The Talented Mr. Varg: A Detective Varg Novel (2) (Detective Varg Series)

I absolutely love this very funny Department of Sensitive Crimes series by the incomparable Alexander McCall Smith. The protagonist, chief detective Ulf Varg, is Everyman: he could hardly be a better prototype for today’s distressed world. He is lonely, in love with an unavailable woman colleague, beset with overly bureaucratic workplace procedures (which provide some high comedy), but he remains a man of complete integrity with a heart of gold and an unfailing sense of ethical rightness. He is smart and kind. He has a “hearing-impaired” (deaf) dog, Martin, who adores him. One of the most endearing of his colleagues is the very under-appreciated Blomquist, who goes too often ignored in life despite his rather sharp acumen as a case solver. Blomquist is highly entertaining with all his knowledge of physical ailments and natural remedies, despite the fact that he *does* go on and on too often, digressing right in the middle of discussions with Varg about details of the cases they are working on. But here, too, Varg bears with his fellow man, recognizing in Blomquist a sharper mind than often acknowledged. The details of the various intriguing “sensitive” cases in this series are less important than several underlying aspects that recur: Varg and his assistants investigate with great tact and respect, the proceedings are liberally interspersed with the author’s wide-ranging moral and philosophical views, and even the guilty parties, when at last revealed, turn out not to be 100% bad. I think the author is implying that even the worst of us have some good, and even the best of us have some bad, and that the wisest approach to dealing with all human beings—and animals—is with a great deal of understanding and kindness.

How can you not enjoy a book that has the only deaf dog in Sweden who reads lips or a statement that goes something like this when speaking about an ex-wife: "She was a simple woman who had only two interests; Money and Cosmetics.".Almost every page of this book generates a smile.If you are looking for heart pounding detective stories this is not it. There are several Swedish authors you can read for murder and mayhem.Alexander McCall Smith is an amazingly brilliant man. I admire his intellect, his work ethic, his sense of humor, his generosity, his curiosity. If you have a chance go to Wikipedia and read abut his life and accomplishments. It is hard to believe that one person can do so many things. I believe he is in his early 70's, but I wouldn't be surprised if he fits in another successful career in the next ten years.

Prolific author of wide-ranging works of humor, Alexander McCall-Smith visits his Baltic outpost, Malmo, Sweden again for a second gentle poke at Swedish sensibilities and societal idiosyncrasies, Protagonist Ulf Varg (which translates to Wolf Wolf or Woof Woof), investigates some transgressions close to home as office colleagues have doubts about the behavior of their conjugal partners. Varg's self-image as a "nice guy" will be tested by the quirky betrayals that turn up in the course of the "procedurals" that he undertakes.While this Varq or Sensitive Crimes series is meant to be a non-malevolent look at idyllic Sweden, it is very much reminiscent of the humanist meditations that are part and parcel of every other series in the author's very large arsenal of books--and these range from Botswana to Scotland to Italy and onward.As always a sweet read with emphasis on the universal golden rule, Looking forward to Book Three in the series.

This is a novel full of small absurdities and observations of the ridiculous, which have an accumulative effect on the funnybone. Written in a crisp, no-nonsense style beloved by Scandinavian writers, this, as the author has said, is more Scandi Blanc than Scandi Noir. It is a gentle, intriguing story. Ulf Varg, the head of the Department Sensitive Crimes, wonders if he is just too sensitive for the Department of Sensitive Crimes, and he has a deaf dog who is being treated for depression, and can possibly read lips. The novel also had some lol moments for me. The way the dog lead was procured could sit comfortably in Joseph Heller’s Catch 22.

A story among stories in stream of consciousness! A peak into Swedish culture and a hankering for things lost to today's culture.

This author specializes in portraying characters and places gently and fondly and this two-book series continues in that vein. I quickly grew to like Mr. Varg and his co-workers and the story, like many of this author's writings, is heart-warming and tolerant of human foibles and efforts at love and life. If you are looking for maladjusted big city police detectives who struggle with violence, failed relationships, and addiction, look elsewhere! Mr. Varg's story reminded (as do all of Mr. McCall's books that I have read) and reassured me that most people want to be good and caring and that is sorely needed in these tumultuous times.

Thats what I kept asking myself when not reading this book, couldnt get enough. Good humor and witty. Looking forward to the 3rd adventure.

I tired of McCalls 44 Scotland and African series and gave them a rest. When I saw him take on the Swedes, my Scandinavian heritage couldn't resist. I love his subtle humor and personality studies.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. I love the characters and their funny traits . All of which you can identify with someone you know.

What amazes me about Alexander McCall Smith is how he always hits the nail right on the head. I have spent many years in Sweden, and his awareness, knowledge and grasp of Swedish psychology and attitudes is uncanny! He even gets the language right. Another bullseye for AMS!!

Written with Alexander's usual gift for character and situation. The Mr Varg novels are great fun and beautifully written.The plot, as in the Ladies Detective Agency stories, is there but you stay for the wonderfully realised people.

This books takes us into the another's world with his hopes, aspirations and challenges in a gently involving way. A really good read for a relaxing afternoon or a page or six before sleeping.

Mr Varg becomes more interesting as the series advances.