Sidetracked

A Kurt Wallander Mystery

By: Henning Mankell

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 14 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Detective Kurt Wallander is called to a nearby rapeseed field where a teenage girl has been loitering all day long. He arrives just in time to watch her douse herself in gasoline and set herself aflame. The next day, he is called to a beach where Sweden's former minister of justice has been axed to death and scalped. The murder has the obvious markings of a demented serial killer, and Wallander is frantic to find him before he strikes again. But his investigation is beset with obstacles: a department distracted by the threat of cutbacks and the frivolity of World Cup soccer, a tenuous relationship with a widow, and an unshakably haunting preoccupation with the girl who set herself on fire.

Fascinating and astute, Sidetracked is a compelling mystery enhanced by keen social awareness.

More mayhem? Listen to all of our Kurt Wallander mysteries.

©1999 by Steven T. Murray; 1995 by Henning Mankell (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Connoisseurs of the police procedural will tear into this installment like the seven-course banquet it is." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"Full of emotion yet cleanly written, apparently straightforward yet fraught with intriguing revelations, Mankell's latest mystery is strongly recommended." ( Library Journal)
"Mankell's meticulously detailed descriptions of the inspector's investigation, and his often lyrical portrayal of Wallander's struggle to rearrange his thought processes in order to catch the criminal, are masterful." ( Publishers Weekly)

Gripped again...

I've read and listened to Mankell's Wallander novels entirely out of order now but it hasn't mattered one bit. Each book is a novel unto itself, and almost each one bears the reader on a journey into real dimensions of human struggle -- whether the protagonists, the antagonists or the supporting characters or all of the aforementioned.

Sidetracked is one of my favorites, I'd almost encourage someone who hasn't read Mankell to read this one or "The Fifth Woman" first -- both are so resonant. Two of the earlier books -- "The Dogs of Riga" and "White Lioness" are very good, but not superb. This one -- is superb. This novel, like "The Fifth Woman" takes what on surface could be an utterly implausible series of horrendous murders and makes the murderer sympathetic or compelling while giving the reader a fully-realized, flawed but deeply sympathetic policeman and his family-- his daughter, his father -- but also his police family who become important and endearing as well.

I feel like I've become the Chief Member of the Henning Mankell Fan Club but in my mind this series encapsules what great books are -- riveting, but memorable, fully-realized characters, books that make you think, and think, and think some more. I've said in previous reviews that these novels transcend genre writing, and they do. For those who love police procedurals, these are among the best; for those who love literary fiction, these again, are among the best.

Another great story marred by poor narration

This is another great story about a very depressive detective. Unfortunately, Dick Hill seems to be the narrator for all of the Wallander novels. He's fine when speaking like a real man, but he slips so easily into an infantile, nasal voice when speaking for just about everyone except Kurt Wallander, which ruins them as real characters. His female impersonations are a joke for the same reason. I'm afraid I'm going to have to default to the written word for the most recent four books in the series. I can't stand Hill any more!

Wonderfully written and great narration

I simply really enjoyed this read the plot was amazing and the evolution of it the same Henning Mankell has been a new
Writer for me, and I am so thrilled with his work. Dick Hill the narrator, is one of the two best narrator‘s I have come across. His voice keeps me constantly engaged.

If you are looking for a gritty interesting evolving crime thriller you have found it thank you audible for giving this to us as a free listen

Typical Good Sad Story

Slightly depressing Wallander story but well plotted and written. The ending was more cheerful than some. I have the same positive but sad experience from all Wallander stories.

Another great detective book by this author

This is another great detective book enjoyed the troubled life of Velander, and yet his persistent need to solve very difficult crimes

Just Weird

Sidetracked is right! I had a hard to following the characters and story plot till I was half way through. Dick Hill is a great narrator, but the story was just ok.

I Keep Coming Back to this Author

This is now my 5th Henning Menkell novel, and each is better that the last. "Sidetracked" is a web of intricate plotting and excellent characters. It is moving and heart rending. It opens with Wallander witnessing a suicide by immolation. The scene is so shocking and so terrible that from the beginning, a somber tone was set for the novel that never lifts until the closing pages. But what comes between is perfection. This one I highly recommend.

Sidetracked?

Mankell's #5 Wallender is well written from a crime perspective. That makes it slightly difficult to follow as it sometimes gets "sidetracked" and wanders. The twisty part is what makes it fun. I'll look for another Wallender after awhile.

Such beautiful writing

So atmospheric and thoughtful despite the gruesome murders. we are given an inside view of Wallander both his thoughts and emotions.

sidetracked

when the book started, I was not sure I wanted to listen . I persisted, and was completely drawn into the story . I shared the investigators shock as the culprit was identified. Not an uplifting story but kept my attention.