This series is SO amazing… In this second installment, Joona Linna finds himself embroiled in yet another mess that he manages to suavely unravel with his usual panache – and his own particular brand of semi-lawless detective work. He has an almost supernatural ability to discern the truth – his particular brand of confidence in his own abilities and instincts is second-to-none. It’s like James Bond in Sweden but in the best possible way.
Without resorting to tricks or gadgets, he manages to know just when to trust his gut, to strike out on his own, or to ask for help from any- and everyone who might help, regardless of their circumstances, situation, or (frankly) desire to help. He’s a fantastic protagonist, and Sweden needs him to be – his world is a dark and horrifying one, populated by depravity, fear, horror, and exceptional violence. Fortunately he has managed to cobble together a small cadre of trusted compatriots who share his desire for justice even when it comes at the cost of lawless activity… In the end Joona ALWAYS figures it out, and watching how he does so is an incredible exercise in judgment, deduction, and leg work. If I were lost, Joona Linna is who I would want set to the task of finding me… Missing people, confusing motives, contradictory evidence – none of it flusters him in the slightest. With the patience of a saint, he untangles the knots and is utterly unstoppable once he has the predator in his sights.
I loved the introduction of Saga Bauer – she is a fantastic addition to the series and her character (almost a female Joona) added a nice tangy depth to an already incredibly rich series. Despite the horrific nature of the violence (sexual, psychological, physical – nothing is off limits in these stories), the marvelous pacing and story-craft on hand are so strongly compelling that I cannot wait to read the next book as soon as I finish one!
Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy.
[…] read this one first in the Joona Linna series. I wrote the review earlier than any of the others, which is why if you follow my reviews some of it will seem odd – it was written last year […]
[…] you missed them, I have reviewed two of these already – The Nightmare and The Sandman. I read them out of order – which I never do, but it was actually alright in […]