A terse, tight mystery
This is the first in a series of 10 mystery novels written three decades ago by husband-wife team Wahloo and Sjowall. The protagonist is Swedish detective Martin Beck, unhappy in his marriage but dedicated to his work--here, the investigation of the murder of an unknown woman discovered during the dredge-up of a canal. The writing style is spare, evoking the close, bleak atmosphere permeating the novel and Beck's daily life. Using few words, the authors bring the characters to life. The mystery plot is straightforward; its true value is in introducing and developing the characters and their environment.