posted by
piglet at 12:13pm on 02/03/2008 under book review
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
In this Martin Beck mystery, we learn more about Lennart Kollberg, one of Beck's team, and meet more recurring characters. Characterization is the strongest suit of this book, with atmosphere running a close second. I'm fed up past my eyeteeth with child sex murders (no doubt from too much Law & Order: SVU -- I'd be ever so happy not to read or watch another fictional sex crime in my lifetime). At least this one doesn't sensationalize anything about it. We spend no time at all in the criminal's head, and very little on his motivations or on the commission of the crime itself. The focus is on how the murders affect the community, "decent citizens" and police alike.
Here is Martin Beck addressing a pair of vigilantes who whacked a policeman over the head, mistaking him for the at-large pervert.
Here is Martin Beck addressing a pair of vigilantes who whacked a policeman over the head, mistaking him for the at-large pervert.
"What you have done is indefensible. The very idea of militia comprises a far greater danger to society than any single criminal or gang. It paves the way for lynch mentality and arbitrary administration of justice. It throws the protective mechanism of society out of gear. Do you understand what I mean?"
"You're talking like a book," said the man in the track suit acidly.
"Exactly," Martin Beck replied. "These are elementary facts. Mere catechism. Do you understand what I mean?"
It took about an hour before they understood what he meant.
There are no comments on this entry. (Reply.)