The Defenceless by Kati Hiekkapelto - BLOG TOUR

I am delighted to be today's stop on the BLOG TOUR for Kati Hiekkapelto's The Defenceless, which is being published in paperback on 30 September 2015 by Orenda Books.

The Defenceless
By Kati Hiekkapelto
Published by Orenda Books (30 September 2015)
ISBN: 978-1910633137

Publisher's description

When an old man is found dead on the road - seemingly run over by a Hungarian au pair - police investigator Anna Fekete is certain that there is more to the incident than meets the eye. As she begins to unravel an increasingly complicated case, she's led on a deady trail where illegal immigration, drugs and ultimately murder threaten not only her beliefs, but her life. Anna's partner Esko is entrenched in a similarly dangerous investigation. As the two cases come together, it becomes clear that having the law on their side may not be enough.

My verdict
The Defenceless is an intriguing and atmospheric Scandi-noir novel with a tight complex plot. It's so well translated that it's easy to forget that it wasn't originally written in English.

Anna Fekete is investigating a seemingly straightforward hit-and-run accident - an elderly man has been found dead in the road after being run over by a Hungarian au pair. But as time progresses, it transpires that this isn't as clear cut as originally believed. Throw in some drug addicts and murder, and the case becomes increasingly complicated. Anna's partner Esko, meanwhile, is investigating the Black Cobras, a crime syndicate (of immigrants) trying to get a foothold in Finland.

The Defenceless' publication is very timely, with the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis in Europe. The plot focuses on illegal immigration, with refugees fleeing from conflict, and addresses some serious moral and social issues.

The author Kati Hiekkapelto has created some well-developed characters, highlighting their flaws and anxieties. As the plot progresses, Anna Fekete questions her own status in Finnish society, being an immigrant herself, having originally fled from a war zone.

This book is more than just a crime novel. It's a fascinating insight into what's below the surface of the society that we live in - every migrant/refugee has a story, so what leads them to flee a country that they know and love.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Meet Me in Malmö by Torquil Macleod

Meet Me in Malmö
By Torquil Macleod
Published by McNidder & Grace (23 July 2015)
ISBN: 978-0857161147

Publisher's description
A British journalist is invited to Malmö to interview an old university friend who is now one of Sweden s leading film directors. When he discovers the directors glamorous film star wife dead in her apartment, the Skåne County Police are called in to solve the high-profile case. Among the investigating team is Inspector Anita Sundström, who soon finds the list of suspects growing. As Anita battles to discover the answers amid the antagonism of some of her colleagues, she even begins to think that the person she is becoming attracted to could be the murderer. This is the first in a series of the best-selling crime mysteries featuring Inspector Anita Sundström.

My verdict

Meet Me in Malmö is a Scandinavian crime novel set in both Sweden and England. I loved reading about the differences between the Swedish and British cultures. The fact that the narrator was seeing Sweden for the first time as a tourist enabled the author to slip facts in here and there.

The book is easy to read and tightly written, with so many twists and turns that completely took me by surprise. The ending was a complete shocker though and I feel that I should read the book again to see if I missed anything - or if the author just added that on at the last moment.

Yet despite the ending, I would still say this is a great read, and I certainly didn't feel short-changed. I will be reading the next book shortly.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.