Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell - B

I enjoy reading series when I find an author that "spins good yarns" and utilizes interesting characters.  I am one of those geeky readers who has to start from the beginning of a series instead of picking it up midway through.  Of course, some series require a huge commitment.  For instance, I've heard great things about The Wheel of Time series by the late James Oliver Rigney, Jr., (Robert Jordan).  But the series goes on and on and outlasted its author.  Glad I never picked that up--I'm not in a place in my life where I can make THAT kind of commitment.

The Kurt Wallender series by Swedish author, Henning Mankell, is perfect for me.  I borrowed Faceless Killers from the library (as always, with apologies to the author and publisher) in part because I wasn't certain I'd like the series--I wanted a "taste."

Faceless Killers is about a brutal crime in Sweden and the ensuing police investigation, headed by Kurt Wallender.  The novel introduces us to Wallender who, like most compelling fictional spies, investigators and police officers, is a flawed, imperfect character.  Coupled with the stark background of Sweden as the setting, Faceless Killers is not a "by the numbers" mystery.

I will read more Kurt Wallender mysteries.  I will pick up the next in the series when I'm in the mood for a fun read.  However, if you want to read a GREAT novel that takes place in a similar setting, pick up The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon.  Outstanding.

Life long, read and prosper.  We'll leave the light on for you.