The Scarred Woman

Department Q, Book 7

By: Jussi Adler-Olsen

Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm

Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times and number-one internationally best-selling author of The Keeper of Lost Causes delivers his most captivating and suspenseful Department Q novel yet - perfect for fans of Stieg Larsson.

Detective Carl Mørck of Department Q, Copenhagen's cold cases division, meets his toughest challenge yet when the dark, troubled past of one of his own team members collides with a sinister unsolved murder.

In a Copenhagen park the body of an elderly woman is discovered. The case bears a striking resemblance to another unsolved homicide investigation from over a decade ago, but the connection between the two victims confounds the police. Across town a group of young women are being hunted. The attacks seem random, but could these brutal acts of violence be related? Detective Carl Mørck of Department Q is charged with solving the mystery.

Back at headquarters, Carl and his team are under pressure to deliver results: failure to meet his superiors' expectations will mean the end of Department Q. Solving the case, however, is not their only concern. After an earlier breakdown, their colleague Rose is still struggling to deal with the reemergence of her past - a past in which a terrible crime may have been committed. It is up to Carl, Assad, and Gordon to uncover the dark and violent truth at the heart of Rose's childhood before it is too late.

©2017 Jussi Adler-Olsen (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[S]atisfyingly dark, both in tone and content...an undeniable page-turner.” (Publishers Weekly)

“[R]iveting...All of the Department Q books contain dark humor, high satire, social commentary - not always politically correct - and grand villains, with The Scarred Woman being no exception.” (BookReporter) 

“You’ll be desperate to figure out the identity of the scarred woman as the suspense drives toward a deadly and at times comical conclusion.” (Associated Press)

Torn, but great

Disclaimers: Adler-Olsen is one of my top three favorite authors. He never lets me down. Also, unless you have read some of the previous books in this series, it may seem lack luster. (If you are discerning because compared to most other in the genre, even this one stands out.)

On one hand, this latest Department Q edition is the weakest in terms of the mystery/suspense. Even though you have more than one mystery to solve, five to be precise, they aren't as complex and intriguing as the crimes of past books. Plus, I didn't enjoy some of the cliche pot twist tricks.

On the other hand, c'mon this is about Department Q! This book focused more on the characters I have grown to love. It's clear that the relationships are becoming deeper, more real and more sincere. And, still can offer humor. I anticipate that the next one (PLEASE BE A NEXT ONE) will continue on this track.

All in all, when it ended I wanted more. This is a series I continue to support wholeheartedly.

Entertaining Characters in a Ridiculous Story

I am a huge Department Q fan, so I preordered this as soon as it became available. The good news is that the characters of Department Q are back. This edition to the series reveals a more vulnerable side of Rose, Carl and Assad. That said, not even the remarkable characters in Department Q can save this book from it ridiculous premise.

The story revolves around spoiled, beautiful and immature women in their 20's exploiting Denmark's overly gracious welfare system. Like America's Valley Girls, the combination of their self-centeredness and shallowness is boundless. Only these girls take living on the till to new lows. They cheat, lie, steal, shoot, sell their bodies, sell their babies, all so they can remain on welfare. Eventually, their lifestyle choices marks them as targets for an unlikely killer.

One girl was raised by her mother, grandmother and grandfather, a wealthy Nazi war criminal, who is deeply proud of his past. The story occurs long after the grandfather's death, but Olsen delves into the girl's upbringing in great detail. All of that is fine, but it turns out to nothing to do with the mystery whatsoever.

The killer is motivated by disgust. There is no believable reason for the killer to become unhinged, only ridiculous, immature, random thoughts.

I loved every mention of the police work and internal strife involving Department Q, but it is just not enough to overcome a ridiculous story.

Wonderful as always

Piquant interesting characters, fascinating subplots, and lines that motivate a burst of laughter. The author is at the peak of his talent. Don’t miss out on him.

Oh Rose....<br />

I very much enjoyed this story. It was very suspenseful ; just the right amount and not as gut-wrenching as maybe one or two in the past; in this series.

We got to know a lot more about Rose. Now if we could just uncover Assad's secrets! And what's the deal with Hardy now? And isn't there more to his original shooting?

Looking forward to more! Thank you for the boredom-free commute, Jussi Adler-Olsen.

Jussi does it again

I really like this series, in fact, I've given my wife and kids the first two books in the series for Christmas presents, one each of the last two years. They've read them and like the series now as well.

As the author develops the characters of the individuals that make up Dept Q, you get more and more into their personalities. It has reached the point with me where Dept Q is as much of the story as the cold case being solved. This book does nothing but add to this and it's done in a seamless, creative way.

In this story there is a serial killer that is going around Copenhagen doing hit and runs that are killing people. As the case evolves Dept Q is drawn in and the current crimes are tied back to some old unsolved crimes, just what brings out the best in Dept Q. Rose plays a key role in this story but not at all in the way you might expect.

I could see this book being turned into a movie someday. It has lots of moving parts and is ingenious in the way it's put together. Bravo to Jussi Adler-Olsen.

Good follow on book in Dept Q series

Following the story was a little confusing early on. I like Dept Q series due to the interactions of Carl, Assad, Rose, and Gordon in solving cases, but this book spends the early quarter or so on lengthy flashbacks. Finally got interesting midway thru. The book does provide answers to Rose's problems. Still looking forward to the next installment. I was disappointed in the Danish TV version...gives short shrift to Carl in particular.

Screwy Good!

Plot, plus nonsense, plus character, plus humor = great ride! Why do these snow bound nuts write so well? Wish there were more!

Best Dept. Q book yet!

The only bad thing about this book is that it ended! Can’t wait for the next installment!

Fabulous!

Department Q novels are the best for every emotion known. It is a wonderful ride.

Outstanding

An outstanding series - one of my favorites of the last few years. A big leap forward in backstory of one of the MCs. Wow. Can’t wait to see how the story moves forward. Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry.