Helpful Score: 2
I LOVE this author! The Wallander series is exciting. It's also interesting to compare the Swedish justice system to the U.S. system. This author brings Sweden to life in his books, almost as if you are there.
Helpful Score: 1
#2 in the Inspector Wallander series set in Ystad, Sweden, though the translation order is really screwed up, so I've been reading this series sort of out of order. Two dead bodies, shot through the heart, are washed up in a life raft not far from Ystad, and Wallander is put in charge of the investigation. Eventually the trail leads to Riga, Latvia, with one of their policemen coming to Ystad to assist with the case. When Major Lieba is brutally murdered on his first day back in Latvia, Wallander is sent to investigate any possible connection to their case and ends up in the midst of a full-blown political intrigue.
It took me awhile to get through this book; not that I didn't like it, because I did, but sometimes the melancholy Wallander can be a bit overwhelming. Made me want to fly him off to the Caribbean for some sunshine while force-feeding him Prozac! LOL Still, a very interesting book where much of the action takes place in a country (Latvia) that I know little about, and as I say, anytime you can learn something while reading for pleasure, it's always a bonus!
It took me awhile to get through this book; not that I didn't like it, because I did, but sometimes the melancholy Wallander can be a bit overwhelming. Made me want to fly him off to the Caribbean for some sunshine while force-feeding him Prozac! LOL Still, a very interesting book where much of the action takes place in a country (Latvia) that I know little about, and as I say, anytime you can learn something while reading for pleasure, it's always a bonus!
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent north Eurpean setting and feel. Does remind me of Wahloo Martin Beck mysteries. Dark, broding, realistic "un-super heroes". Loved the Baltic setting and sense of turmoil of the early 90's.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoy the Kurt Wallander character, but I did find this book lacking a bit in the flow of the plot and the logical progressions. It may have a lot to do with the translation. The characters were not defined well enough to make their actions and feelings realistic.
Two bodies wash up on the Swedish shore, victims of grisly torture & cold execution. Detective Kurt Wallander has no witnesses, no motives & no crime scene. After the victims are traced to Latvia, he thinks the Latvian police will take over but suddenly he is called to Riga & is plunged into an alien world where shadows are everywhere & everyone is being watched as the old regime will do anything to stay in power. The wrting is spare, characterization is deft & suspense overwhelming.
One strange story. Didn't expect to read a Swedish mystery and end up in Latvia. Did not understand why Kurt Wallander who knew nothing about Latvia was the only person who could help, but oh well, that's the story. Enjoyable and I will read the next book in the series.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Dogs of Riga (Kurt Wallander, Bk 2) on + 1713 more book reviews
I was a bit disappointed in this story.
The flow was a bit off and didn't really move along smoothly.
A bit choppy and underdeveloped characters that were hard to connect with them.
It could be the translation of the book.
The storyline was just not the engaging for me.
The flow was a bit off and didn't really move along smoothly.
A bit choppy and underdeveloped characters that were hard to connect with them.
It could be the translation of the book.
The storyline was just not the engaging for me.
I liked it very much. Mankell is aweseom.
Great book featuring Swedish detective Kurt Wallander, # 2 in the series. Well-written novel about 2 bodies that show up on the coast in a rubber life raft, leading Wallander to Latvia and a corrupt detective.
Cameron-Ashley H. (BigGreenChair) reviewed The Dogs of Riga (Kurt Wallander, Bk 2) on + 454 more book reviews
I love the Wallander series too but the translation made this book boring and uninteresting. It felt very watered down with no attempt really at good writing, just 'hey it's translated.'
Couldn't put it down! I'm hooked on the series!
