Quarantine Read: Readers recommend 'The Talented Mr. Varg' December 24, 2020 — 1:55pm Text size Copy shortlink: "The Talented Mr. Varg," by Alexander McCall Smith The latest novel from prolific author Alexander McCall Smith ("The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series and many others) takes place in modern-day Malmo, Sweden. The main characters work in the Department of Sensitive Crimes, a special police branch for discreet investigations of unusual cases. Quirky characters abound, including a hearing-impaired dog with the ability to lip read, and an overly talkative officer droning about extensively researched solutions for common ailments. Delightful side trips of note involve a Nordic biker gang led by an academic with a Ph.D., a bar featuring garlic-infused beer, and a literary celebrity trying to maintain a "bad-boy" image.