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Inspector Anita Sundström #8
Mammon in Malmö
With a new Skåne County Police commissioner wanting to make his mark in Malmö, the Criminal Investigation Squad is under pressure when they are called in to solve the killing of a private investigator. The nature of the victim’s work throws up some obvious suspects, yet not all is what it seems. When another murder takes place, there seems to be a politically sensitive connection. Anita Sundström, out of the force for a year after her resignation, is approached by a dying woman to track down a collection of paintings stolen from her family. The artworks were looted by the Nazis in Budapest in 1944. But needing the money, Anita takes on this seemingly impossible task. As she heads off to Hungary, she has no idea of the dangers ahead. This is the eighth mystery in the best-selling Anita Sundström crime series.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
271 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Torquil MacLeod
25 books151 followersTorquil MacLeod was born in Edinburgh and brought up in the north east of England. After a brief spell as a teacher in Worcestershire, he worked in advertising agencies in Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle; since 2000 he has been a freelance writer.
See also: Torquil R. MacLeod
See also: Torquil R. MacLeod
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 20, 2021
I have been following this series from the beginning as a self-published book on Kindle. This the eighth book sees Anita Sundstrom wondering how she will make a living having resigned from the police when an elderly Magda Forsell asks her to find some paintings that were stolen from her family by the Germans when they occupied Hungary at the end of the war. Meanwhile, her old team are investigating the murder of a private investigator and then the death of a Jewish worker at an optician. Are the deaths linked? The events become linked and end outside a synagogue in Malmo.
The usual strong characters in a well-woven plot. Really pleased that I have kept up with this series. 4 stars.
The usual strong characters in a well-woven plot. Really pleased that I have kept up with this series. 4 stars.
March 19, 2025
I don't think this one lived up to my expectations and used way to0 many pages (imo) describing "tourist" information about sights in Sweden. I am probably not going forward with the series.
June 8, 2021
Great Series
This book was another great addition to this series. Anita never disappoints. Great characters, good plot twists. Definitely a must read.
This book was another great addition to this series. Anita never disappoints. Great characters, good plot twists. Definitely a must read.
May 22, 2021
Scandanavian mysteries are my favorites! And Macleod's series is one I never miss! Lots of history in this one.
Fascinating POV on WW11.
Fascinating POV on WW11.
May 23, 2021
This was another excellent read. I've really enjoyed the Malmo crime series and this is one of the best. Anita Sundstrom is a great main character and I like the way the personal lives of the detectives are developed, as well as the crime plot. The novels always weave two story lines together and this one was fascinating, with its delving into Nazi stolen treasures and Sweden's part in the Second World War, as well as the contemporary scene. It's a story that takes the reader from Budapest to the Isle of Man! It builds to a nail-biting climax. I would certainly highly recommend this crime series.
November 7, 2021
Difficult to get through.
I have enjoyed many of the Anita Sunstrom books. This one however, was very difficult to get through. Too many characters, no real depth or continuity. I started skipping the too long paragraphs wishing the book would end.
I have enjoyed many of the Anita Sunstrom books. This one however, was very difficult to get through. Too many characters, no real depth or continuity. I started skipping the too long paragraphs wishing the book would end.
May 29, 2021
Too many plots, too many names. Rather difficult do keep track oof who's who.
December 5, 2023
At the end of the previous book, Anita handed her notice in. She is no longer a police officer. A combination of her being too tired to cope with Alice Zetterberg and her losing faith in the authorities that she nominally works to support were just too much to bear. Anita is now working at the tourist information office but even that is going to dry up as the tourist season has come to an end. She needs money and, just as importantly, she needs something taxing to do.
A chance conversation when she’s buying her new glasses leads to an intriguing opportunity. Hannah, Anita’s dispensing optician, recommends her to someone who needs something to be found. Six pictures by old Dutch masters were looted from the Jewish family home of the mother of Magda Forsell in Hungary during the Second World War. Magda is dying but would love to use her money to find the paintings in order to gift them to the state gallery in remembrance of the country that took her mother in. I think we can definitely call this a cold case. Hungary seems as good a place to start as any.
Meanwhile the team have a murder on their hands. A private eye has been murdered in his office. The obvious conclusion is that it’s something to do with one of his cases, past or current. The investigation is not helped by Kara Wallen trying to keep Hakim on the routine stuff so she can have a better chance to shine after Hakim did so well on the last murder case the team had. With Anita gone, Wallen wants to be the new top dog but Hakim doesn’t think she’s up to the job. Of course, obvious does not always mean correct and the PI’s murder is connected to something much bigger and much darker. The right is on the rise….. That is meant to be a deliberately provoking comment.
A chance conversation when she’s buying her new glasses leads to an intriguing opportunity. Hannah, Anita’s dispensing optician, recommends her to someone who needs something to be found. Six pictures by old Dutch masters were looted from the Jewish family home of the mother of Magda Forsell in Hungary during the Second World War. Magda is dying but would love to use her money to find the paintings in order to gift them to the state gallery in remembrance of the country that took her mother in. I think we can definitely call this a cold case. Hungary seems as good a place to start as any.
Meanwhile the team have a murder on their hands. A private eye has been murdered in his office. The obvious conclusion is that it’s something to do with one of his cases, past or current. The investigation is not helped by Kara Wallen trying to keep Hakim on the routine stuff so she can have a better chance to shine after Hakim did so well on the last murder case the team had. With Anita gone, Wallen wants to be the new top dog but Hakim doesn’t think she’s up to the job. Of course, obvious does not always mean correct and the PI’s murder is connected to something much bigger and much darker. The right is on the rise….. That is meant to be a deliberately provoking comment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
Really enjoy this series. It has been interesting to see how the main character, Anita Sundstrom, has progressed over the years. In this book she is no longer a police officer and is coping with what to do with the rest of her life. She enjoys spending more time with her granddaughter but would like something more than the menial job she has at the info center. She ends up getting talked into helping an older lady look for some paintings that were stolen from her family during WWII. The story contains a lot of information about events and people in Sweden who were involved with the Nazis.
At the same time as Anita’s investigation her former colleagues are working a homicide which ends up connecting to what Anita is working on. The author does a great job of developing the story and the characters. Lots of interesting interactions between some of the other lead characters. There is some tension between a few of the other detectives as they vie for being the main detective since Anita resigned. They all hate their boss and have different ways of dealing with her. Anita is very adept at connecting with a lot of different people to help her out.
Looking forward to what is in store for her in the next book.
At the same time as Anita’s investigation her former colleagues are working a homicide which ends up connecting to what Anita is working on. The author does a great job of developing the story and the characters. Lots of interesting interactions between some of the other lead characters. There is some tension between a few of the other detectives as they vie for being the main detective since Anita resigned. They all hate their boss and have different ways of dealing with her. Anita is very adept at connecting with a lot of different people to help her out.
Looking forward to what is in store for her in the next book.
June 15, 2021
MAMMON IN MALMO is the 8th Inspector Anita Sundstrom Mystery, in Torquil MacLeod’s Malmo Mysteries series.
“Anita Sundstrom, out of the force for a year after her resignation, is approached by a dying woman to track down a collection of paintings stolen from her family. The artworks were looted by the Nazis in Budapest in 1944. But needing the money, Anita takes on the seemingly impossible task. As she heads off to Hungary, she has no idea of the dangers ahead.” (Amazon synopsis)
I stumbled upon this series years ago and have enjoyed every new publication. MEET ME IN MALMO was the first book, published in 2013.
The characters, the plots, the location, the writing - excellent. I especially like the interweaving of current issues or past historical events into the plots. Mr. MacLeod’s Notes are fascinating reading.
The current title, MAMMON IN MALMO, includes a map of Malmo and Southern Skane; a definition of the word ‘mammon’ (riches or wealth regarded as a source of evil and corruption); Table of Contents; a Prologue; an Epilogue; Notes; Acknowledgements.
I also like the e-book cover art. *****
“Anita Sundstrom, out of the force for a year after her resignation, is approached by a dying woman to track down a collection of paintings stolen from her family. The artworks were looted by the Nazis in Budapest in 1944. But needing the money, Anita takes on the seemingly impossible task. As she heads off to Hungary, she has no idea of the dangers ahead.” (Amazon synopsis)
I stumbled upon this series years ago and have enjoyed every new publication. MEET ME IN MALMO was the first book, published in 2013.
The characters, the plots, the location, the writing - excellent. I especially like the interweaving of current issues or past historical events into the plots. Mr. MacLeod’s Notes are fascinating reading.
The current title, MAMMON IN MALMO, includes a map of Malmo and Southern Skane; a definition of the word ‘mammon’ (riches or wealth regarded as a source of evil and corruption); Table of Contents; a Prologue; an Epilogue; Notes; Acknowledgements.
I also like the e-book cover art. *****
November 28, 2021
A very well written story. I always enjoy this series. This had lots of enjoyable elements that make for a great story. I was a bit disappointed that Macleod joined in the right wing bashing that most authors seem to think they have to. Whilst anti semitism is heinous and should not be tolerated. This book did make the fine distinction between anti semitism and anti Israeli sentiment. Israel is the jewish state so anti Israeli sentiment is anti semitism. There were some errors in the way the actor dealt cursorily with the conflict between the Jews and the Arabs. Nevertheless the story was very good and I enjoyed it. I love stories that include second world war issues. Good to see the end of a very distasteful character. I did like the fact that Anita used her skills to do investigation. The end was almost disappointing. But will wait to see what happens next.
November 12, 2022
Mammon in Malmo by Torquil MacLeod 11/6/2022 Kindle
I have read several in this series but I must have skipped one or two as I didn’t know the llead character Anita Sundstrom had left the police force. Now on her own with only par-time employment as a revenue source, she agrees to help a dying, aged woman Magda Forsell track down World War Two confiscated art works. Her investigation leads back to a current Malmo case and ties to her old workers. The sense of place is also strong. There is also a tie to the feelings in Sweden about Jews and none natives in general as many political views swing to the far right.
Once again, the story moves nicely, the characters are interesting and I enjoyed the book. While I am at times confused by the Swedish names, it is minor inconvenience. Yes, I continue to recommend this series and will continue following Anita’s new exploits.
I have read several in this series but I must have skipped one or two as I didn’t know the llead character Anita Sundstrom had left the police force. Now on her own with only par-time employment as a revenue source, she agrees to help a dying, aged woman Magda Forsell track down World War Two confiscated art works. Her investigation leads back to a current Malmo case and ties to her old workers. The sense of place is also strong. There is also a tie to the feelings in Sweden about Jews and none natives in general as many political views swing to the far right.
Once again, the story moves nicely, the characters are interesting and I enjoyed the book. While I am at times confused by the Swedish names, it is minor inconvenience. Yes, I continue to recommend this series and will continue following Anita’s new exploits.
June 12, 2024
I had chosen not to read #7 as, according to description and reviews, it, like #6, featured a character I thought was completely unrealistic, and, to be honest, didn't wish to read about her again.
Well, she showed up again here, but mostly as a minor character so I struggled through.
Our hero, no longer a cop, takes up the search for some missing paintings, which will, of course, tie into the whodunit being investigated by her former team members.
A good story line, and I assume the 'environment' of the looting and subsequent 'distribution' of paintings and other treasures stolen by the Nazis during WWII being true, and was quite interesting to learn some of the likely details.
Good characters, a fun time, and maybe in the next one someone will disappear - from the cast of characters...
Well, she showed up again here, but mostly as a minor character so I struggled through.
Our hero, no longer a cop, takes up the search for some missing paintings, which will, of course, tie into the whodunit being investigated by her former team members.
A good story line, and I assume the 'environment' of the looting and subsequent 'distribution' of paintings and other treasures stolen by the Nazis during WWII being true, and was quite interesting to learn some of the likely details.
Good characters, a fun time, and maybe in the next one someone will disappear - from the cast of characters...
Read
August 3, 2021E x-police detective Anita Sundström is back in the eighth of Torquil MacLeod’s Malmö Mysteries series. It’s been a year since Anita resigned from the Skåne County Police force and her current job at Malmö’s tourism office lacks the excitement she thrived on as a police investigator and a decent salary.
When she is approached by Magda Forsell, a dying, elderly woman to track down a collection of paintings which she was stolen from her family by the Nazis in 1944, Anita isn’t convinced that she’s be able to assist. However, the compensation is generous and she needs the money.
Rest of review on https://westwordsreviews.wordpress.co... and Crime Fiction Lover.
When she is approached by Magda Forsell, a dying, elderly woman to track down a collection of paintings which she was stolen from her family by the Nazis in 1944, Anita isn’t convinced that she’s be able to assist. However, the compensation is generous and she needs the money.
Rest of review on https://westwordsreviews.wordpress.co... and Crime Fiction Lover.
February 16, 2022
I love books like this. A fast paced mystery, a terrific lead character and an actual history lesson about Sweden and the Germans in WW2. The lead character is Anita Sundstrom - a former police detective who resigned due to a conflict with a horrific supervisor. She's on the trail of stolen art work - she's helping a friend who had art stolen by the Nazi's during the war. Her investigation leads to a new right wing nazi movement developing in Sweden. It's a fascinating look at detective work in Sweden as well as what the Germans were up to with Sweden during the war. A terrific story. Don't miss it!
May 29, 2021
Fascinating
Sweden was officially neutral during World War II, but it had its own problem with Nazis. And as here in the U.S., there continue to be extreme right politicians who are virulently racist and antisemitic. This mystery taught me a lot I didn't know about current day Sweden. Anita Sündstrom's life continues to develop, with a sub-plot worth following. Interesting details about Nazis looting majorcart, some of it still missing. And the story has its scary bit as well. Fascinating, layered, and skillfully crafted.
Sweden was officially neutral during World War II, but it had its own problem with Nazis. And as here in the U.S., there continue to be extreme right politicians who are virulently racist and antisemitic. This mystery taught me a lot I didn't know about current day Sweden. Anita Sündstrom's life continues to develop, with a sub-plot worth following. Interesting details about Nazis looting majorcart, some of it still missing. And the story has its scary bit as well. Fascinating, layered, and skillfully crafted.
July 17, 2022
The last book in the series (until Book 9 comes out at the end of the year. I've read all eight books, uninterrupted, without feeling that I needed to take a break and read something different, which is a rarity for me! It's been a consistently good series of books, with some great storylines and interesting characters, the latter having developed nicely.
Like Book 7, there is a fascinating mix of fiction and fact, this time covering art and World War II. This is, in my view, the best book of the series - an excellent story, very well told.
Bring on Book 9!
Like Book 7, there is a fascinating mix of fiction and fact, this time covering art and World War II. This is, in my view, the best book of the series - an excellent story, very well told.
Bring on Book 9!
January 17, 2025
something Nancy drew about Anita
For some reason with this novel in particular I feel like these books read like grown up Nancy drew. Anita’s always going off on her own getting into dangerous situations, she calls on her boyfriend when convenient to help (Kevin is very like poor Ned Nickerson) and finally there is very little atmosphere to these books which I realize is what I’m missing. With Wallander or Gamache or a Donna Leon book you get a feeling of being in a very particular place which is missing from these novels.
For some reason with this novel in particular I feel like these books read like grown up Nancy drew. Anita’s always going off on her own getting into dangerous situations, she calls on her boyfriend when convenient to help (Kevin is very like poor Ned Nickerson) and finally there is very little atmosphere to these books which I realize is what I’m missing. With Wallander or Gamache or a Donna Leon book you get a feeling of being in a very particular place which is missing from these novels.
July 12, 2021
An Art and Politics Mystery
Anna a former Swedish Police Officer, is asked to find some paintings lost during World War II. At the same time Swedish Police are investigating the murder of an opthalmist.
Strangely the two cases merge as the investigations continue.
This is an amazing tale of Nazi looted art and fascist politics in Sweden. An excellent well researched. and interesting read.
Anna a former Swedish Police Officer, is asked to find some paintings lost during World War II. At the same time Swedish Police are investigating the murder of an opthalmist.
Strangely the two cases merge as the investigations continue.
This is an amazing tale of Nazi looted art and fascist politics in Sweden. An excellent well researched. and interesting read.
September 9, 2021
I have been missing this series. The latest release
I love this mystery series and have become invested in the characters and storyline. So I was very glad to see a new release from the author. I was not disappointed , the story is rich in historical content and my favorite characters have returned to their rightful positions. Can't wait to see what the future holds for them..
I love this mystery series and have become invested in the characters and storyline. So I was very glad to see a new release from the author. I was not disappointed , the story is rich in historical content and my favorite characters have returned to their rightful positions. Can't wait to see what the future holds for them..
July 20, 2021
Excellent read
I really love this well written series and it’s one of my favourites. Sweden is a place I’ve wanted to visit and I really enjoy the descriptions of the towns and residents. The story had some good turns in it and certainly kept me guessing at where it was going. Nicely paced too and just a great book. Can’t wait for a new one to see what Anita does next.
I really love this well written series and it’s one of my favourites. Sweden is a place I’ve wanted to visit and I really enjoy the descriptions of the towns and residents. The story had some good turns in it and certainly kept me guessing at where it was going. Nicely paced too and just a great book. Can’t wait for a new one to see what Anita does next.
August 18, 2021
Good read with much to learn
I have enjoyed each book in the Malmo series and this one is no exception. Together with the further development of the characters, there is an aspect of Swedish history that I had never looked into woven into the plot. I can freely recommend this latest book and look.forward to the next.
I have enjoyed each book in the Malmo series and this one is no exception. Together with the further development of the characters, there is an aspect of Swedish history that I had never looked into woven into the plot. I can freely recommend this latest book and look.forward to the next.
September 30, 2021
I enjoyed this book, but prefer stories where Anita is a police officer. In a civilian capacity, Anita has been asked by a dying woman to try to find valuable artwork stolen from her family during WWII by the Germans. I found some of the historical sections a little slow, but overall, liked the book. The ending is particularly good.
February 6, 2022
Looking Forward To The Next.
I have read all the books in this series and look forward to the next. This one, however, is not my favourite. Somehow it lacked pace and focus and at times got lost in descriptive detail. I think the problem was Anita has become a kind of private eye. She belongs in the police and it will be good to have her back there next time.
I have read all the books in this series and look forward to the next. This one, however, is not my favourite. Somehow it lacked pace and focus and at times got lost in descriptive detail. I think the problem was Anita has become a kind of private eye. She belongs in the police and it will be good to have her back there next time.
March 18, 2022
Excellent story with historical background
Welcome back Anita though you are not longer in the police force. However,you continue to demonstrate the skills which made you successful and solved a dying woman’s wish to recover a painting belonging to her family.
In addition you outshone Alice and prevented an atrocity.
Well done Torquil for this absorbing tale!
Welcome back Anita though you are not longer in the police force. However,you continue to demonstrate the skills which made you successful and solved a dying woman’s wish to recover a painting belonging to her family.
In addition you outshone Alice and prevented an atrocity.
Well done Torquil for this absorbing tale!
March 24, 2022
Horrendous, informative, funny, descriptive, more interesting characters and a good dose of karma. Sadly, I worked out the baddies, that's just a lot of reading between lines & feeds of thrillers.
Plus, acurate descriptions of places I know, attention to detail. A great read as long as its in sequence with the series.
Next please!
Plus, acurate descriptions of places I know, attention to detail. A great read as long as its in sequence with the series.
Next please!
October 24, 2023
interwoven history a plus
This is a very strong addition to the series. It kept me engaged from start to finish. The little known history (by me) of the late stages of WWII and the complex relationship between Sweden an d Germany is fascinating. Anita’s character is back on track in this one.
This is a very strong addition to the series. It kept me engaged from start to finish. The little known history (by me) of the late stages of WWII and the complex relationship between Sweden an d Germany is fascinating. Anita’s character is back on track in this one.
June 11, 2024
complex and interesting
This eighth book in the Sundstrom series is complex and interesting. MacLeod showed an astonishing acumen in writing of anti-semitism, its history and current place in Sweden—a reflection of the world today. Sundstrom, as usual, is spinning in the vortex in a different way, in a different role in this story.
This eighth book in the Sundstrom series is complex and interesting. MacLeod showed an astonishing acumen in writing of anti-semitism, its history and current place in Sweden—a reflection of the world today. Sundstrom, as usual, is spinning in the vortex in a different way, in a different role in this story.
May 10, 2021
Sweden's complex war
On the positive side Wallenberg rescuing refugees. On the negative side, Swedish profiteering from the German war machine. MacLeod weaves his usual Malmo police mix of interesting characters with some plot carriers of historical interest.
On the positive side Wallenberg rescuing refugees. On the negative side, Swedish profiteering from the German war machine. MacLeod weaves his usual Malmo police mix of interesting characters with some plot carriers of historical interest.
May 24, 2021
Just ok
I thoroughly enjoy the author’s writing style. Otherwise, I would have bailed on this book. The previous books in the series were fine reads, but the last third of this one ... dealing with a right-wing plot by an anti-Jewish pseudo-Nazi movement ... was tedious.
I thoroughly enjoy the author’s writing style. Otherwise, I would have bailed on this book. The previous books in the series were fine reads, but the last third of this one ... dealing with a right-wing plot by an anti-Jewish pseudo-Nazi movement ... was tedious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews