The Bomber

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: A fairly formulaic who-dun-it, which plods along without too many surprises. There are no plausible red herrings, merely a rather slow unfolding of events. Both the books I have read featuring newspaperwoman Annika Berengtzon follow the same path - a murder, followed by Annika's belief that all is not as it appears on the surface (she gleans this mainly through unspoken nuances from her police contact). Thereafter follow conflicts in the workplace as Annika has to prove that she is correct in the face of unreasonable opposition from various colleagues, and a climax which places Annika in highly improbable personal danger, from which she (naturally) escapes.

The newspaper setting rings true, as Marklund has obvious experience in that area. Some of the characters are quite well drawn, and they are the most interesting part of the book for me. Some of the expositions about the way things work in Sweden are belaboured, but nevertheless informative. However, in a novel, a better author would find a more naturalistic style of imparting information rather than through a mini-lecture style exposition.

Unfortunately, for me, the language is flat and rather leaden. This may be the result of translation. A few things jar (for example Annika going round to the 'back side of the building' - rather than the back. )

Other times it is a preoccupation with minute and unnecessary detail, which adds nothing to the story or characterisation:

" She walked over to her office and suddenly realized she was starving. She went over to Berit and asked if she'd like to go to the staff canteen. She did, so they picked up their coupons and set off. They were serving Christmas ham with potatoes and apple sauce tonight . . .

They skipped the ham and chose the salad bar instead. The big canteen was almost empty, and they took a table in the corner."

A whole lot of unnecessary words that add no value at all.

Rating:
Summary: DON'T MISS THIS ONE...SPECTACULAR
Review: Already a best seller in Europe for over one year, THE BOMBER gives a terrific behind-the-scenes view of the Swedish tabloid business as told by author-journalist Liza Marklund. This is the tale of Annika Bengtzon and her courageous attempt to catch a killer while struggling with the stress and demands of a deteriorating family life.

Just a few days before Christmas, a bomb rips through the Olympic Stadium in Stockholm Sweden, killing the head of the Olympic Organizing Committee. In the media frenzy that follows, insistent crime tabloid reporter Annika Bengtzon uses shrewd investigation skills to keep her newspaper a step ahead of the competition. As she deftly unravels the layers of an apparent cover up, Annika finds a source within the police department who tells her that this was not the act of a deranged terrorist group as many have thought; but rather a cold-blooded execution designed by one lone murderer. Annika becomes completely consumed by the story, and in the process neglects her husband and small children. The plot goes into warp drive as she simultaneously juggles the high demands of her family life with the increasing stress of her male-dominated editorial job, and the looming threat of a malicious, cold-blooded assassin bent on making her his next victim.

THE BOMBER is a spectacular debut novel that focuses on investigative reporting and the increasing demands placed on working mothers. While the suspense may not be as calculating as other more well known bestsellers, it certainly works within the framework of the storyline. The only aspect of the novel which presented more of a mystery to me than the identity of the bomber is inclusion of a few "letters" intermittently dispersed throughout the book covering topics such as love, lies, humanity, happiness, etc. (what was THAT all about???????)

4 stars. Although the mystery gets light treatment and the puzzle is not very challenging, the translation by Kajsa Von Hofsen is superbly written.

Rating:
Summary: A worthy read...
Review: At first glance this book is a bit disappointing, but if you are not immediately enthralled following the first few pages, carry on, it gets better. The real treat of this book is not the actual plot, which is entertaining, but quite frankly unoriginal, but is the character Annika Bengtzon. This is perhaps why she has now appeared in five (going on six) books by Marklund. Annika is confident, determined, and continually flying off the handle, which makes for humorous bits, at least for those of us who can relate. The plot centers around Annika and draws the reader in despite the blah beginning. There are several twists to keep the interest level high. Annika must also deal with balancing her family and her struggle for respect in her male-dominated work place.
[I will skip a plot description as previous reviewers have adequately done so already.]
The translation is very straightforward; again this is no literary masterpiece but an interesting piece of escapist fiction. The English used in this translation is definitely British English, which again adds a bit of humor. Marklund is no Peter Høeg (author of Smilla's Sense of Snow, one of my favorite books), but The Bomber is still worth picking up.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant work
Review: Christmas is just a week away and Stockholm reporter Annika Bengtzon comfortably sleeps in her bed with her spouse knowing she has some shopping to do. However, just after three in the morning, a call comes from her paper Kvallspressen. A terrorist has blown up Victoria Stadium, the site of the Olympic arena. They need her to help cover the current fire and subsequent investigation. Annika immediately calls a cab and leaves for the stadium.

While everyone else believes terrorists were sending a message, Annika thinks this is different. She believes the bombing was an inside job to cover up a murder. As Annika gets closer to the truth while neglecting her husband and two children, she soon finds the BOMBER is pursuing her.

THE BOMBER is an exciting thriller that readers will enjoy. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action although the continuous male mistreatment of the sole female journalist is overkilled. Annika's family woes help personalize her as more than just a superwoman. Little insights into Sweden provide a local flavor hat adds to the feel of authenticity that pulses throughout Annika's inquiries. Liza Marklund shows she can keep her audience involved from start to finish with her strong debut novel.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: The Madd Bomber
Review: This was one of the most spell-binding novels I've read in quite some time. It was excellent. So much so that I have just ordered another of Marklund's thrillers -- Studio Sex: An Annika Bengtzon Thriller. Just knowing that I again will be treated to another story woven around this very savy crime reporter, Annika Bengtzon, leaves me filled with anticipation.

The story of the bomber unfolds around pending Olympic Games to be held in Stockholm and; in particular, the life of the managing director. The author has done an outstanding job of making her characters very realistic. Indeed, one is most certainly able to identify with their day to day struggles. As I do with all books I have enjoyed, I dreaded finishing it; while at the same time I found myself unable to put it down. It was very gripping and intense to say the least.