Effect of Assumptions on an Investigation

Through the course of this novel, the reader learns that assumptions made by the police, such as in the death of Idar, are one of the most detrimental things to a good investigation. The police allow their assumptions to lead them to a wrong conclusion about Idar, and they also almost charge Filip as the Snowman based on assumptions. Also, when it comes to Katrine, it is more difficult to look at evidence without making assumptions than it appears to be.

When investigating Idar’s death, the police quickly look at surface evidence and decide that his death was a suicide. When Harry looks more closely at the scene, however, he uncovers details that the other investigators took for granted. Those details prove Idar was murdered. For instance, Harry looks at the way Idar’s shoes are tied and compares them...