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The Department of Sensitive Crimes

A Detective Varg novel
Series: Detective Varg
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( 11,571 ratings, 1,873 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Department of Sensitive Crimes by Alexander McCall Smith is a humorous and whimsical crime novel that follows Detective Ulf Varg and his team as they tackle unusual and quirky cases in a Swedish police department. With a focus on the lighter and more peculiar side of crime, the story unfolds with wit and charm as the detectives navigate workplace dynamics and eccentric inquiries. It's an exploration of humanity's idiosyncrasies wrapped in a playful detective narrative.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate a light-hearted and humorous take on the crime genre with quirky, endearing characters. The narrative intertwines witty, philosophical musings with unusual mysteries, making it perfect for fans of gentle and charming detective stories.

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The Department of Sensitive Crimes

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo introduced us to 'Scandi noir'. Now, welcome to Alexander McCall Smith's world of Scandi blanc . . .

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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 Malmö'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 (were-wolfism) 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.

Series: Detective Varg

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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 Department of Sensitive Crimes by Alexander McCall Smith is praised for its warm-hearted characters and delightful, gentle humour. While the crimes tackled by the protagonist, Ulf, may seem minor, the engaging dialogue and McCall Smith's unique narrative style captivate readers. It's described as soothing and offers a comforting escape, filled with emotionally resonant moments and an inviting charm that's both entertaining and calming.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349143330

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 March 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Abacus

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 216g

Pages: 272

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About the Author

Alexander McCall Smith is the author of over one hundred books on a wide array of subjects, including the award-winning The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. He is also the author of the Isabel Dalhousie novels and the world's longest-running serial novel, 44 Scotland Street. His books have been translated into forty-six languages. Alexander McCall Smith is Professor Emeritus of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and holds honorary doctorates from thirteen universities. He was knighted by the King in 2024.

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