The Fifth Woman is the sixth book in Mankell's Inspector Wallander series. At this point I feel like we know what to expect (in some instances down to the very words repeated in every novel). Yet, to my mind it's the most accomplished entry, yet.

There are many threads to the plot. Wallander's hopes and loss, mercenarism, the vigilante killer, the question of adequacy of conclusions based on gender and sexuality assumptions – I think they are all very effectively conceived and pursued in at times surprisingly philosophical directions.

Another serial-killer plot is nothing to call home about, but Wallander and his team constantly ask the question whether women really are capable to do certain things. It's silly at times – would women really dash off in their cars like this? – and maybe you would want to think that the answer is obviously yet in all cases. Still, I felt strangely intrigued by this aspect of the investigation. I wonder if things have gotten more diverse or emancipated since the release of the novel.

Mankell again strikes the right balance between progress, stalling, and backtracking. When they come across clues or are given information they follow up on plausible speculations. I always enjoy when crime thrillers attempt to dramatize actual police work. It culminates in the thrilling chase at the very end rounded off on the more personal note in the epilogue.

Rating: 4/5