When the Devil Holds the Candle

When the Devil Holds the Candle (Norwegian: Djevelen holder lyset, 1998) is a novel by Norwegian writer Karin Fossum, fourth in the Inspector Konrad Sejer series.[1][2] In 2007, upon its publication in the US, the novel won the Gumshoe Award for Best European Crime Novel.

When the Devil Holds the Candle
First edition (Norwegian)
AuthorKarin Fossum
Original titleDjevelen holder lyset
TranslatorFelicity David
LanguageNorwegian
SeriesInspector Konrad Sejer, #4
GenreCrime, Mystery novel
PublisherCappelen (Norway)
Publication date
1998
Publication placeNorway
Published in English
July 2004
Media typePrint (Hardcover, Paperback)
ISBN1-84343-091-6
OCLC56394166
Preceded byHe Who Fears the Wolf 
Followed byCalling Out for You 

Plot

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The story follows teenage friends Andreas and Zipp, the former a fun loving delinquent, while the latter a reluctant follower. After robbing a young mother of her purse, Andreas suggests breaking into the house of an elderly woman to rob her, not feeling good about the previous robbery, Zipp refuses to go through with it, so Andreas enters the house alone. Unfortunately, Andreas underestimates Irma Funder, the elderly woman he intended to rob, who pushes him back in self-defence. resulting in him falling down the cellar stairs, breaking his neck and unable to move but still alive. The story continues both inside the house as Andreas must now rely on Irma for his every need, and outside, as Police investigate the disappearance of Andreas, while Zipp is unwilling to speak to Detective Inspector Sejer, due to his involvement in the previous event.

References

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  1. ^ "When the Devil Holds the Candle by Karin Fossum". www.publishersweekly.com. 22 May 2006. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  2. ^ "WHEN THE DEVIL HOLDS THE CANDLE | Kirkus Reviews". 15 May 2006.