Reviews

• “Linda – As in the Linda Murder is a difficult book to review as its merits all revolve around the most obnoxious of characters, the force of nature that is Evert Bäckström. To try to do him justice in a review is difficult as he is both compelling and abhorrent. Sexist, racist, homophobic, facetious, work-shy, dismissive of his team – these are all the characteristics that should make him a repulsive read. But here’s the rub. He is very very funny. I read some of the scenes with a smirk on my face when really I should have been appalled. It is a compelling mix of Persson's excellent characterisation and Neil Smith's spot-on translation that you start laughing at Bäckström's thoughts and actions and then immediately feel guilty. … I'm definitely up for more of Evert Bäckström.”

• “Linda – As in the Linda Murder is witty and the dialogue is at times devastatingly cruel. This is Scandinavian crime fiction at its very best and it is appropriate that the dedication is "to Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo – who did it better than almost anyone". This novel reminded me of my first discovery of the Martin Beck series with the not so subtle difference that Backstrom is the anti-Beck, the classic anti-hero. This book is very highly recommended for those readers who enjoy top class crime fiction with a message. Mind you to fully appreciate it you need to have a sense of humour, and be not easily offended.”

• “An immense crime story, and not because of the number of pages, but thanks to the narrative energy and the skill to reflect on society and humanity.”

• “Leif GW Persson has a very straight style, with no frills, and his novels show a very deep understanding of the world he writes about. The tough realism of his stories is tempered by irony and comic qualities.”

• “Persson’s new novel is consequently a true delight to read. As usual, the dialogue is sharp-witted, the prose is bubbling with the authors delight in narrating, and the plot’s not too bad either.”

• “Leif GW Persson is unique in this genre; as an author he is exceptional. This is grand reading.”

• “Entertainment paired with realism and high credibility – it can hardly get any better than this.”

• “A fantastic narration of an ordinary murder.”

• “It is of course true that insight into police work alone doesn’t make a good crime novel, but Persson is moreover an excellent author.”

• “A better crime novel about an "ordinary" Swedish murder investigation has never been done.”

• “Impressive!”

• “One of this fall seasons best novels about crime. Highly recommended!”

• “The amusing musings of the politically incorrect Bäckstrom are a guarantee for a refreshing read.”

• “This brilliantly written novel [is] intriguing until the end.”

• “It is remarkable how the eminent [Leif] GW Persson manages to maintain the suspense from start to finish in this 521-page brick of a novel. This is great thriller entertainment.”

• “All in all,Linda is like sweet and sour anchovies and criminal potatoes in sourcreme. In short, an excellent dish from the oven.”

• “A well written, sharp and sarcastic police procedural. Persson is in excellent form.”

• “Brilliant satire.”

• “This is crime writing as high art.”

• “Best Scandinavian crime novel this spring.”

• “The investigator's professionalism may be the foundation of this story, but exposing corruption and manipulation at the head of Swedish democracy is ruthlessly effective.”

• “No reader will mistake the Stockholm Police Force for the protagonist here. The fans of the author will enjoy all the dirty secrets hidden within the Police Force, in the form of widespread corruption and various problems caused by passivity and an autocratic hierarchy. But this does not prevent Linda's murder from getting solved in the end.”