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Anders Knutas #8
Den farliga leken
Ny stark Jungstedt-deckare som utspelar sig i modevärlden//När Jenny, en helt vanlig gotländsk gymnasietjej, upptäcks av en modellagentur förändras hennes tillvaro i ett slag. Hon anses snart vara en av de hetaste stjärnorna och slungas in i en värld fylld av kändisfester och glamour. Medan Jenny njuter av sitt nya, spännande liv i Stockholm befinner sig den några år yngre Agnes på sjukhuset till följd av svåra ätstörningar. Också hon har drömt om ett liv i rampljuset, nu är hon på väg att tyna bort. Vid Agnes sida vakar hennes orolige far. Dottern är hans allt sedan Agnes mamma och bror omkom i en tragisk bilolycka några år tidigare. Nu plågas Agnes svårt av den oro hon orsakar sin pappa. Och ingenting blir bättre av att hans nya hustru envisas med att följa med till sjukhuset, bara för att otåligt sitta och vänta på att få ta honom med sig därifrån.
376 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2010
24 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Mari Jungstedt
31 books464 followersMari Jungstedt is a Swedish journalist and popular crime fiction author.
Jungstedt worked as a reporter on Swedish national public radio and television, and was an occasional presenter on TV4's daily talk show Förkväll.
Her first three novels are set on the island of Gotland and feature Detective Superintendent Anders Knutas and the journalist Johan Berg. Two of her novels were filmed for Swedish TV, and her work has been translated into English by Tiina Nunnally.
Mari Jungstedt lives in Stockholm. Her husband comes from Visby, Gotland, and they spend their summers on Gotland.
Series:
* Anders Knutas
* Málagasviten
Jungstedt worked as a reporter on Swedish national public radio and television, and was an occasional presenter on TV4's daily talk show Förkväll.
Her first three novels are set on the island of Gotland and feature Detective Superintendent Anders Knutas and the journalist Johan Berg. Two of her novels were filmed for Swedish TV, and her work has been translated into English by Tiina Nunnally.
Mari Jungstedt lives in Stockholm. Her husband comes from Visby, Gotland, and they spend their summers on Gotland.
Series:
* Anders Knutas
* Málagasviten
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
May 9, 2022
La octava entrega de la serie del detective sueco Anders Knutas trata sobre todo del mundo de la moda, de los esfuerzos inhumanos que muchas modelos tienen que experimentar para llegar a la cúspide, y de la corrupción que rodea a este submundo. En este contexto la escritora utiliza dos personajes principales, Jenny Levin, una modelo en la cumbre de su carrera, que está encaprichada de Markus, un fotógrafo sin escrúpulos que sufrirá un brutal ataque durante una sesión fotográfica, y a Agnes, que ha pasado de top model a residir en una residencia para pacientes de anorexia. Casualmente Agnes también se enamoró de Markus cuando su carrera estaba en pleno ascenso.
La trama no es en modo alguno sobresaliente, sin embargo, encontré toda la parte relativa a Agnes y a sus vivencias la más destacable de toda la novela, haciendo de ella el hilo conductor que consigue que la novela se lea con interés y que no decaiga demasiado.
No considero que Mari Jungstedt esté entre los mejores escritores nórdicos del momento. Creo que ha sabido aprovechar el tirón de sus compatriotas y crear una serie de novelas que se leen con interés, pero sin pasión. Esta es una más de esas novelas. Para lecturas más atrayentes recomiendo a, por poner sólo tres ejemplos, Jo Nesbo, Henning Mankel o Arnaldur Indridason. Dicho esto, supongo que seguiré adelante con la presente escritora, con la esperanza de descubrir alguna pequeña obra maestra con la que poder incluirla en la lista. O al menos, con el deseo de que sus libros se mantengan, por lo menos, con el mismo nivel.
Y si algún amigo lector tiene algún título de esta serie que le haya encantado, que me lo haga saber y así la pondré entre mis preferentes en la nunca menguante saca de pendientes, que no hay forma de reducir. "Too many books, too little time" Zappa dixit.
La trama no es en modo alguno sobresaliente, sin embargo, encontré toda la parte relativa a Agnes y a sus vivencias la más destacable de toda la novela, haciendo de ella el hilo conductor que consigue que la novela se lea con interés y que no decaiga demasiado.
No considero que Mari Jungstedt esté entre los mejores escritores nórdicos del momento. Creo que ha sabido aprovechar el tirón de sus compatriotas y crear una serie de novelas que se leen con interés, pero sin pasión. Esta es una más de esas novelas. Para lecturas más atrayentes recomiendo a, por poner sólo tres ejemplos, Jo Nesbo, Henning Mankel o Arnaldur Indridason. Dicho esto, supongo que seguiré adelante con la presente escritora, con la esperanza de descubrir alguna pequeña obra maestra con la que poder incluirla en la lista. O al menos, con el deseo de que sus libros se mantengan, por lo menos, con el mismo nivel.
Y si algún amigo lector tiene algún título de esta serie que le haya encantado, que me lo haga saber y así la pondré entre mis preferentes en la nunca menguante saca de pendientes, que no hay forma de reducir. "Too many books, too little time" Zappa dixit.
December 7, 2020
Los hay mejores, y no me refiero a la bibliografía de la autora, sino a libros de otros escritores de noir nórdico.
La historia no es gran cosa. Lo ocurrido con Agnes, como hilo conductor, es lo más atractivo de la novela. La documentación sobre el mundo de la moda es correcta, aunque se centra mucho en el estereotipo que siempre se vende (sexo, anorexia, presiones de las agencias, frivolidad, drogas, alcohol, fiestas) Eso está muy manido. (Como fotógrafo de moda que he sido durante 12 años, puedo asegurar que son exageraciones, el mundo de la moda no es en absoluto así, solo en muy contadas excepciones).
Los personajes está bien dibujados, si bien considero que hay demasiados, más de la mitad sobran y hacen la lectura muy densa. Los escenarios son imposibles de recordar, hay cientos y con nombres... en fin, los que viven allí seguro que no tienen ese problema.
He tardado más de la cuenta en leerlo porque no tiene nada mágico que te enganche. Simplemente se deja leer y el final está bien logrado, además de no descubrir quién es el/la asesino/a hasta que él/ella se delata.
Solo lo recomiendo si no tienes nada mejor a lo que echar mano.
La historia no es gran cosa. Lo ocurrido con Agnes, como hilo conductor, es lo más atractivo de la novela. La documentación sobre el mundo de la moda es correcta, aunque se centra mucho en el estereotipo que siempre se vende (sexo, anorexia, presiones de las agencias, frivolidad, drogas, alcohol, fiestas) Eso está muy manido. (Como fotógrafo de moda que he sido durante 12 años, puedo asegurar que son exageraciones, el mundo de la moda no es en absoluto así, solo en muy contadas excepciones).
Los personajes está bien dibujados, si bien considero que hay demasiados, más de la mitad sobran y hacen la lectura muy densa. Los escenarios son imposibles de recordar, hay cientos y con nombres... en fin, los que viven allí seguro que no tienen ese problema.
He tardado más de la cuenta en leerlo porque no tiene nada mágico que te enganche. Simplemente se deja leer y el final está bien logrado, además de no descubrir quién es el/la asesino/a hasta que él/ella se delata.
Solo lo recomiendo si no tienes nada mejor a lo que echar mano.
February 23, 2025
Uwaga, książka opisuje zaburzenia odżywiania i to całkiem obrazowo.
May 14, 2015
3'5/5
La verdad es que me ha mantenido muy intrigada, no tenía mucha idea de quién podría ser el asesino, pero siento que faltaba algo. Aún así, lo he disfrutado mucho.
La verdad es que me ha mantenido muy intrigada, no tenía mucha idea de quién podría ser el asesino, pero siento que faltaba algo. Aún así, lo he disfrutado mucho.
September 12, 2021
Lo he devorado cada vez me gustan más,la historia con mucha intriga, capítulos cortos y me encanta seguir la vida d los protagonistas. Nos vamos a x el 9
Muy recomendable
Muy recomendable
April 2, 2021
Really excellent book in a very good series.
April 12, 2015
I was pleased that Random House UK, Transworld Publishers via Net Galley had auto approved me as they get some really good books, and I am happy to read and review them.
Jenny is a girl, pretty girl, who was discovered by a modelling agency. She was thrown into a lifestyle, a world where there are parties and high life all around her, except, she is now right in the middle of it all.
Its a lot for a young girl, and we can see how Jenny's head could be turned.
We also have Agnes, she used to be a model, but her eating disorder got the better of her and she now needs help. We see how this eating disorder really affects Agnes life. She has a regime to follow when it comes to her eating her meals at the center, however, behind closed doors she finds a way or exercising the calories back off.
Agnes gets very very ill.
Jenny is having a 'secret' love affair with the high profiled photographer. Things come to a head when he is found in a cabin, we don't know if he is going to live....or die.
Detective Anders Knutas has to find out who he/she/they are that are "watching" them.
My thoughts:
I loved the concept of this detective story. It was well thought out and developed, but for me, it wasn't a 'sit on the edge of your seat, nail biting' kind of read.
Its a pleasant read as it reads more like an "whodunnit".
The SURPRISE at the end when we learn the answers was well thought out, I did guess though and I think you will too. However, I don't think this distracted me from the story, more the long drawn out DI procedure which I got a bit....yawny....with. Its just like watching one of those TV detective dramas where you see them unraveling the clues.
I personally would reflect my thoughts as 3.07 as its definitely and OK book I would recommend to friends who like 'whodunnits'.
Jenny is a girl, pretty girl, who was discovered by a modelling agency. She was thrown into a lifestyle, a world where there are parties and high life all around her, except, she is now right in the middle of it all.
Its a lot for a young girl, and we can see how Jenny's head could be turned.
We also have Agnes, she used to be a model, but her eating disorder got the better of her and she now needs help. We see how this eating disorder really affects Agnes life. She has a regime to follow when it comes to her eating her meals at the center, however, behind closed doors she finds a way or exercising the calories back off.
Agnes gets very very ill.
Jenny is having a 'secret' love affair with the high profiled photographer. Things come to a head when he is found in a cabin, we don't know if he is going to live....or die.
Detective Anders Knutas has to find out who he/she/they are that are "watching" them.
My thoughts:
I loved the concept of this detective story. It was well thought out and developed, but for me, it wasn't a 'sit on the edge of your seat, nail biting' kind of read.
Its a pleasant read as it reads more like an "whodunnit".
The SURPRISE at the end when we learn the answers was well thought out, I did guess though and I think you will too. However, I don't think this distracted me from the story, more the long drawn out DI procedure which I got a bit....yawny....with. Its just like watching one of those TV detective dramas where you see them unraveling the clues.
I personally would reflect my thoughts as 3.07 as its definitely and OK book I would recommend to friends who like 'whodunnits'.
March 20, 2020
Cuidado ya que en el libro se trata el tema de la anorexia.
“Un juego peligroso” nos cuenta los entresijos del mundo de la moda. El inspector Knutas tendrá que resolver este macabro caso donde se verán envueltos desde fotógrafos de moda, a modelos, agencias de modelos y revistas de moda. Un intento de asesinato, un homicidio y muchos sospechosos.
Para mí, lo más impactante de esta historia ha sido los capítulos donde la protagonista era una exmodelo anoréxica. La manera en que explica por qué ha llegado a esa situación, cuál es su manera de pensar y cómo reacciona la gente a su alrededor.
A diferencia de otras obras de esta escritora, esta novela no tiene una investigación muy profunda, lo cual despista, puesto que sin darte cuenta, la autora te va dejando pequeñas pildoritas, por lo que creo que esto hace un libro un tanto diferente a los demás, pero igualmente bueno.
“Un juego peligroso” nos cuenta los entresijos del mundo de la moda. El inspector Knutas tendrá que resolver este macabro caso donde se verán envueltos desde fotógrafos de moda, a modelos, agencias de modelos y revistas de moda. Un intento de asesinato, un homicidio y muchos sospechosos.
Para mí, lo más impactante de esta historia ha sido los capítulos donde la protagonista era una exmodelo anoréxica. La manera en que explica por qué ha llegado a esa situación, cuál es su manera de pensar y cómo reacciona la gente a su alrededor.
A diferencia de otras obras de esta escritora, esta novela no tiene una investigación muy profunda, lo cual despista, puesto que sin darte cuenta, la autora te va dejando pequeñas pildoritas, por lo que creo que esto hace un libro un tanto diferente a los demás, pero igualmente bueno.
March 7, 2021
Un despropósito total y absoluto
March 20, 2024
As usual Mari Jungstedt has produced an enjoyable police based murder mystery, this one centred around the fashion industry and its links with anorexia.
She has a slightly unusual style with rather clipped sentences and short chapters which take a little getting used to. This does tend to push the story along at a decent pace with plenty of twists and turns although on the downside it does mean it is difficult to build any character depth.
This is the last in the series for me (I read this one out of order for some reason) which is disappointing as the author seems to have stopped writing.
A slightly generous 4 stars (6/7 out of 10)
She has a slightly unusual style with rather clipped sentences and short chapters which take a little getting used to. This does tend to push the story along at a decent pace with plenty of twists and turns although on the downside it does mean it is difficult to build any character depth.
This is the last in the series for me (I read this one out of order for some reason) which is disappointing as the author seems to have stopped writing.
A slightly generous 4 stars (6/7 out of 10)
November 16, 2019
3,5
Un poco más de la mitad ya sabía quién era el asesino (desventaja)
La trama engancha y más detalles que meten de la vida de los protagonistas (ventajas)
Un poco más de la mitad ya sabía quién era el asesino (desventaja)
La trama engancha y más detalles que meten de la vida de los protagonistas (ventajas)
May 18, 2017
Esta saga es increíble, como te atrapa.
August 30, 2017
okej deckare liksom, gillade jenny mkt som karaktär. men blev inte helt indragen i berättelsen.
November 22, 2018
A mí esta saga me parece súper entretenida y me gusta mucho
February 23, 2019
Es un libro que me ha gustado aunque ya empecé a sospechar antes de que se supiera quien era, lo que quizás le ha bajado algo el nivel
July 2, 2022
Spännande till sista sidan!
March 5, 2015
For one reason or another Mari Jungstedt had slipped off my reading list, so after a slight hiatus for me in the series it was good to embark on her writing again. This is the eighth of the series to feature detectives Anders Knutas and Karin Jacobsson, and is set against the backdrop of the Swedish fashion world, and all the petty rivalries and skulduggery within it.
The book opens with a vicious attack on fashion photographer, Markus Sanberg, a dislikeable lothario who seems to spend most of his time seducing the young models he photographs. His latest conquest is Jenny Levin, a fresh-faced and naïve girl from the rural backwoods, and the greatest focus throughout the book is her connection to Markus, and the murders that follow this initial attack. We also meet Agnes, a former model, now incarcerated in a clinic, suffering from acute anorexia, and for me, her narrative was probably the most engaging part of the book. We see through her eyes the inordinate amount of pressure put on young girls in the fashion business, and the traumatic aftermath she has experienced in not only her damaging relationship with food, but how her life has been ruined. Slowly, Jungstedt interlinks the experiences of both Jenny and Agnes as the murderer has connections to both, and how Knutas and Jacobsson enter a world largely unknown to them in pursuit of a murderer...
To be honest, I wasn't completely enamoured with this book, and was thrown initially by the relating of two events that even at the close of reading, I could find no connection to what had happened in the main body of the story. Indeed, I was a little underwhelmed with the plot generally, so other aspects of the book became more important. The story largely consisted of a group of fairly dislikeable characters, arrogant Markus, limpid Jenny and so on, that I found increasingly difficult to care about. As I said previously, Agnes was the shining light amongst a fairly mediocre cast of characters, but probably more so in the fact that she revealed to us the dark side of the fashion world, and the daily difficulties she experiences in trying to overcome her eating disorder. I think most readers could not fail to be moved by her travails, and there is a huge amount of poignancy in Jungstedt's portrayal of her, particularly in relation to the events near the close of the book. Detectives Knutas and Jacobsson do not seem to have moved on an incredible amount from the last time I read this series. There is still the air of unrequited love bubbling below the surface, but I did enjoy the sharper focus placed on Jacobsson's reunion with the now adult daughter she gave up for adoption. Their handling of the investigation was fairly straightforward, unveiling few surprises along the way, and the murderer was not exceptionally well-disguised.
In fairness to Jungstedt, whose previous books I have largely enjoyed, I will file this one away as a 'bridging' book in the series, with the hope that the next outing for the likeable Knutas and Jacobsson is a good deal more fulfilling. A normally pleasing detective duo, but not given room to shine in this one.
The book opens with a vicious attack on fashion photographer, Markus Sanberg, a dislikeable lothario who seems to spend most of his time seducing the young models he photographs. His latest conquest is Jenny Levin, a fresh-faced and naïve girl from the rural backwoods, and the greatest focus throughout the book is her connection to Markus, and the murders that follow this initial attack. We also meet Agnes, a former model, now incarcerated in a clinic, suffering from acute anorexia, and for me, her narrative was probably the most engaging part of the book. We see through her eyes the inordinate amount of pressure put on young girls in the fashion business, and the traumatic aftermath she has experienced in not only her damaging relationship with food, but how her life has been ruined. Slowly, Jungstedt interlinks the experiences of both Jenny and Agnes as the murderer has connections to both, and how Knutas and Jacobsson enter a world largely unknown to them in pursuit of a murderer...
To be honest, I wasn't completely enamoured with this book, and was thrown initially by the relating of two events that even at the close of reading, I could find no connection to what had happened in the main body of the story. Indeed, I was a little underwhelmed with the plot generally, so other aspects of the book became more important. The story largely consisted of a group of fairly dislikeable characters, arrogant Markus, limpid Jenny and so on, that I found increasingly difficult to care about. As I said previously, Agnes was the shining light amongst a fairly mediocre cast of characters, but probably more so in the fact that she revealed to us the dark side of the fashion world, and the daily difficulties she experiences in trying to overcome her eating disorder. I think most readers could not fail to be moved by her travails, and there is a huge amount of poignancy in Jungstedt's portrayal of her, particularly in relation to the events near the close of the book. Detectives Knutas and Jacobsson do not seem to have moved on an incredible amount from the last time I read this series. There is still the air of unrequited love bubbling below the surface, but I did enjoy the sharper focus placed on Jacobsson's reunion with the now adult daughter she gave up for adoption. Their handling of the investigation was fairly straightforward, unveiling few surprises along the way, and the murderer was not exceptionally well-disguised.
In fairness to Jungstedt, whose previous books I have largely enjoyed, I will file this one away as a 'bridging' book in the series, with the hope that the next outing for the likeable Knutas and Jacobsson is a good deal more fulfilling. A normally pleasing detective duo, but not given room to shine in this one.
January 2, 2019
Heeft een beetje een afgeraffeld einde gevoel, maar niet ontevreden.
May 19, 2016
This is book 8 in this continuing series set on the Swedish island of Gothland. Here that location alternates with Stockholm as Mari Jungstedt writes a tense thriller set in the fashion world.
For me, I share the opinion of The Times who according to the back cover say " One of Scandinavia's best crime writers." Well Mari has long been one of my favourites for her ability to slowly unwrap a mystery from a number of points of view. In the process the reader isn't just following an investigation from the Police knowlege gained but from a wider perspective. I enjoyed again the time she takes in her books to describe locations and build tension. As a reader your mind races ahead, fearing the worse until you read something more shocking than your were anticipating. I also like the fact that not all aspects of the novel are closed; the fallout of the case isn't always neat and tidy.
Some of the descriptions of Stockholm were both as menacing as they were beautiful and when you fear that an innocent animal has been brutalised you understand the power of engagement this author manages to sustain through her books.
There are a number of important issues raised in this novel. They mainly surround the possible abuse and exploitation of young girls who seek to become models. The unequal relationships and poor financial returns for women trying to make it in this industry are shown in a complex story of broken promises, shattered dreams and damaged individuals. When a leading fashion photographer is attacked little evidence is found at the scene to identify the assailant and the darker aspects of cameraman's life provide a range of motives for the assault.
Meanwhile a parallel story expands about a young girl, Agnes, who used to be a model until an eating disordered overwhelmed her. This is in stark contrast to the successful model, Jenny also from Gothland who seems to have the fashion world at her feet. The similarities are clear in their early careers, they worked for the same agency and a had romantic connection with the first victim. The story implies there are links and potentially both could be caught up in any fallout.
Set leading up to Christmas and over the New Year this book works on so many levels revealing wider relationships of familiar characters and typical Swedish festive celebrations. I liked most of all, the time taken to introduce activities through characters in this story, who try to provide food for the disadvantaged and lonely under classes in Stockholm. This brief social commentary within this brilliant book speaks of Mari Jungstedt's wider interests and her concern for humanity.
For me, I share the opinion of The Times who according to the back cover say " One of Scandinavia's best crime writers." Well Mari has long been one of my favourites for her ability to slowly unwrap a mystery from a number of points of view. In the process the reader isn't just following an investigation from the Police knowlege gained but from a wider perspective. I enjoyed again the time she takes in her books to describe locations and build tension. As a reader your mind races ahead, fearing the worse until you read something more shocking than your were anticipating. I also like the fact that not all aspects of the novel are closed; the fallout of the case isn't always neat and tidy.
Some of the descriptions of Stockholm were both as menacing as they were beautiful and when you fear that an innocent animal has been brutalised you understand the power of engagement this author manages to sustain through her books.
There are a number of important issues raised in this novel. They mainly surround the possible abuse and exploitation of young girls who seek to become models. The unequal relationships and poor financial returns for women trying to make it in this industry are shown in a complex story of broken promises, shattered dreams and damaged individuals. When a leading fashion photographer is attacked little evidence is found at the scene to identify the assailant and the darker aspects of cameraman's life provide a range of motives for the assault.
Meanwhile a parallel story expands about a young girl, Agnes, who used to be a model until an eating disordered overwhelmed her. This is in stark contrast to the successful model, Jenny also from Gothland who seems to have the fashion world at her feet. The similarities are clear in their early careers, they worked for the same agency and a had romantic connection with the first victim. The story implies there are links and potentially both could be caught up in any fallout.
Set leading up to Christmas and over the New Year this book works on so many levels revealing wider relationships of familiar characters and typical Swedish festive celebrations. I liked most of all, the time taken to introduce activities through characters in this story, who try to provide food for the disadvantaged and lonely under classes in Stockholm. This brief social commentary within this brilliant book speaks of Mari Jungstedt's wider interests and her concern for humanity.
March 3, 2019
Leído entre julio y agosto de 2015. Es de las novelas que he leído hasta el momento que mejor retrata el mundo de la moda. Una de las cosas con las que más he disfrutado leyendo es con lo que hay tras bambalinas en una pasarela o en una sesión fotográfica desde el punto de vista de una modela y de las breves pinceladas que la autora da acerca del trabajo en una importante agencia de modelos o en la redacción de una de las principales revistas de moda de Suecia. La otra han sido las muchas escenas navideñas que salpican la novela: cenas y fiestas de Navidad en las empresas, cena familiar en Nochebuena, fiestas en las discotecas la noche de Navidad y cenas con amigos en Nochevieja con fuegos artificiales para darle la bienvenida al Año Nuevo. Reseña: http://pinceladasdeliteratura.blogspo....
February 24, 2018
Tengo un problema con los libros de Mari Jungstedt, y es que aunque me gustan bastante, ninguno me termina de parecer excepcional y no me parece que sea de las mejores escritoras nórdicas. Aún así, me gusta leer sus libros, si bien siempre acabo con la sensación de pensar, "me falta algo". En este caso, la novela me ha gustado más que las dos anteriores, y la trama me ha interesado bastante. Especialmente las partes de Agnes son las que hacían que mi interés fuera creciendo. Hasta el final no me imaginé quién sería la persona culpable, y me ha enganchado, así que no le puedo quitar eso. Es un 3/5 para mí. Lo bueno es que esta nota en una saga que acaba de publicar su décimo libro, está muy bien.
September 6, 2015
My favorite book in this series.
In my eyes this book contains the most interesting and intriguing case so far in the series. The character-descriptions are good and while the development of the main characters isn't all that interesting the book-specific characters are. Focus seems to be moved from scenery and setting to characters and I really like that.
In my eyes this book contains the most interesting and intriguing case so far in the series. The character-descriptions are good and while the development of the main characters isn't all that interesting the book-specific characters are. Focus seems to be moved from scenery and setting to characters and I really like that.
July 11, 2015
Jungstedt es una de mis autoras nórdicas favoritas. Un Juego Peligroso es interesante, aunque me pareció bastante predecible. Un intento de asesinato en el mundo de la moda, que pasa cada vez a mayores y con muchos sospechosos. Es una novela entretenida, aunque no se convertirá en una de mis favoritas.
September 15, 2014
God bog med interessant kig til modeverdenen. Spændende uden at være fuldstændig neglebidende, men med en god historie. Man bliver grebet af skæbnerne, og da kapitlerne er korte, har man hurtigt læst bogen.
December 27, 2014
Bra och lätt att läsa. Det bara flyter på. Lagom spänning.
June 8, 2016
Una lectura entretenida, que no es poco para ser la octava de la serie.
November 6, 2018
Addictive & absorbing: the Anders Knutas Crime thrillers are a must read:
The Anders Knutas Series, written by Mari Jungstedt and translated from the Swedish to English by Tiina Nunnally, is an addictive nine-book series for reader who are captivated, like me, with Crime Mysteries and Thrillers.
My review is of the entire series, which I have just newly finished. From "Unseen", the first novel in the series, to "The Fourth Victim", the ninth novel, each boast superb plots, twists and turns and fabulously intriguing characters. I have no intention of summarising each book's plot: they each contain a brief summary inside the fly cover. Personally I avoid reading the summary, as I feel it gives too much away about the content of the novel. Other readers might find the summary useful. The publishers clearly think so.
The strength of the series is such that no one book is better than another: they are each a brilliant and totally absorbing read. As with other Swedish writers of this genre the novels are so distinctively different from English and American novels of the same ilk.
The series is based on the picturesque island of Gotland, Sweden's largest island and the annual summer influx of masses of tourists makes for an interesting setting. The capital of Gotland is Visby, which possesses an excellently preserved medieval wall, as well as most of the Island's native population (and crime). It is around Visby that the novels are largely centred. The author, Mari Jungstedt, makes full use of the Island's variable geography, rural economy and proximity to other Baltic counties in the books. The Island's very changeable seasonal weather is also used by the author to good effect from novel to novel.
The characters are very much three-dimensional, as are their lives and relationships with one another. These relationships can become complex at times which only adds spice to the stories.
There are four main characters: Chief Superintendent Anders Knutas (or "Knutie" as he is affectionately known to some, much to his annoyance); Karin Jacobsson (Knutas's Deputy); Johan Berg (Regional TV Reporter for Swedish TV) and Pia, Johan's very ambitious photographer, who will stop at nothing to get the best photo or film footage.
The novels can be read independently, as they each contain sufficient information about earlier events, to prevent the reader from getting lost. However, in my view, they are best read in sequence to fully grasp the development of both characters and relationships.
The variety and originality of the plots (and sub-plots) makes this one of the best crime series written by a Swedish author. Let's face it, the Swedes boast an abundance of literary talent in this field, and Mari Jungstedt is at the very top of the crop of their talented authors.
Buy a copy of "Unseen" and start reading. I fell for Jungstedt's easy flowing distinctive narrative from the start and then ploughed my way through all, currently translated, books in the series.
Unfortunately the books aren't cheap to buy (not at the date of this review anyway), either in paperback or Kindle, which is a pity since it makes them less affordable and hence accessible to all readers. I was lucky, as my local library had every book available to read in electronic form via Borrowbox.
But even at the prices quoted on Amazon you are guaranteed novels of quality. And, as Amazon point out, the price is set by the publisher, not Amazon themselves.
A treat to read, each novel is fully deserving of the Five Star rating I have given them. I am certain that you will agree.
The Anders Knutas Series, written by Mari Jungstedt and translated from the Swedish to English by Tiina Nunnally, is an addictive nine-book series for reader who are captivated, like me, with Crime Mysteries and Thrillers.
My review is of the entire series, which I have just newly finished. From "Unseen", the first novel in the series, to "The Fourth Victim", the ninth novel, each boast superb plots, twists and turns and fabulously intriguing characters. I have no intention of summarising each book's plot: they each contain a brief summary inside the fly cover. Personally I avoid reading the summary, as I feel it gives too much away about the content of the novel. Other readers might find the summary useful. The publishers clearly think so.
The strength of the series is such that no one book is better than another: they are each a brilliant and totally absorbing read. As with other Swedish writers of this genre the novels are so distinctively different from English and American novels of the same ilk.
The series is based on the picturesque island of Gotland, Sweden's largest island and the annual summer influx of masses of tourists makes for an interesting setting. The capital of Gotland is Visby, which possesses an excellently preserved medieval wall, as well as most of the Island's native population (and crime). It is around Visby that the novels are largely centred. The author, Mari Jungstedt, makes full use of the Island's variable geography, rural economy and proximity to other Baltic counties in the books. The Island's very changeable seasonal weather is also used by the author to good effect from novel to novel.
The characters are very much three-dimensional, as are their lives and relationships with one another. These relationships can become complex at times which only adds spice to the stories.
There are four main characters: Chief Superintendent Anders Knutas (or "Knutie" as he is affectionately known to some, much to his annoyance); Karin Jacobsson (Knutas's Deputy); Johan Berg (Regional TV Reporter for Swedish TV) and Pia, Johan's very ambitious photographer, who will stop at nothing to get the best photo or film footage.
The novels can be read independently, as they each contain sufficient information about earlier events, to prevent the reader from getting lost. However, in my view, they are best read in sequence to fully grasp the development of both characters and relationships.
The variety and originality of the plots (and sub-plots) makes this one of the best crime series written by a Swedish author. Let's face it, the Swedes boast an abundance of literary talent in this field, and Mari Jungstedt is at the very top of the crop of their talented authors.
Buy a copy of "Unseen" and start reading. I fell for Jungstedt's easy flowing distinctive narrative from the start and then ploughed my way through all, currently translated, books in the series.
Unfortunately the books aren't cheap to buy (not at the date of this review anyway), either in paperback or Kindle, which is a pity since it makes them less affordable and hence accessible to all readers. I was lucky, as my local library had every book available to read in electronic form via Borrowbox.
But even at the prices quoted on Amazon you are guaranteed novels of quality. And, as Amazon point out, the price is set by the publisher, not Amazon themselves.
A treat to read, each novel is fully deserving of the Five Star rating I have given them. I am certain that you will agree.
March 2, 2020
This is the second Scandinavian Fiction novel I've read recently, both incredibly well received.
This is well written and pacy, with a web of a story interlinking and keeping the reader hooked until (almost) the end.
I very much enjoyed the setting of Gotland, the foreboding of the Scandinavian scant daylight hours and the general eeriness portrayed by the author.
I have to say I had sussed the killer - but I'm thinking almost until the author wanted me to.
I liked the abject darkness and edginess of the theme - bringing a stark reality to an otherwise perfect world, perhaps showing that in the world of 'modeling' there's far more than meets the eye.
A current novel with a dark theme if you will.
The short chapters make it an exceptionally easy read, albeit the pace of the novel makes it impossible to read just the one chapter in any sitting.
Definitely worth a read.
This is well written and pacy, with a web of a story interlinking and keeping the reader hooked until (almost) the end.
I very much enjoyed the setting of Gotland, the foreboding of the Scandinavian scant daylight hours and the general eeriness portrayed by the author.
I have to say I had sussed the killer - but I'm thinking almost until the author wanted me to.
I liked the abject darkness and edginess of the theme - bringing a stark reality to an otherwise perfect world, perhaps showing that in the world of 'modeling' there's far more than meets the eye.
A current novel with a dark theme if you will.
The short chapters make it an exceptionally easy read, albeit the pace of the novel makes it impossible to read just the one chapter in any sitting.
Definitely worth a read.
May 4, 2021
The Dangerous Game by Mari Jungstedt
Recommended by a friend, it was with high anticipation that the first page was read. With an ominous foreboding, the visual of dead pigeons in a square hit the right note. Whilst this is the eighth of Detective Anders Knutas series, it was an unfamiliar first read of Scandinavian crime books written by Mari Jungstedt. Despite the initial elegant prose description, there were many brief chapters and the story never rose to the lofty scale of the anticipated crime novel. Anders Knutas and his team investigate murders in the fashion world with a lack of leads and a mounting body count to contend with. Overall, an enjoyable read with a three-star rating for a Swedish police procedural.
Recommended by a friend, it was with high anticipation that the first page was read. With an ominous foreboding, the visual of dead pigeons in a square hit the right note. Whilst this is the eighth of Detective Anders Knutas series, it was an unfamiliar first read of Scandinavian crime books written by Mari Jungstedt. Despite the initial elegant prose description, there were many brief chapters and the story never rose to the lofty scale of the anticipated crime novel. Anders Knutas and his team investigate murders in the fashion world with a lack of leads and a mounting body count to contend with. Overall, an enjoyable read with a three-star rating for a Swedish police procedural.
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