The Torso [Hardcover]

Helene Tursten (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Soho Crime (1980)
• ASIN: B000N79T3E
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tursten takes psychological approach to Scandinavian serial killer, April 3, 2006

By 

Lynn Harnett (Marathon, FL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Torso (Hardcover)

Swedish cop Irene Huss makes her second appearance (after "Detective Inspector Huss") with the other members of the Goteborg Violent Crimes Unit when an eviscerated torso turns up on the beach. DNA evidence determines the deceased was male but the only clue to his identity is an expertly crafted tattoo. A similar unsolved crime in Copenhagen, Denmark, takes Irene there where she finds the tattoo's source on a sign for a gay sex shop.

Then a young girl she has been looking for is similarly murdered in Copenhagen and Irene is shaken, feeling responsible. This fear deepens as more murders occur in Irene's wake. Could the killer be a cop? Someone with inside information? Is her family at risk?

The killings themselves are beyond grisly, featuring necrosadism - murder for sexual enjoyment of the mutilation of a dead body - but the focus is more on people and setting than gore.

With elements of Ed McBain's 87th precinct series in the friction, co-operation and competition between the differing personalities of the cop team, and a fascinating glimpse of cultural dynamics in Scandinavia, this is an absorbing, character-driven series. At 40, Irene has a busy, satisfying family life with her chef husband, twin teenage daughters and energetic dog, and a focused dedication, which doesn't mind bending the rules when it suits.

The writing is spare, vivid and atmospheric. This is a series for readers who like procedurals with a strong psychological component.

--Portsmouth Herald

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Discover a new mystery master!, December 20, 2006

By 

Seeker - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Torso (Hardcover)

Helene Tursten writes tightly woven, hang-on-the-edge-of-your-seat mysteries, police procedurals at their finest. "The Torso" is her best yet, a blazingly good story set in Sweden that'll keep you glued. If you have grown weary with the cutesy cozy stories that pass for American mysteries today, you will be delighted to discover Ms. Tursten's books. She never lets her readers down. Her protagonist, the very competent Inspector Huss, is more than equal to any challenge that comes her way. Huss is a master at judo, which makes her capable of taking care of herself magnificently in tough spots. Inspector Huss does not go cute, naive, or fragile when things get tough, unlike the formula that our American mystery writers frequently follow for their female sleuths. No, the savvy Huss gets in there and takes care of business, no matter how dirty it might be. Get the book! Enjoy a great read! Helene Tursten can't write fast enough for me.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent view of Swedish life and police procedure, August 16, 2006

By 

Regina Kiser "Gina: british books, other book... (Saint Paul MN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Torso (Hardcover)

Thoughtful mystery full of twists and turns. Strong female detective. Excellent view of Swedish life including tantalizing description of Swedish food at various stops along the way. Intriging view of Danish sex trade. I can hardly wait for the next book!