The Second Deadly Sin

By: Åsa Larsson

Narrated by: Gabrielle Glaister

Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Asa Larsson's Rebecka Martinsson series was included on a list of Top Mysteries Every Woman Should Read by Oprah Winfrey, who called Rebecka Martinsson a "brilliant, believable" female detective. Now in The Second Deadly Sin Rebecka Martinsson's courage is put to the test once more in her most twisted and unpredictable case yet.

After successfully tracking down and killing a rogue bear in the wilderness of northern Sweden, a group of hunters is shaken by a grisly discovery when they dress the bear carcass: human remains in the stomach. Far away in the remote village of Kurravaara, an elderly woman is found murdered with frenzied brutality, crude abuse scrawled above her bloodied bed. Her young grandson, known to live with her, is nowhere to be found.

Only Kiruna prosecutor Rebecka Martinsson sees a connection between the two events, but thanks to the machinations of a jealous rival, she is dropped from the case. Continuing to pursue answers in an unofficial capacity, and with the reluctant assistance of her friend and police inspector Anna-Maria Mella, Rebecka stands alone against a ruthless killer. At the root of it all is a horrifying, century-old crime, the tendrils of which continue to hold the small community in their grip.

©2014 Asa Larsson (P)2014 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"A 'must read' series for me and the novel's ending hints at new directions for Rebecka which should shake up future books a little." (Louise Welsh, Crimepieces)

"With a more literary approach to the genre... Larsson remains one of the brightest stars in the current Nordic firmament... perceptive touches quicken the narrative throughout, and the characterization of the bloody-minded Rebecka (who Larsson really puts through the mill here) keeps The Second Deadly Sin firmly grounded." (Barry Forshaw, The Independent)

gory

the great narrator made this really tough story a little bit easier to listen to.

Another wonderful mystery set in far north Sweden

A grandmother of 7 year old Marcus is killed. Although the case appears to be fairly straight forward, Rebecca Martinsson, prosecutor in Kiruna, questions the fact that multiple people from the family are dying. But a jealous coworker steals the case so that he can make a name for himself. Rebecca is put on vacation, and quietly continues to look into various past events in the family. The author does a great job intwining the historical events from generations ago with the current murder. I didn't really see it coming until the end. Asa Larrsson weaves a story with plenty of touches of life in the Swedish northern.
I really enjoyed this novel except for the part about the dog which another reviewer also mentioned. It would have flowed just as well without it. The narrator does a lovely job of keeping the various characters clear. I do have a bit of trouble keeping the long swedish names .

Characters grow on you

Second book by this author and I am liking the characters. The story in both books goes back and forth between present and past. Because the Swedish names are a little unfamiliar to me it is sometimes hard to keep track of the story. Still enjoyed the book.

Good story but ...

I was enjoying this until the event with Vera in the forest. I know this is fiction but it was upsetting and her presence could have been either not included or handled toward a better outcome. Wishing somehow the performer sounded more Swedish.

MORE Asa Larsson, Audible!!!

The only bad aspect of this book is that it ended, and what's worse is that there's only one other Asa Larsson book in the Audible collection. I'll have to resort to reading them on my Kindle, and I'll miss hearing the story as performed by Gabrielle Glaister. I hope Hillary Huber does as well making the characters come alive, but it will be odd listening to an American accent.

This isn't a review in the true sense of the word, but I know other readers have described the story. If you like rooting for the good guys and booing the scoundrels; if you're more attracted to how a story unfolds than you are to being kept guessing till the end; and if you're glad to meet a woman detective who uses intuition and solid thinking in equal measure, then you'll very much enjoy this book!

5

What a difference listening to a really good book
without a musical score. Rural Sweden, an amazing number of people and an amazing number of stories.
When it started I was so tempted to go on to another book. I could see no future in bear hunting and berry picking. I was so wrong. This builds and sucks in reluctant readers until a
tremendous end. No music. Magic from author/ narrator.. So fine! I listened to this a year or more ago... was good then and now.
Two books for one price.. if you wonder why some long time detective readers love what is called "Scandinavian Noir" try this.

Okay Story, Annoying British Translation

Asa Larsson is a decent enough writer and the narrator is of similar quality, the rub is in the translation - it isn’t standard English, it’s a migraine invoking nonstop stream of cheesy stereotypical Bri’ishisms. A generous description would be that it sounds like something a non native English speaker would produce because their language fluency was bolstered by too many cheesy BBC shows and not enough real interactions. It has a pronounced negative impact on the over all delivery of the story.

Great Rabecka Martinson novel

While Rebecka's troubles sometimes reach a Perils of Pauline level, this one was an incredible balance of all Larsson's elements- the past, flawed people, the heartbreaking animals and loves. I hope Larsson will keep writing but this is a good place to stop.

Boring

Could not finish this book. The narrator did a good job, but the story is boring. Not worth a credit.

Interesting Idea

Read all these great things about this book - Oprah even said this author was a must read. I found this one pretty boring. Not horrible, just not very interesting. My mystery standards are high and this just didn't measure up. So many better books, so little time.....