The relaxed confidence and sharp detail of the prose keep the reader utterly captivated... it is clear that The Paganini Contract is one of the most exciting Swedish crime novels of recent years; it is also a sterling piece of work in terms of literary merit.
It doesn’t get much better than this.
(Göteborgsposten)
What lifts Kepler’s work above the majority of the competition is the language: it is energetic, but at times also melancholy and beautiful... Neither highbrow culture nor popular culture can deliver salvation, therefore, but a crime novel that can create high-calibre excitement and dazzle with expertise on Paganini and Bartók in this way can perhaps offer a sense of temporary reconciliation.
(Svenska Dagbladet)
Once again the authors have succeeded in making themselves stand out in this torrent of Swedish crime novels... The interesting thing when established authors tackle the genre of crime is that they create an entertaining read with literary qualities and living characters... It is very clear that the Ahndorils enjoy writing crime stories; there is not a hint of the dull, routine thinking that is noticeable in so many other Swedish crime novels.
(Helsingborgs Dagblad)
The Paganini in the title refers to the musician who is said to have sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for his virtuosity.
The reader is ready to sell his own soul for the opportunity to read this book without interruption, at one sitting.
(Arbetarbladet)
The Paganini Contract is a cleverly written thriller... “Lars Kepler" has produced a well-crafted piece of work in which Detective Inspector Joona Linna becomes more and more interesting.
(Upsala Nya Tidning)
There is an ever-present dramatic tension in the way the authors shape their story. The language is precise and detailed, but also has a kind of poetic lustre. Many events take place which are simultaneously absolutely concrete, yet elusively inexplicable.
(Dala-Demokraten)
And the advantage these authors have, in comparison with far too many other noted Scandinavian crime writers, is that they are absolute masters of their medium of expression, displaying a self-evident professionalism and precision. The language here is never used to make a situation banal, but in contrast contributes to the tension in itself. This may sound obvious, but it is far too easy to find examples of the exact opposite.
(Hufvudstadsbladet)
The Paganini Contract is well written, intelligent, and at times extremely exciting.
(Östgöta Correspondenten)
The Paganini Contract is a skilfully constructed crime novel that addresses an interesting dilemma - is it conceivable that Sweden might produce and export arms?
(Östersundposten)
Taken as a whole, The Paganini Contract is a gripping read. This is due not least to the language, which is both flexible and simple, as is the case only when skilled writers are at work.
(Nya Wermlands-Tidningen)
This also marks the return of Joona Linna, Kepler’s own detective inspector - a sensual Finn with an almost supernatural, intuitive ability to see unexpected patterns.
(Sveriges Radio)