The Drowned Boy

By: Karin Fossum

Narrated by: David Rintoul

Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's Summary

'He'd just learnt to walk,’ she said. ‘He was sitting playing on his blanket, then all of a sudden he was gone.’

A 16-month-old boy is found drowned in a pond right by his home. Chief Inspector Sejer is called to the scene, as there is something troubling about the mother’s story. As even her own family turns against her, Sejer is determined to get to the truth.

©2013 Cappelen Damm. English translation copyright © Kari Dickson 2015. (P)2015 Random House Audiobooks

mother as monster

what a well-written portrait of the development of an evil, self-serving woman living totally without a conscience. She gives birth to a Down's Syndrome baby which is the first dash of reality in an otherwise charmed life. her parents and society have made her expect love and admiration from all as she is beautiful elfin and blonde. she justifies the death of her child as an undeserved punishment, a humiliation she must endure as people ask questions about her baby's future development. Her well-honed flair for drama and tears suddenly doesn't work as well as it used to. What a tough time the police have trying to crack her facade. Loved every moment of this book which had unexpected events which added to credibility. Will look for more of K Fossum's books.

A gripping did she / did't she? Mystery

From start to finish and with some twists on the way, Fossum keeps us asking the question. A great little thriller and worth the download. I will be trying other Fossum novels in future.

Disappointing

What disappointed you about The Drowned Boy?

This is a very poor short story stretched into a book. The characters are credible and engaging however the plot is so thin and the conclusion so poor as to be laughable. I am a big fan of Nordic Noir and have enjoyed other Karin Fossum Chief Inspector Sejer novels - this book must have been written to a deadline.

Would you ever listen to anything by Karin Fossum again?

Yes - but only because I have read her books previously and have been impressed with them.

Which character – as performed by David Rintoul – was your favourite?

The lead detective Chief Inspector Sejer

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Characters are well written.

Any additional comments?

Hopefully the next book will have a credible plot and conclusion

must read more of this author!

Very good plotting. I was fussing all through who did it. The end was very cleverly done!

review of book

a bit long winded. could have been half the length and inconclusive. funny story really not sure how I feel about characters do I like them or am I ambivalent. won't listen again.