Tyler Brooks
When the Devil Holds the Candle is a novel by Karin Fossum. It is the fourth book in the Inspector Konrad Sejer series, a series of Scandinavian crime novels set in Norway. The novel is a psychological thriller that explores the thin line between good and evil, victim and killer, and the stereotypes surrounding those who commit crimes. The story centres around the disappearance of an 18-year-old delinquent, Andreas Winther, and the investigation by Inspector Sejer and his colleague Jacob Skarre, who are unaware of the connection between this disappearance and the theft of a purse from a baby stroller, which resulted in the infant's death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Karin Fossum |
| Genre | Scandinavian Mystery, Thriller, Police Procedural |
| Setting | Norway |
| Main Characters | Inspector Konrad Sejer, Jacob Skarre, Andreas Winther, Irma Funder, Zipp (Sivert Skorpe) |
| Plot | Theft of a purse from a stroller results in an infant's death, two teenagers are unaware of their crime and commit another with unforeseen results |
| Awards | Gumshoe Award for Best European Mystery in 2007 |
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What You'll Learn
Teenage delinquency
Andreas, an eighteen-year-old slacker with a minimum-wage job, is described as a fun-loving delinquent, while Zipp is portrayed as a reluctant follower. Their delinquent behaviour can be attributed to boredom and a lack of purpose, as they are depicted wandering aimlessly, drinking beer, and looking for excitement.
The novel explores the impact of their delinquent actions on their own lives and the lives of those around them. It delves into the psychological motivations behind their crimes and the destructive nature of violence. Inspector Konrad Sejer, a character in the novel, serves as a foil to the teenagers, as he strives to understand the root causes of such delinquent behaviour and the impact it has on the community.
Furthermore, the novel also touches on the role of police and detectives in addressing teenage delinquency. In the story, the police are initially unaware of the connection between the infant's death and the teenagers' actions, which suggests a need for proactive and comprehensive investigations that take into account the potential involvement of minors in serious crimes.
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Bullying and theft
In the novel "When the Devil Holds the Candle" by Karin Fossum, the central characters, Andreas and Zipp, are portrayed as bullies and thieves. The story follows the two teenage friends as they engage in a series of criminal activities, including bullying immigrants, stealing purses from women, and breaking into old ladies' houses. Their actions have severe consequences, including the death of an infant, which occurs when the two steal a purse from a stroller. Despite being unaware of the seriousness of their crimes, the pair continue their reckless behaviour. Andreas, described as a delinquent with no conscience, and Zipp, his reluctant follower, target an elderly woman, Irma Funder, intending to rob her house. However, their plan goes awry when Andreas falls down the cellar stairs in the woman's house, breaking his neck.
The novel explores the darker side of human nature and the motivations that drive individuals to commit evil acts. It delves into the psychological aspects of the characters, presenting them as complex individuals influenced by their circumstances and personal strengths or weaknesses. Andreas, for instance, is characterised by his lack of conscience and willingness to resort to petty theft, while Zipp, his follower, exhibits signs of a troubled conscience but ultimately gives in to peer pressure.
The theme of bullying in the novel is evident in the way Andreas and Zipp target vulnerable individuals, such as immigrants and elderly women. Their actions are driven by boredom and a sense of powerlessness in their own lives, which they attempt to compensate for by exerting control over others. The bullying behaviour is a manifestation of their desire to assert dominance and derive a sense of superiority over those they perceive as weaker.
Theft is also a prominent theme in the novel, with the characters' actions leading to tragic consequences. The initial theft of the purse from the stroller highlights the reckless nature of the teenagers' actions and their disregard for the potential impact of their crimes. The subsequent break-in at the elderly woman's house further emphasises their willingness to engage in criminal activities without considering the potential risks or the well-being of others.
The novel "When the Devil Holds the Candle" serves as a cautionary tale, exploring the destructive nature of bullying and theft. By portraying the characters' descent into criminal behaviour and the devastating impact of their actions, the author, Karin Fossum, underscores the importance of empathy, responsibility, and the understanding that our actions can have far-reaching consequences.
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Murder mystery
"When the Devil Holds the Candle" is a novel by Karin Fossum, part of the Inspector Sejer Mysteries series. It is a psychological thriller that explores the intricate relationship between victim and killer and challenges the notion that only bad people do bad things.
The story centres around two teenage troublemakers, Zipp and Andreas, who unwittingly commit a terrible crime. In the course of a petty theft, they accidentally kill a baby. Unaware of the true consequences of their actions, they move on to their next crime, with Zipp waiting nervously outside an elderly lady's house while Andreas enters, armed with his knife. However, Andreas never reappears, and Zipp will never see him alive again.
As the police, including Inspector Konrad Sejer and his colleague Jacob Skarre, investigate the disappearance of Andreas and the infant's death, they are initially unable to connect the two events. The truth slowly unfolds inside the house, where the paralysed Andreas is now dependent on Irma for his every need, and outside, as the police continue their search.
The novel is praised for its chilling portrayal of the mental processes behind sinister acts and the rich ambiguity of its characters. Fossum skilfully toys with the roles of victim and killer, crafting a suspenseful and depraved literary feast that keeps readers captivated until the end.
Overall, "When the Devil Holds the Candle" is a superb addition to the mystery genre, offering a fresh approach to police procedurals and a deep exploration of the human psyche.
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Police investigation
"When the Devil Holds the Candle" is a novel by Karin Fossum that involves a police investigation into several sinister incidents. The story is part of the Inspector Sejer series, with Inspector Konrad Sejer and his colleague Jacob Skarre taking on the role of investigators.
The novel begins with the theft of a purse from a woman pushing a stroller, an incident that leads to the death of an infant. Two teenage troublemakers, Zipp (Sivert Skorpe) and Andreas Winther, are responsible for this crime, but they remain unaware of the tragic consequences. Instead, they move on to their next target—the home of an elderly lady, Irma Funder, which Zipp waits outside of anxiously.
The police investigation is led by Inspector Sejer, who is described as "unflappable" and a gifted detective. He and his colleague Jacob Skarre begin to uncover the truth behind these events, despite initially seeing no connection between the infant's death and the disappearance of the local delinquent, Andreas. The investigation is challenging due to the complex and twisted nature of the characters involved, and the thin line between victim and killer that is explored in the novel.
As the story progresses, the investigation becomes more intricate. Irma, who is now caring for the paralyzed Andreas, becomes a key figure in the narrative. The police continue their search for answers, but the reader is given insight into the truth of the crimes, creating a sense of suspense. The investigation delves into the psychodrama between Andreas and Irma, as well as the underlying themes of good versus evil and the motivations behind the characters' actions.
While the police investigation in "When the Devil Holds the Candle" may not follow the standard format of a police procedural, it offers a unique and chilling perspective on crime and the human psyche. The reader is taken on a journey into the minds of the characters, revealing the intricate motivations and complexities that exist within each individual.
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Character psychology
"When the Devil Holds the Candle" is a novel by Karin Fossum that delves into the complex psychology of its characters, exploring the thin line between good and evil and challenging the notion that only 'bad people' commit evil acts. The story unfolds through a cacophony of voices, some innocent and others perverted, adding depth to the characterisation.
At the heart of the novel are the characters of Andreas and Irma. Andreas Winther, an 18-year-old slacker with a penchant for minor crimes, and his friend Zipp, find themselves unwitting accomplices in a tragic crime when their purse-snatching results in the death of an infant. The two teenagers remain oblivious to the consequences of their actions and move on to their next crime, with Andreas entering an elderly lady's house, armed with a knife. However, things take a turn when Irma, a 60-ish divorcée with a semi-estranged adult son, pushes Andreas down the stairs, paralysing him and rendering him a helpless captive in her home.
The character of Irma is intriguing, as she becomes the narrator of her version of events, revealing her childhood memories and the evil she perceives within herself. Irma's actions and her complex psychology drive the narrative, as she becomes both a caregiver and a captor to Andreas, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator.
Andreas, on the other hand, finds himself in a vulnerable position, dependent on Irma for his every need. Despite his initial criminal tendencies, his captivity and paralysis transform him into a different kind of character, one who is forced to listen to Irma's monologues and confront his own role in the tragic events.
The novel also introduces Inspector Konrad Sejer and his colleague Jacob Skarre, who investigate the disappearance of Andreas and the infant's death. Sejer's character is described as a gifted detective with a troubled past, and he approaches the case with a detached perspective, almost as an observer, rather than a central protagonist.
Overall, the character psychology in "When the Devil Holds the Candle" is intricate and multi-layered, exploring the motivations, flaws, and complexities that drive individuals to cross moral boundaries. The novel challenges stereotypes and delves into the minds of its characters, revealing the sinister acts and the mental processes behind them.
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Frequently asked questions
'When the Devil Holds the Candle' is a novel by Norwegian writer Karin Fossum.
The story follows teenage friends Andreas and Zipp, one a delinquent and the other a reluctant follower. The pair go around bullying immigrants, stealing purses, and breaking into houses. After robbing a young mother of her purse, Andreas suggests they break into the house of an elderly woman, Irma Funder, but Zipp refuses. Andreas enters the house alone and falls down the cellar stairs, breaking his neck.
Yes, it is the fourth novel in the Inspector Konrad Sejer series.
Yes, in 2007, the novel won the Gumshoe Award for Best European Crime Novel.
