Linda Wallander

Henning Mankell
Started in 2000
5 Books

About the Series

The 'Linda Wallander' series follows the life and investigations of Linda Wallander, a young and ambitious detective in the small coastal town of Ystad, Sweden. As the daughter of the famous detective Kurt Wallander, Linda grapples with the legacy of her father while establishing her own identity in the often dark and complex world of crime. Each novel takes readers through intricate plots filled with psychological depth, moral dilemmas, and the haunting beauty of the Swedish landscape, as Linda seeks to solve crimes that challenge her both professionally and personally.

Series Details

  • Author:Henning Mankell
  • Started:2000
  • Books:5
  • Status:Complete

Genres

MysteryCrimeThrillerDetective Fiction

Themes

Family LegacyIdentity and Self-DiscoveryThe Nature of EvilIsolation and CommunityMorality and Justice

Books in Order

1

Faceless Killers

2000

In her first case, Linda Wallander investigates the brutal murder of an elderly couple in a remote farmhouse. The only clue is a mysterious phrase uttered by the dying woman. As Linda delves deeper, she uncovers a web of secrets that connect the victims to a larger, more sinister plot.

Series StartCore Series
2

The Man Who Smiled

2001

Linda takes on a case that seems simple at first: the murder of a successful businessman. However, as she digs deeper, she discovers that the man was not who he appeared to be, and the motivations behind his death lead her into the murky waters of corporate greed and betrayal.

Core Series
3

The Pyramid

2003

In this collection of short stories, Linda Wallander faces various cases that test her skills and intellect. From a missing person to a suspicious death at a local festival, each story reveals new facets of her character and the challenges of contemporary society.

Core Series
4

Before the Frost

2004

Linda is drawn into a chilling investigation when a young girl goes missing. As she navigates the complexities of the case, she must confront her own fears and insecurities, as well as the prejudices of those around her.

Core Series
5

The Return of the Dancing Master

2005

In a case that intertwines past and present, Linda looks into the mysterious death of a retired dance teacher. The investigation reveals long-buried secrets that have haunted the town for decades, forcing Linda to confront her own family's history.

Core SeriesSeries Finale

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Linda Wallander series connected to the Kurt Wallander series?

Yes, Linda Wallander is the daughter of Kurt Wallander, the protagonist of Henning Mankell's original series. While they are connected by family, Linda's stories explore her own identity and challenges as a new generation of detective.

What makes the Linda Wallander series unique?

The series uniquely blends traditional crime-solving with deep psychological exploration and character development. It explores themes of legacy, morality, and the impact of societal issues on personal lives, providing a richer context to the crime narratives.

Can the books in the series be read independently?

While each book can be read as a standalone story, reading them in order can enhance the reader's understanding of Linda's character growth and the overarching themes related to her family and profession.

You Might Also Enjoy