The Pyramid by Henning Mankell

Short stories. A couple of them weren't so short; there were only five in a volume the same size (about 400 pages) as his novels. They are billed as early cases intended to give a view of Wallander as a young cop, before divorce, booze, and midlife in general take over. The first one takes place before he and Mona marry - during their decidedly uneasy courtship. We go directly from there into failing marriage and divorce.

I'm not sure that the reader learns much more about Wallander in these stories. We do get to see him interact with his mentor Rydberg, who died of cancer early in the series. On the other hand, the Rydberg that we see alive is not much different from the Rydberg we know through Wallander's mental conversations with him.

Then there is Mona. Mona seems to be a much nicer person as Wallander's ex than she does as his fiancee and wife. From their interactions before they marry, it is surprising to me that they get to the altar.

The mysteries, however, are very similar to the novels. Innocent victims who turn out to be not quite so innocent. Apparently unrelated crimes which turn out to be part of the same scheme. Quite satisfying. I do like an honest mystery story.