Does everyfuckingbody have to write a fucking book about false sexual harassment claims made by ambitious and self-hating women? When did this become a thing? Stop normalizing this for people. Why not write about actual sexual harassment by the guy you thought was ok, at least that's a real thing that happens in the world.
/Rant. I *just* gave this series a solid review and credit for not being annoying, but here I am, thoroughly annoyed. ( )

I find this installement to be an adequate continuation of the series but there was nothing new or innovative, in my opinion. The mystery seemed interesting, at first, but the way the plot unfolded left me with an indifferent impression. At times, I found it detrimental, predictable.

I think that this is a series that definitely garners points and attention due to its Finnish setting that appeals to those of us who enjoy bleak, wintry, atmospheric settings. However, in my humble opinion, the constant weaknesses of the series are repetition, blant characters and average dialogue that is probably the result of a failed translation. Maria is interesting enough, unlike her husband and her co-workers and the focus on her family issues didn't really help ''Below the Surface''. I don't think I will continue with the series, although I can see that this installment will appeal to many people just like its predecessors.

Many thanks to AmazonCrossing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review. ( )

I have read most of the Maria Kallio Series and I like them less and less as time goes on. This one has been quite unsatisfying.

The central mystery is who shot an investigative reporter as she was swimming all alone in the cold and dark water of the lake. Right here is the first problem. The Finns are sensible people and I don't understand what this woman was thinking as she deliberately put herself in danger from the cold water. She certainly did not expect to get shot, but lonely swimming is always risky.

Then the single shot hitting the head of a swimming figure at a distance. Bullseye.

Then there is the growing mess that is Maria's marriage and her flirtatious relationships with her colleagues.

Then there is the blatant and inexplicable unfairness when a woman who is known to be a sexual predator is believed immediately when she accuses a colleague of making unwanted sexual advances. No one questions the accusation even though Maria and others know that he had spurned the accuser's advances. This woman lies about her work too and there is no penalty. Is this Finnish legal process?

It's a mess of a book.

I received a review copy of "Below the Surface: The Maria Kallio Series, Book 8" by Leena Lehtolainen (AmazonCrossing) through NetGalley.com. ( )

This is another excellent police procedural featuring Finnish Detective Maria Kallio. Maria, now head of the violent crimes unit, leads the investigation of a woman who was shot dead while swimming in an exceptionally chilly lake. She turns out to have been a difficult person who had given several people reason to want her dead. Maria and her colleagues pursue leads and interview witnesses while coping with the difficulties of their personal lives. In Maria's case, most of these involve caring for (and arranging care for) her two children; evidently, working mothers have it tough even in what I thought was enlightened Scandinavia. Maria pulls through, but her marriage remains a work in progress -- a story which provides another reason to look forward to the next in the series. ( )

Maria Kallio on palannut äitiyslomaltaan töihin Espoon poliisin rikososastolle ja joutuu keskelle murhatutkimuksia. Toimittaja Annukka Hackman löytyy ammuttuna Kirkkonummelta, Humaljärven rannalta märkäpuku päällä. Annukka oli kunnianhimoinen ja häikäilemätön toimittaja joka oli kirjoittamassa paljastuskirjaa suomalaisesta huippurallikuskista Sasha Smedsistä eikä hänen toimitus- ja tiedonhankintametodinsa varsinaisesti kestäneet päivänvaloa.Monella ihmisellä olisi syy Annukkan murhaamiseen. ( )