Henning Mankell's series of ten Kurt Wallander mystery novels have been internationally regarded as impressive creations in crime fiction. Surprisingly, I had never read one - after seeing a TV version where Wallander was portrayed by Kenneth Branagh I wasn't interested. This novel however, stands outside the series proper, being first commissioned for a reading promotion in Holland, Mankell resurrected it years later in this novella form. Chronologically, it fits in as the second to last of the Wallander novels, just before The Troubled Man.
Kurt Wallander is older now, near the end of his career, having worked longer than anyone else in the Ystad CID. Thinking of buying a house in the country, his longtime co-worker Martinson suggests a relative's house, and after viewing it Wallander discovers a skeletal hand protruding out of the backyard soil. Forensics suggest it was a woman and further digging presents a male skeleton in a shallow grave. The house sale is off. Resources into cold cases seemingly without leads are few, but Wallander, his police woman daughter Linda, and Martinson begin the search. Their deaths over 60 years old, it will take patience and honed instinct to reveal who they were and how they died.
Unlike many Nordic crime novels, this had no tension or graphic violence. It was character centred around a small group, most of whom are curt and concise with habits that will never change - a question that wasn't asked is a question that didn't need an answer, and many queries people don't understand are met with responses like "You will if you stop interrupting me". My view of Wallander as a curmudgeon was tempered as I learned more about him and his fellow officers. He would like things done the proper way, taking his time and listening to all the evidence, even if only to discern what is not relevant. Coming into the character at the end of his career was a good place to start, as he is looking back over the series and offering an overview.
Writing like this is deceptive as the intricate plotting and character development skills of a seasoned writer are masterfully hidden from the reader in what seems a light novella. Described by some as characteristically melancholy, if this is the tone of the series I look forward to delving in from the beginning. This is also a treat for series fans, coming out after the final novel was published - one more look at the characters as there will be no more Wallander novels.
"She asked no more questions. She knew her father.
He had said all he had to say".
2013 / Tradeback / 169 pages
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