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The Man Who Smiled
Kurt Wallander
Series: Kurt Wallander
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Check link for latest rating. ( 25,666 ratings, 1,122 reviews)
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The Man Who Smiled
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Spiralling into an alcohol-fuelled depression after killing a man in the line of duty, Inspector Kurt Wallander has made up his mind to quit the police force for good.
A disillusioned Inspector Kurt Wallander is thrown back into the fray when he becomes both hunter and hunted in this adventure from the pen of Sweden's master of crime and mystery.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Immerse yourself in a masterfully written thriller with The Man Who Smiled by Henning Mankell, where mystery and intrigue challenge the very fabric of Inspector Kurt Wallander’s life. Struggling with an alcohol-fuelled depression after the harrowing experience of killing a man in the line of duty, Inspector Wallander decides to hang up his badge for good. His world is grim, overshadowed by despair and disillusionment, and he vows never to return to the police force.
However, fate has other plans. An old acquaintance reaches out to Wallander seeking help to investigate the mysterious death of his father. Reluctant and emotionally drained, Wallander initially refuses to get involved. His resolve begins to waver when his former friend is found dead, shot three times in a chilling act of violence. Wallander’s conscience won't let him walk away, understanding too late that he should have listened.
Driven by a sense of duty and a burning desire for justice, Wallander returns to his role as an inspector, reluctantly leading what now appears to be a double murder investigation. The cases lead him into the murky world of a powerful business tycoon whose enigmatic persona and widespread influence seem to tie into both deaths.
As Wallander delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers layers of deceit, conspiracy, and danger. But as he gets closer to unravelling the truth, he realises he is not just the hunter; he has become the hunted. A shadowy figure looms and advances, putting Wallander's life on a perilous brink.
The Man Who Smiled is a gripping tale set against the backdrop of the brooding Swedish landscape, showcasing Mankell's signature combination of thrilling plotlines and deep, introspective character development. Wallander’s struggles with his personal demons and the high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with a relentless adversary make for an unforgettable read.
With over 35 million copies of the Kurt Wallander series sold worldwide, Mankell's work has resonated with readers globally, celebrated for its intricate narratives and complex character portrayals. Prepare to be enthralled by this relentless and thought-provoking thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Series: Kurt Wallander
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Faceless Killers
Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell is the first title in the critically acclaimed Inspector Wallander series. This taut, gripping novel follows Inspector Kurt Wallander as he navigates a world of darkness and brutality. One frozen January morning at 5am, Inspector Wallander responds to what he believes is a routine call out. Upon reaching an isolated farmhouse, he is confronted with...Paperback$2899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
Firewall
Firewall by Henning Mankell is a masterfully crafted, tense instalment in the acclaimed Kurt Wallander series. The story unravels in the picturesque yet brooding landscape of Sweden, where crime and mystery intertwine in a compelling plot. One ordinary evening takes a sinister turn when a man collapses and dies while stopping to use a cash machine. The situation escalates as...Paperback$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
One Step Behind
Set against the stark backdrop of Sweden, One Step Behind by Henning Mankell is a masterfully crafted crime novel that captures the reader's attention from the very first page. Mankell, renowned for his gripping storytelling, takes readers on an intense journey with seasoned Detective Kurt Wallander in this deeply atmospheric and suspenseful tale. During the Midsummer Eve celebrations, a time...Paperback$2699Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Dogs of Riga
In the chilling depths of a Swedish winter in 1991, Inspector Kurt Wallander is confronted with a perplexing case when he receives an anonymous tip-off. Days later, a life raft carrying two elegantly dressed but lifeless men washes ashore. Both victims are found to have been shot dead at close range, dressed in expensive suits, hinting at connections to organised...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Fifth Woman
In the critically acclaimed novel The Fifth Woman by Henning Mankell, Inspector Kurt Wallander faces one of the most challenging cases of his career, delving into a series of gruesome murders that push him to his limits both personally and professionally. It all begins with the harrowing and senseless massacre of four nuns and a fifth woman during a night-time...Paperback$3200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Man Who Smiled
Immerse yourself in a masterfully written thriller with The Man Who Smiled by Henning Mankell, where mystery and intrigue challenge the very fabric of Inspector Kurt Wallander’s life. Struggling with an alcohol-fuelled depression after the harrowing experience of killing a man in the line of duty, Inspector Wallander decides to hang up his badge for good. His world is grim,...Paperback$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Pyramid
The Pyramid by Henning Mankell is an unmissable read for enthusiasts of the Kurt Wallander series. This compelling prequel delves into the formative years of the protagonist, offering a rich backstory that enhances our understanding of the iconic Swedish detective. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Sweden, The Pyramid reveals how the young, inexperienced Kurt Wallander evolves into the seasoned...Paperback$2699Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Troubled Man
The Troubled Man is the last gripping instalment in Henning Mankell's bestselling Wallander series, offering an intense mix of suspense, mystery, and personal reflection. Every morning, Håkan von Enke takes his routine walk in the forest near his apartment in Stockholm. But one day, he mysteriously fails to return home. Although Detective Kurt Wallander is not involved officially in the...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The White Lioness
In the tranquil outskirts of Southern Sweden, estate agent, devoted Methodist, and loving wife and mother, Louise Åkerblom mysteriously disappears without a trace. There are no signs of a struggle, no apparent motive, and no witnesses. As the days stretch into weeks, Inspector Kurt Wallander and his dedicated team are drawn into an enigmatic case that will challenge their detective...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
Sidetracked
In this gripping thriller, Kurt Wallander's furious pursuit of a killer who scalps his victims will throw him and those he loves most into mortal danger. Midsummer approaches, and Inspector Kurt Wallander prepares for a holiday with the new woman in his life, hopeful that his wayward daughter and his ageing father will cope without him. But his restful summer...PaperbackSold Out
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Man Who Smiled is highly praised for its impeccable plotting and vintage Nordic storytelling. Reviewers describe it as one of Henning Mankell's best works, filled with an absorbing and chilling atmosphere. Fans appreciate the writer's rare skills in crafting a compelling and evil-soaked narrative.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780099571728
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 21 June 2012
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Vintage
Contributors:
- Translated by Laurie Thompson
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 27.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 311g
Pages: 448
About the Author
Henning Mankell (1948-2015) became a worldwide phenomenon with his crime writing, gripping thrillers and atmospheric novels set in Africa. His prizewinning and critically acclaimed Inspector Wallander Mysteries continue to dominate bestseller lists all over the globe and his books have been translated into forty-five languages and made into numerous international film and television adaptations: most recently the BAFTA-award-winning BBC television series Wallander, starring Kenneth Branagh. Driven by a desire to change the world and to fight against racism and nationalism, Mankell devoted much of his time to working with charities in Africa, including SOS Children's Villages and PLAN International, where he was also director of the Teatro Avenida in Maputo. In 2008, the University of St Andrews conferred Henning Mankell with an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of his major contribution to literature and to the practical exercise of conscience. www.henningmankell.com
Also by Henning Mankell
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Faceless Killers
Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell is the first title in the critically acclaimed Inspector Wallander series. This taut, gripping novel follows Inspector Kurt Wallander as he navigates a world of darkness and brutality. One frozen January morning at 5am, Inspector Wallander responds to what he believes is a routine call out. Upon reaching an isolated farmhouse, he is confronted with...Paperback$2899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
Secrets in the Fire
It was the most dangerous thing she could have done. But Sofia was only playing - pushing and shoving and laughing with her sister as they ran out to the fields one pearly dawn. Sofia didn't mean to step off the path. She didn't mean to tread on the monster, the monster that lurked, waiting, under the ground. Secrets in...Paperback$2100Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Rock Blaster
The Rock Blaster by Henning Mankell takes readers on a poignant journey through the tumultuous life of Oskar Johansson, a man whose resilience and determination are tested to their limits. At 3 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon in 1911, Johansson is severely injured in an industrial explosion, an event misreported by the local newspaper as fatal. Despite being crippled, Johansson...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The White Lioness
In the tranquil outskirts of Southern Sweden, estate agent, devoted Methodist, and loving wife and mother, Louise Åkerblom mysteriously disappears without a trace. There are no signs of a struggle, no apparent motive, and no witnesses. As the days stretch into weeks, Inspector Kurt Wallander and his dedicated team are drawn into an enigmatic case that will challenge their detective...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Troubled Man
The Troubled Man is the last gripping instalment in Henning Mankell's bestselling Wallander series, offering an intense mix of suspense, mystery, and personal reflection. Every morning, Håkan von Enke takes his routine walk in the forest near his apartment in Stockholm. But one day, he mysteriously fails to return home. Although Detective Kurt Wallander is not involved officially in the...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Shadow Girls
In The Shadow Girls by Henning Mankell, readers are immersed in the rich, intertwined tales of three young immigrant girls struggling to find their place in Sweden. Known as the 'Swedish John le Carré,' Mankell offers an inspirational narrative that bridges cultural chasms and delves deep into the human spirit. Tea-Bag, a spirited Nigerian refugee, escapes the squalor of a...Paperback$5000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Return Of The Dancing Master
In The Return of the Dancing Master, Henning Mankell delivers a masterful blend of mystery and psychological depth that keeps readers enthralled from the very first page. Set against the stark and atmospheric backdrop of northern Sweden's vast, desolate forests, this novel tells the gripping story of Herbert Molin, a reclusive retired police officer whose solitary existence is deeply haunted...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Pyramid
The Pyramid by Henning Mankell is an unmissable read for enthusiasts of the Kurt Wallander series. This compelling prequel delves into the formative years of the protagonist, offering a rich backstory that enhances our understanding of the iconic Swedish detective. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Sweden, The Pyramid reveals how the young, inexperienced Kurt Wallander evolves into the seasoned...Paperback$2699Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
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In the critically acclaimed novel The Fifth Woman by Henning Mankell, Inspector Kurt Wallander faces one of the most challenging cases of his career, delving into a series of gruesome murders that push him to his limits both personally and professionally. It all begins with the harrowing and senseless massacre of four nuns and a fifth woman during a night-time...Paperback$3200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
The Dogs of Riga
In the chilling depths of a Swedish winter in 1991, Inspector Kurt Wallander is confronted with a perplexing case when he receives an anonymous tip-off. Days later, a life raft carrying two elegantly dressed but lifeless men washes ashore. Both victims are found to have been shot dead at close range, dressed in expensive suits, hinting at connections to organised...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
One Step Behind
Set against the stark backdrop of Sweden, One Step Behind by Henning Mankell is a masterfully crafted crime novel that captures the reader's attention from the very first page. Mankell, renowned for his gripping storytelling, takes readers on an intense journey with seasoned Detective Kurt Wallander in this deeply atmospheric and suspenseful tale. During the Midsummer Eve celebrations, a time...Paperback$2699Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
Depths
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