Another Scandinavian author I had been meaning to explore for quite sometime, this first experience of Anne Holt's writing was not extraordinarily good. One reason for that may be that I have read far more complex and absorbing Nordic crime fiction by the likes of Nesbo, Larsson and Kepler. That doesn't mean to say this one was not good; it's just that the expectations from such a novel are so high that it inevitably falls short.
This novel is a nice thriller with an interesting set of lead characters and a taut plot that holds the reader's attention. Though it is the third one in a series, it works pretty well as a standalone. It could've been a bit longer, with enough space for development of some characters and some detailed detective work, is what I feel. ( )

The first I have read by this author.

A foster home for difficult children is a bit shaken by its latest arrival. Twelve-year-old Olav is huge, awkward, and lacking normal social skills. He can be friendly and even helpful but can also be cruel and resistant. The head of the foster home, Agnes Vestavik, sees hatred in his eyes after she forces him to comply with the home's rules. On the other hand, Maren, one of the workers, is sympathetic and helpful to Olav, winning his approval.

When Agnes is found at her desk with a knife in her back and Olav is missing, the police have their hands full. Heading up the investigation is chief inspector Hanne Wilhelmsen, with detective Billy T. lead investigator.

The murder and the missing boy are treated as separate cases. Billy T. questions everyone at the home and beyond to find a motive for the murder. Meanwhile, bulletins announce the missing boy and his description. As he is easy to spot, the police expect him to be found soon. But he isn't.

The team finds more than one motive. They also interview Olav's mother, who appears to have some deficiencies in relating to others. Her thoughts are presented in the book from time to time, filling in information about the boy's birth and early years and how she managed.

Hanne's worst problem appears to be her inability to delegate. She is only recenty promoted and wants to do well, but she loves the chase. Sitting at her desk and directing is rather more difficult. She also has difficulty trusting others to do the job well. As the case progresses, she comes to grips with these issues within herself.

An interesting case with interesting characters. It is not without charm and sensitivity as well. I felt like my exposure to Hanne was limited. I would have liked more from her. And Billy T. seems such a caricature that I didn't warm up to him. Nevertheless, I was drawn in and expect to read more of them both. ( )

Er sieht aus wie ein Kobold. Eher noch: wie ein Dämon. Ein großer dicker Dämon. Und aus seinen Augen spricht tiefer Haß. Dabei ist Olav erst zwölf Jahre alt. Aber seine Mutter wird schon lange nicht mehr mit ihm fertig, und deshalb ist er nun im Kinderheim »Frühlingssonne« wahrscheinlich besser aufgehoben als in einer engen Sozialwohnung. In der »Frühlingssonne« hat Agnes Vestavik die Leitung und sie kennt auch Olav gegenüber keine Nachsicht. Jetzt aber ist Agnes tot und Olav verschwunden... Mit großem psychologischen Einfühlungsvermögen erzählt Anne Holt die Geschichte eines zutiefst verunsicherten Kindes. Zugleich aber gelingt ihr ein ebenso fesselnder wie einzigartiger Roman um ihre sympathische Osloer Kriminalkommissarin Hanne Wilhelmsen.

Håkon ist in elternzeit, hanne/cecilie diskutieren leibliches kind, billy t ist hannes mitarbeiter ( )

Norsk krimi. ( )