Nordic Noir discussion

Buddy Read:

Thomassw
Susan

Anyone Else???

Date: 10/4/11 to 10/31/11

Let the discussions begin!

Sharon, I'm wondering how closely the books align with the series on TV. I've never watched it and just wondered about it. Right now, at 80 pages into the first book, I have a pretty bland image of Wallander. No demons, no disgusting habits, and a love for opera which isn't really my thing at all. I assume his character becomes more complex as we go, correct?

Not to speak for Sharon, but I've read all the Wallander books except for the last The Troubled Man and for me I felt like the series really took off from book 4 The Man Who Smiled onward. I'd definitely say the character of Wallander becomes much more complex as the series develops and you'll start to see some of his demons come to light as well. I had started with Faceless Killers as well and while I enjoyed it, I wasn't all that thrilled so I bounced around with some other authors. Starting with book four I read the rest of the series back to back. I'm saving The Troubled Man though, as I can't bring myself to say goodbye just yet.

Good to know, Dave. I'm fresh off of reading Nesbo's first three books, and Wallander is indeed flat compared to Harry Hole! I'll look forward to getting to know him better as I go. I like Mankell's style, more straightforward than Nesbo but still gives the sense of place that's so important to these works.

Thomas...who were you talking about in one of the other posts that you guys were reading it at the same time? I thought it was Sharon.

Yes, Naomi, it was Sharon. btw, I'm Susan. I've stuck with the sign in you see b/c I use it for a lot of other things and it's easier to keep track. I guess I should fix that so people will know who they're talking to! Dave just joined in to respond to my query re Wallander.

Ok, Thomassw has been changed to Susan for clarification.

Thanks for clarifying! I am very easily confused!! (shut up, Dee)lol

While Wallander isn't as noir as Harry Hole, he does have his charm. At least in the books - I haven't seen any of the movie or TV stuff with him.
So if in Faceless Killers he doesn't seem 'deep enough', keep reading. He's definitely a way deeper character than e.g. Guido Brunetti (i.e. the inspector man with a boring family life) and he does have enough dark in his character.

Anna wrote: "While Wallander isn't as noir as Harry Hole, he does have his charm. At least in the books - I haven't seen any of the movie or TV stuff with him.
So if in Faceless Killers he doesn't seem 'deep e..."

Thanks, Anna, I'm encouraged by your note. Not familiar with the Italian guy you mentioned, but I'll take your word about him!

Susan, Guido Brunetti is the Northern Italian detective by Donna Leon, an American transplanted in Venezia. She's well transplanted there, so she (or rather, her characters) has strongly the Northern Italian attitudes and the hatred for the South - which in turn annoys me... I lived in the South. So my Italian detective favorite would be Salvo Montalbano (Andrea Camilleri's creation - in Italy except in the German speaking areas Andrea is always a man), and he's way more a loner than Brunetti. Not as dark as Hole. Both Montalbano and Brunetti love food... I can't decide if Montalbano would be Italian noir or not, but he captures Sicily perfectly, and has a longing for somewhere else. So if you'll try either eventually, I'd recommend Montalbano.

Wallander isn't anywhere as noir as Harry Bosch either - I can't read two of Bosch stories in a row. But two or more Wallanders in a row is not a problem. So maybe it's a bit less noir? Or less LA noir/super depressing noir?

I like the reference to LA noir...that's something to consider, kind of L.A. Confidential type books. Haven' read Harry Bosch series either...I've really just gotten back into reading for pleasure so I have a lot in front of me. Having a hard time letting go of the Scandinavian genre right now. I'm hooked!

Well a girl goes away for a few hours and all this chatter is missed! Susan and Dave all good points. Many years ago I started reading Wallander at The Man Who Smiled, missed Sidetracked and naturally the first Faceless Killers, The Dogs of Riga and Sidetracked. So am catching myself up with the early books. Watched all the 26-27 long and excellent series and the Brit series a bit, so know the stories and characters. It was indeed very strange having just read The Troubled Man and sadly saying goodbye to a favorite character after many years in both book and then series terms, to return to reading the early years! Mind you in The Pyramid you get an even younger Wallander in the short stories.
No he is not as flawed as HH nor quite as bad as my dear REBUS that I have also bid farewell to. However KW is more complex and caring than most and like a dog with a bone. Well explored in The Troubled Man, despite circumstances, he will get the case sorted!
The pleasure is in the various returning themes, characters, landscape. The writing I find very readable and it is spending good time for me.
Agree with Dave.
At least KW and John Rebus develop and mature. In the case of Scarpetta and Alex Cross, I feel their creators have to some degree abandoned them.

Anna wrote: "While Wallander isn't as noir as Harry Hole, he does have his charm. At least in the books - I haven't seen any of the movie or TV stuff with him.
So if in Faceless Killers he doesn't seem 'deep e..."

Can it be possible to find Guido's life at work or home boring? Great family, home, lifestyle in my favorite city...mind you I have seen the German series and have the walking books, cookbook, etc too because I also enjoy the music and food that Donna Leon brings to life in the books and her own life.
Montabano is more noir but neither ever truly solves anything and in most of the Italian series a full final result seems elusive.
Nebbie e Dellite was the very best of them all.....series wise on tv.
Brunetti has become a bit quieter of late but he is a good read between too much tension and gore...good restful but enjoyable read or viewing for me.

Sharon, I do find the stuff around Brunetti boring. Not that boring that I couldn't read them, but there are elements of annoyance, and it's from the 'other Italy' (read North), those as the main annoyances. Paola occasionally helps with a case after a chat, but too often I find her behaviors and comments bitchy. Midlife crisis that she takes on the others? Brunetti is always eating something, and he's an 9 to 5 detective. The cases don't ever make him loose his cool, and there's never any rage or passion. And all the Sicilian characters are always painted shady and criminal, and Paola has to always comment about how she does not like the Sicilians. I like my detectives with more passion and occasional rage, rather than wondering what kind of white wine they want with their meal.

I'll need to get back to some Wallanders after finishing The Devil's Star (Nesbø). :)

How do you like The Devil's Star, Anna? I loved The Snowman. Right now, I'm busy with The Keeper of Lost Causes which I like a lot. Carl Lork (I think that's his last name) is angsty enough for me & the story is fairly interesting. I actually *blush* haven't read any Henning Mankell but I have The Dogs of Riga on my Kindle. I've been meaning to read it forever but maybe I'll actually get to it after Lost Causes. It's a toss up between that, Jar City, or Silence of the Grave, both of which I also own.

Anybody have any ideas where I should go next?

One repeating theme in Italian books and series, in my opinion, is the resigned, sad acceptance that there is seldom a completion or total solving of a case or situation. Most of the family exchange is over this realization or the frustration that things are in fact as they are... The comfort of the Donna Leon books for me lies in that practical reality and the soothing that the characters take in their life with each other. Venice is a favorite place for me so that plays a very large role in my reading. The German tv series is very atmospheric. They are cozy reads/views between more action thrillers. Balance is important for me in reading. I read so much that I also see regularly in my news so a bit of cozy is necessary.
After many years enjoying Wallander, I have returned to catch up the early books I missed.
Just read Wallander 1 and now into #2, The Dogs of Riga and what a great read...but I also read it as an European knowing sadly full well how realistic the story actually is and indeed the politics then and now!!

I love the Donna Leon-love the people and the city. I've only been to Venice once but I fell in love with it forever. Nothing about her books bore me.

I like The Devil's Star so far. I just got The Snowman in the mail so I might do that among the next few reads (but I'm craving a Harry Bosch now).

The Dogs of Riga is the first Wallander I read, and it's still one of my favorites. The feel of Riga is very weird. I'd say read that one next.

Thanks Anna-it's a plan! :)

I'll agree to Dogs of Riga being a great choice and add that when you do decide to read Indridason, I'd start with Jar City. It's a great start to the series and also there's a couple of running threads throughout the series that are introduced in that first book.

Thanks Dave-so Ill do Riga, Jar City & then Silence. I'll like to stay busy. :)

Ellie wrote: "How do you like The Devil's Star, Anna? I loved The Snowman. Right now, I'm busy with The Keeper of Lost Causes which I like a lot. Carl Lork (I think t..."

Really cannot say it often enough, most character driven books need to be kept in order and in my opinion, even more so for John Rebus and Harry Hole...their history is necessary to get the most out of the read and action..their motivation and doggedness !

Dave wrote: "I'll agree to Dogs of Riga being a great choice and add that when you do decide to read Indridason, I'd start with Jar City. It's a great start to the series and also there's a couple of running th..."

Really enjoying The Dogs of Riga...the time when the Russian maffia really was getting out more and making itself more known...quite a few themes that have mushroomed across Europe since the fall of the wall over the years!
Will add Jar City to my list too.

Been busy and out of the loop a while, but finally finished Faceless Killers last night. I give the book 3 stars out of 5, based on my reading of Nesbo and Larsson, and even Tursten's Detective Inspective Huss. I thought Mankell dragged the conclusion of the case out far too long and I ended up skimming paragraphs and pages that essentially said nothing more than they made no progress. But I understand it's the first in the Wallander series and I plan to go forth and read them all eventually. Others have convinced me that the books get decidedly better later on. I began Keeper of Lost Causes last night after ending Faceless Killers. Immediately liked it a lot and have high hopes for how it will play out.