Thomas Eriksson, Stockholm lawyer for all sorts of gangsters, is found dead in his private house. The list of suspects is quite long, considering his usual business partners. Evert Bäckström, Detective Superintendent with the Stockholm police, is in charge of the investigation. Avid avoider of work, his sets up his team to investigate the case which turns out to be more complicated with every piece they add to the picture. Bäckström himself investigates the case from his own point of view and with his own means, not all of them legal. Thus, he finally gets the culprits brought to him and can even make some money with the case.
Scandinavian crime novels have been quite popular for some time, mainly because the investigators are unique characters who have something to offer besides a good case. Persson’s protagonist Bäckström definitely is one of them. It makes so much fun reading his thoughts, mainly about his colleague where he has a collection of very remarkable characters. Additionally, the image of Bäckström and the reality could not differ more: a capable investigator, highly successful in the public opinion, a lazy betrayer and fraudster on the dark side. This makes him outstanding and – albeit all the despicable traits of character – a kind of lovable or at least enjoyable character.
The case itself is quite complicated, In the course of the action, more and more complicating factors are added and you really have to pay attention not to mix up anything. Nevertheless, it is solved convincingly and no questions remain unanswered. All in all, quite some joy to read.
missmesmerized 