Detective Ulf Varg from the Department of Sensitive Crimes is often called upon to investigate unusual matters. But rarely is he asked to conduct an inquiry on behalf of his own family. Is such a thing ethical? Adding to Ulf’s moral discomfort is the fact that he does not exactly see eye to eye with his younger brother Bjorn—a leading player in one of Sweden’s right-wing parties, the Moderate Extremists. Still, family is family, so Ulf finds himself working to uncover the mole leaking secrets to a rival party, the Extreme Moderates. All of this in addition to his responsibilities to the Department, which include investigating a case of cat-related sabotage. As always, it’s up to Ulf to close the case . . . even if he encounters unexpected resistance from the victims themselves.
From literary master McCall Smith, this is a bewitching short foray, witty and warm, into Scandinavian mystery.
A Vintage Short original. An ebook short.
Praise for Alexander McCall Smith:
“An addictively easy-to-read writer.... A great observer of people.” —The Guardian “[McCall Smith's] writing is soothing, elegant, understated, beguiling, joyous, engaging, charming and extremely funny; he is an understanding, witty writer; he employs a sly humour; and he’s a treasure.... His books are beach books, they are airport books, they are summer and winter books, they are books that make you want to embrace life.” —The Globe and Mail
“To say McCall Smith is a literary phenomenon doesn’t quite describe what has happened. He has become more of a movement, a worldwide club for the dissemination of gentle wisdom and good cheer.” —The Telegraph “If Dr. McCall Smith didn’t exist, we should have had to invent him. He is that rare creature known as a storyteller.” —The Washington Times
ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH is the author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novels and a number of other series and stand-alone books. His works have been translated into more than forty languages and have been best sellers throughout the world. He lives in Scotland.
Detective Ulf Varg from the Department of Sensitive Crimes is often called upon to investigate unusual matters. But rarely is he asked to conduct an inquiry on behalf of his own family. Is such a thing ethical? Adding to Ulf’s moral discomfort is the fact that he does not exactly see eye to eye with his younger brother Bjorn—a leading player in one of Sweden’s right-wing parties, the Moderate Extremists. Still, family is family, so Ulf finds himself working to uncover the mole leaking secrets to a rival party, the Extreme Moderates. All of this in addition to his responsibilities to the Department, which include investigating a case of cat-related sabotage. As always, it’s up to Ulf to close the case . . . even if he encounters unexpected resistance from the victims themselves.
From literary master McCall Smith, this is a bewitching short foray, witty and warm, into Scandinavian mystery.
A Vintage Short original. An ebook short.
Reviews
Praise for Alexander McCall Smith:
“An addictively easy-to-read writer.... A great observer of people.” —The Guardian “[McCall Smith's] writing is soothing, elegant, understated, beguiling, joyous, engaging, charming and extremely funny; he is an understanding, witty writer; he employs a sly humour; and he’s a treasure.... His books are beach books, they are airport books, they are summer and winter books, they are books that make you want to embrace life.” —The Globe and Mail
“To say McCall Smith is a literary phenomenon doesn’t quite describe what has happened. He has become more of a movement, a worldwide club for the dissemination of gentle wisdom and good cheer.” —The Telegraph “If Dr. McCall Smith didn’t exist, we should have had to invent him. He is that rare creature known as a storyteller.” —The Washington Times
ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH is the author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novels and a number of other series and stand-alone books. His works have been translated into more than forty languages and have been best sellers throughout the world. He lives in Scotland.
