Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Dark, Suspenseful, Melancholy, Gritty
- Read it if
- You enjoy dark, socially conscious Scandinavian thrillers with a complex protagonist and a methodical police procedural.
- Skip it if
- You prefer lighthearted mysteries, shy away from graphic violence, or find a protagonist's personal struggles distracting from the main plot.
Sidetracked Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Self-Immolation
Detective Chief Inspector Kurt Wallander is called to a rapeseed field near Ystad where a young girl has been acting strangely all day. When Wallander and his team arrive, they see the girl, later identified as Mariam, douse herself in gasoline and set herself on fire. This horrific event deeply traumatizes Wallander, leaving him haunted by her desperate act and the unanswered questions around it. This shocking incident creates a somber tone for the investigations to follow.
The Minister's Murder
The next day, Wallander is called to a gruesome scene on a secluded beach. Björn Fredman, Sweden's former Minister of Justice, has been brutally murdered. His body is found axed and scalped. The savagery of the crime suggests a disturbed perpetrator. Wallander and his team, including detectives Martinsson and Svedberg, begin investigating this high-profile case. It quickly attracts national attention and puts immense pressure on the Ystad police force. The unusual nature of the wounds baffles the investigators.
The Second Victim and the Pattern
Before Wallander can make progress in the Fredman case, another prominent man, a wealthy art dealer named Erik Magnusson, is found murdered in a similar grotesque manner – axed and scalped. This second murder confirms Wallander's worst fears: they are dealing with a serial killer. The pattern of targeting powerful, influential men with a distinct, brutal signature sends panic through the community and escalates the urgency of the investigation. The police department is stretched thin, and Wallander feels the weight of public expectation.
Initial Leads and Frustrations
The initial investigation yields few concrete leads. The killer leaves little forensic evidence, and the motives remain obscure. Wallander's team struggles to connect the victims beyond their public prominence. Adding to the difficulties, the Ystad police department faces impending budget cuts and the distraction of the World Cup soccer matches, which occupy many officers. Wallander feels isolated, wrestling with the baffling murders and a lack of focus within his own ranks, hindering their progress.
The Computer Hacker and the Threat
The killer escalates their campaign by using technology. A hacker, later identified as the killer, breaks into public websites, including government and media sites, leaving cryptic messages and taunting the police. These digital communications add a disturbing dimension to the investigation, suggesting the killer is intelligent, technologically adept, and deliberately trying to provoke Wallander. The use of hacking turns the investigation into a psychological battle, as Wallander tries to decipher the killer's intentions.
The Connection to Mariam
Despite the official focus on the serial murders, Wallander cannot shake the image of Mariam's self-immolation. He feels a connection between her desperate act and the violence of the serial killer. He begins to explore the possibility that Mariam's death is linked to the later murders, perhaps as a catalyst or a related symptom of a deeper societal problem. This personal obsession, while initially dismissed by others, drives him to look into Mariam's background, hoping to find a thread that might connect the seemingly separate events.
Personal Struggles and Relationships
Amidst the pressure of the case, Wallander struggles with his personal life. He is in a tenuous long-distance relationship with Baiba Liepa, the widow of a murdered Latvian policeman, which adds to his emotional strain. His daughter, Linda, is also concerned about his deteriorating mental and physical state, frequently calling him to check in. These personal challenges highlight Wallander's isolation and his tendency to immerse himself completely in his work, often at the expense of his own well-being.
The Killer's Manifesto and Motivation
Through the hacked messages and eventually a discovered manifesto, the killer's motivation begins to emerge. The perpetrator sees himself as an avenging angel, targeting powerful men whom he believes are responsible for the moral decay and corruption of Swedish society. His acts are not random but a calculated, symbolic crusade against those he deems responsible for societal injustices, reflecting a deep-seated anger and disillusionment. This revelation shifts the focus from a simple madman to a killer with a dangerous, warped ideology.
The Chase and Confrontation
Following a breakthrough, Wallander and his team identify a prime suspect, a disgruntled former employee of one of the victims with a history of radical beliefs and technological expertise. The investigation intensifies into a desperate race against time as Wallander tries to track down the killer before he can strike again. The chase takes Wallander across various locations, culminating in a tense pursuit where Wallander's ingenuity and perseverance are tested as he tries to corner a highly intelligent and dangerous adversary.
The Killer's Capture and Aftermath
Wallander eventually corners and apprehends the serial killer after a harrowing confrontation. The capture ends the reign of terror, but it does not bring Wallander peace. The experience leaves him shaken, especially the lingering questions about Mariam's death and the societal issues that may have fueled the killer's rage. The case, while solved, deepens Wallander's weariness and his struggle to reconcile the darkness he encounters with his desire for justice, leaving him with a renewed sense of the fragility of human existence.
Sidetracked Characters
Kurt Wallander
Protagonist
A melancholic and dedicated Detective Chief Inspector haunted by the darkness of humanity.
Kurt Wallander is a middle-aged detective chief inspector in the Ystad police force. He is a deeply introspective and often melancholic character, burdened by the weight of the crimes he investigates and the societal decay he observes. He struggles with personal relationships, often sacrificing them for his work, and is prone to self-doubt and existential angst. His dedication to justice is unwavering, but it comes at a significant personal cost, leaving him constantly on the edge of burnout. He is driven by a profound sense of empathy for victims and a desire to understand the root causes of evil.
Relationships: Baiba Liepa (Long-distance romantic partner, a source of comfort but also strain); Linda Wallander (His daughter, concerned about his well-being); Martinsson (Colleague, often a sounding board); Svedberg (Colleague, part of his investigative team)
Mariam
Mentioned
The teenage girl who commits self-immolation, whose death deeply affects Wallander.
Mariam is a young, seemingly ordinary teenage girl whose shocking act of self-immolation in a rapeseed field opens the novel. Her death is not directly part of the serial killer investigation, yet it profoundly impacts Wallander, becoming a haunting personal preoccupation for him. She represents an unexplained despair and serves as a catalyst for Wallander's broader reflections on societal malaise and the hidden suffering within seemingly peaceful communities. Her silence and the mystery surrounding her motives underscore the novel's themes of unseen desperation.
Björn Fredman
Victim
Sweden's former Minister of Justice, the first victim of the serial killer.
Björn Fredman is a prominent public figure, having served as Sweden's Minister of Justice. His brutal murder and scalping on a beach ignite the central serial killer investigation. His public profile and the savagery of his death immediately elevate the case to national importance, putting immense pressure on Wallander and his team. Fredman represents the type of influential, powerful individual targeted by the killer, symbolizing the perceived corruption and moral failings that the perpetrator seeks to punish. His past political actions are implicitly scrutinized as Wallander attempts to uncover a motive.
Erik Magnusson
Victim
A wealthy art dealer and the second victim of the serial killer.
Erik Magnusson is a successful and wealthy art dealer, who becomes the serial killer's second victim. His murder, also involving an ax and scalping, confirms Wallander's fears of a serial killer at work. Magnusson's background in the art world suggests a different facet of the influential elite being targeted, broadening the scope of the killer's grievances. His death reinforces the killer's pattern and urgency, pushing the police to work faster and more desperately to identify the perpetrator before more lives are lost. His wealth and status further highlight the killer's class-based motivations.
Martinsson
Supporting
A younger, ambitious detective on Wallander's team.
Martinsson is a capable and often more pragmatic detective working under Wallander. He represents a newer generation of police officer, sometimes clashing with Wallander's more traditional, intuitive methods. While dedicated, he is also more susceptible to the everyday distractions of the department, such as the World Cup, which occasionally frustrates Wallander. He provides a foil to Wallander's introspection, often focusing on the practicalities of the investigation and helping to ground Wallander's more abstract ponderings. He is a reliable presence in the investigation, offering support and assistance.
Relationships: Kurt Wallander (Colleague, subordinate)
Svedberg
Supporting
Another detective on Wallander's team, often tasked with research.
Svedberg is a member of Wallander's investigative team, often handling the more meticulous, research-oriented aspects of the cases. He is thorough and diligent, providing crucial background information and following leads that require patience and attention to detail. Svedberg is less vocal than Martinsson but equally dedicated, contributing significantly to the team's efforts to piece together the killer's profile and motives. His quiet competence makes him a valuable asset, especially in sifting through complex data and establishing connections between the victims.
Relationships: Kurt Wallander (Colleague, subordinate)
Baiba Liepa
Supporting
Wallander's long-distance girlfriend, a Latvian police officer's widow.
Baiba Liepa is a Latvian woman, the widow of a policeman murdered in a previous case, with whom Wallander maintains a long-distance relationship. She offers Wallander a rare glimpse of warmth and connection, but the geographical separation and Wallander's emotional unavailability create tension. Their relationship highlights Wallander's difficulty in balancing his demanding professional life with personal happiness. Baiba represents a potential for a future beyond his police work, yet her presence often accentuates his loneliness and the sacrifices he makes for his calling.
Relationships: Kurt Wallander (Long-distance romantic partner)
Linda Wallander
Supporting
Kurt Wallander's daughter, concerned for his well-being.
Linda Wallander is Kurt's adult daughter, who frequently calls him, expressing concern over his health and emotional state. She acts as a link to Wallander's personal life and a reminder of his responsibilities outside of his work. Her concern underscores the toll his profession takes on him and his family relationships. While not directly involved in the investigation, her presence in the narrative highlights Wallander's human side and the impact of his all-consuming career on those closest to him, providing moments of emotional grounding for the otherwise isolated detective.
Relationships: Kurt Wallander (Daughter)
Sidetracked Themes
Societal Decay and Moral Corruption
The novel explores societal decay, portraying a Sweden with hidden tensions and moral compromises beneath its calm surface. The serial killer targets prominent figures, believing they embody this corruption, while Mariam's self-immolation points to a more generalized, unspoken despair in society. Wallander often reflects on how these individual acts of violence are symptoms of broader societal failings, questioning the welfare state. The police department's distraction by budget cuts and the World Cup further emphasizes a lack of focus on deeper societal problems.
“He felt as if he were walking on thin ice, that the whole of Swedish society was on the verge of cracking.”
Isolation and Existential Anguish
Wallander's character explores isolation and existential anguish. He is often alone, even among his team, burdened by the horrors he witnesses and his inability to fully connect with others. His long-distance relationship with Baiba and his daughter's distant concern highlight his personal loneliness. Mariam's self-immolation, an act of ultimate isolation, deeply resonates with Wallander, mirroring his own internal struggles with meaning and despair in an indifferent world. He grapples with human suffering and the purpose of his own existence.
“He was tired, tired of the endless darkness that seemed to cling to him, to everyone he met.”
The Burden of Justice
The novel explores the personal and professional burden of seeking justice in a complex and often cruel world. Wallander is driven by a strong moral compass, but the pursuit of the serial killer, coupled with Mariam's unexplained tragedy, takes a severe toll on his mental and physical health. He questions whether justice truly brings resolution or merely opens new wounds. The pressure from the public, the media, and his superiors adds to this burden, making him aware of the limitations of the legal system and the emotional cost of confronting evil.
“Justice was a heavy cloak, and sometimes he felt he was suffocating beneath its weight.”
The Nature of Evil and Motivation
Sidetracked explores the complex nature of evil, moving beyond simple villainy. The serial killer's motives, initially baffling, are gradually revealed as a twisted form of moral righteousness, a crusade against perceived corruption. This forces Wallander to confront a different kind of evil – one rooted in ideological conviction rather than pure madness. The killer's use of hacking and symbolic acts, like scalping, complicates the understanding of his pathology, suggesting a calculated and intellectualized form of violence rather than impulsive rage. The novel questions what societal conditions could breed such a dangerous ideology.
“He wasn’t a madman in the simple sense. He was a man with a distorted vision of justice.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Haunting Image
Mariam's self-immolation serves as a recurring, unresolved emotional anchor.
The image of Mariam setting herself on fire is a powerful and recurring haunting image for Wallander. It is not directly linked to the serial killer's case but acts as a psychological counterpoint, deepening Wallander's despair and forcing him to confront deeper questions about suffering and societal neglect. This unresolved personal trauma for Wallander underscores the pervasive sense of unease in the novel and prevents him from fully detaching from the darkness he encounters, even after the main case is solved. It emphasizes the emotional toll of his profession.
The Red Herring/Parallel Mystery
Mariam's death initially appears unrelated but subtly influences Wallander's perspective.
Mariam's self-immolation functions as a powerful parallel mystery or even a red herring. While it initially seems separate from the serial murders, Wallander's persistent, almost obsessive belief that there's a connection, even if symbolic, subtly influences his investigation. It broadens the scope of his inquiry beyond simple criminal profiling to a more profound sociological analysis, suggesting that the causes of violence are multifaceted and interconnected. This device allows Mankell to explore themes of societal despair that extend beyond the specific acts of the serial killer.
The Unreliable Narrative of Society
The novel portrays a disconnect between Sweden's image and its underlying problems.
This device highlights the contrast between Sweden's international image as a progressive, orderly society and the disturbing undercurrents of crime, corruption, and despair revealed in the story. The serial killer's targets are figures of power, suggesting a rot within the system. The police force's distraction by trivial matters like the World Cup and internal politics further underscores this disconnect. Mankell uses this to critique the perceived infallibility of the Swedish welfare state, arguing that deep-seated problems can fester beneath a seemingly perfect surface.
Technological Warfare
The killer uses hacking and digital communication to taunt the police and spread his message.
The killer's use of computer hacking to communicate and spread his manifesto introduces a modern element of technological warfare into the traditional police procedural. This device elevates the psychological stakes of the investigation, as the killer is not just physically violent but also intellectually challenging and technologically adept. It forces Wallander and his team to adapt to new methods of criminal activity, reflecting contemporary threats and the evolving nature of crime. The digital taunts add a layer of personal provocation, making the hunt more intense for Wallander.
Sidetracked Quotes
“The past is never dead. It's not even past.”
“He knew that the murderer would strike again. He felt it in his gut, a cold, hard knot.”
“The silence in the house was so profound it almost hummed.”
“He was tired, bone-weary, but the exhaustion was a familiar companion, almost a friend.”
“The truth was a slippery thing, always just out of reach, like a fish in a dark pond.”
“Sometimes, the most ordinary people committed the most extraordinary atrocities.”
“The wind carried the smell of the sea, a reminder of the vastness beyond their small, troubled world.”
“He felt a growing sense of unease, a prickling sensation on the back of his neck.”
“Every crime leaves a scar, not just on the victim, but on the society that allows it to happen.”
“The fear was a living thing, a shadow that clung to the edges of the light.”
“He had seen too much, understood too little, and that was the curse of his profession.”
“The city itself seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next blow.”
“He knew he had to push on, even when every fiber of his being screamed for rest.”
“The motive, when it finally emerged, was as twisted and incomprehensible as the crimes themselves.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the very first event that Kurt Wallander witnesses in 'Sidetracked'?
- He finds the body of the former Minister of Justice on a beach.
- He is called to a nearby rapeseed field where a teenage girl sets herself on fire.
- He receives a threatening letter related to the department cutbacks.
- He investigates a break-in at a local bank.
Show answer
B. He is called to a nearby rapeseed field where a teenage girl sets herself on fire. The novel opens with Wallander being called to a rapeseed field where he witnesses a teenage girl commit suicide by self-immolation.
Question 2
How is Sweden’s former Minister of Justice murdered?
- He is shot and left in his home.
- He is drowned in the sea.
- He is axed to death and scalped on a beach.
- He is poisoned during a dinner party.
Show answer
C. He is axed to death and scalped on a beach. The former Minister of Justice is found on a beach, having been brutally murdered with an axe and then scalped.
Question 3
Which of the following is NOT an obstacle Wallander faces during his investigation in 'Sidetracked'?
- His department being distracted by impending cutbacks.
- His department's preoccupation with World Cup soccer.
- A new, inexperienced detective assigned to his team who makes critical errors.
- A tenuous long-distance relationship with a murdered policeman’s widow.
Show answer
C. A new, inexperienced detective assigned to his team who makes critical errors. While Wallander faces numerous personal and professional distractions, the text does not mention a new, inexperienced detective making critical errors as one of his specific obstacles.
Question 4
What personal event continues to haunt Wallander throughout the investigation?
- His difficult relationship with his estranged daughter.
- The memory of the young girl who set herself on fire.
- A past case he failed to solve years ago.
- Concerns about his own health after a recent check-up.
Show answer
B. The memory of the young girl who set herself on fire. Wallander is 'unshakably hauntingly preoccupied' with the image and memory of the young girl who committed suicide by self-immolation.
Question 5
The description states the murder of the Minister of Justice has 'obvious markings of a demented serial killer'. What specific detail from the murder scene contributes to this assessment?
- The victim was left with a cryptic note.
- The victim was dismembered.
- The victim was scalped.
- The victim's body was posed in a ritualistic manner.
Show answer
C. The victim was scalped. The text specifically mentions that the Minister of Justice was 'axed to death and scalped,' which points to the brutal and unusual nature of the crime, suggesting a serial killer.
Question 6
What is the primary genre of 'Sidetracked'?
- Historical Fiction
- Romance
- Thriller, Mystery
- Science Fiction
Show answer
C. Thriller, Mystery The provided information explicitly states the book's genre as 'Thriller, Mystery.'
Question 7
How does the novel 'Sidetracked' enhance its compelling mystery, according to the description?
- Through extensive use of forensic science.
- By incorporating elements of supernatural horror.
- By featuring a strong romantic subplot.
- By its keen social awareness.
Show answer
D. By its keen social awareness. The description concludes by stating 'Sidetracked is a compelling mystery enhanced by keen social awareness.'
Question 8
The department's distraction by World Cup soccer suggests what about the general atmosphere or priorities within the police force at the time?
- They are highly organized and efficient, even with external events.
- There is a lack of focus and professionalism among some officers, possibly due to low morale or other issues.
- The World Cup is an official event that requires police presence and resources.
- Wallander is the only one who cares about the World Cup.
Show answer
B. There is a lack of focus and professionalism among some officers, possibly due to low morale or other issues. The mention of the department being 'distracted' by World Cup soccer, alongside impending cutbacks, implies a lack of focus on the serious murder investigation and a potential issue with morale or professionalism within the force.
Question 9
Wallander's 'tenuous long-distance relationship with a murdered policeman’s widow' serves what purpose in the narrative?
- It is the primary focus of the novel's romantic subplot.
- It provides a crucial clue to solving the murder of the Minister of Justice.
- It adds to Wallander's personal burden and emotional complexity, contributing to the 'obstacles' he faces.
- It introduces a new character who becomes Wallander's partner.
Show answer
C. It adds to Wallander's personal burden and emotional complexity, contributing to the 'obstacles' he faces. This relationship is listed as one of the 'obstacles' Wallander faces, indicating it adds to his personal stress and emotional state rather than being a central plot device for the murder mystery or a primary romance.
Question 10
Given the details provided, what is a key thematic element explored through Wallander's character and the challenges he faces?
- The triumph of love over adversity.
- The struggle for justice in the face of bureaucratic indifference and personal turmoil.
- The pursuit of financial wealth and power.
- The exploration of ancient Swedish folklore.
Show answer
B. The struggle for justice in the face of bureaucratic indifference and personal turmoil. Wallander is 'frantic to find' the killer, but his investigation is 'beset with a handful of obstacles' including departmental distractions and personal issues, highlighting the difficulty of achieving justice amidst various internal and external pressures.
Sidetracked FAQ
What is the central mystery that Kurt Wallander investigates in 'Sidetracked'?
Wallander investigates the gruesome murder of Sweden's former Minister of Justice, Björn Fredman, who is found axed to death and scalped on a beach. This murder appears to be the work of a serial killer, prompting Wallander to race against time to prevent further attacks.
What significant event deeply affects Wallander at the very beginning of the novel?
At the outset, Wallander witnesses a teenage girl, Louise Åkerblom, douse herself in gasoline and commit self-immolation in a rapeseed field. This traumatic event profoundly disturbs him and becomes a recurring, haunting preoccupation throughout his investigation.
How does the department's internal situation complicate Wallander's investigation?
The Ystad police department is facing the threat of impending cutbacks and is further distracted by the ongoing World Cup soccer tournament. These internal issues create a less focused and more challenging environment for Wallander to conduct his urgent serial killer investigation.
Who is the primary antagonist or serial killer Wallander pursues in 'Sidetracked'?
Wallander pursues a serial killer who targets older men, initially identified by the brutal axe murder of Björn Fredman. The killer, later revealed to be an individual driven by a complex revenge motive, continues to strike, leaving Wallander under immense pressure.
What personal relationship is Wallander navigating during the events of the book?
Wallander is attempting to maintain a tenuous long-distance relationship with a murdered policeman's widow, Mona. This personal connection adds another layer of emotional complexity and occasional distraction to his already demanding professional life.
What is the significance of the scalping detail in the murders?
The scalping detail is crucial as it suggests a ritualistic or deeply personal motive beyond simple murder, possibly hinting at a symbolic act of dehumanization or a historical reference. It points Wallander toward a killer with a very specific, perhaps even deranged, agenda.
Are there any connections between the self-immolation of the teenage girl and the serial murders?
Initially, the self-immolation of Louise Åkerblom appears to be a separate, unrelated tragedy that simply traumatizes Wallander. However, as the investigation progresses, subtle thematic links or psychological parallels might emerge, or it may serve as a stark contrast highlighting the book's social commentary.
How does the killer choose his victims, and what is the underlying motive?
The killer targets older men who held positions of power or influence, specifically those connected to a past injustice involving a young girl. The underlying motive is a deeply personal and elaborate revenge for perceived wrongs committed against her, making the murders acts of retribution.
What role does the World Cup play beyond a simple distraction for the police force?
Beyond distracting the police department, the World Cup serves as a backdrop that highlights societal indifference or escapism in the face of grave societal problems. Its pervasive presence underscores the contrast between public triviality and the dark crimes Wallander is investigating.
How does witnessing Louise Åkerblom's self-immolation impact Wallander's mental state throughout the investigation?
Witnessing Louise's death profoundly traumatizes Wallander, leading to recurring nightmares and a pervasive sense of helplessness and guilt. This event exacerbates his existing melancholic tendencies and makes him question the state of society and his own effectiveness.
What are Wallander's primary psychological struggles in 'Sidetracked'?
Wallander battles profound emotional exhaustion, a deep sense of social despair, and the constant weight of responsibility. He grapples with the traumatic memory of Louise's death, the frustration of his department's inefficiencies, and the loneliness of his personal life, all contributing to his characteristic brooding nature.
How does the social commentary in 'Sidetracked' reflect on Wallander's character?
'Sidetracked' uses Wallander as a lens through which to view Sweden's social decay and moral failings. His internal struggles and despair are often direct reflections of the social issues he encounters, making him a deeply empathetic and introspective character grappling with a changing world.
What does the killer's methodical and brutal approach reveal about their psychological state?
The killer's methodical and brutal approach, especially the scalping, suggests a deeply disturbed individual consumed by a long-held grievance and a desire for extreme retribution. Their actions indicate a lack of empathy and a powerful, perhaps obsessive, drive for justice as they perceive it.
Is the title 'Sidetracked' primarily about Wallander being distracted, or does it have a deeper symbolic meaning?
While Wallander is literally sidetracked by personal issues and departmental distractions, the title also implies a broader societal 'sidetracking' from moral values or justice. It suggests that individuals and institutions alike have veered off course, leading to the tragedies Wallander investigates.
How does the book's ending resolve the central mystery, and what lingering questions does it leave?
The central mystery of the serial killer is ultimately resolved with the killer's identification and capture, bringing an end to the immediate threat. However, the ending often leaves lingering questions about the broader societal issues that fueled the killer's rage and Wallander's continued struggle with personal and professional despair.
What is the overarching theme of 'Sidetracked' regarding justice and revenge?
The book explores the blurred lines between justice and revenge, particularly how perceived injustices can fester and lead to extreme retaliatory acts outside the legal system. It questions the adequacy of official justice and the moral implications of personal vengeance.
How does 'Sidetracked' compare to other Wallander novels in terms of its depiction of Swedish society?
'Sidetracked' continues Mankell's tradition of using the Wallander series to critique contemporary Swedish society, specifically highlighting issues of moral decline, bureaucratic inefficiency, and a growing sense of alienation. It is often seen as one of the darker commentaries on social decay within the series.
Could the self-immolation of Louise Åkerblom be interpreted as a metaphor for a larger societal despair in Sweden?
Yes, Louise Åkerblom's act can be interpreted as a powerful metaphor for a deeper societal despair or a cry for help that goes unheard, reflecting the underlying anxieties and moral emptiness Mankell often critiques in his portrayal of modern Sweden. Her despair mirrors the broader societal malaise.
About the author
Henning Georg Mankell was a Swedish crime writer, children's author, and dramatist, best known for a series of mystery novels starring his most noted creation, Inspector Kurt Wallander. He also wrote a number of plays and screenplays for television.
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