Full of intrigue
This book is a very fast paced, well written thriller. The characters are well developed and the reader knows just enough background information at each twist and turn to sustain the tension and intrigue. I was fascinated to learn the differences and similarities between the Swedish and American penal systems, trusting that the author's backgrounds gave them enough insider information to accurately dramatize the truth.
Rated of 5
by Judith W. (Brooklyn, NY)
Faster than a speeding bullet, it's..................
Once I suspended my disbelief, I found this book completely engrossing. I also enjoyed the experience of rooting both for the 'criminal' and the detective and found the ending completely satisfying. Great characters and action!
Rated of 5
by Michele W. (Kiawah Island, SC)
Three Seconds
I wanted to review "Three Seconds" because I am a huge fan of Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo, the pioneers and unchallenged masters of the Swedish police procedural, as well as Henning Mankell, who has followed in their footsteps with his charming and clever Wallender mysteries. "Three Seconds" is heir to the traditional formula in that it combines an intricate plot with pointed criticism of the Swedish state. Several crimes that are initially thought to be unrelated are shown to be part of the same larger picture. The lead detective is flawed, eccentric and interpersonally-challenged. The humor is missing, however, and therefore the book reads much more like a thriller a la James Patterson. I was distracted by the repetition of information, and by the occasional Britishisms in the translation (Can you really describe the indisposition of a cold-blooded criminal as a "dicky tummy?") At first, the rapid switches between stories and characters was difficult to follow. On the other hand, the plot was engrossing and the jumpy structure probably enhances the suspense as intended. There is a sort of a trick ending, but the impact is reduced by the fact that the reader has already figured it out, and is just hanging around to find out how it was done. In spite of its flaws, I enjoyed reading "Three Seconds", and I would rate it an above-average thriller that should appeal to those who like this genre.
Rated of 5
by Beth T. (Savannah, GA)
Good, not Great
I'm a Mankell fan and was looking forward to sampling another voice in this genre. Although Three Seconds is a good read, and very suspenseful at times, I was a little disappointed. I found myself getting sidetracked by minutiae: names, relationships -- the storyline didn't pull me from chapter to chapter in high anticipation of what was to come next. But I still recommend that Swedish mystery fans give it a try.
Rated of 5
by Diane S. (Batavia, IL)
Three Seconds
Drugs, Drug mules, prison guards and the police force are at the core of this novel. I found the police officers Gren and Winters were intriguing characters and was surprised at the extent of the drug problems in the prisons. Found the going back and forth between characters and scenes a bit confusing but all in all it was a well written book. Did like very much the fact and fiction excerpt by the author at the end of the book. Also thought that the book was a bit too long.
Rated of 5
by Anne G. (Byram, MS)
Do You Like Stieg Larsson? You'll Like This!
Like a fast moving roller coaster through a cold dark night, this thriller speeds along from the very first page to the explosive end. A drug deal resulting in an execution brings in Detective Inspector Ewert Grens, a complex man with his own set of private problems. At the center of the drug deal gone bad is Piet Hoffman who has infiltrated a high level drug organization. When Hoffman is sent to prison, he soon discovers he's wanted dead by both the drug gang and the police. Lots of twists and turns in this story, and characters are not always what they seem. A compelling read that once started, readers will be hard pressed to put down, because who knows what will happen next. Recommended for those who enjoy thrillers and Swedish Noir.
Rated of 5
by Joyce W. (Rochester, MN)
A Good Thriller
You need to stick with this one and you will be rewarded. I almost stopped reading when Piet entered prison expecting gratuitous violence; but then the action began. Good tension is created as flawed and realistic characters expose corruption and seek to find answers. A satisfying ending.
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of 5
by Andrea L. (Cottonwood Heights, UT)
of 5
by Michele W. (Kiawah Island, SC)
