Folks who have read and liked Indridison's earlier works about the Reykjavik Police will either love or hate this book. Love, because the spotlight is on Erlender this time. Erlender's past, Erlender's family, Erlender's personal investigations into 2 missing persons and a suicide. However, fans of the other members of the squad will be disappointed; they make cameo appearances or are just referenced without ever actually making an appearance.
The mysteries (see above) are up to Indridason's usual high standards. As are the solutions, as well. (I can't go into that these would be even tougher to describe than usual without providing any kind of spoiler, and this is NOT a book where you want to have someone spoil it for you!)
Bravo, Mr. Indridason. 5 stars.
The mysteries (see above) are up to Indridason's usual high standards. As are the solutions, as well. (I can't go into that these would be even tougher to describe than usual without providing any kind of spoiler, and this is NOT a book where you want to have someone spoil it for you!)
Bravo, Mr. Indridason. 5 stars.
I have enjoyed all of Indridasson's mysteries. This one I felt was clever because it ties in with his brother's tragedy. I will definite read the one I missed, The Draining Lake.
What an unusual crime novel! First, all the action has to do with cases the detective is pursuing on his own time, not officially. Second, the story builds through the slimmest of intuitions, bolstered piece by piece with tiny slivers of information that eventually and quite improbably (yet convincingly) coalesce into a solution to the mystery/mysteries. Very impressive and enjoyable to read.
"Gloomy and withdrawn." That's a description that Indridason's Inspector Erlendur must, reluctantly, admit is pretty close to the mark. This is a man who hates theater, TV, sunshine, beaches and travel in general. (He admits to mild curiosity about Cologne Cathedral, of all places. But not strong enough to actually go see it.) This is a man who likes his pickled liver sausage (served with a hearty helping of porridge - yum!) extra sour, and for snacking, keeps a sheep's head in jelly in a container on his chilly Reykjavik balcony. In other words, this is a guy who makes Kurt Wallender look like a laugh-riot -- and just the man you want to be doggedly investigating a dodgy "suicide", and a forgotten 30-year old disappearance cold case. This while, of course, he deals with the demons, and a tragedy, from his own past.
This is a slow burn. If it's thrills and excitement you are looking for, Gentle Reader, I would suggest you go elsewhere. But if you're interested in the lives of ordinary people in a small country on the edge of the Arctic Circle, and you enjoy a dark, bleak quest for justice, with flashes of genuine humor, this is well worth the read.
This is a slow burn. If it's thrills and excitement you are looking for, Gentle Reader, I would suggest you go elsewhere. But if you're interested in the lives of ordinary people in a small country on the edge of the Arctic Circle, and you enjoy a dark, bleak quest for justice, with flashes of genuine humor, this is well worth the read.
Best Arnaldur Indridason book yet! I highly recommend it.
Indridason is always a great read, Hypothermia is no exception.
Another terrific read from this very talented author. Love all the characters, the setting, and the storyline is always engrossing. Indridiason has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Very highly recommend.
