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A Lethal Legacy: The sins of a family's past, unmentioned but unforgotten
Nothing has changed at Bjargarlækur for as long as anyone can remember – so are moves to bring change to this remote farm in the Icelandic countryside a motive for murder?
Three elderly siblings have lived more or less peacefully in this isolated place their whole lives, until Brynjólfur is found dead in his own bed. Called on to help out at the farm, freelance journalist Alma is far from certain that the old man died a natural death. Determined establish the facts of the matter, she finds herself caught up in a vicious family feud.
Sisters Klara and Thórdís are unable to agree on the future of the farm, just as others with an interest in the place circle hungrily around them. Echoes of missed opportunities, lost love and age-old crimes surface as a reckoning takes a bitter toll on those left behind – and Alma struggles to get to the truth.
Three elderly siblings have lived more or less peacefully in this isolated place their whole lives, until Brynjólfur is found dead in his own bed. Called on to help out at the farm, freelance journalist Alma is far from certain that the old man died a natural death. Determined establish the facts of the matter, she finds herself caught up in a vicious family feud.
Sisters Klara and Thórdís are unable to agree on the future of the farm, just as others with an interest in the place circle hungrily around them. Echoes of missed opportunities, lost love and age-old crimes surface as a reckoning takes a bitter toll on those left behind – and Alma struggles to get to the truth.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 14, 2025
A decidedly strange story, set almost entirely in a creepy old house, around which the plot is constructed. The house is almost untouched by the vagaries of time, fashion and inevitable home improvements, and whilst in need of some repair it remains one of the few unspoilt Icelandic homes of the period. It should be a museum, which is the desire of two of three siblings who still live there. The third is adamant that it should not.
Alma’s daughter Gunnhildur is a nurse to the three siblings and is need of help when Brynjólfur dies unexpectedly. Alma agrees to come over and help during the difficult time, as the sisters can’t even agree on the form the funeral should take place. Being a journalist Alma is always on the lookout for a good story, and her inquisitiveness draws he to the mystery of this unusual family. Whilst no means an amateur sleuth, all the intrigue has her digging for answers in the family’s past. Some secrets though are best left uncovered.
The setting is quite unsettling; there are hints at supernatural happenings and even ghosts. It conjures up images of bleak Victorian homes, staid, devoid of family love and of unhappy childhoods. It could almost come from the pages of Dickens but viewed through a modern lens. Rather than a family home, it appears to be more of a prison as Brynjólfur and Klara had never left, and sister Thórdís returned after college and some work in Reykjavík. Ill parents played their part, but it is as though the house has a hold over the siblings; sometimes the bars to captivity are all in the head. This is a tale of horizons never broadened, opportunities never taken, of lives never fulfilled. None of the siblings ever married; it appears they hand little experience of love and relationships, which explains the stilted family dynamic.
The story is certainly a slow burner, taking a while to establish itself, as initially the death of Brynjólfur appears to be natural causes. He was the driving force behind the museum idea, so when doubts persist over the cause of death there appears to be a motive, as the family feud is revealed. When it is discovered that he had a new will, one he was waiting to sign, the idea of suicide makes little sense. Further complication comes by way of the couple who help run the farm who believe they have been promised a stake in the inheritance and a man who appears claiming to be Brynjólfur’s son.
The prose is taut and focussed, with excellent work on the translation in managing to keep this. With no additional storylines running off, the story subsumes the reader, it is totally absorbing. It shouldn’t really work, a plot with such slight substance, but it does thanks to plenty of little twists and a truly shocking reveal. The reveal is sad and disturbing, going a long way to explaining some of the actions of one of the characters and setting the tone for rest of the novel. This is one story the reader will stick with to the bitter end. It may not be a happy read, but it is certainly a powerful and inventive one which will have the reader guessing to the very end.
Alma’s daughter Gunnhildur is a nurse to the three siblings and is need of help when Brynjólfur dies unexpectedly. Alma agrees to come over and help during the difficult time, as the sisters can’t even agree on the form the funeral should take place. Being a journalist Alma is always on the lookout for a good story, and her inquisitiveness draws he to the mystery of this unusual family. Whilst no means an amateur sleuth, all the intrigue has her digging for answers in the family’s past. Some secrets though are best left uncovered.
The setting is quite unsettling; there are hints at supernatural happenings and even ghosts. It conjures up images of bleak Victorian homes, staid, devoid of family love and of unhappy childhoods. It could almost come from the pages of Dickens but viewed through a modern lens. Rather than a family home, it appears to be more of a prison as Brynjólfur and Klara had never left, and sister Thórdís returned after college and some work in Reykjavík. Ill parents played their part, but it is as though the house has a hold over the siblings; sometimes the bars to captivity are all in the head. This is a tale of horizons never broadened, opportunities never taken, of lives never fulfilled. None of the siblings ever married; it appears they hand little experience of love and relationships, which explains the stilted family dynamic.
The story is certainly a slow burner, taking a while to establish itself, as initially the death of Brynjólfur appears to be natural causes. He was the driving force behind the museum idea, so when doubts persist over the cause of death there appears to be a motive, as the family feud is revealed. When it is discovered that he had a new will, one he was waiting to sign, the idea of suicide makes little sense. Further complication comes by way of the couple who help run the farm who believe they have been promised a stake in the inheritance and a man who appears claiming to be Brynjólfur’s son.
The prose is taut and focussed, with excellent work on the translation in managing to keep this. With no additional storylines running off, the story subsumes the reader, it is totally absorbing. It shouldn’t really work, a plot with such slight substance, but it does thanks to plenty of little twists and a truly shocking reveal. The reveal is sad and disturbing, going a long way to explaining some of the actions of one of the characters and setting the tone for rest of the novel. This is one story the reader will stick with to the bitter end. It may not be a happy read, but it is certainly a powerful and inventive one which will have the reader guessing to the very end.
September 30, 2025
Freelance journalist, Alma Jónsdóttir receives a desperate call for help from her daughter Gunnhildur, who has been caring for three elderly siblings at remote farmstead, Bjargarlækur. The eldest of the siblings, Brynjólfur, has been found dead in his bed, and Gunnhildur is worried she might be accused of wrong doing.
Alma heads to Bjargarlækur where she is immediately suspicious that Brynjólfur has not died a natural death. Brynjólfur and his sisters Klara and Thórdís, who disagreed over his plan to turn their home into a museum, were definitely at odds - not to mention that the family had been caught up in a bitter feud with their tenants Rósa and Thorbjörn. But would any of them stretch to murder?
It is always fascinating to be in at the start of the publication journey of a popular foreign language book series when it appears for the first time in translation, so I was delighted that Corylus books have brought Guðrún Guðlaugsdóttir's work to an English speaking audience for the first time with A Lethal Legacy, featuring her well-loved amateur detective, Alma Jónsdóttir.
The story follows two threads which connect through the very likeable Alma - one in relation to her own family history through a book she has been working on about her grandmother; and the other, a compulsive mystery about distubing happenings at Bjargarlækur.
Guðlaugsdóttir makes this very much a story about characters whose motives are influenced by sins of the past, and weaves a compelling, many-layered mystery around them. Alma's delving into her own history, in the midst of a murder investigation steeped in shocking family secrets about the elderly siblings, proves to be a great story device when it comes to the themes Guðlaugsdóttir explores too - particularly sexual abuse, guilt, shame, jealousy, legacy, and responsibility.
Christie-esque twists and turns abound, and tenacious Alma drives the story in the role of sleuth. I very much enjoyed being at her side as she ferrets out clues, questions persons of interest under the guise of journalistic intent, and gets to the heart of the matter in a way that reminded my very much of Murder She Wrote by way of dark Icelandic yarn - while the unsettling atmosphere and damaged personalities are authentically Icelandic, Alma certainly has Jessica Fletcher's talent for solving crime and neatly tying up the threads at the conclusion of the book.
At times Guðlaugsdóttir drops in casual references to Alma's own backstory, which make this story feel like it is not the first in the series, so I look forward to more detail here as further books about her appear in English. Alma is a great character, with a quick brain, a firm moral compass, and great compassion. I can see how she how her adventures have spawned such a popular series on her home turf in Iceland, and have no doubt she will win more hearts via Quentin's Bate's excellent translation. More please!
Alma heads to Bjargarlækur where she is immediately suspicious that Brynjólfur has not died a natural death. Brynjólfur and his sisters Klara and Thórdís, who disagreed over his plan to turn their home into a museum, were definitely at odds - not to mention that the family had been caught up in a bitter feud with their tenants Rósa and Thorbjörn. But would any of them stretch to murder?
It is always fascinating to be in at the start of the publication journey of a popular foreign language book series when it appears for the first time in translation, so I was delighted that Corylus books have brought Guðrún Guðlaugsdóttir's work to an English speaking audience for the first time with A Lethal Legacy, featuring her well-loved amateur detective, Alma Jónsdóttir.
The story follows two threads which connect through the very likeable Alma - one in relation to her own family history through a book she has been working on about her grandmother; and the other, a compulsive mystery about distubing happenings at Bjargarlækur.
Guðlaugsdóttir makes this very much a story about characters whose motives are influenced by sins of the past, and weaves a compelling, many-layered mystery around them. Alma's delving into her own history, in the midst of a murder investigation steeped in shocking family secrets about the elderly siblings, proves to be a great story device when it comes to the themes Guðlaugsdóttir explores too - particularly sexual abuse, guilt, shame, jealousy, legacy, and responsibility.
Christie-esque twists and turns abound, and tenacious Alma drives the story in the role of sleuth. I very much enjoyed being at her side as she ferrets out clues, questions persons of interest under the guise of journalistic intent, and gets to the heart of the matter in a way that reminded my very much of Murder She Wrote by way of dark Icelandic yarn - while the unsettling atmosphere and damaged personalities are authentically Icelandic, Alma certainly has Jessica Fletcher's talent for solving crime and neatly tying up the threads at the conclusion of the book.
At times Guðlaugsdóttir drops in casual references to Alma's own backstory, which make this story feel like it is not the first in the series, so I look forward to more detail here as further books about her appear in English. Alma is a great character, with a quick brain, a firm moral compass, and great compassion. I can see how she how her adventures have spawned such a popular series on her home turf in Iceland, and have no doubt she will win more hearts via Quentin's Bate's excellent translation. More please!
September 7, 2025
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this book. I had skimmed over the blurb, but came with a completely open mind, and was rewarded with a story which is steeped in tragedy, family drama and a whole wave of mystery that kept me rapt until the final pages.
This is the story of a family, lost in the past and tied to each other in ways that many people might struggle to understand. There is the brother, Brynjólfur, and sisters Klara and Thórdis, who share ownership of the farm on which they grew up. All are in their later years, supported by a carer, Gunnhildur, who lives with them alongside her young daughter, Una. The siblings ideas on how to manage the farm differ greatly, and with tenants who have their own plans for the homestead, it is an understandably tense environment. When Brynfóldur dies unexpectedly, Gunnhildur calls her mother, journalist and writer, Alma, for assistance, and it is here we join this very sad story.
I like how Guðrún Guðlaugsdóttir has built up this story, exposing the cracks in the siblings relationship, and slowly introducing the main players in the Tory and their own various, sometimes nefarious, motivations. It is clear that this is a family divided, even in their own way of mourning, and that there are many secrets to be uncovered, of the kind that intrigue both Alma, as a journalist, and me as a reader. I was drawn into their story, wanting to learn more about their history and what led to them all living a spinsterly existence in such a remote location.
And the farm is quite remote. Although clearly connected to their community, it feels isolated, the author using the setting, and the atmosphere around the place to reflect the tragedy and sadness that resides within. There is a beat of tension that hides beneath the story, Thórdis in particular seeming to be mired in sadness that it is almost impossible to explain. With the arrival of a stranger property, the tension only builds greater, leaving me wondering how they tie into what is, ultimately, a family tragedy.
I found Alma a fascinating character. Left in the lurch by her daughter to care for the two ailing sisters as they plan for the funeral, her instincts take the lead, alerting her, and us, to the fact that there is more to the story than meets the eye. With strange happenings, unexpected discoveries, and another tragedy on the horizon, the author kept perfect timing and maintains that air of mystery right to the end. With some threats more obvious and overt than others, there are no end of suspects for Brynfóldur’s death - assuming it was ever more than a tragic accident.
As a study in family dynamics, and of how the past can shape the future, this is a really strong novel. The conclusion is fitting, reflecting the real tragedy of this families life and the lies they had concealed. The translation by Quentin Bates seems flawless, capturing all the nuances of mood and tension, and meaning that I get to read such a wonderful novel. I am always in awe of translators for that - thank you Mr Bates.
If you enjoy family dramas, tragedies steeped in mystery, then this could well be for you. Another fabulous Icelandic author I will be keeping on my radar for the future.
September 27, 2025
A Lethal Legacy is the first book by Guðrún Guðlaugsdóttir to be translated and published in English.
The author brings a freelance journalist, Alma, to a more remote part of Iceland where her daughter, Gunnhildur, has been working.
Gunnhildur works as a helper to three elderly siblings – Brynjólfur the brother of Klara and Thórdís – who live on their farm Bjargarlækur. Brynjólfur has died and the two sisters are left bereft and somewhat at odds with each other over what should happen to their home. Gunnhildur feels overwhelmed and a little concerned by Brynjólfur death, was it an overdose of his medication, which she is responsible for dispensing, that caused his death? How will she continue to care for the two sisters, her young daughter and help arrange the funeral? Alma, despite the fact that the new house she and her husband have bought is being renovated by her husband, doesn’t hesitate to come to her daughter’s aid.
Once she arrives at the farm Alma feels something is odd about Brynjólfur’s death. She sets about trying to find out what happened whilst supporting her daughter at the farm.
As Alma snoops around in the farmhouse and goes about her investigation she finds not only the sisters but herself in very dangerous circumstances.
This book delves into some dark history alongside Brynjólfur mysterious death. There are echoes of Miss Marple at play in Alma’s character or, perhaps, Poirot – forthright but with less arrogance, more empathy and plenty of ‘little grey cells’ – but has Alma bitten off more than she can chew?
Alma is a terrific character and the story quietly captures the attention and the heart of the reader as we see what is happening to the sisters, find out more about their lives both in the present and the past. When we ultimately find out what happened a little sadness comes with that knowledge. This is a charming, engrossing and fascinating story
Guðrún Guðlaugsdóttir, through Quentin Bates splendid translation and Corylus Books vision in bringing this book to the English speaking world, has brought this reader a new series that will be too hard to resist. I look forward to reading more of Alma and heartily recommend this book to all.
The author brings a freelance journalist, Alma, to a more remote part of Iceland where her daughter, Gunnhildur, has been working.
Gunnhildur works as a helper to three elderly siblings – Brynjólfur the brother of Klara and Thórdís – who live on their farm Bjargarlækur. Brynjólfur has died and the two sisters are left bereft and somewhat at odds with each other over what should happen to their home. Gunnhildur feels overwhelmed and a little concerned by Brynjólfur death, was it an overdose of his medication, which she is responsible for dispensing, that caused his death? How will she continue to care for the two sisters, her young daughter and help arrange the funeral? Alma, despite the fact that the new house she and her husband have bought is being renovated by her husband, doesn’t hesitate to come to her daughter’s aid.
Once she arrives at the farm Alma feels something is odd about Brynjólfur’s death. She sets about trying to find out what happened whilst supporting her daughter at the farm.
As Alma snoops around in the farmhouse and goes about her investigation she finds not only the sisters but herself in very dangerous circumstances.
This book delves into some dark history alongside Brynjólfur mysterious death. There are echoes of Miss Marple at play in Alma’s character or, perhaps, Poirot – forthright but with less arrogance, more empathy and plenty of ‘little grey cells’ – but has Alma bitten off more than she can chew?
Alma is a terrific character and the story quietly captures the attention and the heart of the reader as we see what is happening to the sisters, find out more about their lives both in the present and the past. When we ultimately find out what happened a little sadness comes with that knowledge. This is a charming, engrossing and fascinating story
Guðrún Guðlaugsdóttir, through Quentin Bates splendid translation and Corylus Books vision in bringing this book to the English speaking world, has brought this reader a new series that will be too hard to resist. I look forward to reading more of Alma and heartily recommend this book to all.
October 21, 2025
My thoughts
I enjoyed the story although it felt a little slow. The amateur sleuth angle was explored very well by the author. I also liked the way the family dynamics seemed honest in the handling. Both the siblings family and that of Alma the sleuth. It had a good feel about portraying family life in an honest way without any sweet varnish. I did guess the whodunnit of this, but I would definitely recommend this book and if you enjoy the cosier side of things this may be up your street.
With thanks to Ewa and the publisher for the advanced reading copy of this interesting read.
I enjoyed the story although it felt a little slow. The amateur sleuth angle was explored very well by the author. I also liked the way the family dynamics seemed honest in the handling. Both the siblings family and that of Alma the sleuth. It had a good feel about portraying family life in an honest way without any sweet varnish. I did guess the whodunnit of this, but I would definitely recommend this book and if you enjoy the cosier side of things this may be up your street.
With thanks to Ewa and the publisher for the advanced reading copy of this interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews