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Detective Varg #1
The Department of Sensitive Crimes
The Department of Sensitive Crimes is Scandinavian Blanc, vastly different from Scandinavian Noir. There is nothing noir about the world of Ulf Varg, Detective Inspector in the Sensitive Crimes Department of the Criminal Investigation Authority for the city of Malmö, Sweden. Ulf is concerned with odd, but not too threatening crimes, such as a stab wound to the back of the knee caused by an unknown hand, young women who allow their desperation for a boyfriend to get the better of them, and peculiar goings-on in a spa on Sweden's south coast.
Of course, Ulf is a Swedish detective, and Swedish detectives, by convention, lead lives beset with problems of one sort or another. For a start, there is his name: Ulf means “wolf” in modern Swedish, and Varg derives from the Old Norse word for “wolf”. But his character is far from vulpine: Ulf is a sympathetic, well-educated, and likeable man, with a knowledge of and interest in Scandinavian- and modern art. He has a dog named Marten, the only dog in Sweden capable of lip-reading (but only in Swedish). Martin becomes depressed and needs treatment. Dogs in Sweden are apparently particularly prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). But this is summer—so there must be something else going on.
Ulf has a number of colleagues into whose lives we gain insight. There is Anna, married to an anaesthetist, but very fond of Ulf; Erik, whose sole interest is fishing; Carl, whose father is a famous Lutheran theologian who has written a book on Danish philosopher Kierkegaard; then there is Blomquist from the uniformed branch, who goes on and on about his health problems but seems to have extraordinary luck in investigations. There is also Ulf's psychotherapist, Dr. Svensson, whose observations on Ulf's life—and many other topics—enlightens...or possibly confuses.
The Department of Sensitive Crimes is the first full-length novel in the Detective Varg series.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2019
2025 people are currently reading
10351 people want to read
About the author
Alexander McCall Smith
658 books12.6k followersAlexander McCall Smith is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie Series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit him online at www.alexandermccallsmith.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,909 reviews
February 12, 2019
A strange little book, not unenjoyable, just a bit bizarre. We follow along with detective Ulf Varg and his team at the Department Of Sensitive Crimes in Sweden as they try to solve some curious cases, including a stabbing in the back of the knee and the disappearance of an imaginary boyfriend. Witty and full of eccentric characters, I found myself chuckling a couple of times. I was amused by the quirkiness of both the characters and the storyline. I'm still sitting here shaking my head at what I just read, but at the same time it was oddly appealing and I would definitely read more from this author.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2019
Please note that I am already one of this author's biggest fans!
Another new series by Alexander McCall Smith and it starts well. He tries something slightly different this time and takes a gentle poke at the crime genre, specifically Nordic Noir. There is nothing dark in this book at all as Detective Varg and his odd team attempt to solve a series of "sensitive" crimes. Most of the characters are like the author himself and they ramble at length and philosophise on anything at the drop of a hat.
Varg is a sympathetic and very likeable character but he is not yet in the same league as Isabel Dalhousie, Mma Ramotswe or even little Bertie. I cannot remember now whether those characters appeared fully formed in their first outing or if they developed as they went along, but I will be very happy to see more of Ulf Varg and get to know him better.
A very enjoyable book as long as you like this kind of thing - quirky, thoughtful and character driven. A detective novel with scarcely an angry word and certainly no nasty stuff:)
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Another new series by Alexander McCall Smith and it starts well. He tries something slightly different this time and takes a gentle poke at the crime genre, specifically Nordic Noir. There is nothing dark in this book at all as Detective Varg and his odd team attempt to solve a series of "sensitive" crimes. Most of the characters are like the author himself and they ramble at length and philosophise on anything at the drop of a hat.
Varg is a sympathetic and very likeable character but he is not yet in the same league as Isabel Dalhousie, Mma Ramotswe or even little Bertie. I cannot remember now whether those characters appeared fully formed in their first outing or if they developed as they went along, but I will be very happy to see more of Ulf Varg and get to know him better.
A very enjoyable book as long as you like this kind of thing - quirky, thoughtful and character driven. A detective novel with scarcely an angry word and certainly no nasty stuff:)
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 24, 2020
The Department of Sensitive Crimes introduces us to detective Ulf Varg and his team, who are called upon to handle cases that are deemed too unusual or strange for the regular police force. This book contains three of those cases: a man stabbed in the back of the knee, a missing imaginary boyfriend, and a werewolf frightening guests at a spa. In between, we are treated to details about Varg and his teammates, and also his dog Martin.
At first, I found the storytelling style to be a bit disjointed and unusual, but I soon got used to it, and it won me over. I wouldn't say the three mysteries fit the mold of traditional mysteries. They are more like strange happenings that had reasonable explanations, which the detectives sussed out. Of the three cases, the missing imaginary boyfriend was definitely my favorite for how curious and surprising the whole thing was.
Interspersed among the cases were are lots of humorous and sometimes irreverent observations and tidbits, which just added to the quirky atmosphere. Going in, I wasn't sure if this would be my type of book, but I definitely enjoyed it. If you're looking for something a bit off the beaten path of mysteries, I think this would be a fun one to try.
At first, I found the storytelling style to be a bit disjointed and unusual, but I soon got used to it, and it won me over. I wouldn't say the three mysteries fit the mold of traditional mysteries. They are more like strange happenings that had reasonable explanations, which the detectives sussed out. Of the three cases, the missing imaginary boyfriend was definitely my favorite for how curious and surprising the whole thing was.
Interspersed among the cases were are lots of humorous and sometimes irreverent observations and tidbits, which just added to the quirky atmosphere. Going in, I wasn't sure if this would be my type of book, but I definitely enjoyed it. If you're looking for something a bit off the beaten path of mysteries, I think this would be a fun one to try.
April 14, 2019
A light and gentle read with McCall Smith's signature warmth and homespun philosophy. None of the 'sensitive' crimes passed on to the Department are very serious but are thoughtfully handled and resolved by Detective Varg, who is a master of understanding human nature.
I'm a big fan of the author's No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and 44 Scotland Street but this one doesn't have quite the same appeal to me, being somewhat slower and more reflective. However, McCall Smith's books have a habit of creeping up on you and perhaps given time and some more interesting crimes this has the potential to become a favourite too.
With thanks to Netgalley and Hachette for a digital ARC to read.
I'm a big fan of the author's No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and 44 Scotland Street but this one doesn't have quite the same appeal to me, being somewhat slower and more reflective. However, McCall Smith's books have a habit of creeping up on you and perhaps given time and some more interesting crimes this has the potential to become a favourite too.
With thanks to Netgalley and Hachette for a digital ARC to read.
February 2, 2019
The Department of Sensitive Crimes was an unusual police department. Run by head detective Ulf Varg, with Anna, Erik and Carl as his off siders, Ulf found himself working more with Anna than the others. But the crimes were passed on to them from other departments because of their sensitive natures.
With the combination of a low-level stabbing, a missing imaginary friend then a missing real friend (or was she?) as just the start, plus Ulf’s dog Martin being treated for depression – it really was a strange and uncanny series of cases. But would Ulf and his team find the culprits? Would Martin overcome his depression? And would the feelings he was developing for Anna stay buried?
The Department of Sensitive Crimes is the 1st in the Detective Varg series, by Alexander McCall Smith, well known and much-loved author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. It was certainly different; a quick, light-hearted read (with a lot of rambling off-topic) – I’m keen to see what the 2nd in the series will be like. Recommended.
(I must say the formatting is atrocious, but that’s because it’s an ARC 😊)
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With the combination of a low-level stabbing, a missing imaginary friend then a missing real friend (or was she?) as just the start, plus Ulf’s dog Martin being treated for depression – it really was a strange and uncanny series of cases. But would Ulf and his team find the culprits? Would Martin overcome his depression? And would the feelings he was developing for Anna stay buried?
The Department of Sensitive Crimes is the 1st in the Detective Varg series, by Alexander McCall Smith, well known and much-loved author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. It was certainly different; a quick, light-hearted read (with a lot of rambling off-topic) – I’m keen to see what the 2nd in the series will be like. Recommended.
(I must say the formatting is atrocious, but that’s because it’s an ARC 😊)
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2023
Lett og morsom underholdning.
September 13, 2025
We typically know this author for his Ladies Detective Agency series. He also has the Isabel Dalhousie and 44 Scotland Street and Corduroy Mansions book series, as well other stand-alone books. So, when I saw this one in the local library, I discovered that this series actually has been around since 2013. I guess I haven’t been paying attention!
So, with this series, we have Detective Ulf Varg who is well, odd. He also has a unique pet dog, Marten, who is deaf and can read lips. Yes, you heard me right.
Yes, this is quite the series, which takes place in a fictional, Scandinavian setting. Their cases, well, they are odd, too. A made-up missing boyfriend, paranormal goings on, a market trader who is wounded, but not seriously. And, then all the goings on with everyday life.
The crimes may be insignificant but the people interactions are interesting throughout the book. And, we can’t discount McCall Smith’s sense of humor as we watch Varg and all the other characters interact who are rather quirky, but likable. It is a quick, entertaining, easy read.
Even though this isn’t the first in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But as in all series, it probably is best to start at the beginning.
So, with this series, we have Detective Ulf Varg who is well, odd. He also has a unique pet dog, Marten, who is deaf and can read lips. Yes, you heard me right.
Yes, this is quite the series, which takes place in a fictional, Scandinavian setting. Their cases, well, they are odd, too. A made-up missing boyfriend, paranormal goings on, a market trader who is wounded, but not seriously. And, then all the goings on with everyday life.
The crimes may be insignificant but the people interactions are interesting throughout the book. And, we can’t discount McCall Smith’s sense of humor as we watch Varg and all the other characters interact who are rather quirky, but likable. It is a quick, entertaining, easy read.
Even though this isn’t the first in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But as in all series, it probably is best to start at the beginning.
April 11, 2019
This was a really enjoyable read for me: quick, gentle, light, quirky with pockets of very funny humour.
I've been a fan for some of the stripped-back writing that comes out of Scandinavia, and if the author had chosen a Nordic pen name I would never have suspected it wasn't actually a product of Sweden.
The fact that Alexander McCall Smith promotes this as Scandi Blanc rather than Scandi Noir flagged it a satire I wanted to read.
He gets inside the heads of an array of characters just brilliantly.
I've been a fan for some of the stripped-back writing that comes out of Scandinavia, and if the author had chosen a Nordic pen name I would never have suspected it wasn't actually a product of Sweden.
The fact that Alexander McCall Smith promotes this as Scandi Blanc rather than Scandi Noir flagged it a satire I wanted to read.
He gets inside the heads of an array of characters just brilliantly.
January 12, 2019
I'd never read McCall Smith until now, but this ARC came through work and it piqued my interest. I'm not sure if the issue is that this is the first book in the series and he is trying to establish a lot of character traits, but I found this very self-involved and dull.
There is so much useless dialogue and conversations between the characters. Very little of it is anything more than pedantic small-talk.
I also find it rather self-aggrandizing of Smith to say he's creating a "new genre." Scani-blanc? More like Scandi-blah.
There is so much useless dialogue and conversations between the characters. Very little of it is anything more than pedantic small-talk.
I also find it rather self-aggrandizing of Smith to say he's creating a "new genre." Scani-blanc? More like Scandi-blah.
February 11, 2025
A gentle and enjoyable book. The Number One Ladies Detective Agency remains my favorite series by this author. However, this was interesting and I will put the next one on my to read list.
Favorite quotes:
Regarding aging bikers: "The plumage may say one thing but the spirit says another."
"We never recover from the jealousies and loves of childhood and this may influence the way we see people. Ulf [Varg] knew of feuds that had started in the nursery and ended in the retirement home."
"the hope, the innocence, that background music of childhood."
This is a gloomy perspective but it caught my ears and I thought I would write it down for further examination. "Life is a progression of partings," said the psychotherapist. "One by one, people - and things too - are taken from us. We lose them, they die, they are shown by us to be things of transitory association."
*Update - listening to the audiobook with Simon, 3rd Feb, 2025.
Favorite quotes:
Regarding aging bikers: "The plumage may say one thing but the spirit says another."
"We never recover from the jealousies and loves of childhood and this may influence the way we see people. Ulf [Varg] knew of feuds that had started in the nursery and ended in the retirement home."
"the hope, the innocence, that background music of childhood."
This is a gloomy perspective but it caught my ears and I thought I would write it down for further examination. "Life is a progression of partings," said the psychotherapist. "One by one, people - and things too - are taken from us. We lose them, they die, they are shown by us to be things of transitory association."
*Update - listening to the audiobook with Simon, 3rd Feb, 2025.
March 9, 2019
Nobody writes like Alexander McCall Smith. He has a formula, and this time he's transposed it to Scandinavia where, if fiction coming out in the past 20 years or so is to believed, corruption and mayhem fester around every corner. But with his talent for creating casts of lovable characters, Smith traipses out here in the creation of a department that will handle those quirky cases that need attention, but more serious minded police won't waste time on (after all, they're too busy chasing knife wielding, revengeful maniacs). These are the cases that result in ethical dilemmas, not corpses, and each situation is a sort of morality play and a glimpse into the human condition. Can't wait for the next installment.
April 13, 2019
The Department of Sensitive Crimes is the first full-length novel in the Detective Varg series by popular British author, Alexander McCall-Smith. And he’s having a lend of us, the reader. If that’s not obvious from the title and the characters, then the cases they deal with should confirm it. Those characters, though, do give him enormous scope for insightful observations and wise words.
The DoSC consists of Carl (incredibly conscientious), Erik (obsessed by fishing), Ulf (kind and sensitive and in impossible love with his married colleague), Anna. The annoyingly enthusiastic but less than competent Officer Blomquist also lends a hand. And let’s not forget Martin, Ulf’s deaf, depressed, lip-reading dog, Mrs Hogfors, his neighbour and Dr Svensson, his therapist.
The cases, passed on from Malmö’s Criminal Investigation Authority because they are slightly unusual, are also a rich source of material for philosophical discussion: an unwitnessed stabbing in the back of a knee; a missing boyfriend who’s imaginary; and a possible werewolf. As Ulf and his team carry out their investigations, they are extremely prone to heading off on (often amusing) tangents during questioning. All are successfully resolved, but not without much deep discussion of the behaviours encountered.
McCall Smith’s characters discuss, debate and ponder topics as diverse as imaginary friends, politically correct terminology for small people, the canine environmental footprint, osmotic knowledge, vegan objection to pets and whether the obsessed can be happy.
When Ulf muses on gentlemanly behaviour, it’s very pertinent to the current “me too” cases: “...although he knew that nobody talked about being a gentleman any more, the concept still existed somewhere under the burden of the new language of relationships, the language that stressed self-determination and personal space. That was not all that different from the code of gentlemanly conduct that had previously prevented men from inappropriate conduct in their relations with women. The things that men were now supposed not to do were precisely the things that gentlemen were not meant to do anyway - so what was the difference? Were we simply becoming old-fashioned again, as societies tended to do when they saw the consequences of tearing up the behavioural rule book?”
While it sounds like a crime novel, McCall Smith describes it as Scandi Blanc (as opposed to Scandi Noir) and anyone who is reading his work for the crime aspect has the wrong end of the stick: McCall Smith’s crime books are an exercise in examining human behaviour and the gentle philosophy which that inspires. Delightfully tongue-in-cheek.
The DoSC consists of Carl (incredibly conscientious), Erik (obsessed by fishing), Ulf (kind and sensitive and in impossible love with his married colleague), Anna. The annoyingly enthusiastic but less than competent Officer Blomquist also lends a hand. And let’s not forget Martin, Ulf’s deaf, depressed, lip-reading dog, Mrs Hogfors, his neighbour and Dr Svensson, his therapist.
The cases, passed on from Malmö’s Criminal Investigation Authority because they are slightly unusual, are also a rich source of material for philosophical discussion: an unwitnessed stabbing in the back of a knee; a missing boyfriend who’s imaginary; and a possible werewolf. As Ulf and his team carry out their investigations, they are extremely prone to heading off on (often amusing) tangents during questioning. All are successfully resolved, but not without much deep discussion of the behaviours encountered.
McCall Smith’s characters discuss, debate and ponder topics as diverse as imaginary friends, politically correct terminology for small people, the canine environmental footprint, osmotic knowledge, vegan objection to pets and whether the obsessed can be happy.
When Ulf muses on gentlemanly behaviour, it’s very pertinent to the current “me too” cases: “...although he knew that nobody talked about being a gentleman any more, the concept still existed somewhere under the burden of the new language of relationships, the language that stressed self-determination and personal space. That was not all that different from the code of gentlemanly conduct that had previously prevented men from inappropriate conduct in their relations with women. The things that men were now supposed not to do were precisely the things that gentlemen were not meant to do anyway - so what was the difference? Were we simply becoming old-fashioned again, as societies tended to do when they saw the consequences of tearing up the behavioural rule book?”
While it sounds like a crime novel, McCall Smith describes it as Scandi Blanc (as opposed to Scandi Noir) and anyone who is reading his work for the crime aspect has the wrong end of the stick: McCall Smith’s crime books are an exercise in examining human behaviour and the gentle philosophy which that inspires. Delightfully tongue-in-cheek.
May 8, 2024
Ulf Varg is a member of the Malmo police. He heads The Department of Sensitive Crimes in the Criminal Investigation Authority.
There are matters that require a great degree of attention and discretion that this team must handle. Ulf’s team includes Anna and Carl and Erik and much of the book is taken up with the working relationships among them. There is a policeman, Bloomquist, whose presence is both comic and to advance the plot. I find myself at odds with McCall Smith in his inclusion.
This is the basis for McCall Smith’s novel that touches on human relations, ethics, and the stresses of everyday life.
We get to know something about each member of the team, but the focus is on Ulf, and the police and personal issues that he must understand and respond to appropriately. “Sometimes it was difficult to be as tolerant as he (Ulf) wanted to be; but then, thought Ulf, the whole point about high ideals is that they are high. Being Swedish was not always easy, but you had to do you best, and hope that you didn’t slip and become…well, Mediterranean in outlook. It was so easy, such a beguiling option, to shrug your shoulders and behave as your immediate emotions dictated.”
I have always enjoyed McCall Smith’s storytelling abilities but the plot pieces in this novel never quite came together. I then defaulted to how much I cared about the characters and found that they were never quite as appealing as those in other novels of his that I have read. This is the start of a series that I am unlikely to come back to.
There are matters that require a great degree of attention and discretion that this team must handle. Ulf’s team includes Anna and Carl and Erik and much of the book is taken up with the working relationships among them. There is a policeman, Bloomquist, whose presence is both comic and to advance the plot. I find myself at odds with McCall Smith in his inclusion.
This is the basis for McCall Smith’s novel that touches on human relations, ethics, and the stresses of everyday life.
We get to know something about each member of the team, but the focus is on Ulf, and the police and personal issues that he must understand and respond to appropriately. “Sometimes it was difficult to be as tolerant as he (Ulf) wanted to be; but then, thought Ulf, the whole point about high ideals is that they are high. Being Swedish was not always easy, but you had to do you best, and hope that you didn’t slip and become…well, Mediterranean in outlook. It was so easy, such a beguiling option, to shrug your shoulders and behave as your immediate emotions dictated.”
I have always enjoyed McCall Smith’s storytelling abilities but the plot pieces in this novel never quite came together. I then defaulted to how much I cared about the characters and found that they were never quite as appealing as those in other novels of his that I have read. This is the start of a series that I am unlikely to come back to.
August 22, 2019
I tried, I really, really tried. I love Precious Ramtoswe and Isabel Dalhousie and poor, poor Bertie of 44 Scotland Street. How could I not?
But Detective Ulf Varg of the Department of Sensitive Crimes of Malmö, Sweden’s Police Department has trapped in a novel that appears a cross between Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö’s Kurt Wallender and Seinfeld; the Swedish flavor and conscientious characters are there, but it’s really a novel about nothing. I tried for two hours to get into, but I never, never could shake the sense of boredom. I bought it from Audible, and I returned it this morning.
But Detective Ulf Varg of the Department of Sensitive Crimes of Malmö, Sweden’s Police Department has trapped in a novel that appears a cross between Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö’s Kurt Wallender and Seinfeld; the Swedish flavor and conscientious characters are there, but it’s really a novel about nothing. I tried for two hours to get into, but I never, never could shake the sense of boredom. I bought it from Audible, and I returned it this morning.
May 25, 2019
I firmly believe every avid reader has a list of authors they really, really want to read....but never seem to get around to actually picking up a book. I know I'm guilty of this. I could probably list at least 10 writers that intrigue me and really want to read their work, but I'm drowning in the ocean of my TBR and never seem to get to that list of new-to-me writers.
Alexander McCall Smith is on that list. For years, I have heard about his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books, but have just never gotten around to actually reading the series. I even bought the first book. It still languishes on my bookshelf, waiting for some love. And, while I have been swimming in my TBR, the series has blossomed to 20 books. Sigh. I feel like the debutante who is always late to the ball.
Just when I was wondering if I would ever actually read anything by this author, a strange bright red cover caught my eye. The Department of Sensitive Crimes. After I read the blurb, I knew I was finally going to finally read Alexander McCall Smith. A tongue in cheek, humorous book about a Swedish police department that handles unusual and strange cases. How could I resist? TBR list be damned.....this book jumped line right to the top.
Peppered with anecdotes about the mental health of dogs, fly fishing, the psychology of imaginary friends, and even the supernatural, this book was incredibly fun and enjoyable! It was like Harry Hole with much less blood, alcohol and death.
This book is unusual. The story is convoluted, oftentimes absurd...but INCREDIBLE. I listened to the audio book and had the best time! I'm sure my neighbors wondered why I was digging in my garden and laughing. Detective Ulf Varg and his co-workers were great company while I was grubbing out nefarious weeds.
The story winds its way through three cases....a stabbing, a disappearance, and some strange goings on. Ulf and his fellow investigators take their job quite seriously and work to unravel the truth in each case. For me, I saw this as a more realistic depiction of law enforcement than the more exciting thriller-suspense stories. Cops do a lot of paperwork, phone calls, research....it isn't all excitement. And most cases are mundane, or just interesting, rather than exciting.
Sometimes it is refreshing to read a book that brings a smile. This book was a nice bit of brain candy for me. Loved it! It is well-written, amusing, and enjoyable. This is NOT a detective thriller.....don't expect gun play, fast-paced excitement and a hard investigation. This book is about the characters, about humanity and the absurdities that happen in life.
The audio book is narrated by David Rintoul and runs just over 7 hours. Rintoul has a nice voice and gave a superb performance. I have hearing loss, but was easily able to hear and understand the entire book.
I officially love Alexander McCall Smith. And I'm going to read The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency ASAP. I'm sorry I waited so long!
Alexander McCall Smith is on that list. For years, I have heard about his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books, but have just never gotten around to actually reading the series. I even bought the first book. It still languishes on my bookshelf, waiting for some love. And, while I have been swimming in my TBR, the series has blossomed to 20 books. Sigh. I feel like the debutante who is always late to the ball.
Just when I was wondering if I would ever actually read anything by this author, a strange bright red cover caught my eye. The Department of Sensitive Crimes. After I read the blurb, I knew I was finally going to finally read Alexander McCall Smith. A tongue in cheek, humorous book about a Swedish police department that handles unusual and strange cases. How could I resist? TBR list be damned.....this book jumped line right to the top.
Peppered with anecdotes about the mental health of dogs, fly fishing, the psychology of imaginary friends, and even the supernatural, this book was incredibly fun and enjoyable! It was like Harry Hole with much less blood, alcohol and death.
This book is unusual. The story is convoluted, oftentimes absurd...but INCREDIBLE. I listened to the audio book and had the best time! I'm sure my neighbors wondered why I was digging in my garden and laughing. Detective Ulf Varg and his co-workers were great company while I was grubbing out nefarious weeds.
The story winds its way through three cases....a stabbing, a disappearance, and some strange goings on. Ulf and his fellow investigators take their job quite seriously and work to unravel the truth in each case. For me, I saw this as a more realistic depiction of law enforcement than the more exciting thriller-suspense stories. Cops do a lot of paperwork, phone calls, research....it isn't all excitement. And most cases are mundane, or just interesting, rather than exciting.
Sometimes it is refreshing to read a book that brings a smile. This book was a nice bit of brain candy for me. Loved it! It is well-written, amusing, and enjoyable. This is NOT a detective thriller.....don't expect gun play, fast-paced excitement and a hard investigation. This book is about the characters, about humanity and the absurdities that happen in life.
The audio book is narrated by David Rintoul and runs just over 7 hours. Rintoul has a nice voice and gave a superb performance. I have hearing loss, but was easily able to hear and understand the entire book.
I officially love Alexander McCall Smith. And I'm going to read The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency ASAP. I'm sorry I waited so long!
February 26, 2019
McCall Smith for me is a little bit like James Patterson; no matter how many different series they create you always know when you are reading one. They both have a bit f a unique style you can instantly recognise. With Smith we have quirky characters and gentle crime. Ok in the first story someone gets stabbed in the leg but it's still not as dark as other authors.
I'm not sure about sensitive but the crimes are definitely different and intriguing. If anything they are all solved a little bit too fast and I would have liked a longer book but again that is not Smiths style.
It's a quick, not too fussy read but for me now I want something more. A thumbs in the middle this time
I'm not sure about sensitive but the crimes are definitely different and intriguing. If anything they are all solved a little bit too fast and I would have liked a longer book but again that is not Smiths style.
It's a quick, not too fussy read but for me now I want something more. A thumbs in the middle this time
May 10, 2019
Smith, who first came to my notice writing gentle mysteries about a traditionally sized Botswanan lady detective, now turns his hand to one of my favorite genres: Scandinavian crime thrillers! Much more my speed, too, as there are no grisly murders here! No, there's a quickly solved non-lethal stabbing, a missing boyfriend who may not be real, and a possible . . . werewolf?
All the crimes are soon solved, and there's no great sense of urgency. But, as with the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books, there is plenty of time for philosophical dialogue between colleagues, and in this series: ruminations on how good it is to be Swedish, and how great dogs are!
All the crimes are soon solved, and there's no great sense of urgency. But, as with the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books, there is plenty of time for philosophical dialogue between colleagues, and in this series: ruminations on how good it is to be Swedish, and how great dogs are!
June 7, 2020
I am in a happy place having just finished reading this first of the Ulf Varg adventures in Malmo, detective in The Department of Sensitive Crimes. I had read the prequel and number 2 books prior to this one so am happy to have gotten the full picture from the beginning.
I laughed heartily many times in the reading of this book and I know I will do so when I read the book again in the future as this author definitely knows how to tickle my funny bone. Now that's an idiom that may or may not be polite, but I am too happy to care.
I can only now look forward to the third book.
I laughed heartily many times in the reading of this book and I know I will do so when I read the book again in the future as this author definitely knows how to tickle my funny bone. Now that's an idiom that may or may not be polite, but I am too happy to care.
I can only now look forward to the third book.
December 21, 2018
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the advance copy of this delightful, lighthearted book. Alexander McCall Smith is one of my favourite writers. I have read all of his Ladies No.1 Detective Agency and the 44 Scotland Street series, and many of his other books. I hope this will be the start of another ongoing series.
When you think of Swedish police investigations and mysteries, the popular Scandinavian-Noir genre comes to mind with its dark and disturbing tales. This is a gentler, more relaxing book which covers unusual, even insignificant crimes. To work as a detective in the Department of Sensitive Crimes is considered a step up for some members of the regular police force, but you get the idea that the mysteries are often passed on to the Sensitive Crimes branch when the police force considers them unimportant and not worth the bother.
The author has great insight into human nature, and his stories contain much wit and wisdom and a philosophy of values to ponder. There is sly humour and a cast of idiosyncratic characters, and patience and goodness in this detective agency.
Detective Varg is morose and dejected as a result of his wife leaving him for a hypnotist. However, he finds himself developing strong feelings for Anna, a married colleague. These feelings seem to be returned, but neither will act or even speak of it since it is against their morals. They do have a good working partnership. Also, there is Carl who works the longest hours in the office but never seems to be included in investigations and Erik whose mind is mostly on fly fishing and constructing fishing lures at his desk. Most annoying to Varg is Blomquist, a local policeman who gets drawn into his crime-solving activities. He is very opinionated and talks continuously about mundane matters and feels he is always right. He is jealous of those working in the Department of Sensitive Crimes and wants to work there.
The first crime investigation concerns the reason a business owner was stabbed in the back of his knee. Then a young woman’s imaginary boyfriend is reported missing and some suspect she murdered him. The third case is a confidential one, assigned by the reclusive Police Commissioner. A relative’s spa has lost much business due to a possible werewolf frightening customers at night.
I hope there will be more books in the series. I want to learn more about the detectives and their sparkling, thought-provoking conversations, as well as their crime investigations on the lighter side of Sweden.
When you think of Swedish police investigations and mysteries, the popular Scandinavian-Noir genre comes to mind with its dark and disturbing tales. This is a gentler, more relaxing book which covers unusual, even insignificant crimes. To work as a detective in the Department of Sensitive Crimes is considered a step up for some members of the regular police force, but you get the idea that the mysteries are often passed on to the Sensitive Crimes branch when the police force considers them unimportant and not worth the bother.
The author has great insight into human nature, and his stories contain much wit and wisdom and a philosophy of values to ponder. There is sly humour and a cast of idiosyncratic characters, and patience and goodness in this detective agency.
Detective Varg is morose and dejected as a result of his wife leaving him for a hypnotist. However, he finds himself developing strong feelings for Anna, a married colleague. These feelings seem to be returned, but neither will act or even speak of it since it is against their morals. They do have a good working partnership. Also, there is Carl who works the longest hours in the office but never seems to be included in investigations and Erik whose mind is mostly on fly fishing and constructing fishing lures at his desk. Most annoying to Varg is Blomquist, a local policeman who gets drawn into his crime-solving activities. He is very opinionated and talks continuously about mundane matters and feels he is always right. He is jealous of those working in the Department of Sensitive Crimes and wants to work there.
The first crime investigation concerns the reason a business owner was stabbed in the back of his knee. Then a young woman’s imaginary boyfriend is reported missing and some suspect she murdered him. The third case is a confidential one, assigned by the reclusive Police Commissioner. A relative’s spa has lost much business due to a possible werewolf frightening customers at night.
I hope there will be more books in the series. I want to learn more about the detectives and their sparkling, thought-provoking conversations, as well as their crime investigations on the lighter side of Sweden.
February 9, 2020
The Department of Sensitive Crimes is the first full-length novel in the Detective Varg series by popular British author, Alexander McCall-Smith. And he’s having a lend of us, the reader. If that’s not obvious from the title and the characters, then the cases they deal with should confirm it. Those characters, though, do give him enormous scope for insightful observations and wise words.
The DoSC consists of Carl (incredibly conscientious), Erik (obsessed by fishing), Ulf (kind and sensitive and in impossible love with his married colleague), Anna. The annoyingly enthusiastic but less than competent Officer Blomquist also lends a hand. And let’s not forget Martin, Ulf’s deaf, depressed, lip-reading dog, Mrs Hogfors, his neighbour and Dr Svensson, his therapist.
The cases, passed on from Malmö’s Criminal Investigation Authority because they are slightly unusual, are also a rich source of material for philosophical discussion: an unwitnessed stabbing in the back of a knee; a missing boyfriend who’s imaginary; and a possible werewolf. As Ulf and his team carry out their investigations, they are extremely prone to heading off on (often amusing) tangents during questioning. All are successfully resolved, but not without much deep discussion of the behaviours encountered.
McCall Smith’s characters discuss, debate and ponder topics as diverse as imaginary friends, politically correct terminology for small people, the canine environmental footprint, osmotic knowledge, vegan objection to pets and whether the obsessed can be happy.
When Ulf muses on gentlemanly behaviour, it’s very pertinent to the current “me too” cases: “...although he knew that nobody talked about being a gentleman any more, the concept still existed somewhere under the burden of the new language of relationships, the language that stressed self-determination and personal space. That was not all that different from the code of gentlemanly conduct that had previously prevented men from inappropriate conduct in their relations with women. The things that men were now supposed not to do were precisely the things that gentlemen were not meant to do anyway - so what was the difference? Were we simply becoming old-fashioned again, as societies tended to do when they saw the consequences of tearing up the behavioural rule book?”
While it sounds like a crime novel, McCall Smith describes it as Scandi Blanc (as opposed to Scandi Noir) and anyone who is reading his work for the crime aspect has the wrong end of the stick: McCall Smith’s crime books are an exercise in examining human behaviour and the gentle philosophy which that inspires. Delightfully tongue-in-cheek.
The Bolinda Audio version is expertly narrated by Saul Reichlin.
The DoSC consists of Carl (incredibly conscientious), Erik (obsessed by fishing), Ulf (kind and sensitive and in impossible love with his married colleague), Anna. The annoyingly enthusiastic but less than competent Officer Blomquist also lends a hand. And let’s not forget Martin, Ulf’s deaf, depressed, lip-reading dog, Mrs Hogfors, his neighbour and Dr Svensson, his therapist.
The cases, passed on from Malmö’s Criminal Investigation Authority because they are slightly unusual, are also a rich source of material for philosophical discussion: an unwitnessed stabbing in the back of a knee; a missing boyfriend who’s imaginary; and a possible werewolf. As Ulf and his team carry out their investigations, they are extremely prone to heading off on (often amusing) tangents during questioning. All are successfully resolved, but not without much deep discussion of the behaviours encountered.
McCall Smith’s characters discuss, debate and ponder topics as diverse as imaginary friends, politically correct terminology for small people, the canine environmental footprint, osmotic knowledge, vegan objection to pets and whether the obsessed can be happy.
When Ulf muses on gentlemanly behaviour, it’s very pertinent to the current “me too” cases: “...although he knew that nobody talked about being a gentleman any more, the concept still existed somewhere under the burden of the new language of relationships, the language that stressed self-determination and personal space. That was not all that different from the code of gentlemanly conduct that had previously prevented men from inappropriate conduct in their relations with women. The things that men were now supposed not to do were precisely the things that gentlemen were not meant to do anyway - so what was the difference? Were we simply becoming old-fashioned again, as societies tended to do when they saw the consequences of tearing up the behavioural rule book?”
While it sounds like a crime novel, McCall Smith describes it as Scandi Blanc (as opposed to Scandi Noir) and anyone who is reading his work for the crime aspect has the wrong end of the stick: McCall Smith’s crime books are an exercise in examining human behaviour and the gentle philosophy which that inspires. Delightfully tongue-in-cheek.
The Bolinda Audio version is expertly narrated by Saul Reichlin.
February 3, 2019
I'm more of a dabbler than a hardcore fan of this author (although I do have a favourite series - Isabel Dalhousie), but when I found out he was turning his hand to Scandi-crime I couldn't resist. While this was a good, short read, overall I have to say I could take it or leave it.
Detective Ulf Varg is the nominal head of the Department of Sensitive Crimes, an offshoot of the Malmö Police Department in southern Sweden. When the police can't work out what to do with their more unusual cases, they refer them on to Ulf and his small team. Sometimes they are very busy, and at other times ... they can be found at the café across the road. In this book the team tackles 3 sensitive crimes, although in fact perhaps only the first one is an actual crime in the legal sense.
I guess in this first book the author is focused more on establishing his major characters and setting the tone for the series. It is successful in that regard. But for me the plot didn't hold a lot of interest. The crimes were a bit weird (not due to their sensitivity, I might add!). The second one - by far the biggest chunk of the book - seemed unresolved. Then when the third started to veer into the paranormal I began to question the author's intent. "This is ridiculous," said Ulf - and I had to agree.
Detective Varg is a great character, and I think this series has potential. I can imagine checking back in at a later point to see how it develops, but I won't rush.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for a copy to read and review.
Detective Ulf Varg is the nominal head of the Department of Sensitive Crimes, an offshoot of the Malmö Police Department in southern Sweden. When the police can't work out what to do with their more unusual cases, they refer them on to Ulf and his small team. Sometimes they are very busy, and at other times ... they can be found at the café across the road. In this book the team tackles 3 sensitive crimes, although in fact perhaps only the first one is an actual crime in the legal sense.
I guess in this first book the author is focused more on establishing his major characters and setting the tone for the series. It is successful in that regard. But for me the plot didn't hold a lot of interest. The crimes were a bit weird (not due to their sensitivity, I might add!). The second one - by far the biggest chunk of the book - seemed unresolved. Then when the third started to veer into the paranormal I began to question the author's intent. "This is ridiculous," said Ulf - and I had to agree.
Detective Varg is a great character, and I think this series has potential. I can imagine checking back in at a later point to see how it develops, but I won't rush.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for a copy to read and review.
February 17, 2023
Digital audiobook narrated by David Rintoul
From the book jacket: In Malmo, Sweden, the dedicated detectives who investigate “special” cases are members of an elite squad known as the Sensitive Crimes Division. The first case: a man stabbed in the back of the knee. Next: a young woman’s imaginary boyfriend goes missing. And in the final investigation: eerie secrets that are revealed under a full moon may not seem so supernatural in the light of day. No case is too unusual, too complicated, or too, well, insignificant for this squad to solve.
My reactions:
Gosh, but I enjoy visiting with Alexander McCall Smith’s characters! This is somewhat of a farce of police procedurals. Detective Ulf “the Wolf” Varg and his team certainly have “interesting” cases. He is the head of this unit but is ably assisted by Anna Bengtsdotter (who loves Varg’s car … and possibly Varg, himself), Carl Holgersson (who actually likes to complete paperwork … go figure), and Erik Nykvist (who seems more interested in fly fishing than detecting). There is no case too strange or confusing for this team. I particularly liked the case of the missing imaginary boyfriend!
David Rintoul does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. He brings these characters to life and strikes just the right balance between seriousness and tongue-in-cheek commentary.
From the book jacket: In Malmo, Sweden, the dedicated detectives who investigate “special” cases are members of an elite squad known as the Sensitive Crimes Division. The first case: a man stabbed in the back of the knee. Next: a young woman’s imaginary boyfriend goes missing. And in the final investigation: eerie secrets that are revealed under a full moon may not seem so supernatural in the light of day. No case is too unusual, too complicated, or too, well, insignificant for this squad to solve.
My reactions:
Gosh, but I enjoy visiting with Alexander McCall Smith’s characters! This is somewhat of a farce of police procedurals. Detective Ulf “the Wolf” Varg and his team certainly have “interesting” cases. He is the head of this unit but is ably assisted by Anna Bengtsdotter (who loves Varg’s car … and possibly Varg, himself), Carl Holgersson (who actually likes to complete paperwork … go figure), and Erik Nykvist (who seems more interested in fly fishing than detecting). There is no case too strange or confusing for this team. I particularly liked the case of the missing imaginary boyfriend!
David Rintoul does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. He brings these characters to life and strikes just the right balance between seriousness and tongue-in-cheek commentary.
April 18, 2022
I was disappointed in this book after enjoying the author's previous series featuring Mma Ramotse. This first book in the Inspector Varg series is based in Sweden and I'm not quite sure what it's supposed to be about.
The mystery/police part of the story is very flat; the purpose of the Department of Sensitive Crimes where Varg works is never fully explained and the 'crimes' that Varg and his team are investigating seem to amount to nothing more than wasting police time. Hardly worth mentioning in my opinion.
Maybe the book is about showcasing the main character, Varg, but, if that is the case, we learn early on that he is depressed about being separated from his wife and living a solitary life with his equally depressed dog and that's more or less it.
I found the book to be an average read with nothing much to say. I'm not sure I'd bother reading any of the rest of the series.
The mystery/police part of the story is very flat; the purpose of the Department of Sensitive Crimes where Varg works is never fully explained and the 'crimes' that Varg and his team are investigating seem to amount to nothing more than wasting police time. Hardly worth mentioning in my opinion.
Maybe the book is about showcasing the main character, Varg, but, if that is the case, we learn early on that he is depressed about being separated from his wife and living a solitary life with his equally depressed dog and that's more or less it.
I found the book to be an average read with nothing much to say. I'm not sure I'd bother reading any of the rest of the series.
June 13, 2019
I liked this first novel in AMS's new series, but I didn't love it. I read it off and on between other more pressing reads, so maybe I didn't give it the best chance, but it was just OK for me. I'll definitely try the next book, and see how it goes.
I know that series can often start out OK and then they get better as they go, like his Number One Ladies Detective series. So we'll see. I did enjoy the audiobook narration. I also like the new Swedish setting, which in my experience is new for his work. I'll be curious to see where this goes.
I know that series can often start out OK and then they get better as they go, like his Number One Ladies Detective series. So we'll see. I did enjoy the audiobook narration. I also like the new Swedish setting, which in my experience is new for his work. I'll be curious to see where this goes.
May 29, 2019
As much as I have enjoyed a number of his books, I just could not get into this one. Blah. Nothing awful, just blah. So relieved to be finished with it. I’ll not be continuing this series and probably won’t recommend it to anyone.
March 18, 2019
~ 3.5 ~ but rounding it up because it's the first in a series and because it was just so darn cute.
As a long-time fan of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, I was really excited to read the first installment of Alexander McCall Smith’s new Detective Varg series. The blurbs for this “Scandi blanc” novel were hilarious so I was ready for more cheerful, detective fun. On this, the book definitely delivered. It was absolutely delightful.
The Department of Sensitive Crimes was a unique take on the ever popular genre of Nordic Noir, bringing a lot of light heartedness to a usually quite dark realm of fiction. I liked the characters, I liked the quirky cases, and it was a quick, fun read which is what I usually expect from the author’s books. He’s certainly got a winning formula.
In terms of feeling particularly Swedish, though, it felt more like I was just reading more of the No. 1 Ladies series. Nothing about this made it feel very Swedish and to be honest, the way most of the characters spoke and thought was very similar to those in the Botswana based books. I have to wonder if that really is how people go about things in Sweden or if the author decided to stick with personality traits that have already worked for him. Because of this, the cases seemed to get solved pretty quickly and without any actual proof. It seemed a bit like “This is probably what happened, case closed!” So don’t go into this thinking you’re getting a massively detailed detective story with deep characters.
I read McCall Smith’s books when I need a break from the normally heavy stuff I read because I can always count on them to be thoroughly pleasing. I can see these books becoming another go-to for me when I need a purely fun read with endearing characters. I’ll definitely be reading the next one! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy in exchance for my review.
As a long-time fan of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, I was really excited to read the first installment of Alexander McCall Smith’s new Detective Varg series. The blurbs for this “Scandi blanc” novel were hilarious so I was ready for more cheerful, detective fun. On this, the book definitely delivered. It was absolutely delightful.
The Department of Sensitive Crimes was a unique take on the ever popular genre of Nordic Noir, bringing a lot of light heartedness to a usually quite dark realm of fiction. I liked the characters, I liked the quirky cases, and it was a quick, fun read which is what I usually expect from the author’s books. He’s certainly got a winning formula.
In terms of feeling particularly Swedish, though, it felt more like I was just reading more of the No. 1 Ladies series. Nothing about this made it feel very Swedish and to be honest, the way most of the characters spoke and thought was very similar to those in the Botswana based books. I have to wonder if that really is how people go about things in Sweden or if the author decided to stick with personality traits that have already worked for him. Because of this, the cases seemed to get solved pretty quickly and without any actual proof. It seemed a bit like “This is probably what happened, case closed!” So don’t go into this thinking you’re getting a massively detailed detective story with deep characters.
I read McCall Smith’s books when I need a break from the normally heavy stuff I read because I can always count on them to be thoroughly pleasing. I can see these books becoming another go-to for me when I need a purely fun read with endearing characters. I’ll definitely be reading the next one! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy in exchance for my review.
May 15, 2019
I loved this one. Set in Sweden, it's a fun, light, gentle satire of Scandinavian crime fiction, most likely to be enjoyed by readers who like both Alexander McCall Smith's quirky, philosophical tales and dark Scandinavian crime thrillers. I liked the protagonist, Detective Ulf Varg (Wolf Wolf), who has a deaf dog named Martin who he has taught to lip-read. And the loquacious policeman Blomquist is an amusing sidekick. Apparently this is the first book in a series, so I'm looking forward to more of these charming, entertaining mysteries.
March 17, 2019
I WON THIS IN A GOODREADS GIVEAWAY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
This was my first Älexander McCall Smith. I throughly did not enjoy it. I found the dialogue to be clunky and oftentimes exceedingly boring. The three crimes are not evenly distributed throughout the book, leaving the most interesting of the three few focused pages. I also took issue with the general pacing of the novel--it never felt like real ground was made as we moved forward. I also found the flippant attitude towards infidelity to be exhausting.
Personally, I found the characters to be disheartening and disappointing. They laugh at little people, fat people, and everyone in-between. This might be about the most unprofessional police detectives I have ever read. The rampant sexism in both the dialogue and the plot was also very disappointing. I expected better from the author of a series called No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, which I now fear is just as much of a let down to an entire gender.
Thanks but no thanks.
This was my first Älexander McCall Smith. I throughly did not enjoy it. I found the dialogue to be clunky and oftentimes exceedingly boring. The three crimes are not evenly distributed throughout the book, leaving the most interesting of the three few focused pages. I also took issue with the general pacing of the novel--it never felt like real ground was made as we moved forward. I also found the flippant attitude towards infidelity to be exhausting.
Personally, I found the characters to be disheartening and disappointing. They laugh at little people, fat people, and everyone in-between. This might be about the most unprofessional police detectives I have ever read. The rampant sexism in both the dialogue and the plot was also very disappointing. I expected better from the author of a series called No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, which I now fear is just as much of a let down to an entire gender.
Thanks but no thanks.
September 14, 2025
I like Alexander McCall Smith in small quantities, maybe one book every two years or so (much lower than his output). I picked this one up whilst on holiday for $1, and it kept me suitably entertained that I think it was worth it. The setting is modern day Sweden, but the characters and their preoccupations are a bit familiar to anyone who's read much by this author. Our cast of characters: Inspector Ulf Varg (yes, wolf wolf), who leads the effort to solve sensitive crimes; his colleague Anna with whom he might be a bit too simpatico; Blomquist, a bore of a detective who goes on about his health; paperpusher Carl; and enthusiastic fisher, mediocre clerk Erik.
Together they (mostly Ulf and Anna) solve unusual crimes: a man has been stabbed in the back of the knee, a missing boyfriend has torn apart a group of college kids, a resort is losing business because the guests are reporting strange sounds at night.
The mysteries are nothing special, but as usual, McCall Smith offers his keen observations of human nature and allows us to peek inside the brains of his character as they muse about whether osmosis works when constantly exposed to someone enthusiastic and knowledgeable, feel bad for criminals who have never been loved, wonder how true it is that people tend to marry people who resemble them, and try to be kind to that one colleague who never shuts up about himself.
Easy enough reading for a long car ride, and I liked the characters enough that I'll probably read a sequel.
Together they (mostly Ulf and Anna) solve unusual crimes: a man has been stabbed in the back of the knee, a missing boyfriend has torn apart a group of college kids, a resort is losing business because the guests are reporting strange sounds at night.
The mysteries are nothing special, but as usual, McCall Smith offers his keen observations of human nature and allows us to peek inside the brains of his character as they muse about whether osmosis works when constantly exposed to someone enthusiastic and knowledgeable, feel bad for criminals who have never been loved, wonder how true it is that people tend to marry people who resemble them, and try to be kind to that one colleague who never shuts up about himself.
Easy enough reading for a long car ride, and I liked the characters enough that I'll probably read a sequel.
April 30, 2022
Quick, humorous, and enjoyable, a gentle parody of the Scandinavian noir genre of mysteries. This involves a team of Swedish policemen [and -woman] who investigate "sensitive crimes". These are ones not investigated by the regular police department. The team is led by Detective Ulf Varg [Wolf Wolf] and a policewoman with two clerks. A talkative [usually about nothing of consequence] policeman from another department aids them. Each has a whimsical personality. Any solutions to the cases-- the first a stabbing behind a victim's knee, another involving an imaginary boyfriend and a third concerning strange goings-on at a spa owned by the cousin of the Police Commissioner -- are not as important as the attempts to solve the cases, the interpersonal relationships, and philosophizing, which is often poignant. A delightful treat of, as the author has termed it: "Scandi blanc."
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
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