1999, the turn of the millennium is approaching and the Finnish media is dominated by reports of a possible Millennium bug. Investigating policeman Jussi Ritola has other worries however: the alleged suicide of a married couple is more complicated than initially assumed. Investigations are slowed down time and again by his puritanical Christian superior; members of the latter's community are involved and financial losses could result. Ritola's private life is also affected however: it turns out his wife was involved in an extramarital affair with the couple and he is furious. This sequel to the Finnish series ALL THE SINS is actually a prequel; the story takes place fifteen years before last year's series, future commissioner Lauri Räihä can be seen as a teenager in the company of her family, as can other characters such as the pastor. A very atmospheric and aesthetically powerful thriller as well as a portrait of a region strongly influenced by the Laestadian religious community, a Lutheran sect. WMH
Mika Ronkainen -