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The Return Of The Dancing Master

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( 9,379 ratings, 604 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
In The Return Of The Dancing Master by Henning Mankell, retired policeman Herbert Molin is brutally murdered in his secluded Swedish home. Detective Stefan Lindman, battling his own personal issues, takes on the case and uncovers hidden secrets that link the crime to dark events from the past.
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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 love dark, atmospheric mysteries with complex characters and a plot that keeps you guessing. It blends suspenseful crime-solving with deep psychological insights, set against the backdrop of a desolate Swedish winter.

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The Return Of The Dancing Master

WINNER OF THE CWA GOLD DAGGER FOR SIDETRACKED

Herbert Molin, a retired police officer, is living alone in a remote cottage in the vast forests of northern Sweden. He has no close friends, no close neighbours, and by the time his body is eventually found, Molin is almost unrecognisable.

Mankell is by far the best writer of police mysteries today. He is in the great tradition of those whose works transcend their chosen genre to become thrilling and moral literature' Michael Ondaatje

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

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 by his past obsessions.

Herbert Molin lives alone in a remote cottage, consumed by his passion for the tango and a pervasive feeling of being pursued by unseen 'demons'. These twin obsessions shape his isolated life, leaving him with no close friends or neighbours. Tragically, by the time Molin's body is discovered, he is barely recognisable, a horrifying testament to the violent end that befell him.

Enter Stefan Lindman, a police officer who is on extended sick leave following a cancer diagnosis. Seeking distraction from his own troubles, Lindman decides to investigate the shocking death of his former colleague, Molin. What begins as a bid for personal solace soon morphs into a deeper investigation, as Lindman uncovers a web of malevolent forces that seems improbably intertwined with Molin's murder.

Through intense and meticulous detective work, Lindman is thrust into a world where the past horrors and present dangers collide, revealing a sinister network of evil that defies belief. As the layers of deception are peeled back, the initially remote and tranquil setting becomes the stage for a chilling and intricate narrative, rich with suspense and moral complexity.

Mankell's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this novel, which not only delves into the intricacies of human psychology but also confronts the broader themes of justice and retribution. It's no wonder that Mankell is hailed as one of the greatest writers of police mysteries today, crafting literature that transcends its genre to become both thrilling and morally resonant.

The Return of the Dancing Master is a compelling read for anyone who appreciates the fusion of gripping crime fiction and profound literary exploration. Mankell's ability to create vividly realised characters and a palpable sense of place ensures this book is as enthralling as it is thought-provoking.

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?

Absorbing and chilling with an evil atmosphere, Henning Mankell's The Return of the Dancing Master creates a slow burn that captivates readers. It is praised for its atmospheric storytelling and is seen as a worthy successor to Mankell's Wallander series. The new cast is introduced brilliantly, and a political edge takes the narrative in an intriguing direction. The characters stand out as a significant strength of this compelling novel.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099541882

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 May 2009

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Contributors:

  • Translated by Laurie Thompson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 31.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 362g

Pages: 528

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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

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