The Wolf and the Watchman

1793: A Novel

By: Niklas Natt och Dag

Narrated by: Matt Addis, Caspar Rundegren, Clara Andersson

Length: 13 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

In this breathtakingly bold, intricately constructed novel set in 18th-century Stockholm, a dying man searches among the city’s teeming streets, dark corners, and intriguing inhabitants to unmask a ruthless murderer - perfect for fans of Perfume and The Alienist.

Named Best Debut Novel of 2017 by the Swedish Academy of Crime Writers

“Thrilling, unnerving, clever, and beautiful.” (Fredrik Backman, international best-selling author)

It is 1793. Four years after the storming of the Bastille in France and more than a year after the death of King Gustav III of Sweden, paranoia and whispered conspiracies are Stockholm’s daily bread. A promise of violence crackles in the air as ordinary citizens feel increasingly vulnerable to the whims of those in power.

When Mickel Cardell, a crippled ex-soldier and former night watchman, finds a mutilated body floating in the city’s malodorous lake, he feels compelled to give the unidentifiable man a proper burial. For Cecil Winge, a brilliant lawyer turned consulting detective to the Stockholm police, a body with no arms, legs, or eyes is a formidable puzzle and one last chance to set things right before he loses his battle to consumption. Together, Winge and Cardell scour Stockholm to discover the body’s identity, encountering the sordid underbelly of the city’s elite.

Meanwhile, Kristofer Blix - the handsome son of a farmer - leaves rural life for the alluring charms of the capital and ambitions of becoming a doctor. His letters to his sister chronicle his wild good times and terrible misfortunes, which lead him down a treacherous path.

In another corner of the city, a young woman - Anna-Stina - is consigned to the workhouse after she upsets her parish priest. Her unlikely escape plan takes on new urgency when a sadistic guard marks her as his next victim.

Over the course of the novel, these extraordinary characters cross paths and collide in shocking and unforgettable ways. Niklas Natt och Dag paints a deliciously dark portrait of late 18th-century Stockholm, and the frightful yet fascinating reality lurking behind the powdered and painted veneer of the era.

©2019 Niklas Natt och Dag (P)2019 Simon & Schuster

Brilliant

So many twist and
and turns that I could not anticipate the Swedish murder mystery. Narrative his perfect characters are amazing so glad I read it.

Loved it!

I always read reviews because, not only positive review, but the negative comments about a book can be the things I like in a book. It’s important to read all you can, good or bad, if your on the fence.
That being said, a few people said the book was too upsetting. I say it is original and well thought out. I also am a sucker for a first novel. I loved this book from start to finish. Great characters and the best narration.

More

would love if the book was much longer! If this a book series i’m going to find the continued stories!

Well Done ... But Damn, It's Gruesome

Overall the book was well written and performed, I'm not sure I needed to fill my imagination with all the gruesome detail of torture and murder. I love the "Alienist" series and that was gruesome, but this book took it a little further.

Dark historic mystery

This mystery plays in Sweden at the time of the French Revolution. Dark times and a lot of misery.

I had quite a few moments where I wasn’t sure if I want to continue reading... The author does a great job playing with our minds and let us expect the worst to happen, which it sometimes does...
I really liked the way how the different characters are being build up and how we learn about their backgrounds. Great storyline and I never felt the book is too long.

The performance is great and I gave it 5 stars. I you like serious murder mysteries playing in historic times, enjoy.

Want more by this author!

A well written novel set in late 18th century Stockholm it is a fascinating page turning murder mystery set within a unique historical era. There are psychological character turns and societal aspects that make this story capitivating.

Not for the delicate of heart

A well written story. Graphic and almost revolting descriptions of cruelty and depravity are the stuff of this novel. I was intrigued and kept listening until the narrator changed. I completely lost track of the characters.
There are about 3 or 4 narrators. For a book of this length, I think it’s a bad idea to change narrators. I skipped to the end at the 50th chapter. A very good first novel tho.
I’ll keep an eye out for more of his writings. Providing he is not locked up...

Perfect

Perfect from narrative to execution on Audible. It definitely has very disturbing aspects, but well-balanced & didn’t detract from the nuanced blend of suspense, historical detail, & well formed characters. Lots of twists, hard to foresee how it would play out. Very dark but ultimately satisfying.

Glad I gave this book a chance.

I almost didn't purchase this book based on the other reviews but I'm glad I did. The ending is not very strong but the body of the story more than makes up for it. I also didn't think it was unreasonably dark. It's not for the faint of heart but fitting for a crime story. If you like historical crime give this book a chance.

Don’t know...

I liked parts of this book! But it was quite disturbing for someone who isn’t disturbed much. Also I think that ultimately it supports rape culture and pro life drivel. It acts like that’s not what is happening, and yesterday, there it blatantly is. Disturbing.