Thursday, January 28, 2021

The Laughing Policeman by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö - BOOK BEGINNINGS

 


BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAYS

This week I'm reading a 1968 classic Swedish mystery, The Laughing Policeman by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö. I wanted to get a jump on all the 2021 reading challenges I signed up for and this one counts for several:

  • The European Reading Challenge: I host this one myself. It used to be difficult for me to find Scandinavian books for the challenge but not so since I started reading "Nordic Noir" mystery books. 
I like giving myself that big jolt of accomplishment of getting a book done for all the challenges. It makes me want to keep reading!

What are you reading this week? Any books for challenges you signed up for?

Please share the opening sentence (or so) of your book you are enjoying this week. Add the link to your blog or social media post in the linky box below. As always, if you post or share on social media, please use the hashtag #bookbeginnings so we can find each other. 

MY BOOK BEGINNING

On the evening of the thirteenth of November it was pouring in Stockholm.

Maj Sjöwall and her husband Per Wahlöö wrote ten crime novels featuring Stockholm police detective Martin Beck. The Laughing Policeman is the fourth book in the series.



YOUR BOOK BEGINNINGS

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blog event button for The Friday 56 on Freda's Voice

THE FRIDAY 56

Another fun Friday event is The Friday 56. Share a two-sentence teaser from page 56 of your book, or 56% of the way through your e-book or audiobook, on this weekly event hosted by Freda at Freda's Voice.

MY FRIDAY 56

Martin Beck should, therefore, know most of what there was to know about him. 
Oddly enough, he didn't know very much.
Enjoy your book and enjoy your weekend! See you next week for another Book Beginning on Friday!

16 comments:

  1. Reading these older books can give so much perspective to modern ones. I've read several Jo Nesbo titles. Sounds like I should read Martin Beck to see how he paved the way.

    Congratulations on being able to multitask your challenges so effectively!

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    1. I've read two from this series now and can say it's not my favorite. I love vintage mysteries, but this one feels cold and mechanical to me. I can't put my finger on it. I love Jo Nesbo, on the other hand.

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    1. It sounds good, but it is not engaging me. I had the same problem with the first book in this series, Rosanna, which I also read.

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  3. I've never thought to look for old European mysteries. Hope you enjoy this one. I enjoyed the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo books but the name of streets and places were a bear to pronounce. My book this week is Writers and Lovers

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    1. I liked the Dragon Tattoo books a lot! I also liked Writers and Lovers very much. I read it a couple of months ago.

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  4. This sounds like a good book. Have a great weekend!

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    1. It's so-so. Fortunately, it's short! Enjoy your weekend too!

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  5. This reminds me I've got a Martin Beck book in my TBRs.Happy reading.

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    1. Which one? I read Roseanna and now this one. I think that might be it for me with this series. It's not bringing me joy.

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  6. I love the idea of a wife and husband writing crime thrillers together! I might make that a requirement for any future relationships ;) And great that you're managing to get a head's start on your challenges as well, all of my reading has been very haphazard lately so maybe I should think about a challenge as well. Thanks for hosting and have a lovely weekend :)
    - Juli @ A Universe in Words

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    1. My husband and I have tried cases together -- we're both lawyers. But somehow the thought of writing books together sounds impossible! Have a great weekend!

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  7. Sounds good.
    I love when I find a book that I somehow overlooked.
    It's like finding an old friend. lol
    Have a great weekend!

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    1. So true! No matter how long it takes to find on my shelf. Enjoy your weekend!

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  8. Had me giggling. Happy weekend!

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