Murder Mindfully by Karsten Dusse
A review of the German dark comic mystery/thriller
While I've read lots of murder mysteries, Murder Mindfully is my first German one. And based on how much I enjoyed it, I'll be looking out for more.
Written by Karsten Dusse, it was translated into English by Florian Duijsens and, according to the cover, has been adapted for Netflix.
The story kicks off with the troubles in Bjorn's personal life, leading him to take a mindfulness course. However, you soon discover he has bigger problems with his work life, namely his mob boss client.
Murder Mindfully is definitely a howdunnit rather than a whodunnit - the title is something of a spoiler.
Bjorn fully embraces the mindfulness approach to life, work and murdering his client. And the lion's share of the story is how he carries on with his life and all the consequences of the murder.
With dark humour, gore and swearing, this one shouldn't be filed under cosy. But the deadpan humour did make me laugh out loud several times.
As it's a howdunnit, there's no great denouement. But the enjoyment is seeing where the story goes and how Bjorn manages to weave around the blood and death that follows him.
Sandwiched between each chapter is an excerpt from the book written by Bjorn's mindfulness coach. These specific (and apparently genuine) mindfulness concepts are each used in the following chapter.
Written in first person from Bjorn's PoV, you get to experience his unconventional life up close. The writing is excellent, with not a single wasted word.
The only downside for me was keeping up with all the backstabbing in the mob boss's gang. However, Karsten Dusse does an excellent job of reminding you of the different characters and where they fit in the story.
A brilliant and unique book. I'll look out for more like this.
