The White Lioness: A Kurt Wallander Mystery (3) |
|
|
by: Henning Mankell  List Price: $14.95 Amazon.com's Price: $10.17 You Save: $4.78 (32%)as of 09/02/2010 17:42 EDT Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
Binding: PaperbackDewey Decimal Number: 839.7374 EAN: 9781400031559 ISBN: 1400031559 Item Dimensions: Label: Vintage Manufacturer: Vintage Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 448 Publication Date: May 13, 2003 Publisher: Vintage Release Date: May 13, 2003 Studio: Vintage Features:
Related Items:
Browse for similar items by category: Click to Display Editorial Review: Product Description: Third in the Kurt Wallander series. The execution-style murder of a Swedish housewife looks like a simple case even though there is no obvious suspect. But then Wallander learns of a determined stalker, and soon enough, the cops catch up with him. But when his alibi turns out to be airtight, they realize that what seemed a simple crime of passion is actually far more complex—and dangerous. The search for the truth behind the killing eventually uncovers an assassination plot, and Wallander soon finds himself in a tangle with both the secret police and a ruthless foreign agent. Combining compelling insights into the sinister side of modern life with a riveting tale of international intrigue, The White Lioness keeps you on the knife-edge of suspense. Average Rating:
 Rating: - Absorbing bookI generally take notice of reviews before I read a book, and based on some of the reviews here I might not have chosen White Lioness. However, I am reading my way through Mankell's works and decided to read it nonetheless. While I agree with some of the criticisms, I think on balance this is a thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing book. I like Mankell's style and his glimpses into a largely unknown Sweden are intriguing. Wallander is a very human type of character and this makes him more or less likeable at any given time. One of the things I like the most about Mankell's work is the sense of change in the works. He is not a formulaic writer and the landscape of his novels, both with characters and geography changes all the time. That keeps his writing fresh for me. I would soundly recommend the book and I will continue to read as much about Wallander as there is. Rating:  - Great mysteryAll of the Kurt Wallander mystery books are great. It is just plane ole detective work type of book. A struggling detective who has good and bad issues to deal with. Reads like an old time mystery solved with good police work. Read them all. Rating: - New translations from a favorite foreign authorI discovered Henning Mankell about 15 years ago and eagerly devoured all of his translated books. Now there are many, many more and I am ecstatic! I bought 4 new ones this time and although I haven't gotten to read them yet, I am anticipating the experience with great pleasure. Kurt Wallender, the central character, is so truthfully written that it gives me (a man of similar age) goose bumps. I recognized him from the first chapter I read. Keep those translations coming!!!! Rating: - Kurt Wallander and Nelson MandelaDespite the title of my review, Kurt Wallander doesn't actually interact with Nelson Mandela, but they are both integral to the plot of this very well written book. Once again we watch as Wallander attempts to solve the mystery of the brutal death of a woman, which appears to be a random, senseless murder. There are very deep currents to this killing unknown to the Swedish police, which involve a plot to turn South Africe into a battlefield. Wallander shows that he has a very human side, when he does some very stupid things, makes big mistakes, and almost costs his daughter her life. In the end, however, he does pull himself together, but I don't think that he will ever be the same. The plot alternates between Sweden and South Africe, and Mr. Mankell has a deft touch with the characters in South Africa. Perhaps he is tuned into the African mindset because he spends several months every year there and this helps him to write with knowledge. There is real sympathy for the plight of the blacks in South Africa (this book was written before Mandela became president) and it shows in the writing. This does not appear to be the normal Wallander book, but it does show us that even "heroes" in books have a very human side, and we can identify with that. The series goes on and I will be reading the next book, hopefully soon. Rating:  - Long and strangeThe book is interesting for its view of South African politics at the time of Mandela's release. The problem is the book pushes credulity to its limits. How Wallender gets involved in an international murder involving South Africa assassins, ex KGB agents and Swedish police seems stretched. The book might have been better as a stand-alone novel with Wallender not in the picture. Wallender is the most interesting character in these books, but his inner turmoil seems remote in this one. The book is still interesting. However, it is very long book and I found myself reading faster and faster until end. It is basically "The Day of the Jackal" plot with Wallender's daughter thrown in as a damsel in distress for good measure. "The Day of the Jackal" is a much better book. This book has its moments and I'll probably try more Wallender books. 
| |
Farmers helping farmers farm better through collaborative efforts.