The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf (paperback)
ISBN:
9780349146027
Publisher:
Abacus (Little,Brown)
Publication Date:
6 June 2024
The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf is the fourth novel in the best-selling Detective Varg series
In this hilarious new novel, Ulf Varg will need to resolve both a sensitive crime and his own delicate dilemma in the hopes of preserving the peace.
The Department of Sensitive Crimes is downsizing in light of a recent downturn of sensitive crime, and staff members are wondering who among them will be transferred elsewhere. As the bickering between colleagues intensifies, Ulf tries his best to stay above the fray. But when Anna, a longtime friend and coworker, appears to blame him for an old case that went sideways, it seems she may be putting her own job prospects above their friendship.
In the midst of all this, Ulf embarks on an important inquiry: a man’s cabin has mysteriously disappeared and Ulf is tasked with finding out what happened. How exactly does one steal a house? And, more to the point, how does one track down a stolen house? Meanwhile, a promising veterinary treatment for deafness in dogs has been announced, and Ulf’s dog, Martin, might be the perfect patient.
The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf is another masterful, farcical installment in the series that defines the genre that Alexander McCall Smith is singlehandedly championing: Scandi blanc.
‘It’s like AA Milne meets Karl Ove Knausgaard. McCall Smith knows how to create a world full of sweet things and emotionally true moments and in this new series of “Scandi blanc” delivers exactly what his fans will be hoping for’ – THE FINANCIAL TIMES (on first book in the series)
Reviews
‘McCall Smith is as much of a tonic as his books, endlessly jolly and much given to giggles’
Jake Kerridge, Daily Telegraph
‘An engaging, richly rewarding escapist read that throngs with mystery, humour and tender observations’
Lovereading – Book of the Month
‘The narrative proceeds as smoothly and delightfully as a stream flowing through charming meadows, where you are always invited to enjoy the scenery and smell the flowers. It is all so charming and agreeable and reads so easily that you are tempted to think of him as a lightweight writer. You will, however, do this only if you do not see that comedy may be as serious, as morally concerned, as darker and grimmer fictions. McCall Smith is always concerned with how people behave, especially how they behave towards others. He is always sceptical of harsh, “realistic” judgements. While always alert to the question of right and wrong behaviour, he is a kindly judge’
Allan Massie, The Scotsman
‘Slow, aching, quietly questioning, and free of bloodshed (if you don’t count surgery to a dog), The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf is a novel that offers a deep rest, a bit of faith in life, and an entertaining puzzle of grand theft, decorated by many people offering their kindly apologies along the way… Allow this novel to float its ideas and its just—if not legal—solutions with its philosophy, and accept an end-of-summer blessing’
New York Journal of Books
‘Another masterful, farcical installment in the series that defines the genre that Alexander McCall Smith is singlehandedly championing: Scandi blanc’
Undiscovered Scotland
‘The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf isn’t your typical Scandinavian crime fare, which is what makes it even more endearing and satisfying’
Crimefictionlover.com
‘A crime ripped from the mind of Mother Goose animates McCall Smith’s witty fourth outing for Swedish police detective Ulf Varg… Ulf and company are extremely pleasant company, lending this farcical mystery all the comforts of a good cozy without most of the clichés, and Smith juggles the various subplots with ease. Simply put, this is good-natured fun’
Publishers Weekly
‘My recommendation is to have one or more of his books on your nightstand or loaded to your e-reader to soothe jangled nerves, calm stress, chase away the blues or blahs and elicit joy’
BookTrib
‘The Detective Varg novels are somewhat reminiscent of the screwball comedy films of the 1930s; light-hearted, funny, escapist humor with a frothy combination of a little romance and a great deal of heart. McCall Smith has once again charmed his audience with The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf ‘
BookTrib
