alibi. The book is spilt in two parts as the husband gets away with the crime. But then the story is taken up 15 years later with the death of the ex police officer Verlangen.
I found the story to be too drawn out and too much repetition of key points. It could have been written in 300 pages not 600. Plot too predictable at the end. Unsure how they can say on the cover that he is one of swedens best crime writers.
November 17, 2018
This finale to the marvelous 10-book series featuring Inspector Van Veeteren has the page-turning suspense of the others in the series but is less infused with character development. We're familiar with a number of the figures in the book, but the inspector's relations with them seem perfunctory. There's little of the psychology that drives these characters to solving the crime and interacting with each other.
We're left with the satisfaction of the chase and, of course, eventual resolution, but without a connection to the actors there's less of the transcendence that I received from all the other books in the series.
We're left with the satisfaction of the chase and, of course, eventual resolution, but without a connection to the actors there's less of the transcendence that I received from all the other books in the series.
February 25, 2019
So it’s about an ex-policeman detective Verlangen & Van Veeteren together trying to nail down G. – a supposed killer, Veeterens childhood school peer with dark past. Story divided in 2 parts: first half is past, second half is present. It’s very slow paced, but still interesting and engaging with a very surprising ending. It ends Van Veeteren’s detective series and until the very end you don’t know if he will even survive his last case. It’s not the best novel in the series but definitely a good way to end it. Overall the series is amazing and I absolutely loved it. My favorite Scandinavian writer next to Larsson and Mankell.
March 21, 2021
Van Veeteren palaa 15 vuoden takaiseen murhaan, joka taannoin jäi ratkaisematta. Entinen komisario on aina ollut varma, että Jaan G. Hennan murhasi vaimonsa, mutta syyllisyyttä ei ole pystytty todistamaan. Nyt katoaa Hennania aikoinaan tutkinut yksityisetsivä, ja Van Veeteren alkaa tutkia katoamista ja samalla myös vanhaa murhaa.
Kirjassa kulkevat rinnakkainen 15 vuoden takaisin rikostutkinta ja uusi yritys selvittää tapahtumat. Kerrontaratkaisu tekee kirjasta varsin paksun, mutta Van Veetereniin kiintyneelle se ei ole miinusta. Nesserin dekkareissa on usein viipyilevyyttä, ja painoa on paitsi rikoksessa, myös ihmisten vaiheissa.
Kirjassa kulkevat rinnakkainen 15 vuoden takaisin rikostutkinta ja uusi yritys selvittää tapahtumat. Kerrontaratkaisu tekee kirjasta varsin paksun, mutta Van Veetereniin kiintyneelle se ei ole miinusta. Nesserin dekkareissa on usein viipyilevyyttä, ja painoa on paitsi rikoksessa, myös ihmisten vaiheissa.
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April 11, 2021Translated from Swedish - read the 2014 UK / English (Pan Books) version.
Long on pages (almost 600 pages) , not much adrenalin-action yet this is a page turner as it is a good mystery. Other than the ability to link stories of murders and deaths from different locations and years apart, the narrative brings out subtle features of Swedish life and culture.
I like the subtle humour too, eg when the staff brought the news about the "finger prints" and the veteran who was so sure he already identified the man asked "What news?"
I gather this is the last book of the "Van Veeteren" mysteries - makes me want to read the others.
Long on pages (almost 600 pages) , not much adrenalin-action yet this is a page turner as it is a good mystery. Other than the ability to link stories of murders and deaths from different locations and years apart, the narrative brings out subtle features of Swedish life and culture.
I like the subtle humour too, eg when the staff brought the news about the "finger prints" and the veteran who was so sure he already identified the man asked "What news?"
I gather this is the last book of the "Van Veeteren" mysteries - makes me want to read the others.
September 5, 2021
So happy to have found this 10 book series, and now this one offers a 600 pages read as well. Revisiting his previously un-solved case 15 years late, with same suspect involved yet again, when his wife is found dead in their swimming pool. Van Veeteren is sure the guy did it, but how. Ending totally caught me off guard, because I missed the clues that were there. Love when that happens. The fronts-piece describes him as contriving an “impressive balance between a twisty thriller plotline and satisfying characters with believable quirks….his subtle touch when it comes to psychological insights…make for an enthralling read. “ So true.
December 18, 2017
Finally finished this one. I'm giving this three stars because when Inspector Van Veeteren's investigation stalled, my interest also waned so I put down the book and never got around to finishing it until now. The book was too lengthy, too much philosophizing in my opinion although it's what made the series attractive. However, with the last 15 chapters or so, it started to get suspenseful when Van Veeteren and the squad finally picked up the trail left by Verlangen leading to G., and it stayed tight all the way until the satisfying finish.
November 3, 2019
Hakan Nesser deve avere proprio una mania per KimNovak.
Le ha dedicato un altro romanzo, la nomina nel titolo.
Non l’ho letto.
MA qui ci ritorna su Kim Novak, tramite ispirazione hitchkockiana (ok, questo è uno spoiler, ma ci andava messo).
In effetti, a un certo punto appare palese chi sia il colpevole della trama, e come andrà a finire.
Ho ancora un libro della serie nel Kindle, ma poi credo che lascerò.
Più che altro, perché alcuni dei romanzi sono molto riusciti, ma altri (come questi) sono debolini o altri (per esempio Un corpo sulla spiaggia, che nella sequenza temporale segue questo), che sono troppo lenti per i miei gusti.
Le ha dedicato un altro romanzo, la nomina nel titolo.
Non l’ho letto.
MA qui ci ritorna su Kim Novak, tramite ispirazione hitchkockiana (ok, questo è uno spoiler, ma ci andava messo).
In effetti, a un certo punto appare palese chi sia il colpevole della trama, e come andrà a finire.
Ho ancora un libro della serie nel Kindle, ma poi credo che lascerò.
Più che altro, perché alcuni dei romanzi sono molto riusciti, ma altri (come questi) sono debolini o altri (per esempio Un corpo sulla spiaggia, che nella sequenza temporale segue questo), che sono troppo lenti per i miei gusti.
August 22, 2020
This is the first Scandi-crime novel I've read. I've seen only a few TV adaptations of this genre so was prepared for its generic darkness but the pace at times is slow. The Police (foil characters) dialogue is often farcical, whereas the mains have leaps of intuition and faith in the unknowable. IMHO there is a great plot hole in the main female death which the story is based upon. If this is book 10, the editors have been pushed to the background; the overall effect on me - one of discomfiture.
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