Department Q is a mystery thriller series set in Denmark. The series follows Deputy Superintendent Carl Mørck, a sarcastic, troubled detective keen on pursuing the truth despite being relegated to working cold cases in the basement of Copenhagen’s police headquarters. Author Jussi Adler-Olsen says that Carl has many elements of himself: “For instance, both of us are deep down very lazy. I am just not much for accepting it, whereas Carl happily puts his feet up on the table for a nap.” Carl is assisted in his investigations by Assad, a quirky, mysterious man who works as a janitor at the police station and Rose Knudsen, an erratic but sharply intelligent investigator.

Jussi says that the overarching theme explored throughout Department Q is “the misuse of power in all disguises: in society at large, in families and aimed at individuals.” Readers not only enjoy the intricately plotted thrillers, but also the humorous moments, primarily between Carl and Assad, which provides a welcome relief and contrast to the dark crimes.

We strongly recommend reading the books in order to fully enjoy the rich character development and because Jussi has envisioned the series as one overarching story. He views the series as “one work comprised of single novels that are in fact chapters in the entire story.” He says, “Basically, I wanted to create the longest cohesive thriller story in the world during which each chapter (novel) has its own tone and a new constellation of characters.” Locked In (Book 10) is the final book in the series.