The Purity of Vengeance

A Department Q Novel

By: Jussi Adler-Olsen

Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm

Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

International superstar Jussi Adler-Olsen, with more than fourteen million copies of his books sold worldwide, returns with the fourth book in his New York Times best-selling Department Q series, about a perplexing cold case with sinister modern-day consequences.

In 1987, Nete Hermansen plans revenge on those who abused her in her youth, including Curt Wad, a charismatic surgeon who was part of a movement to sterilize wayward girls in 1950s Denmark.

More than twenty years later, Detective Carl Mørck already has plenty on his mind when he is presented with the case of a brothel owner, a woman named Rita, who went missing in the eighties: New evidence has emerged in the case that destroyed the lives of his two partners - the case that sent Carl to Department Q.

But when Carl's assistants, Assad and Rose, learn that numerous other people disappeared around the same weekend as Rita, Carl takes notice. As they sift through the disappearances, they get closer and closer to Curt Wad, who is more determined than ever to see the vision of his youth take hold and whose brutal treatment of Nete and others like her is only one small part of his capacity for evil.

With The Purity of Vengeance, Jussi Adler-Olsen delivers a thrilling and shocking addition to his best-selling Department Q series.

©2013 Jussi Adler-Olsen (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"This installment of the Department Q series excels in audio and literary talent." (AudioFile Magazine)

"Another accomplished exercise in three-decker suspense" (Kirkus Reviews)

"Adler-Olsen merges story lines...with ingenious aplomb, effortlessly mixing hilarities with horrors...This crime fiction tour de force could only have been devised by an author who can even turn stomach flu into a belly laugh." (Publisher’s Weekly, starred review)

The Purity of Entertainment

As you listen to this Danish cold case, you will laugh out loud while sitting on the edge of your seat. Now, that is a description I don't think I have used for a mystery review before. Adler-Olsen is a master of characters, dialog and setting. He is over-the-top on plot.

If you don't mind that the actual plot is beyond belief at times, this series will be one you savor one at a time, like I do. I am afraid to catch up with the last book in the series, because I want to know there is always something new to read from this author. Do you ever do the same with a favorite author?

I was so pleased that assistants, Rose and Assad, were a large part of this book. They are hilarious and diligent. To be honest, they are often the better detectives. But the reason I am drawn to detective Carl Morck is his day-to-day existence. I caution you that starting from the beginning is necessary if you want to see the progression in their relationships. The "Keeper of Lost Causes" is a fantastic start to the series and, the narrator performs this series so well.

Another outstanding case for Dept Q

The regulars are all here and we get to learn a little more about the mysterious Rose in this one. Love the main characters in this series. They're neither too morose, nor smoking every other second, which really annoys me in other Scandinavian series. Sorry, Wallenberg fans, I just can't take the depression in those books.

The story of eugenics is horrific, you're really rooting for the perpetrators to get knocked off.

Good Read

This book kept me up at night😵and kept me hanging on when it switched time changes. The only thing I found a bit of trouble in was the names of the characters, but after I listened longer I started to recognize them more. I found myself relating some with the victim . The end caught me by complete surprise , that was quite a twist in the story. I do believe I will retread this book again in the future now that I recognize the names better.

Wow, I didn't see that coming.

Thoroughly enjoyed book, just like all of Jussi Adler - Olsen books. Narration elevates story and never detracts.

I Want More from Department Q!

What did you love best about The Purity of Vengeance?

I love all of Jussi Adler-Olsen's books. I am very fond of the humorous and caring relationships among the office mates.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Assad is still a mystery to me, and I want to learn more about him.

Which character – as performed by Graeme Malcolm – was your favorite?

Rose is very intriguing--in all her complexity.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Although the detective work and some of the situations are hard to stomach, I want to read / listen because the characters have become very real to me. They matter to me as individuals.

The bond among Carl, Assad, and Rose becomes very poignant in this book.

Any additional comments?

PLEASE get more of Jussi Adler-Olsen's books translated and into the Audible library SOON.

Wonderful read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating delve into the darkness that is racial purity. it exposes the depth to which some people think that they are justified to go to uphold what at very least is a lie and at its worst is pure evil.

TW: Racism, Eugenics

Well written and thorough, as always, but Trigger warning worthy. Also, rape scene, fair warning.

Outstanding Narrator!

I read the first 4 Q books and by far the last two read by Mr Malcolm were the best.
He absolutely captures the characters which enhances the story tenfold.
Kudos!

Twisted

The characters are quirky and believable and the story is disturbing but real. Looking forward to the next in the sequence

Perfectly imperfect characters

Adler-Olsen writes a great story. The characters are so very human and he writes them all with respect. I could listen to Graeme Malcom all day long.