Commentary/review

Håkan Nesser is not your typical crime fiction writer. His works are erudite and ambitious at the emotional level. They ask valid moral questions. They house the most fascinating characters and workplace dynamics. The Barbarotti series is also strangely wistful, light and funny. Earlier in his writing career, Nesser wrote The Inspector Van Veeteren crime series which was highly addictive and engaging but also very dark. All Nesser’s works are masterfully written and call for a second read. I cannot recall any scene that would look absurd if analyzed in separation. I seriously suspects Nesser may be among the very best crime writers alive today.

The narration is brilliant but the impression of the Polish accent needs polishing. Polish characters are quite frequent in these works.

The covers are not even trying to match, a true sign of a good audiobook series!

Cover Photo by Martin Zeman on Unsplash