Meny

Sample of literary figures

  • Guido Brunetti

    Male

    Commissario (Detective Superintendent) Brunetti in the Italian state police, stationed in Venice, solves murder cases in a number of books by American author Donna Leon, herself resident in the city. Brunetti is married to Paola, daughter in an aristocratic family and a university lecturer, and has a lively family life which includes children and his own as well as his wife’s relatives. He also battles against the Italian bureaucracy which doesn’t exactly facilitate his work.

    Further reading

  • Svend Foyn

    Male

    Lawyer and a skilled amateur detective who lives in the Norwegian town of Tønsberg, like his creator Jan Mehlum. Svend Foyn is divorced and has a teenaged daughter, loves music and books and easily becomes sentimental. His appearance is not particularly noticeable, but he is quite tall – more than 190 cm – and struggles to hold his weight under 90 kilos. His best female friend is Hulda – a Saint Bernhard dog.

    Further reading

  • Benny Griessel

    Male

    He is a middle-aged detective with the Cape Town police, is of average height with greying untidy hair, a rugged face and a Slavic appearance. Benny Griessel does, however, have problems. He boozes – which is why his wife and their two children throw him out, and he finds a new partner. He struggles determinedly against his alcoholism, author Deon Meyer tells us, and he embarks upon a relationship with singer Alexa.

    Further reading

  • Faye Adelheim

    Female

    Sexy, blond and successful businesswoman, who since her teens has taken revenge on nasty and dishonest male persons, including by killing them, in books by Camilla Läckberg. Faye Adelheim’s real first name is Matilda, and she has a tragic background which includes an extremely brutal father and dishonest ex-husband, Jack, whom she got condemned for the murder of their child, Julienne – who is still alive.

    Further reading