Jakob Melander

This first book in the series introduces us to Lars Winkler. Lars isn’t perfect. He’s a loner… a father… a former squatter… and a drug addict. In spite of this he is the most dedicated detective in Copenhagen. At first I wondered if this was the “most dedicated” in the police force…what in the name of everything holy was the rest of them??? Lars wants to get his life back together. He’s not totally drug free but he’s working on it hoping to be a better father for his 16 year old daughter, Maria. His chief thinks that the less time Lars has on his hands the less likely he is to not go back to the way his life was…so he puts Lars on the case and lets him run with it. The story line is solid and easy to follow. The murder case is complex and really not predictable as some are. In whole this masterfully crafted story that makes the reader want more of.… (más)

3.5 stars

Grisly but well written story of Danish detective trying to track down a serial rapist while the rest of his department is after a serial killer in Copenhagen. Subplots include building his relationship with his 16 year old daughter after his wife left him for a colleague. Chapters alternate between the present & the horrific story of a family harbouring an allied soldier in their basement during the final days of WWII.
Eventually the tie between the 2 narratives becomes clear but it's a bit confusing for the first half. This is not an author who spoon feeds his readers & you need to pay attention to figure it out.The MC is a train wreck but still a sympathetic & interesting character.
As an aside, this is one of the best translations I've read. None of the stilted dialogue or awkward phrasing found in so many books translated for the North American market. I'll definitely be looking for the next instalment.… (más)