When the Devil Holds the Candle

Inspector Konrad Sejer investigates the disappearance of a young man named Andreas in this Norwegian crime novel by Karin Fossum. The story centers on Andreas and his friend Zipp, two teenagers who engage in petty crimes around their small town. After a purse-snatching incident, Andreas decides to target an elderly woman named Irma Funder, but his plan takes an unexpected turn. The parallel narratives follow both the events inside Irma's house and Detective Sejer's investigation into Andreas's disappearance. The novel moves between multiple perspectives, including those of the investigating officers, Zipp's internal struggle with guilt and fear, and the complex dynamic between Andreas and Irma. The investigation leads Sejer through a web of small-town relationships and hidden connections. Through its exploration of crime, consequence, and moral responsibility, the novel examines how seemingly minor decisions can lead to life-altering outcomes. The story raises questions about power dynamics, vulnerability, and the nature of justice.

Readers describe this as a darker, more psychological entry in Fossum's Inspector Sejer series that focuses more on the criminals' perspectives than the investigation. Readers highlighted: - Deep character studies and exploration of morality - Unpredictable plot that subverts typical crime novel formulas - Building tension and atmosphere - Literary quality of the writing and translation Common criticisms: - Less police procedural content than other books in series - Some found the pace too slow - Multiple readers noted it was more depressing than typical crime fiction - Several mentioned discomfort with the intense focus on perpetrators Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (120+ ratings) One frequent comment from positive reviews: "Not a typical whodunit - more about the 'why' than the 'who'" Critical reviews often noted: "Too bleak and slow-moving for fans of traditional mysteries"

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🔍 Karin Fossum was a poet before turning to crime fiction, publishing three poetry collections in Norway before writing her first mystery novel. 🏆 "When the Devil Holds the Candle" is part of the Inspector Sejer series, which has been translated into over 25 languages and earned Fossum the nickname "Norway's Queen of Crime." 📚 The novel's title comes from a Norwegian proverb that suggests even the devil can sometimes illuminate truth, reflecting the book's complex moral themes. 🌍 The book exemplifies key elements of Nordic noir: dark themes, moral complexity, and a focus on the psychological aspects of crime rather than just the procedural. 🎭 Inspector Sejer, the series protagonist, was inspired by Fossum's experiences working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and with the mentally ill, giving her characters added psychological depth.