The Keeper of Lost Causes
by Jussi Adler-Olsen
by Jussi Adler-Olsen
The publisher review said that this series is reminiscent of the Stieg Larsson's "The Girl Who..." series. I agree that there are descriptions of grittiness and physical abuse that are vivid and disturbing. This book is not for the faint of heart.
But is is also well written with interesting characters. The lead character is Morck, a recently injured detective, who had one comrade die and another paralyzed in the same incident. He struggles with guilt that he should have prevented the attack, and he no longer cares about the job he has always been motivated to do well. His supervisor does not know what to do with him when he returns, and, sees an opportunity to receive more funding for his department by setting up Morck as a one man department of cold cases.
His first case seems a dead end from the beginning, but step by step, little glimpses of a different conclusion begin to emerge. He is able to hire a janitor/assistant who is Arabic in heritage and mysterious by nature. Where is he from? What kind of work has he done in the past? Whatever his past, he clearly has skills for charming people, whereas Morck seems able to only alienate others.
As they stumble around trying to piece together clues, there are flashbacks to the situation they are investigating. I will say no more so as to not spoil the story for others.
Though gruesome at times, the narrative is also touching, interesting, funny, and intense. If you enjoy stories set in another culture, with complex characters and enough stress to bring on agita, this book is for you.
But is is also well written with interesting characters. The lead character is Morck, a recently injured detective, who had one comrade die and another paralyzed in the same incident. He struggles with guilt that he should have prevented the attack, and he no longer cares about the job he has always been motivated to do well. His supervisor does not know what to do with him when he returns, and, sees an opportunity to receive more funding for his department by setting up Morck as a one man department of cold cases.
His first case seems a dead end from the beginning, but step by step, little glimpses of a different conclusion begin to emerge. He is able to hire a janitor/assistant who is Arabic in heritage and mysterious by nature. Where is he from? What kind of work has he done in the past? Whatever his past, he clearly has skills for charming people, whereas Morck seems able to only alienate others.
As they stumble around trying to piece together clues, there are flashbacks to the situation they are investigating. I will say no more so as to not spoil the story for others.
Though gruesome at times, the narrative is also touching, interesting, funny, and intense. If you enjoy stories set in another culture, with complex characters and enough stress to bring on agita, this book is for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I invite you to sit and have a cuppa tea with me. I welcome your perspective, but please express yourself without being abusive, using curse words, or promoting hate or discrimination. Thank you.