The Department of Sensitive Crimes cover art

The Department of Sensitive Crimes

Detective Varg, Book 1

 Preview
Try Premium Plus free
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Department of Sensitive Crimes

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
Try Premium Plus free

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $34.99

Buy Now for $34.99

About this listen

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo introduced us to Scandi noir. Now, welcome to Alexander McCall Smith's world of Scandi blanc....

Ulf Varg works in Malmo's Department of Sensitive Crimes. Like all Scandinavian detectives he has his issues. In his case these include his unresolved feelings for his colleague, Anna; his impatience over the seeming incompetence of his irritating colleague Blomquist; and his concerns for the health of his hearing-impaired dog, Marten, the only dog in Sweden (and possibly all Scandinavia) who is able to lip-read (in Swedish).

Along with his colleagues, Ulf is called upon to investigate a bizarre attack on a market trader, the disappearance of a handsome man who may or may not exist, and the affairs of a variety of young female students whose relationships with one another leave a great deal to be desired.

Ulf and his team come to realise that the world is a puzzling place, lycanthropy (werewolfism) exists and fish might have something to teach us. There is so much to learn if you are a Swedish detective, and in the first book in this new quasi-Scandinavian series, Ulf Varg embarks on these lessons with spirit and good humour.

©2019 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2019 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Crime Fiction Fiction Crime Scandinavia Mystery
All stars
Most relevant  
This looks like another wonderful series by Alexander McCall Smith. Some great characters of course and another setting with all the intriguing language we’ve come to expect from this author. I can’t wait for the next one. Great narration that was at the right pace and enough variation in voices to make all the characters appear to be in the room with you.

The Department of Sensitive Crimes

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Quirky. Thoughtful. Gentle. Not for all but some will hang off every word! Less about the crime and more the insight of the characters and take off of scandi crime.

Slow paced but a real giggle and treat!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I really enjoyed it, the narration was great and overall it was interesting, but the end was so sudden.

Captivating but a very sudden end

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The book started slowly with many unfamiliar names but McCall-Smith's warmth triumphed in the end to touch my heart and draw me in. The narrator had the tones perfect and did justice to McCall-Smith's familiar daily routine style with piquant observations.

slow start, warm finish

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
excellent story, well read, Saul Reichlen was perfect choice to read such a story A+++.

A+++++

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This book is Alexander McCall Smith from Sweden, words of such descriptive meaning are utilized to exercise your gray matter,
long guarded looks at the unexpected, 27 worded paragraph for a 3 word answer, conversations of in-depth nothing, triangles and vehicles always make A.M. Smith my favourite author of literate laughter this time from cold climated Noir perspective.
Thank you Alexander McCall Smith for your words and Saul Reichlin for your eloquence, both were very much appreciated. :-)

Funny

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
At least 80% of this book was complete waffle. Given the title I had assumed the book was about interesting criminal investigations. I didn't expect a scientific CSI-tyoe story, but there was maybe max 10% content about police work and investigations. The rest was complete waffle and wasn't even a story itself.

The narration was awful and made me feel I was listenenting to the narration of a book for preschool-aged children.

I wish I had read this book rather that listened to it so I could have skipped the padding and read the actual crux of the story because I would have been finished in an hour.

Complete rubbish

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I just could not even get past the first few chapters . I am big fan of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency and was very disappointed.

Very very very boring.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I too am big fan of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency and loved the Dragon series. This story just went on and on about nothing until I gave up. Also I don't often write reviews as everyone's taste is different, but if you expect the quality of the others mentioned in this review, you too will be disappointed. As it was on sale, I can't even return it!

Disappointing Not McCall Smith usual high standard

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.