I read this as a standalone book. I found it very dense, but thought the second half at least went faster than the first. It was like there were two cases happening at the same time, which I didn't understand the need for. Also, I found it hard to keep some of the characters straight. I counted at least three separate pairs of names that were way too similar within the pair. Why so similar? At the end of the day, not a terrible story, but not one I'd read again. I won't actively seek out more Harry Hole novels.