Overall 4.25/5
Detective story set in Sweden
Crime
Before the Frost by Henning Mankell (translated by Ebba Segerberg) once again features the disgruntled detective, Kurt Wallander, this time with his equally tetchy daughter, Linda (who has had a minor role in previous novels). Wallander is approaching retirement and Linda is currently staying with him, biding her time as she waits for her official starting date at the same Police station where Wallander works.
When Linda’s old friend doesn’t show up for a coffee date, she becomes convinced something is wrong but Wallander is not persuaded. Shortly thereafter, there’s a murder: a woman whose name Linda finds in Anna’s journal, which adds to her concern for her friend. Meanwhile, the Ystad Police are trying to cope with a string of gruesome incidents instigated by a group of religious extremists.
When it seems possible there might be a connection between the incidents and Linda’s friend, Wallander invites her onto the investigation as an observer. Linda is eager to benefit from her father’s experience but they soon get on each other’s nerves, which ultimately puts them at odds professionally. Linda, however, is just as keen an observer and gung-ho as Wallander and soon ends up entangled in the investigation.
Before the Frost seems to begin slowly but before you know it you are completely engrossed in the unfolding drama. The exploration of the father-daughter relationship also adds a compelling layer. Highly recommended.
Running Chook Books 