Tuesday 11 June 2019

Wolves at the Door by Gunnar Staalesen

Wolves at the Door
By Gunnar Staalesen
Published by Orenda Books (E-book - out now; Paperback - 13 June 2019)
I received an Advance Reader from the publisher



Publisher's description
One dark January night a car drives at high speed towards PI Varg Veum, and comes very close to killing him. Veum is certain this is no accident, following so soon after the deaths of two jailed men who were convicted for their participation in a case of child pornography and sexual assault … crimes that Veum himself once stood wrongly accused of committing.
While the guilty men were apparently killed accidentally, Varg suspects that there is something more sinister at play … and that he’s on the death list of someone still at large.
Fearing for his life, Veum begins to investigate the old case, interviewing the victims of abuse and delving deeper into the brutal crimes, with shocking results. The wolves are no longer in the dark … they are at his door. And they want vengeance.

My verdict
I loved Wolves at the Door - definitely my favourite Varg Veum book so far, despite the dark subject matter.

Just as in the previous book (Big Sister), I was hooked into the story from the very first page and couldn't drag myself away. This one follows almost straight on from Big Sister, so it's probably wise to read that one if you haven't done so already.

Yet again, Gunnar Staalasen has written classic crime fiction with a modern twist, concentrating on contemporary criminal activities and social issues within a complex multi-layered plot. The story is revealed slowly but surely through a gripping investigation. Private investigator Varg Veum is investigating what initially appear to be accidental deaths but are revealed to be linked together by child pornography and sexual assault charges. Veum was also arrested (wrongfully) at the time so fears that he could be next.

The writing is highly evocative with vivid imagery - all of the little details of what people wear, eat and drink bring Norway to life. I particularly love the main character's voice, with Varg Veum's wit and irony surfacing through the sharp dialogue and narrative, often prompting me to laugh out loud. Despite the humour though, my emotions were pulled in all directions - fear, sadness, worry and despair - with my heart pounding in certain scenes towards the end.

Yet another great outing for Norwegian private eye Varg Veum, and author Gunnar Staalesen. Bring on the next one!

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