Snow Woman (Maria Kallio, 4) MP3 CD – MP3 Audio, February 9, 2016

"Snow Woman" by Lenna Lehtolainen is the fourth in her Maria Kallio series. Although I enjoyed the previous three, I found this one to be the best by far. In each of the books to date, Kallio works at a different job (though all are related to law and law enforcement). "Snow Woman" finds her working in the Violent Crimes Unit of the Espoo (Finland) Police Department. The characters are well developed, especially Kallio who continues to grow both professionally and personally.The story opens as Maria and Antii Sarkela marry. But just as happens in real life, Kallio soon finds herself with more than just thoughts of wedded bliss to fill her hours. When Aline Rosberg, the head of a women's retreat, is reported missing and subsequently found frozen to death on the grounds of the retreat, the investigation bogs down. But with the discovery of her pregnancy, the concerns in Kallio's life speed up. And at about the same time, she gets news that a convicted murderer has escaped and is out to seek revenge against her and a fellow detective.Because Rosberg was the director of a women's retreat, Kallio must interview several of her guests and friends who were present the night Rosberg went missing. These women have varied backgrounds. Johanna Säntii, estranged from her devoutly religious husband after she aborted her baby to save her own life; Milla Martilla, a stripper and suspected prostitute; Tarja Kivimäki, a reporter and mistress of a high government official. It's Kallio's interaction with these women, giving her ample opportunity to examine her own values, beliefs, and desires, that made this a good read for me. Kallio loves her work, and she is basically a loner used to looking only after herself. Fortunately, her husband is as independent as she. But with a baby on the way, can they both make the necessary changes to their lives. These and other thoughts are constantly on her mind as he goes through the routine of her day making this, for me, the best of the Maria Kallio series to date.

This was the best one of the series so far as I read them in order. I didn't realize these were written in the 1990's before Nordic noir and crime novels in general were all the rage. So perhaps the author was a real trendsetter at the time and comparing her to more recent writers isn't germaine. All the books so far are well written...it just took me awhile to appreciate them. Book four had a lot of emotional depth, quite an exciting plot and the addition of Maria being pregnant. I found the descriptions of her mental and physical progress through this life changing event quite sweet and interesting. She is growing in maturity as are her partners and her detective skills are brilliant! Well done!

With no pressing issues on my free time I ordered all of of Lehtolainen's mysteries for e-book and am reading them in order. Part of my motivation lies in my interest in Scandinavian lore and culture; so when a Finn or a Swede comes onto my radar, I grab hold. But, just a minute: Finland is the the world's happiest country yet Maria Kallio is called out of bed every whipstitch to investigate a murder, rape, or assault. Oh well, there are a few bad apples in every society. Fortunately, Finland has such a good (fictional), compassionate, kind, but passionate for justice human being to deal with them. I believe that there is an authentic reflection of national character in Maria and her approach to crime and violence endemic to the human condition. I'm glad Leena Lehtolainen came into view.

This is number four in the Maria Kallio series, and is an interesting, absorbing thriller. It also shows a continued improvement in the series -- the characters are better developed, the background is more interesting, and the plotting is growing less predictable. Maria Kallio, for those who do not know her, is the police officer/lawyer heroine of a Finnish series, the earlier installments of which (including this one) were written back in the 1990's. That means that there are occasional things that pop out of the narrative -- cell phones are a really big deal for these folks, not an extra appendage -- but for the most part it moves right along. This one is centered around a group of women of very different types, and it is interesting to see how Maria reacts to this. Her personal life also continues to develop along absorbing lines. Translators, let's have more of this series in English.

It enjoyed this mystery. I think it is the best of Lehtolainen's translated novels thus far. She is one of the most highly regarded Finnish mystery writers and I think it is evident in this book why that is the case. It kept me guessing until the end. If you are looking for a book filled with sexual abuse, gore, perversion, animal abuse, and the like, this is not it. You'll need to look elsewhere if that's the kind of stuff you want to read. This is a well thought out mystery with interesting characters taking place in a country few have visited.

This is the fourth book I read from this same author and I love the way she writes. The characters feel like real people, even the somewhat nastier ones are put to life in a brilliant way. She dislikes Strom, but he seems to be very aware of all that is going on and protective if need be. I hope to read all that is coming, because this is about as good as crime fiction gets. Bravo !

When I first began this series (actually started with Book 3) I didn't even realize it was from Finland. But I enjoyed the book, was intrigued, and now have all available books in the series (so far!) They don't become available in the United States until several years after publishing.I really like the way this author writes, she doesn't "wander" a lot, just states things simply. The characters are very real, and interact that way. I would recommend this series to anyone!

This is my fourth Maria Kallio book and I've enjoyed them all. I generally like Scandinavian crime novels and these are good examples. It's not particularly noir compared to some other works, but still has a distinctly Scandinavian flavour. Lenna Lehtolainen's crime novels are always well plotted. I like her central character, Maria Kallio, and all the small details about life in Finland you find in the books. I'd recommend this book, and the whole series.

I really enjoyed this book.It has a lot to twists and turns. Keeps a person intrigued right to the end.I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime story.

I really enjoyed the first three "Maria Kallio " books. Refreshingly young lively - a bit of a ladette, Maria is an interesting Detective. However, in this book, she, for reasons we get to know, she is a shadow of her former self. The main plot concerns the murder of a psychologist in a Feminist education centre and part refuge.There is also a sub plot about a serial killer who has escaped from prison. The story rambles on and on, had I not liked the previous books so much, I might have quit reading early on. Instead, I read it all and - well, I hope Leena Lehtolainen [ and Maria ] return to previous form soon.

I am very glad I read this but I am not sure I enjoyed it. It is beautifully written and the insight into everyday life in Finland two decades ago is absorbing. But it was also rather depressing.

Very atmospheric backdrop of snow and winter in Finland. A well known female psychologist and feminist is found dead in the forest close to her home, having frozen to death in her nightgown. Maria uncovers a number of surprises as she interviews the women staying at the wealthy woman' s mansion house retreat. Fascinating plot.June Finnigan - Writer