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  • A Death in Sweden
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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
4,556 global ratings
5 star
45%
4 star
37%
3 star
12%
2 star
4%
1 star
3%
A Death in Sweden

A Death in Sweden

byKevin Wignall
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Top positive review

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David H. Eisenberg
4.0 out of 5 starsA pleasant and professional action genre novel
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2020
You know, sometimes I like a book, and I look at the bad reviews (1 or 2 stars), and I'm sort of shocked that people feel that way. Boring? I don't know. If it's boring, so is every other book like it. If you like the genre you accept that the hero is going to have a lot of physical prowess and courage, is going to score with a woman (or women) who is not only beautiful, but much younger than him, and will have some kind of sad history - drinking, brutal father, dead family, etc. And, you can expect that kind of thing here. Although the protagonist, Dan, here, claims he is merely above average and that is good enough to beat most opponents; he seemed pretty confident he could go 1 on 5 against a secure location and come away okay, and he bedded a beautiful woman pretty quick although you might think a normal person (and she is) would shy away from a professional kidnapper/killer.

Basically, I liked Dan. I liked his gal. I liked his boss. And I like to like characters. We've gone from a time when the hero was always good to one where you might be surprised he is an anti-hero, to a time when they are almost all anti-heroes, and, in fact, their best quality is often that they are self-condemning. In so much fiction these days, more tv, I find it hard to like anyone.

Though yes, as one commenter wrote, you know what was going to happen, maybe. I wasn't sure the whole time about those supposedly on his side and you shouldn't either. Or how everything will turn out.

There was not a droning on about the various types of guns used, which has been overdone now, Dan made mistakes and there was even one out and out foul-up where you felt, how stupid was he. That makes the hero more believable. But, that's not the main thing. I like Reacher books for example, and I call all books of this genre Reacher books now when the hero is a super-human. What matters most is - was it well written? I think he's a good writer. I did not understand the really critical reviews. I have read many bad books in this genre, where I am one and done, and others where I read a good book, but one was enough. I expect I will be reading a lot of Wignall books. Glad I tried him.
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3 people found this helpful

Top critical review

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J. Martin
2.0 out of 5 starsIntelligence novel lacking just that
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2016
Although I enjoyed the pace of the read and took it for what it was worth, nothing in the content was ever really developed enough to stir many emotions or make me think the author had many in writing it either. The inner dialogue of our protagonist was about as unimaginable as it comes, the settings were about as non descriptive as a tourist pamphlet and at no point did any other character surprise or act in any other way than to push the plot forward. I was dying for a twist or something to make me think our hero was actually in peril but not once did I think that the next page would give me a WTF moment and sadly it never did. Even the big reveal in the final pages was telegraphed from the first few paragraphs and since there was nothing to hint at this in between it felt as if the author put in an ah ha moment just for the sake of having one. Basically the whole story reads like a high school outline of how to write a fast paced spy thriller without the spying or the thrills. What you think is going to happen pretty much does and there isn't enough character and setting development to distract from the fact that this book feels like it was written by some software algorithm not someone who actually cares about the words they are putting on the pages. I will say it kept me turning those pages, but only in search of a payoff that never came. A Death in Sweden was more of A Nap on the Couch for me.
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16 people found this helpful

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From the United States

Douglas Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars Another new favorite author for me
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
I'll be looking for more of Kevin Wignall's work from here on. I was very fortunate to get it as an Amazon Prime monthly special, and based on their usual fare I has assumed it was an effort to plug a rising author. So I was stunned at the quality of the writing and the tightness of the plot in this story. Then I came back to the author page and realized that Kevin has a pretty long track record, and well deserved at that. So this is the kind of work that you should expect from a well--established author, and you won't be disappointed. Swedish mysteries are all the rage since the Dragon Tattoo series but actually this story has a much wider European travelogue sweep than that; it just happens that the death in Sweden kicks the cycle off (although there also some Swedish scenes to please you if you were expecting more of the Dragon Tattoo genre). Think of this as LeCarre with a bit more violent action or Jason Bourne toned down to be a bit more realistic.
9 people found this helpful
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Jan Moniz
5.0 out of 5 stars Great page turner!
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2018
Verified Purchase
Second book I've read by this author. After reading To Die in Vienna, just had to get more of this author's work. Totally enjoy his style of writing. This was a very interesting story. A page turner that kept me wanting to know more about how these lives were woven together. The author does not chose to add a lot of unnecessary "fill", which I appreciate, he gets to the plot points in a systematic, easy moving pace, he paints a steady picture of all .... you could see yourself up in the forested cabin and anticipate the unraveling of this tale. Love his style! No need for constant profanity and sex like many authors think they need to hold a readers attention. He tells a great tale with class and reminds me of some other great story tellers like Neville Shute and his ilk. Thoroughly enjoy this writer and will be reading everything he has written also look forward to all new work coming soon (I hope).
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Lana Cherry
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2016
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This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. So well crafted, great characters, wonderful dialogue. It's very obvious from the start that this Author had done his research. I am not a strong thriller fan, however I chose A Death in Sweden because I did not care for my choices picked for the other genres in Kindle First for several months. This month's choice is a winner. Well written and edited, evenly paced story development and the breath-holding suspense of a thriller prevented me from putting this book down until the last word was absorbed by my eyes. This story does not have the typical testosterone filled action plot of adventure stories but it has action. This story does not have the emotional drama of a romance but you can relate to the thoughts and feelings of the characters. This book was fun and I loved it. The characters were realistic, and the story flowed so well from beginning to end. There was a careful, elegant quality to the writing, as if each word were there for a purpose--not a single bit of extra fluff. I found the story fairly believable (though a bit predictable), and I really enjoyed the way that the story played out. This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. So well crafted, great characters, wonderful dialogue. It's very obvious from the start that this Author had done his research. I make sure that are my reviews are spot on. I feel this is a fine writer. I would recommend this read to anyone who likes it when you cannot put a book down.
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Ray Moon
5.0 out of 5 stars If you like spies, intrigue, mystery and a satisfying ending, do read this novel.
Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
A Death in Sweden was a very good read. Like many novels, it starts with a crash in northern Sweden in which the only survivor, a young girl, was saved by a regular passenger but a stranger to the young girl. Then, the story line moves to Spain where the protagonist is introduced. From here the author weaves an interested tale that kept my interest even late into the night. Another feature I liked is that within a few chapters the prologue’s storyline is merged into the main storyline. This main storyline flows well and has excellent twists and turns that kept my interest.

It appears that this is a standalone novel so the characters do not continue in another novel nor start in an earlier novel, so all of the character development must occur in this novel. As the novel progresses, I learned the background of the major characters through their interactions. This B-storyline worked well with the main storyline and added to my desire to continue reading just to see how the characters and their relationships progressed.

There is one point in the novel, I found a little unbelievable. Supposedly experienced CIA field officers missing what they missed, that stretched creditability, but it made the story flow, so OK. Also, the protagonist has disassociated his ability to kill with his day-to-day persona and how quickly that transition can take place. I can say, I found myself rooting for this flawed protagonist.

At the end of the story, I must say I was amazed on how all the seemingly disparate elements of the novel are tied together so well by the author.

Based upon the above, I rate this novel a five-star rating.
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A Voracious Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars The good, the bad, the ugly
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2016
Verified Purchase
4.5

*Book source ~ Kindle First

A former MI6 agent and CIA contractor, Dan Hendricks is now a free agent, doing jobs for whoever has the money to pay him. His specialty is finding and acquiring fugitives, but when former agents, his friends, start turning up dead he realizes his time is running out. With a lifeline thrown his way by a former boss he sets out on his most important mission yet - find out who Jacques Fillon truly was and why he was hiding in Sweden. If Dan can do that maybe he’ll have the leverage he needs to erase the target off his back.

For a thriller this was more suspenseful than thrilling. There is plenty of intrigue and lots of gore and killing, but there are also some really slow parts that tend to distract from the main story. Especially the romance which had me rolling my eyes. Is Dan Hendricks supposed to be James Bond? *snorts* But the plot did keep me interested from beginning to end. Who was this Jacques Fillon? Why did he save a random stranger on a bus? Why is the CIA interested in him and why are they killing off former agents or those who did their dirty work even though they weren’t a security risk? So many questions and the answers will eventually be revealed. All-in-all a decent read.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Death in Sweden by Kevin Wignall
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2015
Verified Purchase
After trying many low priced Amazon Kindle books and being so often sorely disappointed in the writing ability of too many Amazon authors in the suspense genre, I finally found Kevin Wignall and A death in Sweden. Wignall can write well. He spins his story with skill and even a certain elegance. The suspension of reality is inevitable in thrillers but this book does not fall into the ludicrous; yes too many people - all bad guys - dead shot in the face and left behind, but an integral part of the story line. Sex is handled without gratuitous vulgarity. I did not find the central part weak or slow. The ending is realistically wistful, not saccharine nor pointlessly explosive. I think the entire book hangs together rather well. All in all Wignall is a great discovery for me. I will certainly buy more of his titles as long as I can afford them.
4 people found this helpful
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YHJ
5.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful and elegant tale of conspiracy, adventure, and emotion.
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2015
Verified Purchase
I picked this as my December 2015 Kindle First choice and I am so glad I did. This book was fun and I loved it. The characters were realistic, and the story flowed so well from beginning to end. There was a careful, elegant quality to the writing, as if each word were there for a purpose--not a single bit of extra fluff. I found the story fairly believable (though a bit predictable), and I really enjoyed the way that the story played out. One thing that I feel that the author did exceptionally well was make me like Dan, without giving him a huge drawn out backstory. I judged Dan more by his actions, his words, rather than some description of him. And that's unique (and welcomed) for a lot of books these days. This book was thoroughly enjoyable, and I would highly recommend this book for people who like a little bit of mystery, adventure, and want a well-written fast read.
2 people found this helpful
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WS
5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely worth a read
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2016
Verified Purchase
Loved this book. There were some grammatical issues that grated, pretty much stemming from common mispronunciations like "disorientated" in place of "disoriented." The average reader probably wouldn't care. I'm just a strong believer in the idea that a professional writer should handle the tools of his trade (spelling and grammar) at a professional level, so I'm particular about such things.

But, those issues were few, and overall this author's put out a solid book, with sympathetic characters. I tend ti find most female characters annoying (not because they're female but because of the way they're written) and that wasn't the case with the ones in this book. The plot was predictable in places. Things that are supposed to be great mysteries really aren't, just because they're standard plot devices, but watching the characters work their way through to the answers is enjoyable. I'd definitely read more of this author's work.
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Mariner
5.0 out of 5 stars My eyes are still moist
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2018
Verified Purchase
As my quest for more and more to read from great writers grows, I look everywhere, lists and not. It has paid off. Wignal's particular merger of development, depth and style are simply amazing. This was my third read of his. Now I'll go on to the rest as I've become a true fan, an addict even. Not going to give plot away, but will just say that ultra moral conflict is seen and dealt with throughout by the deeds and thoughts of a most unlikely protagonist, coupled with the very end of an ending that you must image yourself. Please read this for excitement, interest, action, love, morality, unbearable pain, closure, and achievable happiness and sense of self purpose.
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BeverleeC
5.0 out of 5 stars FAST, FURIOUS AND WELL DONE...GET IT.
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2016
Verified Purchase
I love spy stories. This one is unexpected, in that it is not typical. It's a pretty wild ride. The characters are well-developed. The writing is good, though now and then one gets the feeling the author prefers another language...not sure how to describe this, but occasionally words seem left out. That aside, it is a great read.

I hoped for a different ending, but the ending does make sense. I would like to read more stories featuring the main character. I liked him a lot. You won't be wasting time reading this book...there is no wandering off on unrelated, unnecessary passages. Every page is there for a purpose. This is the kind of story I really enjoy reading. A good pacing, a bit of romance, lots of dead people, and conniving at the highest levels. Dig into it, it's a good meal.
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