First, my thanks to Amazon Vine for allowing me to have an advance copy of this book. I happen to be a huge fan of Scandinavian crime fiction, so I've been eagerly awaiting the release of this book. I was drawn in by the author's ability to set the tone of the bleakness of life above the Arctic Circle in Finland, where it's dark and cold and to pass the time, people have little to do other than drink. The atmosphere was so well laid out for the reader that for a time you can imagine yourself there.
The mystery itself begins with the death of a young B-movie star, an immigrant from Somalia, who is not only killed, but severely mutilated. As Inspector Kari Vaara begins his investigation, he begins to realize that the case is taking him in directions involving his personal life, digging up old feelings and parts of his life that he'd much rather forget, and perhaps even putting his career on the line.
The core mystery is a good one, and there are surprisingly plenty of suspects in this small rural town, but the story gets sidetracked by way too many coincidences that are a bit hard to swallow. The melodrama of Vaara's personal life also tends to detract from the mystery, as does his whiny wife Kate. I never really bonded with Vaara as a character that I really cared about. Also, many of the supporting characters who figure into the mystery aren't as well developed as they probably should have been for the outcome to make more sense. I'll give him this much ... I didn't see the end coming, which for me is always a good sign.
To be really honest, Snow Angels has a bit less depth than much of the Scandinavian crime fiction I read, but I'll chalk that up to the fact that it's Thompson's first mystery novel. Overall, considering that fact, the book is not too bad, and I would probably read Thompson's next one when it's published.
The mystery itself begins with the death of a young B-movie star, an immigrant from Somalia, who is not only killed, but severely mutilated. As Inspector Kari Vaara begins his investigation, he begins to realize that the case is taking him in directions involving his personal life, digging up old feelings and parts of his life that he'd much rather forget, and perhaps even putting his career on the line.
The core mystery is a good one, and there are surprisingly plenty of suspects in this small rural town, but the story gets sidetracked by way too many coincidences that are a bit hard to swallow. The melodrama of Vaara's personal life also tends to detract from the mystery, as does his whiny wife Kate. I never really bonded with Vaara as a character that I really cared about. Also, many of the supporting characters who figure into the mystery aren't as well developed as they probably should have been for the outcome to make more sense. I'll give him this much ... I didn't see the end coming, which for me is always a good sign.
To be really honest, Snow Angels has a bit less depth than much of the Scandinavian crime fiction I read, but I'll chalk that up to the fact that it's Thompson's first mystery novel. Overall, considering that fact, the book is not too bad, and I would probably read Thompson's next one when it's published.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
