When the Devil Holds the Candle

When the Devil Holds the Candle (Norwegian: Djevelen holder lyset, 1998) is a novel by Norwegian writer Karin Fossum, fourth in the Inspector Konrad Sejer series. In 2007, upon its publication in the US, the novel won the Gumshoe Award for Best European Crime Novel.

When the Devil Holds the Candle

First edition (Norwegian)
Author	Karin Fossum
Original title	Djevelen holder lyset
Translator	Felicity David
Language	Norwegian
Series	Inspector Konrad Sejer, #4
Genre	Crime, Mystery novel
Publisher	Cappelen (Norway)
Publication date	1998
Publication place	Norway
Published in English	July 2004
Media type	Print (Hardcover, Paperback)
ISBN	1-84343-091-6
OCLC	56394166
Preceded by	He Who Fears the Wolf
Followed by	Calling Out for You

Plot

The story follows teenage friends Andreas and Zipp, the former a fun loving delinquent, while the latter a reluctant follower. After robbing a young mother of her purse, Andreas suggests breaking into the house of an elderly woman to rob her, not feeling good about the previous robbery, Zipp refuses to go through with it, so Andreas enters the house alone. Unfortunately, Andreas underestimates Irma Funder, the elderly woman he intended to rob, who pushes him back in self-defence. resulting in him falling down the cellar stairs, breaking his neck and unable to move but still alive. The story continues both inside the house as Andreas must now rely on Irma for his every need, and outside, as Police investigate the disappearance of Andreas, while Zipp is unwilling to speak to Detective Inspector Sejer, due to his involvement in the previous event.