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Fire and Ice #4
Sea of Stone
Can Magnus prove he is innocent of murder without implicating his brother? And can both men get to the heart of the twisted secrets that blighted their childhoods?
Oli and Magnus Jonson have spent years trying to escape from the shadows of their past. Raised by their grandparents in Bjarnarhöfn, a remote farmstead in Iceland, both brothers had to endure brutal violence at the hands of their grandfather. Now, two decades later, the past has returned to haunt them. When Constable Páll Gylfason gets a dispatch call to investigate a suspected homicide in a remote farmstead, he is surprised to find that Detective Jonson is already at the scene. Magnus identifies the dead man as his estranged grandfather. As Páll begins to review the crime scene it becomes apparent that forensic evidence has been tampered with and that Magnus' version of events doesn't add up. Before long, Magnus is arrested for the murder of his grandfather. When it emerges that his younger brother, Oli, is in Iceland after two decades in America, Páll begins to think that Magnus may not be the only family member in the frame for murder. What unfolds is a tale of familial ties and bloodthirsty vengeance, of isolated communities scarred by the tragedies of the past—and of a final, painful reckoning.
Oli and Magnus Jonson have spent years trying to escape from the shadows of their past. Raised by their grandparents in Bjarnarhöfn, a remote farmstead in Iceland, both brothers had to endure brutal violence at the hands of their grandfather. Now, two decades later, the past has returned to haunt them. When Constable Páll Gylfason gets a dispatch call to investigate a suspected homicide in a remote farmstead, he is surprised to find that Detective Jonson is already at the scene. Magnus identifies the dead man as his estranged grandfather. As Páll begins to review the crime scene it becomes apparent that forensic evidence has been tampered with and that Magnus' version of events doesn't add up. Before long, Magnus is arrested for the murder of his grandfather. When it emerges that his younger brother, Oli, is in Iceland after two decades in America, Páll begins to think that Magnus may not be the only family member in the frame for murder. What unfolds is a tale of familial ties and bloodthirsty vengeance, of isolated communities scarred by the tragedies of the past—and of a final, painful reckoning.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2014
62 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ridpath
64 books312 followersBefore becoming a writer, Michael Ridpath used to work as a bond trader in the City of London. After writing several financial thrillers, which were published in over 30 languages, he began a crime series featuring the Icelandic detective Magnus Jonson. He has also written five stand-alone thrillers, the latest of which is The Diplomat’s Wife, published in February 2021. He lives in London.
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 30, 2022
Sea of Stone begins with a scene, in which a pair of young boys, Magnus and Oli Jonson, are at home and see that their father is there. The younger is alarmed. He knows that his father is detested by his grandfather. There is a row when it's announced that their father has come to take away the boys. Grandfather demands whether killing his daughter wasn't sufficient, does he have to take her children too?
This is a tense beginning to the story, but then we fast forward into the book some years later. Magnus Jonson is now a trained police officer, living in Boston, and on secondment to help the Icelandic police. Iceland has a tiny population, and murder is rare, so when Magnus himself discovers the body of his estranged grandfather, he is viewed with suspicion by his colleagues, not helped by his refusal to explain his movements.
At the same time, his brother has appeared, together with another man who has good reason to hate the dead man. And then we begin to delve into two families and the feud that has fed the flames of hatred for many years.
This book is an exquisite depiction of families torn apart. I found the characters, by turns, delightful, fascinating, and infuriating. There were many twists which I didn’t see coming thanks to the author’s great use of misdirection.
If you like Scandinavian writing, you may well enjoy this, however, the location doesn't really matter, it’s just a terrific read!
This is a tense beginning to the story, but then we fast forward into the book some years later. Magnus Jonson is now a trained police officer, living in Boston, and on secondment to help the Icelandic police. Iceland has a tiny population, and murder is rare, so when Magnus himself discovers the body of his estranged grandfather, he is viewed with suspicion by his colleagues, not helped by his refusal to explain his movements.
At the same time, his brother has appeared, together with another man who has good reason to hate the dead man. And then we begin to delve into two families and the feud that has fed the flames of hatred for many years.
This book is an exquisite depiction of families torn apart. I found the characters, by turns, delightful, fascinating, and infuriating. There were many twists which I didn’t see coming thanks to the author’s great use of misdirection.
If you like Scandinavian writing, you may well enjoy this, however, the location doesn't really matter, it’s just a terrific read!
October 28, 2019
Sea of Stone is the fourth installment of the Fire and Ice series featuring Detective Magnus Jonsson and provides some resolution to a complex Icelandic family saga that has been evolving throughout the series thus far.
Having travelled extensively through Iceland I thoroughly enjoy reading this series as Ridpath takes great lengths to describe the landscape in detail, features of Icelandic life, history and culture. The books are very relatable for me.
As far as the story goes, Sea of Stone is very readable and certainly had me page turning at a fairly rapid rate. The family saga became quite convoluted in some ways and was quite complex. Characters are a little cliche even though I can overlook that.
Overall I loved the book and have loved the series. It satisfies my love for all things Icelandic.
Having travelled extensively through Iceland I thoroughly enjoy reading this series as Ridpath takes great lengths to describe the landscape in detail, features of Icelandic life, history and culture. The books are very relatable for me.
As far as the story goes, Sea of Stone is very readable and certainly had me page turning at a fairly rapid rate. The family saga became quite convoluted in some ways and was quite complex. Characters are a little cliche even though I can overlook that.
Overall I loved the book and have loved the series. It satisfies my love for all things Icelandic.
March 14, 2019
É uma verdade que teve muitos clichés e cenas previsíveis mas também conseguiu surpreender e trocar-me as voltas.
Assim, por alto, a situação de Magnus e a forma como se comportou fez-me compará-lo com o agente Pendergast, da série de Douglas Preston e Lincoln Child. Magnus deparou-se com o avô morto no final do livro anterior e, agora, dá-se como assassino e é preso, mas ele age de uma forma tão enigmática, a esconder não sabemos o quê mas sabemos que esconde algo, mas de uma forma controlada, como se estivesse a prever e controlar os acontecimentos. Só isso manteve-me presa à leitura. Além da postura de Magnus, também os seus colegas de trabalho, principalmente Vigdís e Árni, e também Ingileif, se mexem para descobrir o que se passou e ajudar Magnus. Muito bom!
Aquela família paterna de Magnus é completamente maluca e a loucura chegou a todas as gerações... Realmente, só Magnus é que se aproveita.
Assim, por alto, a situação de Magnus e a forma como se comportou fez-me compará-lo com o agente Pendergast, da série de Douglas Preston e Lincoln Child. Magnus deparou-se com o avô morto no final do livro anterior e, agora, dá-se como assassino e é preso, mas ele age de uma forma tão enigmática, a esconder não sabemos o quê mas sabemos que esconde algo, mas de uma forma controlada, como se estivesse a prever e controlar os acontecimentos. Só isso manteve-me presa à leitura. Além da postura de Magnus, também os seus colegas de trabalho, principalmente Vigdís e Árni, e também Ingileif, se mexem para descobrir o que se passou e ajudar Magnus. Muito bom!
Aquela família paterna de Magnus é completamente maluca e a loucura chegou a todas as gerações... Realmente, só Magnus é que se aproveita.
January 22, 2018
Where the previous books of the Fire & Ice series about American-Icelandic detective Magnus Jonson could be read in random order, you need to have finished these books to be able to really appreciate Sea of Stone. In my case, I read this immediately after its predecessor, since I already had Sea of Stone in my possession and also very much because of the cliffhanger in Meltwater.
Magnus’ role is relatively small in this book, because as a suspect he can’t really ask around and investigate. I thought I would not like this, since I enjoy his methods and character, and the way he carries the story. But the way this book is structured, it’s okay that Magnus’ role is somehow less central. And it is pretty clear that his family, who are at the heart of this mystery, do not seem very keen on telling him anything anyway. They are what makes this such a good book (alongside the fantastic descriptions of the Icelandic nature.) Nearly every member of the family has issues of some sort, and most can be related to their relationship with the patriarch, who has just been murdered. Ergo: suspects, alibis and motives aplenty, entwined in a great mix of curious characters.
The backflashes are very good, slowly unveiling additional information and building the suspense. However, some parts of the story are predictable, and lacking originality. Overall a very worthy ending of series.
Magnus’ role is relatively small in this book, because as a suspect he can’t really ask around and investigate. I thought I would not like this, since I enjoy his methods and character, and the way he carries the story. But the way this book is structured, it’s okay that Magnus’ role is somehow less central. And it is pretty clear that his family, who are at the heart of this mystery, do not seem very keen on telling him anything anyway. They are what makes this such a good book (alongside the fantastic descriptions of the Icelandic nature.) Nearly every member of the family has issues of some sort, and most can be related to their relationship with the patriarch, who has just been murdered. Ergo: suspects, alibis and motives aplenty, entwined in a great mix of curious characters.
The backflashes are very good, slowly unveiling additional information and building the suspense. However, some parts of the story are predictable, and lacking originality. Overall a very worthy ending of series.
October 3, 2016
I personally didn't enjoy this book as much as the earlier ones in the series. This novel draws the threads together of the Magnus' family secrets from the earlier books. I do hope the author writes more novels for this series, that said I think this book lacked a bit of identity. In some ways it reminded me of a Robert Goddard novel (no bad thing) but then tried to late lurch back to a hard crime novel with more of a focus of the perpetrators but by the end there was so many different turns that it became almost ludicrous. More of the first three novels please!
March 8, 2015
Not the best book by far in this series. Lots of family drama that goes around and around for a couple hundred pages before a quick conclusion that made up for some of the early parts. Instead of wrapping up the series it left the door wide open for another book. I like Ridpath too much that if there is another book I'll read it
May 22, 2016
Did you think the family saga would be over at last? Looks like maybe not. This series is not quite my cup of tea.
February 19, 2019
Again, I was back in Iceland while reading this book. It takes place on the Snaefellens Peninsula, north and west of Reykjakvik. This is where I have spent some time, and I loved following the story, where once again Iceland plays a huge part. The Sea of Stone is a lava field. Trust me on this one, this is not a fun place to be! It is located next to a farm where Magnus's grandparents lived. Grandpa dies and Magnus has his suspicions who did it. However, he will take the fall and admit to killing Grandpa as his colleagues and others run about trying to figure out how the murder happened. I did guess the murderer, but I did not guess who had killed Magnus's father. At long last, in the middle of this investigation, he learns of who murdered his father, and he learns that closure is not easy when it come to family. There is a new book out there in the series, but since the author is English, the U.S. libraries are not quick to buy them. There are other ways!
March 9, 2019
Ollie and Magnus Jonson have spent years trying to escape from the shadows of their past. Raised on a remote farmstead in Iceland, both brothers had to endure brutal violence at the hands of their grandfather. Now, two decades later, the past has returned to haunt them both.
When Constable Páll Gylfason gets a dispatch call to investigate a suspected homicide in a remote farmstead, he is surprised to find that Sergeant Magnus Jonson is already at the scene. Magnus identifies the dead man as his estranged grandfather. As Páll begins to review the crime scene it becomes apparent that forensic evidence has been tampered with and that Magnus's version of events doesn't add up. Before long, Magnus is arrested for the murder of his grandfather.
When it emerges that his younger brother, Ollie, is in Iceland after two decades in America, Páll begins to think that Magnus may not be the only family member in the frame for murder...
When Constable Páll Gylfason gets a dispatch call to investigate a suspected homicide in a remote farmstead, he is surprised to find that Sergeant Magnus Jonson is already at the scene. Magnus identifies the dead man as his estranged grandfather. As Páll begins to review the crime scene it becomes apparent that forensic evidence has been tampered with and that Magnus's version of events doesn't add up. Before long, Magnus is arrested for the murder of his grandfather.
When it emerges that his younger brother, Ollie, is in Iceland after two decades in America, Páll begins to think that Magnus may not be the only family member in the frame for murder...
April 17, 2020
I had read the first three in this series several years ago (though not when they first came out), and now that I'm stuck at home I had a chance to read this one. It feels like the last in the series, but there is another one, The Wanderer, that my library doesn't own.
Sea of Stone starts slowly as it gives us more of the backstory of Magnus and Oli, but that information was important. The various points of view from the people involved gave us a fuller view of what was happening in the Hallgrimur family, but didn't eliminate suspects. The descriptions of Iceland and the customs of Iceland are part of what make this series interesting. It reminds me of Ann Cleeves' Shetland series.
I will give this a star when I get back to work (staff pick.)
Sea of Stone starts slowly as it gives us more of the backstory of Magnus and Oli, but that information was important. The various points of view from the people involved gave us a fuller view of what was happening in the Hallgrimur family, but didn't eliminate suspects. The descriptions of Iceland and the customs of Iceland are part of what make this series interesting. It reminds me of Ann Cleeves' Shetland series.
I will give this a star when I get back to work (staff pick.)
July 30, 2021
In is fourth book in Ridpath’s Fire& Ice series, Magnus finally solves the murder of his father, with the assistance of other detectives since Magnus gets implicated in a murder himself. The book picks up where Meltwater left off, and this is one series in which reading the books in order is highly recommended.
Sea of Stone doesn’t feature the Icelandic landscape as much as I would have liked, but it does delve into evil and family relationships. Loyalty, revenge, fear, manipulation and anger all play a role in the murders in this book. The ending is a bit surprising and makes the book a great read.
Sea of Stone doesn’t feature the Icelandic landscape as much as I would have liked, but it does delve into evil and family relationships. Loyalty, revenge, fear, manipulation and anger all play a role in the murders in this book. The ending is a bit surprising and makes the book a great read.
July 3, 2018
Better Than a Heatwave
There was a 95f heatwave in Montreal while I read this. If I went out I felt I would faint so I stayed in and read Sea of Stone. Would I risk being convicted of murder to save my brother. Interesting question I had never considered before. Could a grandfather screw up a family unto the third generation. I knew and had lived through that one but it was interesting to think about. So, if the purpose of reading is to stimulate thinking then I think this is worth your time.
There was a 95f heatwave in Montreal while I read this. If I went out I felt I would faint so I stayed in and read Sea of Stone. Would I risk being convicted of murder to save my brother. Interesting question I had never considered before. Could a grandfather screw up a family unto the third generation. I knew and had lived through that one but it was interesting to think about. So, if the purpose of reading is to stimulate thinking then I think this is worth your time.
September 17, 2022
In Meltwater it was difficult for me to keep track of who was speaking as we kept changes perspectives. I really like that this book was narrated. I could follow the complicated twists and turns. I didn't want to put it down. This book should be read after the previous books. Much of the storyline is dependent on information that has been already given in the previous 3 Fire and Ice books. Reading about Iceland has been great fun.
June 4, 2017
Well, the series mystery has been resolved at last. I knew who "did the deed" relatively (ha ha) early in the book, but it was trying to figure out all the loose ends that kept me reading.
I wonder if Ridpath will write more. He's left himself an opening for sure.
I wonder if Ridpath will write more. He's left himself an opening for sure.
November 7, 2021
Totally engaging
Ingvar not Villi. I didn't see that coming! Love this series and much appreciate getting to read them as part of Prime. Don't have much money, so this is a welcome bonus!!
Ingvar not Villi. I didn't see that coming! Love this series and much appreciate getting to read them as part of Prime. Don't have much money, so this is a welcome bonus!!
May 22, 2022
Great set of books
This has been a wonderful read, as have all the others.
Well written and steady paced.
Also I have googled lots of the places mentioned in the books, and now I would love to visit Iceland!
This has been a wonderful read, as have all the others.
Well written and steady paced.
Also I have googled lots of the places mentioned in the books, and now I would love to visit Iceland!
November 21, 2022
A Few Holes But Good
A good story even though some of the stuff concerning Magnus’ arrest and subsequent assistance in the investigation are a bit questionable. All and all I really enjoyed the way Ridpath writes and the series in general.
A good story even though some of the stuff concerning Magnus’ arrest and subsequent assistance in the investigation are a bit questionable. All and all I really enjoyed the way Ridpath writes and the series in general.
May 14, 2023
A brilliant story and we finally learn the truth about Magnus and his family. Another story set in Iceland and one which goes towards unravelling the mysteries surrounding the death of Magnus’s father as well as his grandfather. These stories are quite addictive and it is hard to stop reading.
May 7, 2025
Magnus fears Ollie is going to kill their grandfather. When he gets to the farm Afi is dead. Was it Ollie? A lot of historical facts about the characters and the murder of Magnus’s father is revealed.
July 17, 2025
What happens next? I think they solved all the mysteries? Things got very Mystic River-y at times (not a bad thing). Ridpath brought in the Icelandic sagas plus a century of inter-family squabble killings... and then he pitted the brothers against each other.
March 26, 2018
A bit slow going but interesting mystery in a great setting.
January 14, 2019
Another Winner
I was puzzled to the very end and enjoyed the suspense of not knowing "who done it.". Worthy of the time spent reading.
I was puzzled to the very end and enjoyed the suspense of not knowing "who done it.". Worthy of the time spent reading.
February 28, 2019
I'm a sucker for any book set in Iceland and am so glad to have "discovered" Ridpath whose books are all set in Iceland or Greenland. A good engrossing read.
June 19, 2019
I enjoyed the easy read of this entire series but this one by far the best.
September 9, 2022
Scandi cops love them
November 17, 2022
Better than #3!
March 16, 2023
Best one yet!
August 25, 2023
Reads like an Icelandic saga
These books just keep on getting better. A real page turner of a mystery. Superb writing. Looking forward to the next in the series.
These books just keep on getting better. A real page turner of a mystery. Superb writing. Looking forward to the next in the series.
December 4, 2024
The beginning was good. After that the story was just going in circles and then in the last couple of chapters everything was concluded ridiculously.
January 1, 2025
a jolly good read
Fascinating story best to read the books in order And now I heed to go and read the sagas! A real insight into Icelandic culture
Enjoy
Fascinating story best to read the books in order And now I heed to go and read the sagas! A real insight into Icelandic culture
Enjoy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews