The Dogs of Riga, by Henning Mankell

The second in the series of Kurt Wallander Swedish detective mysteries. It moves along with a feel that is similar to Faceless Killers (see earlier post) and gets downright dark and gritty when the action turns to Latvia. I found the occasional discussion about politics, the State and the individual among the more rewarding moments in the book. Too, the moody and depressing descriptions of the cityscape are fraught with depression. On the downside I found the romantic bits between Wallander and Baiba a bit contrived. But, objectively, if Wallander had gone through everything that he had and found her attractive, can I blame him for trying to whisk her away to Sweden? Even if she was widowed recently and Wallander was investigating her husband’s death? I suppose. Mankell could’ve lent more realism to the ordeal by spending more time on Wallander’s illegal return trip to Latvia. Perhaps my objection is a result of Mankell’s ineffectiveness in conveying what an ordeal Wallander’s investigation and return journey were. Or, perhaps, it is my cynicism. My only other problem with the story was the ending (shoot-out on the roof). That was too much Hollywood and formulaic storytelling. Nevertheless, the novel was a good read. But I liked Faceless Killers better. I’ll give Mankell and Wallander another shot (no pun intended) – you should do the same.