The Pyramid by Henning Mankell

17. - 530.) The Pyramid by Henning Mankell – As there were to be no more Kurt Wallender books, but there will be a new one this year and, though I hope Mankell may re-consider his decision to end the series, a book containing the cases before the first Wallender novel is welcome. Starting as a rookie policeman Wallender is always an extremely dedicated police officer to the detriment of his personal relationships. Ever ready to put in extra time and follow his own thoughts on an investigation he irritates those who limit themselves to the following prescribed techniques. The injuries he suffers while investigating on his own make clear why many rules of investigation are best followed. In each story the investigation unfolds by logic rather than brute force or luck. Information, patiently assembled and carefully considered, yields the solution to often bafflingly crime. Wallender’s introspective nature serves him better as a police officer than a husband or a son. His high spirited daughter, Linda, is the only person who draws him out. In the closing title mystery Mankell explores the awkward loving relationship between Wallender and his father. At the same time he seeks out the connections between a crashed plane, two murdered elderly sisters who owned a modest sewing store and a murdered drug dealer. While the solution was as clearly before me as Wallender I did not see the decisive clue. Mankell skillfully draws us into the life of a resolute clever police officer whose personal life is as empty as his professional life is full of interest. I started reading Wallender mysteries while Jonathan was in Sweden 9 years ago. His first host father said I made a good choice. I agree. Excellent. (Apr. 22/10)