The Department of Sensitive Crimes
Detective Varg, Book 1
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The Department of Sensitive Crimes
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Narrated by:
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Saul Reichlin
About this listen
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo introduced us to Scandi noir. Now, welcome to Alexander McCall Smith's world of Scandi blanc....
Ulf Varg works in Malmo's Department of Sensitive Crimes. Like all Scandinavian detectives he has his issues. In his case these include his unresolved feelings for his colleague, Anna; his impatience over the seeming incompetence of his irritating colleague Blomquist; and his concerns for the health of his hearing-impaired dog, Marten, the only dog in Sweden (and possibly all Scandinavia) who is able to lip-read (in Swedish).
Along with his colleagues, Ulf is called upon to investigate a bizarre attack on a market trader, the disappearance of a handsome man who may or may not exist, and the affairs of a variety of young female students whose relationships with one another leave a great deal to be desired.
Ulf and his team come to realise that the world is a puzzling place, lycanthropy (werewolfism) exists and fish might have something to teach us. There is so much to learn if you are a Swedish detective, and in the first book in this new quasi-Scandinavian series, Ulf Varg embarks on these lessons with spirit and good humour.
©2019 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2019 Bolinda Publishing Pty LtdListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about The Department of Sensitive Crimes
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 22-01-21
Thoughts
Good in parts but a bit tedious at others. it made me laugh at times
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- K. Bridges
- 20-10-19
An amusing aside
This was a fun story along the lines of "The Number One Ladies' Detective Agency" but set in Sweden. Ulf Warg and colleagues are certainly at the centre of some sensitive crimes although, as usual. this is really a story of human (plus dog and wolf) nature rather than there really being any mystery involved. An enjoyable listen.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mrs O
- 01-07-19
Has potential
The set up has potential as do the characters but I did not find it to have the usual zing of Alexander Mccall Smith.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Hes
- 17-05-19
Lovely
Slow to get going but it just got better and better. Gentle stories of human nature.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Simon. Kindall
- 12-05-20
Pleasant book but just not for me
I enjoy detective crime thrillers and I an enjoy a series so you can get in to the characters. This book is pleasant no swearing no excessive violence and a possible love story to come. But I'm sorry to say I won't be buying the next book it was too slow for me and nothing to keep your brain going and just a brief who's done it which was solved all to quickly.
As for the narration this was perfect Saul Reichlin is one of the best out there.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Mrs T Stobie
- 01-04-19
ho hum
amusing, but a story line that is a little disjointed. almost as if it had been written to be shorter.
won't be back for more
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- T S.
- 13-06-23
Reasonable book for holiday
Calm and easy read with no violence. There is a compassionate angle to it as well. Worth downloading.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amelia
- 27-10-19
Another gem
I absolutely adored this. Alexander McCall Smith just always gets it right - a magical blend of kindness, quirkiness and humour. His ability to tell wonderful tales whilst also revealing human nature is quite breathtaking. I love the warmth he always shows his characters in all his books, no matter what their foibles. Tolerance oozes from each chapter, but not in a self righteous way, rather in a warm loving way. Perfect listening. I can’t wait for the second instalment.
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6 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Demelza Harris
- 08-07-20
Slow to start but gets better.
Different to authors usual style.
Reader was slow and deliberate which did suit the characters,but it took me a while to get used to it.
A lot of detail setting up the characters which to start with I found annoying,but In the end concluded it suits the style of writing.
Not as Witty as the Scotland street books ,or as exciting as the number new detective agency in my opinion ,but I will try another to see how the characters evolve.
Think the author is try to do a spoof on the the current flood of TV Swedish dark crime series . Not sure Alistairs quite got it right.
At the heart of the story is department of sensitive crimes when he exists to solves unusual cases. Including missing persons and an attack on someone legs ,headed by a detective who’s Swedish name translates to wolf wolf and is referred to a lot.
didn’t find this sub plot particularly funny or relevant to the story and it became boring as I could see where the conversation was going. There are several other characters in the team who are ok .Anna ,possible love interest.and a PC his name I forget, viewed by all the others to be over enthusiastic and meticulous gets recruited to the team at the end of the book .so setting him for the next instalment no doubt.and wolfs psychologist who he discusses his life and cases with, and without his input the crimes may not get solved .
A pleasant listen but easy to fall asleep to. And easy to forget.but that’s may be just my age.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sister F
- 29-09-23
Another set of wonderful characters
I love Alexander McCall Smith, I love the characters he creates and the intricate web of their daily lives. These are not exciting books, but they are rich, captivating worlds to immerse yourself in for a few hours. I love the humour that runs subtly through everything, and the sensitivity with which he treats his characters. I will read this again. Highly recommended - as long as you’re not looking for a high octane thriller!
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