Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell (2003 nonfiction)
An awful double murder lands at the feet of Wallander. Mankell supplies details of the crime in ever-deepening circles while restricting geographical boundaries and personal relationships. He even provides a helpful local map, and details of Wallander’s tortured family – father, sister, estranged wife and daughter – to help the reader experience the slow unravelling of the chase. I was fascinated by the plausible plot, inching along in spite of Wallander’s ill health and self-destructive drinking. Wallander ponders hints and traces and clues, revisits and revives ancient relationships. The focal crime has wide anti-immigrant effects, including a second murder and political pressures. I found myself carried along, sharing Wallander’s occasional lapses and unexpected bursts of frenetic activity, grateful for positive surprises like a bank teller’s memory and colleagues’ understanding. This is as satisfying a thriller as I have read. Violence is brutal but shortlived. Characters are complicated but convincing. Life histories are intriguing. Swedish women are not what they seem. Police community life and Wallander are authentic and beckon the reader to return for more.
Reviewed by Martin Waldron
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