The Steel Spring

Description

A chilling dystopian classic crime story from the godfather of Scandinavian crime fiction and author of the Martin Beck series. 'The godfather of Scandinavian crime fiction' Jo Nesbo Chief Inspector Jensen is a policeman in an unnamed European country where the government has criminalised being drunk, even in private at home, and where the city centres have been demolished to devote more space to gleaming new roads. Recovering in a hospital room abroad after a liver transplant, Jensen receives a note instructing him to return home immediately, but when he reaches the airport he discovers that all flights home have been cancelled and all communication from within his homeland has ceased. One of the last messages sent requested urgent medical help from abroad and when Jensen is piloted across the border it soon becomes clear that an epidemic has ravaged the country.

Born in 1926, Per Wahl was a Swedish writer and journalist who, alongside his own novels, collaborated with his wife, Maj Sj wall, on the bestselling Martin Beck crime series which are credited as inspiring writers as varied as Agatha Christie, Henning Mankell and Jonathan Franzen. In 1971 the fourth novel in the series, The Laughing Policeman, won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America. Per Wahl died in 1975.

The godfather of Scandinavian crime fiction -- Jo Nesbo A vigorous and powerful mind...there is no doubt about the originality of his talent * Sunday Times * [Sarah Death's translation] seems to catch the bleakness perfectly... Wahloeoe's solo work deserves to be considered in the same context as Zamyatin, Capek, Orwell, or Durrenmatt...high praise indeed -- Michael Carlson * Irresistible Targets * They are economical and move with great pace... Two unique novels have been restored to the canon of European crime fiction in English. Don't miss. -- Bob Cornwell * Crime Time * The premise is intriguing... The themes are topical * Independent on Sunday *