THE FIRE ENGINE THAT DISAPPEARED

The husband-and-wife team of Wahlöö and Sjöwall have been compared to Simenon, Hammett, and Chandler, and rightly so. Homicide Bureau Chief Martin Beck carries out methodical police work in 1960s Sweden. Narrator Tom Weiner expertly captures Beck, who's always referred to as Martin Beck, and his cohorts and criminals. Weiner’s best portrayals are those of Beck himself and Gunwald Larsson, a character who provides a bit of comedy. A glimpse into family life is provided when Beck visits his mother in a nursing home. Weiner captures her perfectly, and it’s fun to see how much Beck is like her. An added bonus is the introduction, which discusses the authors, their humor, and their politics. This is perfect for the discerning audience. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2009]