Books matching: iceland mystery
31 result(s)
- #1
'Jar City' by Arnaldur Indridason is a murder mystery set in Reykjavik, Iceland, following Inspector Erlendur as he investigates the killing of a solitary man found murdered in his apartment. The story delves into the dead man's past, revealing a connection to an unsolved crime from forty years earlier. The plot unfolds with Inspector Erlendur's dedication to following subtle clues, blending past events with current ones, and taking readers through a dark and intriguing investigation. The writing style is noted for its sparseness, attention to detail, and the author's ability to weave together past and present in a compelling manner.
It was the body of a man of about 70. He was lying on the floor on his right side, against the sofa in a small sitting room, wearing a blue shirt and fawn corduroy trousers. He wore slippers on his fe... - #2
'Where the Shadows Lie' by Michael Ridpath is a murder mystery novel set in Iceland, focusing on the history and myths of the country. The story follows Magnus Jonson, a Boston detective seconded to Iceland, as he investigates a murder involving Icelandic sagas, the Lord of the Rings book, and a lost Icelandic manuscript. The book intertwines elements of Icelandic culture, scenery, and folklore with a police procedural genre, creating a unique and intriguing storyline. The writing style is described as blending modern skullduggery with ancient Icelandic sagas, offering readers a different take on the typical murder mystery narrative.
He glanced again at the address inscribed in an upright, ornamental hand: Högni Ísildarson, Laugavegur 64, Reykjavík, Iceland. The stamp bore the profile of a beardless British king, an Edward or a Ge... - #3
Set against Iceland's stark landscape, 'Burial Rites' by Hannah Kent tells the story of Agnes Magnusdottir, the last person to be executed in Iceland in 1830. Accused of the brutal murder of her former master, Agnes is sent to an isolated farm to await her execution. As she interacts with the family housing her, including a priest who becomes her spiritual guardian, the true story behind the murders she is accused of unfolds, painting a vivid picture of early nineteenth-century Iceland and the harsh realities of life during that time.
PUBLIC NOTICE There will be an auction on the 24th of March 1828, at Illugastadir, for the valuables the farmer Natan Ketilsson has left behind. There is one cow, a few horses, a considerable amount o... - #4
'Last Rituals' by Yrsa Sigur ardottir follows Thora Gudmundsdottir, a lawyer and investigator, as she delves into the ritualistic murder of a German student at an Icelandic university. With the help of a German associate, Thora navigates through a complex investigation involving a group of friends obsessed with witchcraft rituals. The plot unfolds with historical references to witch hunts in Iceland and Germany, blending modern murder mystery elements with dark medieval themes. The writing style is described as basic, with some clunky moments possibly due to translation, but the detailed knowledge of Icelandic history adds depth to the contemporary story.
- #5
'The Department of Sensitive Crimes' by Alexander McCall Smith is set in Malmo, Sweden and follows Detective Ulf Varg and his team as they investigate unusual and quirky crimes that require a sensitive touch. The plot involves cases such as a man stabbed in the back of the knee, the disappearance of an imaginary boyfriend, and strange occurrences at a spa owned by the police commissioner's cousin. The writing style is described as quick, humorous, and enjoyable, with a focus on the characters' interactions and philosophical musings rather than the crimes themselves.
“Søren,” said Dr. Svensson, gravely, but with a smile behind his horn-rimmed glasses; and then waited for the response. There would be an answer to this one-word sentence, but he would have to wait to... - #6
Season of the Witch' in the series 'Einar' by author Arni Thorarinsson is a murder mystery set in rural Iceland, following a middle-aged journalist named Einar who is determined to solve two interconnected mysteries involving a local woman drowning during a team-building excursion and a teenager being murdered on the night of his high school play. The story weaves together elements of teenage angst, drugs, corruption, and immigration issues, providing a glimpse into Icelandic society today. Despite the slow pacing and the challenging Icelandic names, the book portrays a complex and believable narrative that keeps readers engaged until the end.
The protagonist, Einar, is a recovering alcoholic reporter who is sent to a small town in northern Iceland for a fresh start, only to find himself entangled in a series of mysterious events. Through Einar's character development and investigative journey, the book explores themes of human nature, evil, and self-understanding, all set against the backdrop of the unique Icelandic culture. While lacking in traditional suspense found in Scandinavian crime novels, 'Season of the Witch' offers a thought-provoking and character-driven narrative that delves into subtle crimes and slowly revealed clues, providing a different take on the genre.
Ásbjörn’s blabbing is drowned out by the background noise. “What?” I shout into the phone. It’s the brand-new goddamned cell phone he forced on me with this new assignment up north. I hate a gadget th... - #7
'Sun on Fire' by Viktor Arnar Ingolfsson is a murder mystery set in both Germany and Iceland, focusing on the murder of a pedophile in the Icelandic Embassy in Berlin. The plot revolves around a group of attendees at a meeting in the Embassy who have a shared past, some of whom still live together. The story is described as intriguing, with a complex case for the investigators due to the connections with the past events. provides insights into diplomatic circles and Icelandic hippie history, with a look into the lives of the main detectives, Birkir and Gunnar, who are sent from Iceland to solve the case in Germany.
The cell phone on the bedside table played the ever-popular “Air on the G String” by Johann Sebastian Bach, quietly at first, but growing louder and more distinct despite the phone’s poor sound qualit... - #8
'The Secret History of Twin Peaks' by Mark Frost is a novel that delves deep into the history behind the events surrounding the town of Twin Peaks from the TV show. The book uncovers the founding of the town, mysterious occurrences near a lake, the unique characters, and a blend of conspiracy theories ranging from UFOs to the Illuminati. Frost intricately weaves together real historical events with the fictional world of Twin Peaks, creating a companion piece to the TV show that offers details before and after the show's time frame.
Frost's writing style in 'The Secret History of Twin Peaks' is described as a mysterious dossier presented as an interactive work, following FBI Agent Tamara Preston's examination of the town's history. The book expands upon the information from the TV series and presents a complex narrative that intertwines the White and Black Lodges with UFO sightings, alien abductions, and government cover-ups. With a focus on the town itself, the book raises more mysteries, fills in blanks from the original series, and invites speculation and wonder, leaving readers contemplating the enigmatic world of Twin Peaks.
- #9
In 'Snare' by Lilja Sigurardottir, the story revolves around Sonja Gunnarsdottir, who becomes an unwilling drug mule after her husband files for divorce and demands custody of their son. Sonja's descent into the criminal underworld of drug smuggling is portrayed alongside a subplot involving financial crimes post a global financial crisis in Iceland. The narrative is set in a dark, chilling Reykjavik, offering readers an authentic Nordic noir experience with a fast-paced plot filled with suspense. The book features a cast of largely unlikeable characters, including Sonja herself, but the character development arc of Sonja is a highlight, complementing the intertwined storylines.
The book is structured with short, one to three-page chapters that maintain a steady pace, keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. The author, Lilja Sigurardottir, skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, including drug smuggling, financial investigations, broken families, and personal struggles, creating a gripping narrative that offers unexpected twists and turns. The writing style, brilliantly translated by Quentin Bates, is smooth and immersive, providing a seamless reading experience that delves into the complexities of the characters' lives and their morally grey decisions.
- #10
'The Ice Lands' by Steinar Bragi is a creepy and bizarre story about two couples who go camping near Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland. The trip takes a strange turn when they get lost, encounter a mysterious elderly couple in a secluded house, and find themselves trapped in a bizarre and unsettling area with unexplainable phenomena. The writing style is described as fantastic, with strong and interesting character backstories that add depth to the eerie atmosphere of the plot.
All four of them were silent. The only sound was a low murmur coming from the radio. On the back seat, Vigdís was reading a book, while Anna, awake after a brief nap, had just opened a beer. Between t...