New Books Reviewed:
Kalmann by J
The publisher describes Kalmann as "neurodiverse." Kalmann says the townspeople see him as someone who thinks backwards or as not progressing past age six. But he is liked and humored as he describes himself the protector and Sheriff of Raufarhofn, dressing in a cowboy hat, a sheriff's badge, and a defunct Mauser pistol, a gift from his American father, whom he doesn't know.
An avid shark hunter, Kalmann has life skills taught him by his grandfather, who is now in a home for dementia patients.
The mystery begins when Kalmann discovers a large pool of fresh blood in the snowy hills at the same time as the richest man in the town goes missing. A patient and understanding female police officer from the city interacts with Kalmann to investigate the mystery, with a surprise for the reader at the end.
Well plotted, suspenseful, with distinct and memorable characterization and setting, I find Kalmann another excellent Icelandic crime novel.
Publication June 14, 2022, Berkley. Source: NetGalley.
Genre: romantic comedy
This is the story of two 12-year-olds who became friends at summer camp only to suddenly discover they had the same father. Kat never answered Blake's letters after camp and after this revelation, but both girls grew up knowing they were half-sisters, forced to meet about 15 years later when they jointly inherit a beach house from their father.
The plot showing how they dealt with this situation, both sisters needing the money that a sale of the house would bring, is quite a good one. The complications of having to fix up the house themselves to realize a good price for it is a clever twist that carries the plot to the next level. Add to that the new love interests, the beach setting, their different home lives, and the novel becomes a very enjoyable read, though with a somewhat predictable ending.
What are you reading this week?
Memes: The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated Bookreviewer. Also, It's Monday: What Are You Reading, and Sunday Salon, Stacking the Shelves, Mailbox Monday
The cover of Kalmann has no appeal to me but, I loved what you had to say about it - covers can be deceiving. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteKalmann was a shark hunter in the cold, dark waters of Iceland, hence the cover picture.
DeleteThe character of Kalmann sounds fascinating. I'm not much of a murder mystery reader, but the appeal of the character might be enough to make me find find this one.
ReplyDeleteAm I right in thinking that Iceland publishes more books per person in a year than any other country in the world?
I've been on a rom-com roll lately. This one is new-to-me, so thank you.
Yes, I've heard that about Iceland. Amazing.
DeleteThe Beach Trap description reminds me of The Parent Trap movie a little bit, as far as the girls meeting at camp. I am going to put that on my TBR. My Sunday Post: https://bonniereadsandwrites.wordpress.com/2022/05/15/sunday-post-4/
ReplyDeleteThere are similarities, yes! Glad you caught that.
DeleteThe Beach Trap sounds really good. Kalmann also looks good and I do love mysteries. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed both books!
DeleteKalmann sounds great. I've enjoyed a few Nordic thrillers and even crime shows but don't think I've read a lot set in Iceland.
ReplyDeleteThere are several well known Icelandic thriller writers. I hope to read more of them!
DeleteI don't think I have read an Icelandic thriller, but I watched one on HBO (I think) and it was really interesting!
ReplyDeleteWonder what the HBO thriller was! There are a few well known Icelandic thriller writers out there you might like.
DeleteLove the cover of The Beach Trap... it sounds like a fun vacation read. I wouldn't have looked twice at the Kalmann cover, but it does sound like a really good read!
ReplyDeleteThey were good. As a matter of fact, the cover of Kalmann drew me to it. It was so unusual.
DeleteI think the Beach Trap sounds interesting. Did you enjoy it?
ReplyDeleteLiked it. Gave it four stars.
DeleteI had a great haul this week!!
ReplyDeletehttps://justmeandmyblogreviews.blogspot.com/2022/05/stacking-shelves.html
Will visit.
DeleteThese both sound good. Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting.
DeleteThanks. You also.
ReplyDeleteI think a thriller in Iceland sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
Yes, the Icelandic thriller writers are quite good, in general.
DeleteI've read mysteries by two other Icelandic writers and enjoyed them (one more than the other). I also love going to Iceland -- I was there last summer, and hope to return next July. This makes me want to read the book you reviewed, as I think I at least went past that area.
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Enjoy your trip to Iceland. I've only stopped at the airport on the way to Europe and not deplaned, in the dead of winter.
DeleteThe Beach Trap looks like a fun book. Even though it was predictable, I'm glad it was still fun.
ReplyDeleteAn enjoyable rom com
DeleteI have The Beach Trap, but haven't got to it yet. I find most predictable endings to be comforting, so I don't mind that at all.
ReplyDeleteThis one had enough twists and turns in the plot to keep it interesting.
DeleteSounds like two good books. Glad you enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit.
DeleteAn Icelandic thriller. Sounds like something I'd enjoy. Enjoy your week and your books. My Sunday Salon post
ReplyDeleteI hope to read other Icelandic thriller writers too.
DeleteYeah the 2nd one reminds me of The Parent Trap a bit ... maybe that's why the title uses Trap in it too.
ReplyDeleteNwt that you point it out, yes, similar title.
DeleteI keep seeing THE BEACH TRIP!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week.
The Beach Trap is a good rom com!
DeleteThe Beach Trap looks like fun! Enjoy your week.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one!
DeleteBoth books sound really interesting. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting.
DeleteThe Beach Trap looks like it could be fun!
ReplyDeleteMary @Bookfan
It is a fun read, Bookfan Mary.
DeleteKalmann sounds interesting but The Beach Trap looks like a nice, light read. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteBoth good in their own different ways!
DeleteI hope you had a great week! Happy reading :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
Delete