Books Like...
'Daybreak' by author Viktor Arnar Ingolfsson is a slow-paced mystery set in Iceland, following the detectives Birkir and Gunnar as they investigate a series of murders targeting goose hunters. The book is praised for its unique presentation, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists in the plot. The story unfolds gradually, with intricate details and a writing style that allows readers to visualize the scenes and characters vividly.
If you liked Daybreak, here are the top 7 books to read next:
- #1
'The Flatey Enigma' by Viktor Arnar Ingolfsson, Brian FitzGibbon is a murder mystery set on a small island in Iceland during the month of June, 1960. The discovery of a dead body leads to an investigation involving a mix of professionals and amateurs, with constant references to Icelandic sagas and riddles. The narrative delves into the disruptions caused by the mysterious death, intertwining ancient texts with the lives of the island dwellers and building up to a gripping conclusion.
The novel presents a dual narrative focusing on the investigation into the death on the remote Icelandic island of Flatey and the Flatey Enigma - a set of 40 questions based on a medieval Icelandic manuscript. The story unfolds through the eyes of various characters, revealing hidden pasts, strange connections, and the unique customs of Icelandic island life in 1960. offers a blend of crime fiction and Icelandic folklore, providing readers with a rich exploration of history, legend, and a murder mystery with a twist.
An easterly wind swept across Breidafjördur with the break of dawn, and a sharp spring breeze intensified the foam of the waves breaking on the strait between the Western Isles. A determined puffin fl... - #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
A severed left foot in a training shoe washes up on the shore in Stavern. Then another, and yet another: four left feet in a single week. Neither police Inspector William Wisting nor his journalist daughter, Line, have ever seen anything like this.
... - #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 Legacy by Yrsa Sigur ardottir is a Nordic Noir thriller that follows Detective Huldar as he investigates a series of brutal murders with the only witness being a traumatized seven-year-old girl named Margret. The plot unfolds with the involvement of the Children's House, a group specializing in dealing with traumatized children, where psychologist Freyja plays a crucial role in coaxing information from Margret. As the investigation progresses, the story delves into the complexities of the murders, intertwined with short wave radio transmissions and the dynamics between the characters. The writing style is described as unhurried, descriptive, and involving, gradually revealing clues and unraveling the mystery behind the killings.
- #6
'The Bat' in the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbø follows the Norwegian detective Harry Hole as he investigates a murder in Sydney, Australia. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing Harry's struggles with alcoholism, his damaged past, and his interactions with the Australian police and local culture. The narrative combines elements of Australian mythology, dark crime thriller, and a touch of eeriness, culminating in a captivating final pursuit that keeps the reader engaged until the end.
“I’m fine,” Harry Hole had lied. It was more than thirty hours since he had taken off from Oslo via London, and after the change of planes in Bahrain he had sat in the same bloody seat by the emergenc... - #7
'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is an engrossing mystery thriller set in Sweden, following the investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the young genius hacker Lisbeth Salander as they team up to solve a decades-old murder mystery. The story unfolds with intricate twists and turns, uncovering vile family secrets and introducing a cast of strong, believable characters. The plot builds over time, making for an excellent and well-written read with fascinating characters and an interesting storyline that keeps readers guessing.
The narrative delves into themes of financial intrigue, murder, and love, balancing multiple genres skillfully. Despite some graphic scenes of violence and rape, the book manages to keep readers engaged with its complicated plot and well-drawn characters, particularly the enigmatic Lisbeth Salander. Larsson's writing style, though at times clunky due to translation, effectively captures the essence of the mystery, making it a compelling and suspenseful read for those who enjoy intricate thrillers.
The trial was irretrievably over; everything that could be said had been said, but he had never doubted that he would lose. The written verdict was handed down at 10:00 on Friday morning, and all that...