The Caller

Karin Fossum is a writer to be reckoned with. Yes, I'm becoming one of those people who really appreciates Swedish writers - BECAUSE they give the reader an opportunity to think; to engage in the book. The Caller is mystery, suspense, and psychological mind exercise. If you read - just for the enjoyment - chances are you won't enjoy Fossum (or the Swedish writer). In this story - you know right from the beginning "who done it"...which is fine because that's not the focus/purpose of this book (or the writer - in my opinion). Like Hitchcock, The Caller examines the "human condition"...what makes us tick; are we all affected in the same way by the same action; are we greater than "the stuff" that happens outside our self (can we stay strong - even in times challenge)? Someone is pulling nasty pranks in the community - and although - these are pranks - the consequences are very serious. The mastery in the book is - not "would that affect me" - instead - "how can that affect me"..something as silly as a prank by a young kid. As the pranks escalate the reader realizes (at least I did) - how fragile "peace of mind" can be - if you give in. Some reviewers say the story moves slow - I won't disagree with that - however - I find that's the nature of this type of writing (Swedish authors in this genre). Still the story doesn't drag - it moves at a pace comparable to the story. Still it must be said - this is not the book you read (listen to) if you wanted to be uplifted, transported to a land of fiction, where people exciting, dynamic and have all sorts of situations based on sex, money and deceit. The Caller is book that calls to the reader to "think" .."How would you react". It's a good read (listen). peace