Murder at the Savoy: A Martin Beck Police Mystery (6)

It was a warm July evening in Malmö. A businessman was speaking to a group. A strange man walked up to him and shot him in the head, then stepped out the open window and into the street. The victim Palmgren was a corporation president. The police questioned everyone who left town but no suspect was found. They learned of one man who flew to Stockholm, but the patrol car sent to the airport arrived too late. The National Chief of Police called Martin Beck and sent him to take charge of the Palmgren murder case. Palmgren's widow said the killer looked "completely ordinary" (Chapter 7). Beck learns of the political importance of this case: it involved foreign countries. The Security Police were now involved (Chapter 8). Chapter 12 starts by describing some of the conditions created by urban renewal and high-rise apartments in the former countryside. The people who ate with Palmgren were investigated. One person there had a hidden side (Chapter 15). The summer heat and poverty created "unpremeditated crimes", almost like accidents. Another person is scooped up after a struggle (Chapter 17). Now Beck thinks the known facts point to one suspect (Chapter 21). An empty box for a pistol was found (Chapter 22), its owner identified (Chapter 25). More evidence turns up against the suspect (Chapters 26, 27). In Chapter 29 the suspect was brought in for questioning and told his story. Chapter 30 tells what would happen next to the people in this story. This story uses Palmgren as a villain, but he is only a small fish in the business world. He was easily replaced.

Viktor Palmgren was shot while making an after dinner speech at a fashionable hotel. The International Money Market trembled at the news of his death. And certain call girls became very worried. But even the assassination of a husband in front of her eyes didn't crack the composure of Charlotte Palmgren. She remained beautiful, spoiled and aloof. Detective Martin Beck couldn't decide if she wa made of ice or steel, until he found that a naked widow reveals more than skin.

Along with Roseanna and The Man on the Balcony, Murder at the Savoy easily ranks in the top three out of the ten Martin Beck series. Logical, crisp plot. Great references to the political climate of the 60's. A real pleasure.