Does everyfuckingbody have to write a fucking book about false sexual harassment claims made by ambitious and self-hating women? When did this become a thing? Stop normalizing this for people.  Why not write about actual sexual harassment by the guy you thought was ok, at least that's a real thing that happens in the world.
/Rant. I *just* gave this series a solid review and credit for not being annoying, but here I am, thoroughly annoyed.

I've settled into a rhythm with these Maria Kallio books. They are… interesting. The cases are interesting, and Kallio's relationships with the other people in her life (both within her family and with her co-workers) also interest me. I tend to find the endings… not quite what I want. I think I'm used to more being wrapped up in the end. But… the endings in these books feel more real: while the culprit may be caught, it neither erases what the culprit did, nor does it mean that the resolution satisfies everybody. But the journey is quite enjoyable (especially since it's fiction).

Sujuvaa kerrontaa, mutta myös paljon juonenpäitä, jotka jäivät solmimatta osaksi kokonaisuutta.

I find this installement to be an adequate continuation of the series but there was nothing new or innovative, in my opinion. The mystery seemed interesting, at first, but the way the plot unfolded left me with an indifferent impression. At times, I found it detrimental, predictable.

I think that this is a series that definitely garners points and attention due to its Finnish setting that appeals to those of us who enjoy bleak, wintry, atmospheric settings. However, in my humble opinion, the constant weaknesses of the series are repetition, blant characters and average dialogue that is probably the result of a failed translation. Maria is interesting enough, unlike her husband and her co-workers and the focus on her family issues didn't really help ''Below the Surface''. I don't think I will continue with the series, although I can see that this installment will appeal to many people just like its predecessors.

Many thanks to AmazonCrossing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.