The Troubled Man

De: Henning Mankell, Laurie Thompson - translator

Narrado por: Robin Sachs

The much-anticipated return of Henning Mankell’s brilliant, brooding detective, Kurt Wallander.

On a winter day in 2008, Håkan von Enke, a retired high-ranking naval officer, vanishes during his daily walk in a forest near Stockholm. The investigation into his disappearance falls under the jurisdiction of the Stockholm police. It has nothing to do with Wallander—officially. But von Enke is his daughter’s future father-in-law. And so, with his inimitable disregard for normal procedure, Wallander is soon interfering in matters that are not his responsibility, making promises he won’t keep, telling lies when it suits him—and getting results. But the results hint at elaborate Cold War espionage activities that seem inextricably confounding, even to Wallander, who, in any case, is troubled in more personal ways as well. Negligent of his health, he’s become convinced that, having turned sixty, he is on the threshold of senility. Desperate to live up to the hope that a new granddaughter represents, he is continually haunted by his past. And looking toward the future with profound uncertainty, he will have no choice but to come face-to-face with his most intractable adversary: himself.

Fine finish to this character

I am a fan of Henning Mankell's books, particularly the Kurt Wallander Mysteries. This story is a fine finish. The evolvement of this character is what makes the series so dear. Sad to finish, but a good read. Would be better to read earlier books first.

A strong subplot in this book

Overall, I liked this book. The main plot was entertaining and kept me guessing. I liked how it turned out. The subplot, which had the most impact, left me feeling sad and dissatisfied.

Long and introspective book.

If you could sum up The Troubled Man in three words, what would they be?

This book was great although it is very long and very dark and very introspective - not unusual for Henning Mankell books but don't read it if you are down. The narrator did a fine job of being Kurt Wallander, even against the great BBC and Public TV series that are beloved.

A Must Read for male Boomers

Well written. Probably the best of the series (I've read them all). At last, a great narrator. Male Boomers: you are not alone. Walk and ponder with Kurt Wallander. It is an illuminating stroll.

Depressing.

Great detective plot, which kept one guessing nicely, but the backdrop of the slowly declining detective which starts early and is relentless is very grinding. The author clearly wanted to get a message across. The book needed editing. We don't need to know the dogs every movement or mood, or every cup of coffee (that's common to many of the Scandinavian detective series it seems!).