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Inspector Kari Vaara #2
Lucifer's Tears
Inspector Kari Vaara returns, more haunted than ever, in the follow- up to Snow Angels , "a must for fans of the international crime novel." ( Booklist )
The Sufia Elmi case left Kari Vaara with a scarred face, chronic insomnia, a constant migraine, and a full body count's worth of ghosts. Now it's a year later, in Helsinki, and Kari is working the graveyard shift in the homicide unit, terrified that his heavily pregnant wife will miscarry again after she lost the twins just after Christmas.
Kari is pushed into investigating a ninety-year-old national hero for war crimes committed during World War II. The Interior Minister demands a conclusion of innocence, preserving Finland's heroic perception about itself and its role in the war, but Germany wants extradition.
In a seeming coincidence, Kari is drawn into the murder-by-torture case of Iisa Filippov, the philandering wife of a Russian businessman. Her lover is clearly being framed for the crime-and Ivan Filippov's arrogance and nonchalance point the finger at him. But he's being protected from above, leading Kari to the corrupt corridors of power. Soon the past and present collide in ways no one could have anticipated.
The Sufia Elmi case left Kari Vaara with a scarred face, chronic insomnia, a constant migraine, and a full body count's worth of ghosts. Now it's a year later, in Helsinki, and Kari is working the graveyard shift in the homicide unit, terrified that his heavily pregnant wife will miscarry again after she lost the twins just after Christmas.
Kari is pushed into investigating a ninety-year-old national hero for war crimes committed during World War II. The Interior Minister demands a conclusion of innocence, preserving Finland's heroic perception about itself and its role in the war, but Germany wants extradition.
In a seeming coincidence, Kari is drawn into the murder-by-torture case of Iisa Filippov, the philandering wife of a Russian businessman. Her lover is clearly being framed for the crime-and Ivan Filippov's arrogance and nonchalance point the finger at him. But he's being protected from above, leading Kari to the corrupt corridors of power. Soon the past and present collide in ways no one could have anticipated.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
James Thompson
10 books309 followersJames Thompson was an American-Finnish crime writer based in Helsinki. He had a master's degree in English philology from The University of Helsinki, where he also studied Finnish, in which he was fluent. He studied six languages. He published four crime novels with the Finnish inspector Kari Vaara as the protagonist.
Helsinki Noir was published by Akashic Books November 2014. It is an anthology edited by Thompson and it includes one story he wrote.
Thompson died unexpectedly in his home town of Lahti, Finland in August 2014.
Helsinki Noir was published by Akashic Books November 2014. It is an anthology edited by Thompson and it includes one story he wrote.
Thompson died unexpectedly in his home town of Lahti, Finland in August 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
November 17, 2011
Same inspector new setting and a new case of murder of the most foul. Life for inspector and his wife seem to have taken a turn for the worse, since the time of the murder case from book 1 Snow Angels has passed. His wife Kate was pregnant with twins in the previous book and now is pregnant with another child. His life is bleak, he is suffering with migraines and has compulsory appointments with a shrink. The last murder case has taken a lot out if off him and he is forever struck with a guilty sense of not handling with that case properly, he thinks that lead to mistakes and the reason for the high body count.
A new setting for a murder and the Inspector has a new family home in Helsinki.
The murder is of a woman and very gruesome murder under the sexual fetish circumstances. There is talk of the fetish kind in the investigation of things.
A word of warning if you have not read his first book and want to, read that first as this story gives you the answers to solving that case.
As well as the murder case to deal with and his own problems he has his American in-laws come to visit who seem not to like the Finland way of things and finds himself damning america's flaws in defence.
James Thompson the author has created the most gruesome crimes Finland has ever had to deal with in his books.
There had been worser crimes in the countries past, which the protagonist learns of when he digs up information on war crimes and the civil war.
The body count is kept low on this one I found I liked his first novel more. This novel does get you to learn more about his character and home life.
A new setting for a murder and the Inspector has a new family home in Helsinki.
The murder is of a woman and very gruesome murder under the sexual fetish circumstances. There is talk of the fetish kind in the investigation of things.
A word of warning if you have not read his first book and want to, read that first as this story gives you the answers to solving that case.
As well as the murder case to deal with and his own problems he has his American in-laws come to visit who seem not to like the Finland way of things and finds himself damning america's flaws in defence.
James Thompson the author has created the most gruesome crimes Finland has ever had to deal with in his books.
There had been worser crimes in the countries past, which the protagonist learns of when he digs up information on war crimes and the civil war.
The body count is kept low on this one I found I liked his first novel more. This novel does get you to learn more about his character and home life.
February 18, 2024
Eager to explore more of this series, I turned to the next novel in James Thompson’s Finland series. He presents a great police procedural set in Helsinki, injecting a great deal of Finnish life and history into the larger storytelling. Thompson uses the contrasts between Finland and many other countries to fuel the story while presenting a few investigations that require his protagonist to take action. Filled it great writing and some sharp storylines, Thompson ha impressed me once more in a story that is sure to take many dark twists before too long.
After solving the Sufia Elmi case, Inspector Kari Vaara could no longer cope with the aftereffects. The deep scar on his face, the constant insomnia coupled with a migraine that will not go away, and the loss of his twins as his wife, Kate, miscarried, all weigh heavily on his mind. Things piled up and so he was granted a transfer from Finland’s far north the the gritty streets of Helsinki. Vaara hated Helsinki the first time and things have not changed much, but it is for his family that he left, now having returned to set up roots once more.
A year later, Vaara is about to be a father and will ensure Kate has all she needs. He works the graveyard shift with a partner who is quite green to homicide, trying to show him the ropes and bide his time before the birth of his daughter. Vaara is called to his superior’s office and told to investigate rumours that a ninety-year-old Finnish war hero was actually a war criminal. The country would be shocked and the president would have a great deal of egg on his face, so this must be handled and the accused is to be convinced that he is a hero or face extradition to Germany to face war crimes for his work during the Second World War. Vaara wants nothing to do with it, but since the man had a connection to his own grandfather, there might be something worth exploring.
Vaara and his partner, Milo, catch the case of a tortured woman, Iisa Filippov, whose philandering husband may present the best motive of all. Her body is destroyed by cigarette burns and a whipping.The reasons for her death mount the more that Vaara and Milo poke around. However, nothing is quite as it seems, forcing Vaara to confront the dark world of S&M sex acts and how Mr. Filippov has unique tastes and other loves who fuel them. What’s worse, there is protection from above and Vaara is handed a suspect, told to arrest him and tie everything off before it leaks to the press. Vaara has never been a follower and he senses a cover-up here that he wants to investigate.
Pushing to get to the truth, Kari Vaara will stop at nothing to ask all the awkward questions needed to find truth amongst the various means of blocking him. He is a passionate investigator who is plagued with many personal issues. He wants nothing more than to find his niche and make it work, though no one else seems to care. When the truth is revealed, it could cost him everything, but Vaara is happy to do so, as it means he might finally get the time with his wife he so desperately wants, while she struggles to bring this child to term. Thompson does a masterful job at developing this series that I cannot wait to continue reading.
These novels caught my attention years ago, but I never got started ow that I have I am kicking myself for not having tried them sooner. James Thompson proves well worth my time, as I learn a great deal about policing, the angst of the protagonist, and Finland in general. There is much to discover in the pages of this book and Thompson does not hold back. He delivers a strong narrative that flows well, full of the struggles that Kari Vaara discovers as he tries to make sense of all before him. The narrative builds and keeps clipping along before all is revealed with a great flourish, with. surprise cliffhanger. Thompson’s historical references have me wanting to know more about Finland and some of the things posited within the pages of this book. The added benefit of strong characters made this an even more exciting read, as I discover more about Kari Vaara, Kate, and some of the minor characters who graced the pages.
The plot is thick with tension from the get-go and does not wane until all is laid out for the reader. Thompson has a way of weaving things together easily and keeping the tension high until the last page. His twists throughout keep the reader on edge and provides a much needed jolt on occasion as well. James Thompson has crafted a strong series and uses Kari Vaara as a pawn on the chessboard to push things along without appearing too forceful. This only adds to the depth and flavouring of this piece, making me want to learn more. I will forge onwards to see what else James Thompson has to say and how I can become more attached to this great collection.
Kudos, Mr. Thompson, for another great novel in this series.
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February 18, 2024
The second installment of Finnish homicide detective Kari Vaara has moved from the Arctic Circle to Helsinki, a typically warmer climate, but is laden with the same grim Scandinavian malaise so pervasive in Snow Angels. The laconic Vaara requested a new assignment following the personal trauma and collateral damage of the Sufia Elmi case. His American wife, Kate, is 8 ½ months pregnant, and Kari is plagued with headaches and stress over her pregnancy.
In this story, Vaara is investigating the murder of a woman, Iisa Fillipov, who was married to a debauched business leader in the community. Iisa's extramarital Estonian lover, Rein Saar, is the primary suspect--he woke up with her dead body beside him. Vaara is also asked to investigate an alleged war criminal, and to cover up any trails that lead to affirmation of his guilt (keep Finland spotless). The chief of police and interior minister are pressing this case on him because of his grandfather's possible involvement. that On top of all this, Kate's American siblings are coming to visit.
This is a taut police procedural with a graphic opening and an implausible denouement, an over-the-top climax that is now a hallmark of Thompson's work. This second novel is not quite as atmospheric as his first one, (i.e. climate as character) but it hits the high notes with assurance, and is also a lead-in to the next installment. Vaara's skill at balancing several plot lines simultaneously and braiding them together is exhilarating. Moreover, he saliently blends in Finland's history and social issues to support the story.
This next paragraph is NOT spoiler information--I am merely conveying Vaara's fears at the outset of this novel, together with a criticism of the facts that Thompson alleges. I was bothered by the author's lack of precision in his research of pregnancy. Vaara is worried that his wife will miscarry--a groundless fear, since you can't "miscarry" at full term, you can only give birth. 38 weeks is essentially term. Secondly, the cure for mild preeclampsia at this late stage pregnancy? Induction of labor--but this is not presented as a viable option.
Despite flaws, I enjoyed it--the thrilling and dexterous pace; the bracing prose; Kari Vaara's incorruptible nature against his small corruptions; his anarchist, gun-glee, Mensa partner, Milo; and the snow. Always the snow. You don't have to read these two books in order to enjoy them, but I do recommend it for character progression. 3.5
This review is based on an advanced reading copy I received from the publisher. The views are entirely my own.
In this story, Vaara is investigating the murder of a woman, Iisa Fillipov, who was married to a debauched business leader in the community. Iisa's extramarital Estonian lover, Rein Saar, is the primary suspect--he woke up with her dead body beside him. Vaara is also asked to investigate an alleged war criminal, and to cover up any trails that lead to affirmation of his guilt (keep Finland spotless). The chief of police and interior minister are pressing this case on him because of his grandfather's possible involvement. that On top of all this, Kate's American siblings are coming to visit.
This is a taut police procedural with a graphic opening and an implausible denouement, an over-the-top climax that is now a hallmark of Thompson's work. This second novel is not quite as atmospheric as his first one, (i.e. climate as character) but it hits the high notes with assurance, and is also a lead-in to the next installment. Vaara's skill at balancing several plot lines simultaneously and braiding them together is exhilarating. Moreover, he saliently blends in Finland's history and social issues to support the story.
This next paragraph is NOT spoiler information--I am merely conveying Vaara's fears at the outset of this novel, together with a criticism of the facts that Thompson alleges. I was bothered by the author's lack of precision in his research of pregnancy. Vaara is worried that his wife will miscarry--a groundless fear, since you can't "miscarry" at full term, you can only give birth. 38 weeks is essentially term. Secondly, the cure for mild preeclampsia at this late stage pregnancy? Induction of labor--but this is not presented as a viable option.
Despite flaws, I enjoyed it--the thrilling and dexterous pace; the bracing prose; Kari Vaara's incorruptible nature against his small corruptions; his anarchist, gun-glee, Mensa partner, Milo; and the snow. Always the snow. You don't have to read these two books in order to enjoy them, but I do recommend it for character progression. 3.5
This review is based on an advanced reading copy I received from the publisher. The views are entirely my own.
April 1, 2011
Thompson strikes again...I don't know what occurs in this man's mind when he is writing but he can write some of the goriest and breath-taking(not in a good way) murder scenes that I have seen in any author...he has a knack though for wrapping those murders up in a constantly twisting storyline...God, I love this author!!!
February 2, 2020
James Thompson’s “Lucifer’s Tears” is the second in a series of four tales brimming with all the darkness and turbidity of Finnish Nordic Noir. Inspector Kari Vaara, newly arrived in Helsinki from the remote Arctic Kittilä, becomes immersed in a complex web of intrigue. Against the backdrop of the Nordic winter, we see aspects of Kari’s character emerge that both reflect his troubled childhood and the recent trauma of the events of the previous book. Even the title “Lucifer’s tears” reflects the dark themes eminent in the book, as Vaara describes his Finnish homeland as the ninth and innermost circle of hell.
Thompson weaves multiple plot lines together, taking us on a torrid journey of murderous liaisons, war crimes, revenge and retribution, disturbing violence and family secrets. All of these stories somehow come together to build a picture of a man who is deeply troubled, teetering on corrupt, tormented by his own demons yet fiercely loyal and loving to his wife and new born daughter.
I vacillate between liking Kari, detesting him, feeling sorry for him, and empathising with him - exactly how I like a character to develop for me. I like to connect with the characters and Thompson has created a character who is truly flawed yet somehow has an integrity that seeps through. It’s certainly not an integrity that is typical however.
Confluence is a word that is used a number of times through the book, through the merging of the themes that run together to make the whole, giving each other meaning otherwise not possible.
I also like the way Thompson draws the readers attention to Finnish ways of life, customs, etiquette and allows us to take a glimpse into the psyche of the nation. This is a privileged glimpse and gives the novel an authenticity that resonated with me.
Four solid stars and looking forward to book 3.
Thompson weaves multiple plot lines together, taking us on a torrid journey of murderous liaisons, war crimes, revenge and retribution, disturbing violence and family secrets. All of these stories somehow come together to build a picture of a man who is deeply troubled, teetering on corrupt, tormented by his own demons yet fiercely loyal and loving to his wife and new born daughter.
I vacillate between liking Kari, detesting him, feeling sorry for him, and empathising with him - exactly how I like a character to develop for me. I like to connect with the characters and Thompson has created a character who is truly flawed yet somehow has an integrity that seeps through. It’s certainly not an integrity that is typical however.
Confluence is a word that is used a number of times through the book, through the merging of the themes that run together to make the whole, giving each other meaning otherwise not possible.
I also like the way Thompson draws the readers attention to Finnish ways of life, customs, etiquette and allows us to take a glimpse into the psyche of the nation. This is a privileged glimpse and gives the novel an authenticity that resonated with me.
Four solid stars and looking forward to book 3.
July 14, 2016
Not as good as the first Inspector Kari Vaara book, but better in a characterization department. The main plot started well and kept me turning the pages, but when it came time to the revelations they were a bit too far fetched for me. The side plot about a war hero and maybe a war criminal was much more interesting and satisfying. There are also a little side-side plots going on, because we are following inspector at regular(ish) work day(s), or maybe a better way to describe it is "author is using Random City Encounter table".
The real meat of the book and reason it works is a storyline connected to wife of Vaara, Kate's relatives visiting in Finland and the other character building stuff dealing with relationships. This gives an opportunity, like in the previous book, to explain Finnish culture to the foreigners, and me being an aboriginal Finn, this was once again fun to read. I especially enjoyed when Vaara pointed things out to the seemingly smug American relatives.
Though i must point out one big negative thing: there was way too much Koskenkorva (Kossu) vodka references, it is a bad, tasteless, cheap alcohol drink, and my attitude towards it has nothing to with the mega-hangover it gave to me last Saturday, at the Juhannus party (midsummer's day).
One problem with the first book was lack of other interesting characters besides Vaara, now we have his partner Milo, who is a 'couple cans short of a six-pack', but very promising guy who is quite full of himself, to say mildly. Roll on book # 3, Helsinki White.
The real meat of the book and reason it works is a storyline connected to wife of Vaara, Kate's relatives visiting in Finland and the other character building stuff dealing with relationships. This gives an opportunity, like in the previous book, to explain Finnish culture to the foreigners, and me being an aboriginal Finn, this was once again fun to read. I especially enjoyed when Vaara pointed things out to the seemingly smug American relatives.
Though i must point out one big negative thing: there was way too much Koskenkorva (Kossu) vodka references, it is a bad, tasteless, cheap alcohol drink, and my attitude towards it has nothing to with the mega-hangover it gave to me last Saturday, at the Juhannus party (midsummer's day).
One problem with the first book was lack of other interesting characters besides Vaara, now we have his partner Milo, who is a 'couple cans short of a six-pack', but very promising guy who is quite full of himself, to say mildly. Roll on book # 3, Helsinki White.
December 6, 2013
O que dizer de James Thompson?
Li o anterior livro do autor "Anjos na neve" e adorei o enredo e a mestria da escrita. Adorei o policial e o caso envolvido. O inspector Vaara com as suas características e a sua personalidade dão vida a um grande livro.
Este segundo livro não fica aquém das minhas espectativas, apenas a parte política que refere não me conseguiu cativar na sua totalidade.
No entanto, tem um caso que não é o que parece à primeira vista apesar das pressões que Vaara vai sofrer por parte do seu superior na polícia. Um caso que vai sofrer uma reviravolta que pode ser ou não esperada pelos leitores mais ou menos atentos. . .
Thompson dá-nos a conhecer mais tradições da Finlândia através da visita de familiares da mulher de Kari e também do seu próprio irmão.
Ficamos a conhecer mais aprofundadamente o que a Finlândia fez durante a segunda guerra mundial, qual o seu contributo para tudo, grupos e polícias que se formaram durante este período.
Aqui, James Thompson cria um personagem, um senhor de idade que é um herói de guerra, lutou pelo seu país mas também esteve envolvido noutras coisas condenáveis.
Acompanhamos a vida pessoal do inspector com a sua mulher, agora grávida, uma gravidez de risco, e também os próprios problemas de saúde de Kari Vaara, pois ao longo de todo o livro são referidas as fortes enxaquecas que o perseguem. . .
No fim, com a resolução de tudo (de uma forma surpreendente), a história vai terminar de uma maneira que me fez ficar a olhar para o livro como se conseguisse de alguma maneira materializar a sua continuação ali. . . . .
Li o anterior livro do autor "Anjos na neve" e adorei o enredo e a mestria da escrita. Adorei o policial e o caso envolvido. O inspector Vaara com as suas características e a sua personalidade dão vida a um grande livro.
Este segundo livro não fica aquém das minhas espectativas, apenas a parte política que refere não me conseguiu cativar na sua totalidade.
No entanto, tem um caso que não é o que parece à primeira vista apesar das pressões que Vaara vai sofrer por parte do seu superior na polícia. Um caso que vai sofrer uma reviravolta que pode ser ou não esperada pelos leitores mais ou menos atentos. . .
Thompson dá-nos a conhecer mais tradições da Finlândia através da visita de familiares da mulher de Kari e também do seu próprio irmão.
Ficamos a conhecer mais aprofundadamente o que a Finlândia fez durante a segunda guerra mundial, qual o seu contributo para tudo, grupos e polícias que se formaram durante este período.
Aqui, James Thompson cria um personagem, um senhor de idade que é um herói de guerra, lutou pelo seu país mas também esteve envolvido noutras coisas condenáveis.
Acompanhamos a vida pessoal do inspector com a sua mulher, agora grávida, uma gravidez de risco, e também os próprios problemas de saúde de Kari Vaara, pois ao longo de todo o livro são referidas as fortes enxaquecas que o perseguem. . .
No fim, com a resolução de tudo (de uma forma surpreendente), a história vai terminar de uma maneira que me fez ficar a olhar para o livro como se conseguisse de alguma maneira materializar a sua continuação ali. . . . .
April 17, 2017
3.5 Stars
Thompson isn't afraid to write dark, grim and depressing stories. Like his debut, this follow up novel contains some intense content, including sexual violence. Compare to the previous book, I found this mystery to be more dry and lackluster. The novel also follows the personal life of the main detective involving his wife's pregnancy and visiting American relatives. These scenes were entertaining, with a considerable lighter tone, contrasting the darkness of the war crime investigation. As an North American reader, I found the insights into Finnish culture particularly fascinating. I recommend reading this series in order since Lucifer's Tears completely spoils the events from the first book, Snow Angels.
Thompson isn't afraid to write dark, grim and depressing stories. Like his debut, this follow up novel contains some intense content, including sexual violence. Compare to the previous book, I found this mystery to be more dry and lackluster. The novel also follows the personal life of the main detective involving his wife's pregnancy and visiting American relatives. These scenes were entertaining, with a considerable lighter tone, contrasting the darkness of the war crime investigation. As an North American reader, I found the insights into Finnish culture particularly fascinating. I recommend reading this series in order since Lucifer's Tears completely spoils the events from the first book, Snow Angels.
December 16, 2013
«Seguramente um dos melhores policiais do ano.
O livro é extraordinário... Foi com enorme prazer que desfolhei as 296 páginas de um policial marcante e enriquecedor.(...)
Na minha opinião este é um livro de obrigatória leitura.»
Ver opinião completa aqui:
Opinião As lágrimas de Lúcifer|Livros e Marcadores
O livro é extraordinário... Foi com enorme prazer que desfolhei as 296 páginas de um policial marcante e enriquecedor.(...)
Na minha opinião este é um livro de obrigatória leitura.»
Ver opinião completa aqui:
Opinião As lágrimas de Lúcifer|Livros e Marcadores
November 15, 2021
Back to Finland we go for the second in a series of crime fiction…..
Where we’ve moved on a year & now our man Inspector Kari Vaara & his wife Kate reside in Helsinki having moved south from the Arctic circle. We’re brought up to speed quickly with his new job, role & partner within the Helsinki murder squad where Kari is very much an outsider it would seem.
No sooner has he been handed a case, investigating a 90 year war hero for potential war crimes (Winter war), he’s off to a crime scene which is brutal & bloody, described to the nth degree as they record the scene, nothing is left out.…. It’s this case that become front & centre, in the beginning.
The pacing is grand, much to like about the authors writing & style. Kari is a troubled but likeable guy, his heart is in the right place so to speak but very much a rough exterior. His partner for this job is an oddball too, the pair of them are basically outcasts to the rest of the department which suits Kari jus fine…. Well… in the beginning. The dynamics of their relationship is a developing factor throughout & plays a role in the story.
As per the first book we are immersed in Finnish culture & ways which helps to explain away some of Kari’s (and others) actions/thoughts. For me having spent some time in Scandinavia the Finns always seemed a breed apart from their neighbours & more akin to the Russians but it’s fair to say they do NOT as a rule like the Russians in any shape or form so for me they are a very unique people which does come across in this book.
We meet Kate’s family (siblings) who arrive from the States which helps to fill in some on Kate’s background as opposed to having her as jus the pregnant wife wabbling around every so often who Kari occasionally drops in on between murders…. It does give other angles & insights into the Varra’s family life & Finnish customs/relations. Its all good & certainly adds to the story.
The mystery(ies) element is very good & the pacing pulls you forward, reading huge chunks at a time, found it very engrossing & never dull at all. Its full-on! Without going into too much, you have a story which deals with a modern murder & also an investigation into the past involving “war crimes” committed in the Winter War. I enjoyed both very much & for historical buffs amongst you the story did go into some depth behind the winter war & Finnish attitudes at the time towards Nazism & Bolshevism which it would seem echoed forward through the decades too.
I learnt a lot about being Finnish in this book as well as being royally entertained with a crime to solve!
Enjoyed the first in the series very much & this moves it up a notch, clear 5 stars. I urge those who follow Nordic/Crime Noir to pick up this series, you will love it.
Where we’ve moved on a year & now our man Inspector Kari Vaara & his wife Kate reside in Helsinki having moved south from the Arctic circle. We’re brought up to speed quickly with his new job, role & partner within the Helsinki murder squad where Kari is very much an outsider it would seem.
No sooner has he been handed a case, investigating a 90 year war hero for potential war crimes (Winter war), he’s off to a crime scene which is brutal & bloody, described to the nth degree as they record the scene, nothing is left out.…. It’s this case that become front & centre, in the beginning.
The pacing is grand, much to like about the authors writing & style. Kari is a troubled but likeable guy, his heart is in the right place so to speak but very much a rough exterior. His partner for this job is an oddball too, the pair of them are basically outcasts to the rest of the department which suits Kari jus fine…. Well… in the beginning. The dynamics of their relationship is a developing factor throughout & plays a role in the story.
As per the first book we are immersed in Finnish culture & ways which helps to explain away some of Kari’s (and others) actions/thoughts. For me having spent some time in Scandinavia the Finns always seemed a breed apart from their neighbours & more akin to the Russians but it’s fair to say they do NOT as a rule like the Russians in any shape or form so for me they are a very unique people which does come across in this book.
We meet Kate’s family (siblings) who arrive from the States which helps to fill in some on Kate’s background as opposed to having her as jus the pregnant wife wabbling around every so often who Kari occasionally drops in on between murders…. It does give other angles & insights into the Varra’s family life & Finnish customs/relations. Its all good & certainly adds to the story.
The mystery(ies) element is very good & the pacing pulls you forward, reading huge chunks at a time, found it very engrossing & never dull at all. Its full-on! Without going into too much, you have a story which deals with a modern murder & also an investigation into the past involving “war crimes” committed in the Winter War. I enjoyed both very much & for historical buffs amongst you the story did go into some depth behind the winter war & Finnish attitudes at the time towards Nazism & Bolshevism which it would seem echoed forward through the decades too.
I learnt a lot about being Finnish in this book as well as being royally entertained with a crime to solve!
Enjoyed the first in the series very much & this moves it up a notch, clear 5 stars. I urge those who follow Nordic/Crime Noir to pick up this series, you will love it.
November 4, 2013
Antes de partir para a leitura deste livro, foi-me aconselhada a leitura do livro anterior, Anjos na Neve. Depois de terminado, vejo que o conselho fez todo o sentido. Pormenores deste livro só serão entendidos por quem leu o primeiro volume, o que torna a assimilação de cada uma das páginas muito mais prazeroso e rentável.
Se com Anjos na Neve fiquei rendida ao estilo deste escritor, com As Lágrimas de Lúcifer tive a certeza de que é um autor a seguir. Para quem é fã do género policial, este autor é um must read. Detentor de uma escrita simples, límpida, "sem tretas", como se costuma dizer, James Thompson consegue prender o leitor da primeira à última página com estórias simples (no enredo), mas onde a violência é a palavra de ordem. Dá-nos também relatos excelentes da sociedade finlandesa, o que acaba por ir mais além do que o que um simples policial tem como objectivo.
Gostei também (imenso, diga-se) da construção das personagens. Humanas, sofridas, que lutam pela felicidade, de forma íntegra, numa sociedade que requer (alguma) adaptação, em termos de costumes e diferenças culturais, para quem vem do estrangeiro, como é o caso de Kate.
Junte-se a tudo isto intrigas governamentais, sexo bizarro, a colaboração com a Alemanha nazi e um bebé que urge em nascer e temos um grande livro. Uma obra que se lê apaixonadamente e que marca, muito para além daquilo que é suposto num policial/thriller.
O que une um homicídio violentíssimo, a estória de um herói nacional e das suas possíveis ligações ao regime nazi e uma gravidez? É ler para crer e ficar fã de James Thompson, como eu fiquei. Só espero que a Porto Editora não demore muito a editar o próximo livro. O final deste deixou-me assaz curiosa...
Se com Anjos na Neve fiquei rendida ao estilo deste escritor, com As Lágrimas de Lúcifer tive a certeza de que é um autor a seguir. Para quem é fã do género policial, este autor é um must read. Detentor de uma escrita simples, límpida, "sem tretas", como se costuma dizer, James Thompson consegue prender o leitor da primeira à última página com estórias simples (no enredo), mas onde a violência é a palavra de ordem. Dá-nos também relatos excelentes da sociedade finlandesa, o que acaba por ir mais além do que o que um simples policial tem como objectivo.
Gostei também (imenso, diga-se) da construção das personagens. Humanas, sofridas, que lutam pela felicidade, de forma íntegra, numa sociedade que requer (alguma) adaptação, em termos de costumes e diferenças culturais, para quem vem do estrangeiro, como é o caso de Kate.
Junte-se a tudo isto intrigas governamentais, sexo bizarro, a colaboração com a Alemanha nazi e um bebé que urge em nascer e temos um grande livro. Uma obra que se lê apaixonadamente e que marca, muito para além daquilo que é suposto num policial/thriller.
O que une um homicídio violentíssimo, a estória de um herói nacional e das suas possíveis ligações ao regime nazi e uma gravidez? É ler para crer e ficar fã de James Thompson, como eu fiquei. Só espero que a Porto Editora não demore muito a editar o próximo livro. O final deste deixou-me assaz curiosa...
April 14, 2017
Adorei!
Fiquei ansiosa para ler a continuação da história do Inspetor Kari Vaara...
Fiquei ansiosa para ler a continuação da história do Inspetor Kari Vaara...
June 10, 2017
This book really grabbed me and left me wanting more of this series. So many interesting and, in their own way, likable characters. Oh ya, and the mystery was intriguing as well!
December 29, 2013
Mais um bom livro de James Thompson, onde novamente, para além do género policial, nos dá a conhecer um pouco mais da cultura finlandesa, bem como da participação deste país na 2ª Guerra Mundial.
Apesar de ter achado que desta vez a história se centrou demasiado na vida pessoal do inspetor Vaara, não deixou de ter um desfecho surpreendente.
E independentemente do que fez de errado, é impressão minha ou é impossível não simpatizar com Arvid? :)
Apesar de ter achado que desta vez a história se centrou demasiado na vida pessoal do inspetor Vaara, não deixou de ter um desfecho surpreendente.
E independentemente do que fez de errado, é impressão minha ou é impossível não simpatizar com Arvid? :)
October 28, 2013
“As lágrimas de Lúcifer” é o segundo livro de James Thompson da série do inspetor Kari Vaara. Tal como o primeiro “Anjos na neve”, este é um livro fantástico.
Tem todos os ingredientes de um bom livro policial…
Adorei.
Tem todos os ingredientes de um bom livro policial…
Adorei.
December 11, 2021
Finalizada. ¿De verdad beben tanto los finlandeses? ¡Qué barbaridad!. Yo me tomo la mitad que ellos y me pongo como las grecas. Bueno, al lío. Se me hizo pesado todo el tema del abuelo de Vaara, pero vi que era necesario para que todo quedase resuelto. Tenemos dos investigaciones. Una actual de un crimen brutal y otra de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. El final me parece brutal. Me refiero al final de las investigaciones, no al final del libro. Es evidente, por la forma que termina, que tendremos una tercera parte. Esperemos que no tarde mucho. Si te gustan los thriller nórdicos, es tu novela. FIN.
September 3, 2012
LUCIFER'S TEARS is the second of Thompson's Inspector Vaara books. It's darker than it's predecessor, SNOW ANGELS. The psychology runs deeper, the events are more disturbing, and the characters drawn with more depth. The explanatory passages sufficiently summarize the backstory which includes the death of Vaara's first wife, his obsessive and tragic investigation of a murder in his home town, his dysfunctional childhood, and the death of a beloved younger sister. Thompson's writing has developed to such a degree that I would actually recommend reading this book first, and then the other book for comparative purposes. (Oops -- as several other reviewers have pointed out, that's a bad idea, because of the spoilers. So--read the books in series, but be advised that there is a real qualitative difference between the 2 books).
The first question one might ask is, what is the attraction of these far north European mysteries? Europe's northernmost countries are so unlike the United States with their densely populated cities hugging the southern coast line, and vast forbidding wilderness lying above the arctic circle. Family connections seem more stable and visible, with less transience (that's not to say that dysfunction isn't present just below the surface). Local customs like Joulupukki (Father Christmas) are still closely connected to their pagan origins. The attraction, however, is more than mere exoticism. History hovers like an uninvited ghost. World War II is a living memory for Finland. Long-coveted by neighboring Russia, its survival has meant frequent morally compromising choices. As the 90 year old war hero, Arvid Lahtinen bluntly observes: "...great men don't become great without getting their hands dirty." Heavy casualties and local outbreaks of civil war have left deep-seated animosities, particularly against the Russians. Finally, there are troubling social problems – alcoholism, racism (Vaara comes from the northern territories and learns some of his colleagues refer to him as a “dangerous Lapland redneck” linked to aspersions related to those cute reindeer – and he's accompanied by a resume of heroism. To this mix, Thompson has added multiple gruesome murders, a borderline psychotic partner (Milo) for Inspector Vaara, sexual perversion, and intimations of government corruption and conspiracy. This book is not for the faint-of-heart.
The intense psychological and emotional dilemmas encountered by Vaara are the real attraction of this book. For the past 8 months, he has been seeing a psychologist due to the traumatizing effects of his previous investigation. He is experiencing crippling migraines. And his wife is pregnant (he partially blames himself for her miscarriage). As if this were not enough, his wife's brother and sister will be meeting him for the first time and are planning an extended stay in his house to help out with the baby. The narrative is in first person, so we watch as Vaara hovers close to disintegration. Through an interior monlogue, we watch his aggressive defensiveness with his therapist, and the gradual train of realizations that lead to a modest break-through. It is a genuine pleasure listening to him grope for both honesty and for the courage to open up to his wife. At the same time, as a detective working some extremely sensitive cases, he must walk a narrow line, carefully considering how much he will tell her.
Some of the decisions Vaara makes are frankly appalling. Angrily, he brutalizes a drunken and delusional vagrant who is terrorizing some school children. Even more disturbing is the understanding that appears to be developing between Vaara and his boss, Jyri Ivalo.
Solution of the primary case is only one of the strands that hold the reader's interest. The book ends with resolution of the case, but with many loose ends on other fronts. Thompson ends the book on a cliff-hanger leaving us wondering: What will happen next?
The first question one might ask is, what is the attraction of these far north European mysteries? Europe's northernmost countries are so unlike the United States with their densely populated cities hugging the southern coast line, and vast forbidding wilderness lying above the arctic circle. Family connections seem more stable and visible, with less transience (that's not to say that dysfunction isn't present just below the surface). Local customs like Joulupukki (Father Christmas) are still closely connected to their pagan origins. The attraction, however, is more than mere exoticism. History hovers like an uninvited ghost. World War II is a living memory for Finland. Long-coveted by neighboring Russia, its survival has meant frequent morally compromising choices. As the 90 year old war hero, Arvid Lahtinen bluntly observes: "...great men don't become great without getting their hands dirty." Heavy casualties and local outbreaks of civil war have left deep-seated animosities, particularly against the Russians. Finally, there are troubling social problems – alcoholism, racism (Vaara comes from the northern territories and learns some of his colleagues refer to him as a “dangerous Lapland redneck” linked to aspersions related to those cute reindeer – and he's accompanied by a resume of heroism. To this mix, Thompson has added multiple gruesome murders, a borderline psychotic partner (Milo) for Inspector Vaara, sexual perversion, and intimations of government corruption and conspiracy. This book is not for the faint-of-heart.
The intense psychological and emotional dilemmas encountered by Vaara are the real attraction of this book. For the past 8 months, he has been seeing a psychologist due to the traumatizing effects of his previous investigation. He is experiencing crippling migraines. And his wife is pregnant (he partially blames himself for her miscarriage). As if this were not enough, his wife's brother and sister will be meeting him for the first time and are planning an extended stay in his house to help out with the baby. The narrative is in first person, so we watch as Vaara hovers close to disintegration. Through an interior monlogue, we watch his aggressive defensiveness with his therapist, and the gradual train of realizations that lead to a modest break-through. It is a genuine pleasure listening to him grope for both honesty and for the courage to open up to his wife. At the same time, as a detective working some extremely sensitive cases, he must walk a narrow line, carefully considering how much he will tell her.
Some of the decisions Vaara makes are frankly appalling. Angrily, he brutalizes a drunken and delusional vagrant who is terrorizing some school children. Even more disturbing is the understanding that appears to be developing between Vaara and his boss, Jyri Ivalo.
Solution of the primary case is only one of the strands that hold the reader's interest. The book ends with resolution of the case, but with many loose ends on other fronts. Thompson ends the book on a cliff-hanger leaving us wondering: What will happen next?
April 26, 2012
I loved James Thompson's Snow Angels, the first in his series featuring the Finnish Detective Kari Vaara, and his American wife Kate. I was excited when I started the second in the series, Lucifer's Tears (having finished LT, I've just begun the latest in the series, just released, Helsinki White-but more of that on another day). And at first, my heart was still in the (to me) exotic small town in rural Finland where the first book takes place. I had some trouble re-locating to big city, Helsinki, although even that's still pretty exotic for me (however, coming from a big city, there is that more familiar "big city" feel to the location).
But I quickly acclimated (pun?) and grew to love LT for itself, on its own terms. I followed the emotional development (and sometimes de-volving) of Kari and his relationships. I was interested to meet Kate's brother and sister, visiting from America, filled with their own flaws and prejudices about Finland (go figure Americans knew enough to even have prejudices about Finland?). Their presence brought a new dimension to Kate, and to her relationship with Kari. His hostile/dependent relationship with his boss Jyri continues to remain the same but in different ways.
The book has three main story lines: the criminal case he is working on involving the brutal torture/murder of a young woman married to a very wealthy man (Thompson uses a sadistic sexual scenario as a backdrop to this woman's life and marriage that echoes the one in SA); the personal dimension of Kaari's relationships with his new colleagues, his wife's family, and, of course, Kate; and a political dimension that also involves Kari's personal life-the possible war crimes of his grandfather as well as those of Finland during World War II.
In thinking about these themes, it is amazing how well the book works and how smoothly Thompson navigates his way through the different subjects, weaving them together in a coherent and fascinating read.
I loved this book. It took me longer to really enter into the story than it had with SA but in the end, Thompson managed to create a book that is far more than the second in a series-in many ways, the book creates a new world using some familiar characters.
This book is a powerful entry into the Nordic Noir world so popular at the moment. I recommend it to all fans of the genre as well as more generally fans of well-written, tightly and complexly plotted novels containing strong relationships. Reading it was a real gift.
But I quickly acclimated (pun?) and grew to love LT for itself, on its own terms. I followed the emotional development (and sometimes de-volving) of Kari and his relationships. I was interested to meet Kate's brother and sister, visiting from America, filled with their own flaws and prejudices about Finland (go figure Americans knew enough to even have prejudices about Finland?). Their presence brought a new dimension to Kate, and to her relationship with Kari. His hostile/dependent relationship with his boss Jyri continues to remain the same but in different ways.
The book has three main story lines: the criminal case he is working on involving the brutal torture/murder of a young woman married to a very wealthy man (Thompson uses a sadistic sexual scenario as a backdrop to this woman's life and marriage that echoes the one in SA); the personal dimension of Kaari's relationships with his new colleagues, his wife's family, and, of course, Kate; and a political dimension that also involves Kari's personal life-the possible war crimes of his grandfather as well as those of Finland during World War II.
In thinking about these themes, it is amazing how well the book works and how smoothly Thompson navigates his way through the different subjects, weaving them together in a coherent and fascinating read.
I loved this book. It took me longer to really enter into the story than it had with SA but in the end, Thompson managed to create a book that is far more than the second in a series-in many ways, the book creates a new world using some familiar characters.
This book is a powerful entry into the Nordic Noir world so popular at the moment. I recommend it to all fans of the genre as well as more generally fans of well-written, tightly and complexly plotted novels containing strong relationships. Reading it was a real gift.
Read
July 12, 2011This review was written by Mark Kearney and posted by Lizzy Mottern
Nordic detective fiction has finally produced its version of Donna Leon, the New Jersey-born American expat who lives in Venice and writes novels in English about an Italian cop, novels that have never been published in Italian. Kentucky-native James Thompson has lived in Helsinki for a dozen years and this is his second novel featuring Inspector Kari Vaara and his American wife Kate.
The novel quickly immerses the reader in seven storylines: examination of the conduct of a Finnish World War II national hero (remember, Finland was a German ally for most of the conflict); the relationship of this man with Vaara’s own grandfarther; the torture murder of a Russian businessman’s wife; the upcoming birth of Vaara’s first child; the visit of Kate’s obnoxious younger brother and sister; the mystery of Vaara’s chronic headaches; and Vaara’s new partner Milo, a Mensa-level intellect with deficient interpersonal skills. In an ambiance of tightly written, classic hard-boiled prose, Thompson brings all these elements together into a can’t-put-it-down tale that makes you want to read the preceding Vaara work, Snow Angles, and leaves you anticipating publication of the next novel in the series.
Nordic detective fiction has finally produced its version of Donna Leon, the New Jersey-born American expat who lives in Venice and writes novels in English about an Italian cop, novels that have never been published in Italian. Kentucky-native James Thompson has lived in Helsinki for a dozen years and this is his second novel featuring Inspector Kari Vaara and his American wife Kate.
The novel quickly immerses the reader in seven storylines: examination of the conduct of a Finnish World War II national hero (remember, Finland was a German ally for most of the conflict); the relationship of this man with Vaara’s own grandfarther; the torture murder of a Russian businessman’s wife; the upcoming birth of Vaara’s first child; the visit of Kate’s obnoxious younger brother and sister; the mystery of Vaara’s chronic headaches; and Vaara’s new partner Milo, a Mensa-level intellect with deficient interpersonal skills. In an ambiance of tightly written, classic hard-boiled prose, Thompson brings all these elements together into a can’t-put-it-down tale that makes you want to read the preceding Vaara work, Snow Angles, and leaves you anticipating publication of the next novel in the series.
February 7, 2012
It is a rare thing for a sequel to be stronger than the book that preceded it, but I think I enjoyed this even more than Snow Angels! I am so impressed - it was just a terrific read! The actual mystery was not so much of a "whodunit" but it kept me turning pages all the same. The Finnish setting was a great eye-opener to a whole new culture, expanding and deepening the setting even more than the first book. The family dynamic added quite a bit to this one, as well. The only two downsides to the whole book were in the ending. In my copy, towards the end there was a typographical error of a missing endquote that caused some confusion, and the cliffhanger of an ending was really frustrating! But, other than that, I am really looking forward to what the third installment will bring!
January 24, 2018
This was very different from the first book. Same characters but a different scenario. It also takes place in Helsinki. Finland seems like a very cold and desolate place and I’ve never given much thought it its history. This covers some of the things that occurred in world war 2 where I had no idea they had concentration camps. Gulags and Russian and Jewish haters. I liked how it also told some of the traditions that happen there. Those Finnish folks can certainly drink!
December 19, 2017
Set in Helsinki -- Vaara transfers to Helsinki from Kittila after successfully closing the case in book 1. This story sets the stage for his position in the department in Helsinki, but also provides insight into his psyche...and those of his co-workers. The story is solid, but overall underdeveloped because there are multiple stories taking place at once: police corruption, more murders, questions of morality, emergence of co-workers, Finnish war criminals, family stress...it's all in here. The problem is the issues emerge and are all of a sudden a part of the plot. It could have been improved with a but of pruning or, interestingly, more development and a longer book. Ultimately, a number of these themes merge to result in the culmination of the case and the book. In the end, the stage is set for the 3rd book with a bombshell about Vaara at the conclusion. In the end, it seems as if Thompson is creating a more nuanced Finnish version of Nesbo's Henry Hole. Not a bad thing, but somewhat of a cookie cutter/cliche Nordic crime genre protagonist.
January 21, 2018
"Failure to protect is a form of betrayal"
"Even after all these years as a cop, the darkness inherent in human nature still shocks me"
"Even after all these years as a cop, the darkness inherent in human nature still shocks me"
February 28, 2019
3.5
Amé la ambientación. El caso en sí, no mucho.
Amé la ambientación. El caso en sí, no mucho.
May 4, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Mystery/Noir
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of dark mysteries, stories set in Nordic countries, well-developed characters, well-done mysteries
Trigger Warnings: murder, torture, war crimes, Holocaust
My Thoughts: About a year has passed since the events in Snow Angels, and a number of things have changed. In order to avoid spoilers I won't go into details. I will say, however, that you can actually read the book without having read the previous book and be able to keep up, because there are enough recaps and mentions of former events to avoid confusion. I would still say read it, of course; the best way to really have a good feel for a character in a series is to read the whole series, in my opinion, but in this case, the author has done well by making it so you do not necessarily have to. In my opinion, walking this sort of line is a tricky thing, where providing too much info can end up backfiring and ruining the new story, so I'm always impressed when an author is able to do this. I also need to point out that the synopses for this book, and for the next book, Helsinki White, provide spoilers for the previous books, so if you don't want to be spoiled on minor plot points, take care.
I do wish to apologize. It was my misunderstanding that Finland was considered to be part of Scandinavia, and it is not. It is considered to be a Nordic country. I always thought Nordic countries were also Scandinavian, but I guess there is a difference. Unfortunately my Internet connection won't stay up more than a few minutes so I have no way to really check into this at the moment, to find the difference. I meant no disrespect in the comments on my previous review for Snow Angels.
Like Snow Angels, the denouement completely blew me away. I had no idea how things would turn out. I really enjoyed some of the new characters introduced in this book, like Arvid and Ritva (about whom I am absolutely heartbroken), and Milo. I even sort of like Iisa, just because she was so incredibly self-absorbed. I couldn't help but sort of appreciate that. The ending of this book is sort of bittersweet, but I'll leave the discovery as to why up to you. I will say that if you enjoy a really well-done mystery, you won't want to miss this terrific series by James Thompson. Highly recommended.
Series Information: Lucifer's Tears is the second book in the Inspector Vaara series.
Book 1: Snow Angels, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 3: Helsinki White, to be read next, provided by Amazon Vine for an honest review
Book 4: Helsinki Blood, I do not have, but it is on my wishlist
Disclosure: The publisher provided me a reviewer's copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: The Sufia Elmi case left Kari Vaara with a scarred face, chronic insomnia, a constant migraine, and a full body count's worth of ghosts. Now it's a year later, in Helsinki, and Kari is working the graveyard shift in the homicide unit, terrified that his heavily pregnant wife will miscarry again after she lost the twins just after Christmas.
Kari is pushed into investigating a ninety-year-old national hero for war crimes committed during World War II. The Interior Minister demands a conclusion of innocence, preserving Finland's heroic perception about itself and its role in the war, but Germany wants extradition.
In a seeming coincidence, Kari is drawn into the murder-by-torture case of Iisa Filippov, the philandering wife of a Russian businessman. Her lover is clearly being framed for the crime—and Ivan Filippov's arrogance and nonchalance point the finger at him. But he's being protected from above, leading Kari to the corrupt corridors of power. Soon the past and present collide in ways no one could have anticipated.
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of dark mysteries, stories set in Nordic countries, well-developed characters, well-done mysteries
Trigger Warnings: murder, torture, war crimes, Holocaust
My Thoughts: About a year has passed since the events in Snow Angels, and a number of things have changed. In order to avoid spoilers I won't go into details. I will say, however, that you can actually read the book without having read the previous book and be able to keep up, because there are enough recaps and mentions of former events to avoid confusion. I would still say read it, of course; the best way to really have a good feel for a character in a series is to read the whole series, in my opinion, but in this case, the author has done well by making it so you do not necessarily have to. In my opinion, walking this sort of line is a tricky thing, where providing too much info can end up backfiring and ruining the new story, so I'm always impressed when an author is able to do this. I also need to point out that the synopses for this book, and for the next book, Helsinki White, provide spoilers for the previous books, so if you don't want to be spoiled on minor plot points, take care.
I do wish to apologize. It was my misunderstanding that Finland was considered to be part of Scandinavia, and it is not. It is considered to be a Nordic country. I always thought Nordic countries were also Scandinavian, but I guess there is a difference. Unfortunately my Internet connection won't stay up more than a few minutes so I have no way to really check into this at the moment, to find the difference. I meant no disrespect in the comments on my previous review for Snow Angels.
Like Snow Angels, the denouement completely blew me away. I had no idea how things would turn out. I really enjoyed some of the new characters introduced in this book, like Arvid and Ritva (about whom I am absolutely heartbroken), and Milo. I even sort of like Iisa, just because she was so incredibly self-absorbed. I couldn't help but sort of appreciate that. The ending of this book is sort of bittersweet, but I'll leave the discovery as to why up to you. I will say that if you enjoy a really well-done mystery, you won't want to miss this terrific series by James Thompson. Highly recommended.
Series Information: Lucifer's Tears is the second book in the Inspector Vaara series.
Book 1: Snow Angels, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 3: Helsinki White, to be read next, provided by Amazon Vine for an honest review
Book 4: Helsinki Blood, I do not have, but it is on my wishlist
Disclosure: The publisher provided me a reviewer's copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: The Sufia Elmi case left Kari Vaara with a scarred face, chronic insomnia, a constant migraine, and a full body count's worth of ghosts. Now it's a year later, in Helsinki, and Kari is working the graveyard shift in the homicide unit, terrified that his heavily pregnant wife will miscarry again after she lost the twins just after Christmas.
Kari is pushed into investigating a ninety-year-old national hero for war crimes committed during World War II. The Interior Minister demands a conclusion of innocence, preserving Finland's heroic perception about itself and its role in the war, but Germany wants extradition.
In a seeming coincidence, Kari is drawn into the murder-by-torture case of Iisa Filippov, the philandering wife of a Russian businessman. Her lover is clearly being framed for the crime—and Ivan Filippov's arrogance and nonchalance point the finger at him. But he's being protected from above, leading Kari to the corrupt corridors of power. Soon the past and present collide in ways no one could have anticipated.
April 7, 2011
Wow, it is Thursday already and we are moving like a bullet train headed for a big day on Saturday. Our second Improvised Digital short Story will be happening then and I am totally amped at the prospect of working with a fine group of authors on this next project. We will start at 8am on Saturday and hopefully be done everything by 3pm.I am giving each author a time limit of 1.5 hours to put together their 1,000 to 1500 words of the story. Basically within a nice 8 hour time span we will create 2 new stories, provide cover art for it, edit it, publish it, and then create an audio file of it. Not bad. Tune in and listen; it should be a rip. Now let’s get to today’s novel. Here is what is between the covers:
“Inspector Kari Vaara returns, more haunted than ever, in the follow- up to Snow Angels, "a must for fans of the international crime novel." (Booklist)
The Sufia Elmi case left Kari Vaara with a scarred face, chronic insomnia, a constant migraine, and a full body count's worth of ghosts. Now it's a year later, in Helsinki, and Kari is working the graveyard shift in the homicide unit, terrified that his heavily pregnant wife will miscarry again after she lost the twins just after Christmas.
Kari is pushed into investigating a ninety-year-old national hero for war crimes committed during World War II. The Interior Minister demands a conclusion of innocence, preserving Finland's heroic perception about itself and its role in the war, but Germany wants extradition.
In a seeming coincidence, Kari is drawn into the murder-by-torture case of Lisa Filippov, the philandering wife of a Russian businessman. Her lover is clearly being framed for the crime-and Ivan Filippov's arrogance and nonchalance point the finger at him. But he's being protected from above, leading Kari to the corrupt corridors of power. Soon the past and present collide in ways no one could have anticipated.”
I have not read any of this author’s previous work, so I am a first time reader here. His style I enjoyed, his main character, Kari Vaara, was good. He seems to be your basic flawed, fractured, disgruntled, Dirty Harry type detective but living in a place where people’s names are spelled and said a bit differently. Kari has way too much baggage from a few to many shootings and police run- ins to be anything close to normal. His wife is just as OCD as he is coming from a similarly fractured family from the USA. How wonderful, your basic average couple, needing one of the biggest UHauls ever just to carry their emotional baggage, physical & emotional scars with them from place to place. Parking must be a bitch for them in Helsinki. Is this an uplifting tale? What do you think? I did enjoy the whodunit aspect to it, gaining some insight into another part of the world was cool, reading a new author was nice also. He definitely is a different flav than the rest of what I have been reading. Is it all depressing? No, but I do tend to enjoy lighter fare. I enjoy suspense, thrillers, mysteries, great character driven fiction, but the bummer for me was Kari; he could be much better and more flawed with much less. Does that make sense? For me it does, maybe I am off base; to me, less is more. I would not pass up the read and I am hitting it with four stars: there is some good action and many twists. Give me your opinion on this novel, I would enjoy the feedback. Thanks, I looking forward to hearing from on this and seeing you on Saturday.
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June 26, 2012
Excellent follow-up. Flawed characters abound no-one is more scarred than our detective "hero" Inspector Kari Vaara who will not even have plastic surgery to repair his gunshot wound to his face.
In this book we find him in Helsinki in a murder squad that has never failed trying to find a work/life balance when his wife is close to giving birth and his chief is pulling his strings.
Has more punch and edge than several books of this genre; more American than traditional Scaninavian/Nordic crime fiction. But this book sings of things Finnish and isn't afraid to look into its history to recount a good tale. There is already a culture class in their marriage; Kate has struggled to learn the language and happy to revert to English. Matters are made more interesting as her Brother & Sister come to help in the last weeks of pregnancy and plan to stay a while after the birth.
Tremendous plotting; a relentless pace than never gets snow bound even when the weather worsens. This is a wonderful ride of a book that doesn't try to shock but reflects with skill political and family loyalties. It is about a proud history, relationships, motivation and honesty. It is told from the detactives point of view in the first person. He is a flawed character undergoing therapy but we can identify with him and his core values we can share.
James Thompson is an excellent writer; he tells a good story and its impact continues long after the book ends. We care about his characters because he writes them with such a good eye for flaws & weaknesses. We are drawn into the fiction and are better for the experience.
Above all he takes risks with his characters; their events are life changing. His writing is all the more compelling for it; no 15 book series in a sleepy English rural location, now JT propels our "hero" on to face new situations and career threatening episodes. Reading his books is a real pleasure but they can be exhausting. Not in lack of sleep, a book you can't put down, but as already said because the reading process involves all your senses and mental commitment.
In this book we find him in Helsinki in a murder squad that has never failed trying to find a work/life balance when his wife is close to giving birth and his chief is pulling his strings.
Has more punch and edge than several books of this genre; more American than traditional Scaninavian/Nordic crime fiction. But this book sings of things Finnish and isn't afraid to look into its history to recount a good tale. There is already a culture class in their marriage; Kate has struggled to learn the language and happy to revert to English. Matters are made more interesting as her Brother & Sister come to help in the last weeks of pregnancy and plan to stay a while after the birth.
Tremendous plotting; a relentless pace than never gets snow bound even when the weather worsens. This is a wonderful ride of a book that doesn't try to shock but reflects with skill political and family loyalties. It is about a proud history, relationships, motivation and honesty. It is told from the detactives point of view in the first person. He is a flawed character undergoing therapy but we can identify with him and his core values we can share.
James Thompson is an excellent writer; he tells a good story and its impact continues long after the book ends. We care about his characters because he writes them with such a good eye for flaws & weaknesses. We are drawn into the fiction and are better for the experience.
Above all he takes risks with his characters; their events are life changing. His writing is all the more compelling for it; no 15 book series in a sleepy English rural location, now JT propels our "hero" on to face new situations and career threatening episodes. Reading his books is a real pleasure but they can be exhausting. Not in lack of sleep, a book you can't put down, but as already said because the reading process involves all your senses and mental commitment.
September 22, 2015
I began this one as soon as I completed the first in the series Snow Angels. I also discovered, a few minutes ago when reading some reviews for that novel, that James Thompson is dead. He was 49 when he died. He struggled through ill health to write Lucifer's Tears, and for authenticity gave his debilitating headaches to his character Kari as well. These are bleak, brilliantly written crime novels. They needed no additional shadow upon them.
I'll update when done.
Finished.
This was another great read. Now set in Helsinki, where Kari and Kate have moved, the novel is once again packed with interesting details about Finland. At one point, I was wondering whether it was a bit of an author download--author does a lot of research on a topic and can't resist the temptation to put it all in. There was a huge amount of Finnish Second World War history in this one. Too much, I felt at one point. However, I have to say that Thompson justified everything with sleight of hand at the end I didn't see coming.
Finnish policing is very different to policing anywhere else in the world, as far as I can see. The lack of PC bullshit is very refreshing. This novel sees the introduction of a 90-year-old war veteran being accused of war crimes. It's the third time I've read this scenario recently, as it was the premise of A Song of Shadows and The House at Sea's End. In both of those, the politically correct line was taken, rather to the detriment of the storytelling. Lucifer's Tears deals with this tricky area with great depth and sensitivity and frankly in a much more original way.
I shall definitely be going onto book three.
I'll update when done.
Finished.
This was another great read. Now set in Helsinki, where Kari and Kate have moved, the novel is once again packed with interesting details about Finland. At one point, I was wondering whether it was a bit of an author download--author does a lot of research on a topic and can't resist the temptation to put it all in. There was a huge amount of Finnish Second World War history in this one. Too much, I felt at one point. However, I have to say that Thompson justified everything with sleight of hand at the end I didn't see coming.
Finnish policing is very different to policing anywhere else in the world, as far as I can see. The lack of PC bullshit is very refreshing. This novel sees the introduction of a 90-year-old war veteran being accused of war crimes. It's the third time I've read this scenario recently, as it was the premise of A Song of Shadows and The House at Sea's End. In both of those, the politically correct line was taken, rather to the detriment of the storytelling. Lucifer's Tears deals with this tricky area with great depth and sensitivity and frankly in a much more original way.
I shall definitely be going onto book three.
April 24, 2011
Omg. I tend to have a pretty bad mouth when I am not teaching, but GEEZ! Every few sentences in this book has some curse word in it! The curse words are the ones that even I blush when I say them out loud or I use acronyms for so that people who aren't in the know, don't know what they mean. Overall, the plot was juicy! Kari Vaara, a male inspector for the homicide division of the Helsinki police department, is the low guy on the totem pole. He is covering several cases throughout the book. The first is to investigate a WWII war hero to see if the Germans are right about the man accused, meaning did he commit the war crimes that they want him extradited for. The second is to investigate Iisa Filippov's murder by torture and prove her lover innocent. Kari is also trying to figure out why he has mind-numbing headaches, can't sleep, and feels guilty for leaving his very pregnant wife home without him. He's a cop, and a bear of a man on top of it. But this book shows that even men can worry about their wives and blame themselves for miscarriages. It is a fresh look into the life of a homicide detective with shots of his American wife, and her family as they come to stay with them in time for the new baby. It shows the cultural differences between Finland and America, as well as some of the downsides of both countries! It is a well-written book that I enjoyed immensely, except for the multiple curse words of course. Warning: there are graphic scenes depicted in the book of sex, torture, and S&M/fetish.-Sara
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