The Department of Sensitive Crimes

As the first book in a new series by Alexander McCall Smith, this Detective Varg novel is described as being written as 'Scandi blanc' as opposed to popular Scandinavian crime fiction usually referred to as 'Scandi noir'.

Set in Malmo, Sweden, Ulf Varg (Wolf Wolf) is in charge of the Department of Sensitive Crimes. Ulf and his team, Anna, Carl and Erik, are presented with unusual crimes to investigate - who stabbed a stall holder in the back of the knee, the disappearance of a young man who may, or may not, have gone to the North Pole, and the reasons for the lack of patrons at a once popular spa. The team with the assistance of a local policeman, Blomquist, endeavour to investigate such mysteries discovering conflict between a group of young people, imaginary friends and the possibility of werewolves in a small town.

This series of investigations occurs amidst a series of philosophical discussions on social issues and life in general in our politically correct world. We learn about the lives, concerns and relationships of the main characters including the problems with Ulf's dog, Martin, who is not only deaf but appears to be depressed. The book contains much quiet humour which made me laugh on several occasions. I look forward to meeting these characters again in the next installment of the Detective Varg series.

Review in The Scotsman 7 March 2019
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