This classic Swedish crime series is considered the OG for mystery writers and readers. The husband-wife writer team commented on the social structure and changes in Sweden during the 1960s and 70s. This mystery has the police investigating a bank robbery, and some bank robbers who had been recently released from prison. All I could think of while reading was Stockholm Syndrome, and that this would have been around the time this phrase developed. I've been very slowly reading through this series and am getting near the end. The first few I read so reminded me of the 89th precinct books by Ed McBain which I devoured in my late teenage years. I believe McBain credits Sjowall and Wahloo with his inspiration.
Moose is still living on Alcatraz in the 1930s, Al Capone is still in prison. Since the last book where Capone arranged somehow for Moose's sister to attend a special school, Capone may want a favor as repayment. Moose is also dealing with friendships as a teenager and the difficult life in a very insular community, especially with a manipulative daughter of the warden. I am quite enjoying this young adult series which while fast moving, and written for children, displays complicated relationships and situations that make them a little more layered than children's fiction. Bonus marks for the inclusion of Moose's (obviously autistic) sister in 1930s life.
🎧 #14 of 14Book fourteen finds Gamache suspended, and being named a notary, along with Myrna, for a neighbourhood cleaning lady, known as the Baroness. But they have no idea why they have been named as it even takes them a while to figure out why they have been named. While looking into the will, there is a murder.
Nicely plotted, interesting characters, and, is that a love interest for cranky Ruth Zardo? As usual, it's the interactions in Three Pines with the regular characters that make these mysteries. I'm still not a fan of Jean-Guy - he admires Armand, but expects Armand to let him down every time? I was glad (spoiler - highlight to see text) when Clara's husband Peter left the series, and I could do without Jean-Guy as well.
