The Torso (2000)

A little weak on motivation, particularly for the later murders. ( )

very good book..starts a little slow , the first 40 pages or but very well done,very enjoyable an suspenseful.A great read. ( )

When a torso so badly mutilated only DNA testing can reveal the sex, Goteborg Detective Inspector Irene Huss embarks on a chilling chase to catch a necrosadistic killer. Interestingly, there is a striking similarity in Huss's mutilation-murder and the murder-mutilation of a prostitute in Denmark several years earlier. Huss must traverse between Goteborg & Copenhagen in search of a killer who seems to become more & more active as time goes by...and to strike closer and closer to Irene herself. My first read by this author, and overall, a thrilling (if gory at times) read. ( )

I've come to expect dark writing from Scandinavian writers, but this one is exceptionally gruesome. Dealing with the subject of necrosadism, this is not a murder mystery for the fainthearted. A torso, just that, a torso with all distinguishing features that would even indicate the gender having been carved out and internal organs removed, is found in a washed up black trash bag.

The Swedish criminal investigation department are completely baffled and without distinguishing mark, limbs and a head, it is difficult to even identify the victim. And where are the missing appendages, for that matter? Expanding their search, they discover that over in Denmark, there was a similar murder, also with just the torso found, but in that case though, they were able to identify the victim eventually.

Upon a closer examination, a small tattoo is discovered on the Swedish torso. The tattoo is unique and Inspector Irene Huss is sent to Copenhagen to work with the police team there, perhaps there's a connection between their torso and the one her team are working on. In addition, her trip will help her try to locate the missing daughter of a family friend, last heard to be working with a modeling agency in Copenhagen.

Eventually, smaller pieces of the puzzle start emerging, and a picture of very disturbing necrosadism forms, although the murderer's identity continues to confound. And why is it that almost everyone Inspector Huss speaks to is later found dead?

Although the evidence and story unfolds slowly, it builds the anticipation and provides for a really good thriller. ( )

A great writer, on a par with Mankel. The main character is an Inspector Irene Huss with the Goteburg Criminal Police and in this book she is in contact with the Danish police. Irene Huss is very down to earth, trying to look after her family and also do a demanding job. She comes into contact with all sorts, some very macabre and also deals with colleagues who look down on her. This book deals with bodies which have been cut up, homosexuality and all kinds of li8fe.
Also try Irene Huss Investigates. Another book from Helene Tursten. She has written more books but, sadly, they have not been printed into English. ( )