You might find that your affliction can be helped by regular contact with fellow addicts, by meeting up to share your thoughts and ideas about the world of Wallander. Sometimes also referred to as 'reading groups', you will be able to find further links and information about these on the main Random House website at www.randomhouse.co.uk/readersgroup

If you would like to take things into your own hands, reading groups are relatively simple to start. Simply speak to a friend who may or may not have read Mankell before but who is willing to discuss the books. Then each of you could find another friend who would be willing to join, and so on, until you find you have enough people for an active discussion group. To this end, if you would like to make contact with other fans, we recommend you visit the message board or forum at the Wallander site, www.inspector-wallander.org

Tips for organising Meetings

Decide on a meeting place and how often you will meet. Once this is decided then you can choose which Wallander book to read. It does not have to be in order of publication and if you find there is a lot to discuss on one book, then you could spread the discussion out over two sessions. You will find reading guide questions at this link.

You may also want to prepare your own questions so that your discussion can have clear focus. Look out for other reading guides on the Random House website.

Tips for Keeping the group Mankell themed
You might find you really benefit from the sessions by making them truly authentic, and continuing the Mankell theme later into the evening. For example, you could try listening to some of Wallander's favourite music, or music that is mentioned in the books such as Maria Callas, Berg's Wozzeck, Handel's Messiah and Verdi's Requiem. There could also possibly be a discussion of the inclusion of films, such how important is Devil's Advocate to the plot of Firewall? Why not watch the film?

You might also want to look at world events that are highlighted within the texts, for example why is Before the Frost set prior to the September 11th attacks? The social side of the books is very important and one of the driving forces behind Mankell's writing. He wants the reader to appreciate that they must be critical of their own society so that they may improve it. This is something that you might want to discuss in relation to each book.

Another element of the night that could continue the theme is the food. If you are feeling adventurous, try some of these Swedish recipes below. You can find a lot more recipes on www.recipezaar.com/r/15/188 or just try putting in Swedish Food/Recipes into a search engine. If you don't fancy traditional Swedish food, then you could follow Wallander's example and eat pizza as he often visits the pizzeria! Or even attempt to make the most diabetic friendly meal that could help Wallander enjoy his food but also keep healthy. There are so many possibilities to make your support groups fun and a bit different, so be imaginative!

Janssons Frestelse (Jansson's Temptation)

6 to 8 potatoes
2 onions
2 to 3 tablespoons
margarine or butter
1 to 2 cans anchovy fillets
21/2 to 3 dl (1 1/4 to 11/2 cups) light cream

Peel the potatoes, cut in thin sticks. Slice the onions. Sauté the onion lightly in some of the margarine or butter. Drain the anchovies and cut in pieces. Put the potatoes, onion and anchovies in layers in buttered baking dish. The first and last layer should be potatoes. Dot with margarine or butter on top. Pour in a little of the liquid from the anchovies and half of the cream. Bake in a 200 C oven for about 20 minutes. Pour in the remaning cream and bake for another 30 minutes or till the potatoes are tender. Serve as a first course or supper dish.

Kalops (Swedish Beef Stew)

1 kg beef with bones or 600 g boneless beef: rib, rump brisket or buttom round.
3 tablespoons margarines or butter
3 tablespoons flour
11/2 teaspoons salt
2 onions,
sliced 1 bay leaf
10 whole allspice
4-5 dl (1 3/4 to 2 cups ) water
Cut the meat in large cubes. Heat the margarine or butter in a heavy saucepan. When the foan subsides, add the meat and brown it well on all sides. Sprinkle with the floor and salt. Stir the meat. Add the onions, bay leaf, allspice and water. Cover and simmer till tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Serve with boiled potatoes, pickled beets and tossed salad.

From www.freeway.org/issue1/food/tidning.htm