The Return of the Dancing Master

By: Henning Mankell

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

When retired policeman Herbert Molin is found brutally slaughtered on his remote farm in the northern forests of Sweden, police find strange tracks in the snow, as if someone had been practicing the tango. Stefan Lindman, a young police officer recently diagnosed with mouth cancer, decides to investigate the murder of his former colleague, but is soon enmeshed in a mystifying case with no witnesses and no apparent motives. Terrified of the disease that could take his life, Lindman becomes more and more reckless as he unearths the chilling links between Molin's death and an underground neo-Nazi network that runs further and deeper than he could ever have imagined.

©2003 Laurie Thompson (P)2000 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

H M

Mr Mankel has done it again. Aided by Mr Gardner he has made a book that makes the listener feel the subjects doubt, fear and the hope that at least one bad guy may not have been not so bad and the rest of the bad guys deserve their end however bloody.

Riveting historical novel

This is the first book I've listened to by Henning Mankell. Very well written. Look forward to reading/listening to other books by this author. The performance by Grover Gardner was exceptional. The tale told in this book was very good. It clearly showed how the Holocaust and all its evil impacted one person for many years afterwards.

A Good Series

Most enjoyable if narrated by some one other than Dick Hill.

great choice in Grover Gardner as narrator

Like others I have loved Mankell's other stories with Sean Barrett reading. Giving a different voice to narrate 'The Return of the Dancing Master' was like tasting a new wine expecting it to be a still wine and finding a delightful spritzig. Now Grover Gardner is not exactly bubbly. Yet it made me prick up my ears and listen more intently.
What I had found interesting is the continuing influence of history as a shadow in the present. Mankell uses this in his fiction both here and in the 'Wallander' novels. So this is a reminder, a 'Lest we Forget' of the long time line of the effects of war, the Nazi of the past (and Neo Nazi in the present) in particular. It is a murder mystery.
I found this an engrossing story, very well read that added to my respect for Henning Mankell as a writer.

Swedish Mystery

Would you try another book from Henning Mankell and/or Grover Gardner?

By Henning Mankell, not read by Grover Gardner

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It was interesting

What didn’t you like about Grover Gardner’s performance?

He can't pronounce Swedish names. A foreign book should not be read by someone who can't pronounce the words.

Great Novel & Enjoyable Performance

Mankell is amazing. His important novel, Laurie Thompson’s translation, and Grover Gardner’s narration work together for a terrific literary listening experience.

Just Like Mankell!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audio book to those of you who love to hear more of a favorite author: Henning Mankell.

What did you like best about this story?

The pondering, the internal thinking, the people who are unsure, the forceful people, the quiet, and the detailed problem solving and wallowing.

Have you listened to any of Grover Gardner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I loved Dick Hill, who narrated many other Mankell books. This narrator was great too, just a bit less character is given to the players.

Any additional comments?

Great story. In keeping with Mankell's style.

Want to read a bout a lesson in tango?

The complete and fantastic writing of this author is amazing. Not only does he give you a mystory but a true picture of his characters and life in this country. I feel as if I have lived there. Each book I am able to find translated, has been a sheer force in the telling. Impossible to walk away from without lots of thoughts of how people's lives can be forever changed in one small instance.

Most enjoyable listen

I enjoyed the naration. Somehow the narator gets the feeling of a cold wet Sweden across, which sets the mood for the book. The story is well thought out and the plot intense. A most enjoyable experience.

Narrator Ruined Story

I wish this book narrator well, but I hope 1. He’s significantly improved since this book or 2. He changed jobs to something he is better at. I tried so hard to finish this book. It took me 6 months off & on listening that I finally stopped. I couldn’t stand the narrators monotone, robotic voice. Every character sounded the same without any expression. I like Mankell’s writing style but dear goodness, have someone else narrate this book!