The Laughing Policeman (novel)
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The Laughing Policeman is a detective novel by Sjöwall and Wahlöö, and the fourth in the ten-part 'Martin Beck' series. Originally published in Swedish in 1968 as Den skrattande polisen, it is the first in the series to criticize the shortcomings of the welfare state. In 1971, The Laughing Policeman——the title is taken from the song of the same name—received an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Novel. A 1973 film was based on the book.
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[edit] Explanation of the novel's title
The title of the novel comes from a 1922 song with the same name: Beck gets the record as a Christmas present from his daughter Ingrid, but doesn't think it is funny. Beck's first laugh since the murder comes when Stentröm's death is fully vindicated.
[edit] Plot summary
While the police are off fighting peaceful Vietnam demonstrators and feeling up the fourteen year old girls they arrest, a bus full of passengers is mowed down in another part of Stockholm by what is presumably a madman with a machine gun. Åke Stenström happens to be one of the eight dead (there is one survivor). However, looking at the methodology of the killer, and the fact that Stenström seemed to have taken up a ten year old cold case, Beck and his team slowly realise that the mass-murder may actually have been premeditated. When the case is finally cracked, the other case is also solved.
To solve the case, several outsiders are called up: detective Ullholm is introduced as the reactionary cop who has made ratting on his fellow officers a hobby; Per Månsson was briefly introduced in a previous book when Beck passed through Sweden's third largest city Malmö, and already earns himself the reputation of the man who can find anything; and detective Nordin from Sundsvall.
Åsa Torrell, Stenström's girlfriend is introduced, and after slowly recovering from the shock of having her boyfriend murdered, admits to plans to join the police.
| Preceded by: The Man on the Balcony |
"Martin Beck" timeline, part 4 of 10 | Succeeded by: The Fire Engine That Disappeared |
[edit] Film, TV or theatrical adaptations
The 1973 film based on the book starred Walter Matthau as Jake Martin (Martin Beck). The action has moved from Stockholm to San Francisco.
[edit] External links
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