The Man Who Smiled is the fourth book in the Kurt Wallander series written by Swedish author Henning Mankell. This crime novel was originally published in 1994 under the title “Mannen som log” in Swedish and was later translated into English by Laurie Thompson. The story follows the life of detective Kurt Wallander as he investigates a complex case that intertwines personal and professional matters.

The book begins with Wallander at a low point in his life. He is still recovering from the traumatic events of the previous novel, where he killed a man in self-defense. Feeling disillusioned and contemplating quitting the police force, Wallander decides to take a leave of absence and retreats to a cottage on the Swedish coast.

During his time away, Wallander receives a visit from an old acquaintance, Sten Torstensson. Torstensson tells Wallander about his father’s suspicious death in a car accident six months earlier. He believes that his father was murdered and asks for Wallander’s help in investigating the case.

Intrigued by Torstensson’s claims, Wallander agrees to look into the matter. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption involving powerful individuals. The case becomes increasingly complex when Torstensson himself is found dead, apparent suicide.

Wallander refuses to believe that Torstensson took his own life and becomes determined to uncover the truth behind both deaths. As he follows the trail of clues, he discovers connections to an international conspiracy involving arms smuggling and political intrigue.

Throughout the investigation, Wallander faces numerous challenges and personal struggles. He battles with his own demons, including depression and alcoholism, which affect his ability to focus on the case. Additionally, he must confront his own mortality as he realizes that time is running out for him to solve this intricate puzzle.

As Wallander gets closer to the truth, he becomes a target himself. He is attacked and left for dead, but manages to survive. With renewed determination, he continues his pursuit of justice, even if it means putting his own life at risk.

In the end, Wallander uncovers the mastermind behind the conspiracy and brings them to justice. However, the investigation takes a toll on him both physically and emotionally. He realizes that the world is a dark and complex place, and that his job as a detective often comes at a great personal cost.

• The Man Who Smiled

• An Inspector Wallander Mystery
• By: Henning Mankell
• Narrated by: Sean Barrett

Frustrated, depressed and falling into alcohol-induced depression after killing a man on duty, Inspector Kurt Wallander decided to give up the police force forever.

When an old acquaintance, a lawyer, seeks Wallander’s help to investigate suspicious circumstances where his father died, Kurt doesn’t want to know. But when the lawyer also died, shot three times, Wallander realized that he was wrong to disobey. Against his better judgment, he goes back to work to confront what may now have turned into a double murder case.

A rookie female detective joins the force in his absence, and he takes on the role of her mentor as they battle to unravel the mystery. A mysterious big business magnate, who hides behind an entourage of gruff secretaries and tight security, seems to be the common denominator of the two deaths. But while Wallander was following the killer’s trail, someone was following Wallander’s trail and quickly approaching.

Sean Barrett brought this amazing story to life. The Man who Smiled set me on a path to read (hear) every Mankell story I could. I couldn’t be better entertained. Since then, I have been reading “Pyramid” and will continue to explore the collection.

Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander series and narrated by Sean Barrett continue to impress. While storylines and levels of complexity vary, the overall quality of the text presented comes first and this is no exception. A very interesting series from a talented team.

I can never listen to Henning Mankell enough and often download one of his books after a disappointment because I guarantee that I will enjoy listening to anything this author and also a great reader. mine.

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