I've been reading the Wallander mysteries in order. This is the first one where he is not falling apart emotionally. Wallander is having difficulties with his father, who has just been diagnosed with dementia. His daughter is visiting and they are getting along better. It was nice to see hie able to work on the mystery without worrying that he will not make it through the story.
This would not be a good story to begin reading the series, however. Wallander is planning to visit his girl friend in Latvia. He doesn't know if he will be able to make their planned vacation. Unless you have read the previous books, it will be hard to know why she is so important to him.
The story gives an interesting inside view of Swedish life in the 1990's. It's not the Nordic paradise, we expect. There are many stresses in society. Although it is similar to the US or Britain, it is definitely a unique place.
This was a very enjoyable book!
