Into Oblivion

Young Inspector Erlendur #3

by Arnaldur Indriðason

In this stunning prequel to his critically acclaimed Inspector Erlendur series, Arnaldur Indridason gives devoted fans a glimpse of Erlendur as a young, budding detective.

The beat on the streets in Reykjavik is busy: traffic accidents, theft, domestic violence, contraband … And an unexplained death.

When a tramp he met regularly on the night shift is found drowned in a ditch, no one seems to care. But his fate haunts Erlendur and drags him inexorably into the strange and dark underworld of the city.

The writer whose work The New York Times describes as "having the sweep and consequence of epic story telling" has outdone himself in this multi-layered and masterful suspense story. His latest book in the series, Strange Shores, was nominated for the 2014 Crime Writers of America Gold Dagger Award.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Nordic Noir, Thriller, Audiobook, Scandinavian Literature

341 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Arnaldur Indriðason has the rare distinction of having won the Nordic Crime Novel Prize two years running. He is also the winner of the highly respected and world famous CWA Gold Dagger Award for the top crime novel of the year in the English language, Silence of the Grave.

Arnaldur’s novels have sold over 14 million copies worldwide, in 40 languages, and have won numerous well-respected prizes and received rave reviews all over the world.

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing prequel showcasing Erlunder, this time not as patrol officer but as an Inspector working with his mentor and partner Marion Breem. Two cases, one of special interest, the unofficial working of an unsolved disappearance of a young girl, twenty years in the past and the second involving the death of an Icelander soon traced back to the Army base.

I loved following how these two cases were solved, the glimpses we are given into Erlunder's character showing how he becomes the man he is in his later career in later novels. We also learn a bit of Iceland's history, their relationship and dislike for the Army base forced on them by their government. Fast paced and a wonderful story.

ARC from publisher

[Heba · Rating 4 out of 5]

رواية بوليسية للمحقق "إرليندور" ..
قوية..ممتعة..ومشوقة ، تختطفك برفقتها لتنهيها بجلسة واحدة...
لقد كانت الرياح عاتية شديدة البرودة...ثمة أنين خافت يمكنك سماعه في هذا الجو الصقيعي الجليدي...كما لو أن عويل الرياح سكت فجأة ليرتطم صوت مكتوم بالأرض...لقد سقط الرجل قتيلاً ...
هذا بموازاة جريمة اختفاء فتاة منذ سنوات طويلة وقد عزم "اليندور" على التحقق بشأنها مجدداً...يبحث وراء سر غموضها والتوصل لحقيقة اختفاء الفتاة...
يثير ذلك لديك عدداً من التساؤلات تكاد لا تتوقف...
ترى كيف تكون لحظة مواجهة الضحية للموت عندئذٍ ؟
كيف لمن كُتِب له النجاة أن يواصل فيما بعد الحياة ؟
ماذا عن الذين ينتظرون عودة الغائب ، كيف يتعايشوا مع الفقد والخسارة ؟
هل الزمن كفيل بالنسيان ، تخفيف ألم ومرارة الفقد ؟
وهل عندما تنحل الخيوط للعقدة المتشابكة لجريمة ما ..ويُكشف عن مرتكبها ..هل هذا يعني احراز نجاحاً ما ؟..
أم أن ذلك أمراً حتمياً...؟...
ولكن اذا فشل المحقق في كشف الجريمة ..لكان مُقصراً ولتوجهت اليه أصابع الخذلان...
حقاً إنها مهمة شاقة..مرهقة لا تأمن عواقبها أبداً....

[Tahani Shihab · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest of the Inspector Erlendur series (in the order of English translation) is another step in tracing Erlendur's development as a young policeman. Here, in 1979, a few years after Reykjavík Nights: Murder in Reykjavík, he is a detective. He is already -- or perhaps better, is still -- the brooding man, seemingly often lonely and alone.

In this episode, the body of a man is found in one of the lagoons outside the city. The condition of the body indicates a fall from a great height. Secondarily, Erlendur has involved himself in a 25 year old cold case; a teenage girl went missing one day while walking to school. He has become somewhat obsessed with finding out what happened to her, especially as he realizes that gradually all who once knew her are dying of illness or age. Soon no one will remember her. Cases of missing people will be a lifelong obsession.

These cases run concurrently in the novel and I enjoyed the playout of each. I particularly liked the way Indriðason drew in contemporaneous historical events to flesh out and explain actions and feelings of his characters. The novel is set during the the hostage crisis in Iran. The United States held large military posts in Iceland which are prominent here. There is at times distrust and sometimes dislike between the Icelandic people and the American military personnel. This military presence (or its remnants or memory) crops up in other books in the series also.

All in all I found this a very satisfying mystery that kept me wondering. I did find myself speculating a bit on outcomes along with Erlendur and his associates but I'm not giving any answers away.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Mosco · Rating 4 out of 5]

a tutti gli Indridasoniani: Marion è femmina*. Almeno, in questo libro. :-D
Sarebbe carino decidersi, no?

Per il resto, niente da segnalare. Il solito giallo alla Indridason (anzi, gialli, sono due che corrono paralleli), i personaggi che sembra di conoscere personalmente da sempre e ai quali siamo tutti affezionati, la solita scrittura scabra, senza fronzoli, diretta; Erlendur alle prime armi ma già segnato dalla vita e propenso più a pensare che ad agire. Non si fa mattina per vedere come va a finire, non ci si rompe la testa per trovare il colpevole, si chiude il libro con un po' di amarezza.
E anche vagamente indignati, a dirla tutta!

PS: ma come cavolo si chiamano luoghi e persone in Islanda? Come si fa a ricordarli? :-D

* Marion non aveva sue notizie da un po’, quando quella mattina aveva ricevuto una busta con francobollo danese. Mittente: la madre di Katrín.
Teneva la lettera in tasca. L’aveva letta e riletta più volte, finché le parole non le si erano incise nella mente.

Ecco fatto ;-)

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erlendur returns for another episode of his pre-quel adventures. Great intro, straight into the story & good to see Marion finally involved who was the older (then retired) detective so oft mentioned in the original series...... I think ive related that correctly..........!

The story is set in 1979 with the American Air Force based in Iceland as part of the cold war & the main mystery revolves around this & as per usual Erlendur does a little “missing persons” detective work in his spare time as he did in the original series & reinvestigates a disappearance from 1953.

Will both come to conclusions?

I enjoyed the first pre-quel & found that this tale is a step again in the right direction & my take is that Indridason has found his mojo again with Erlendur after loosing his way a little in the later stages of his original series.

Very good & recommend for all Nordic Noir fans. 4 stars

[Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first of this prequel series to truly feel like an organic part of the original.

4 Character Revealing Stars

[Bibliovoracious · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it! I know the pattern enough to recognize the moment he mentions the girl that the decades-old cold case is the mystery Erlendur will really go after. It's even referenced in a later book (that was written earlier), because Arnaldur Indriðason rolls like that- writing the Erlendur books out of chronological order - and it's awesome. It means it may not yet be over for Erlendur - perhaps the only fictional character I am over and over again, (inexplicably) madly in love with, as powerfully as any star crush. And yes, it makes no sense, because he's not that "likable" a guy, and I probably couldn't enjoy a meal with him.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen Arnaldur Indridason give one of his rare interviews at Harrogate recently, I can say that his style of writing matches his personality – considered, unrushed and low-key. None of these attributes are a criticism in my opinion as his writing style is typical of the Nordic Noir genre which I love - those who want a fast-paced crime thriller with lots of action, choose another book, but if you like your plot to unwind slowly and surely, as if in real time, then this is for you.

The author cleverly interweaves two unrelated investigations undertaken by Erlendur, one the disappearance of a schoolgirl 29 years earlier, which he has never forgotten, the other a body found in a hot lagoon, which is strongly linked to the nearby American base. The mutual tension between the American service personnel and the Icelanders, who feel invaded by a foreign force they have no jurisdiction over is well-drawn, as the shutters come down when Erlendur and Marion come up against a brick wall when they want to investigate the victim’s connection to the base. Fortunately for them, one person is interested enough in the case to offer help, albeit reluctantly and while putting her job at risk.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My only real gripe with the novel is Marion – there is no indication anywhere as to Marion’s gender and Indridason himself claims not to know either! I like to visualise characters, so I ended up at various points trying to assess Marion’s reactions as a clue to his/her gender. Please, Arnaldur, put us out of our misery in a future novel!

This is the first book I have read by Arnaldur Indridason, and I will definitely read more, although they need to be translated first! His translator, Victoria Cribb, is only keeping up with his current writing, which allows no time for translation of his ‘back catalogue’. Dilemma – should he stop writing and allow his translator to catch up?

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into Oblivion by Arnaldur Indridason.

This was my 8th book in the Inspector Erlendur series. This author is so very talented that his books never become boring or repetitive. The investigation is done slowly and methodically with a relentless passion for truth.

The body of a man is found in the milky white lagoon far removed from the public. His body severely battered appears to have been thrown or fallen from a great height. Marion, Erlendur's mentor, has finally convinced him to accept the promotion as a detective. The work together on this investigation into the identity of their victim and the circumstances leading up to his murder.

Newly appointed Detective Erlendur has a cold case on his mind and in his heart that he just can't shake. It's about the disappearance of a young girl more than 20 years ago. Erlendur methodically goes about uncovering facts that were never brought to light during the original investigation.

This is the only series and character that I can truthfully say has brought me as close to an attachment as I had with Inspector Morse. Beyond excellent.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note to self: Avoid further Erlendur books and maybe try another Wartime Mystery instead. Erlendur books are very, very, very slow with zero wit. Sleepwalking comes to mind. Maybe I highlighted a few halting passages. If so, will make public.
Never mind. Funnily enough, all the highlights I made whilst reading this book are the lively bits!

I guess I have to say this character is just not for me then. Example of something he did in course of one of the investigations: He has been investigating a cold case of missing girl. He manages to gain entry to her house and goes up to her bedroom. He uses a match to check out a little hidden hole under the eaves and could have started a fire. CID detective with no flashlight, that's Erlendur. He does recover diary pages and this does lead to solution. Well...no spoilers for others. But he could have just as easily burned that house down. And...I don't believe it is meant to be a comedy. Dumb and Dumber?

This time up was a murdered mechanic plus Erlendur's hobby of finding the missing.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

With an upcoming trip to Iceland in the works, I wanted to tick off two boxes: a better understanding of the country and some crime thrillers to entertain me. I found this series by Arnaldur Indriðason, which has me even more excited. In the English translation’s eleventh and final novel, newly-minted Detective Erlendur Sveinsson has joined the Reykjavik Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Division. Working the case of a man found in the Blue Lagoon, Erlendur cannot help but wonder if the man fell from a great distance. It appears as though an American military base could hold all the answers, but no one wants to talk, as the Cold War is still tense in 1979. Erlendur pushes for truths to solve this crime, to impress his new boss, Marian Briem. Arnaldur Indriðason delivers another strong story in what appears to be the series finale.

Erlendur Sveinsson is new to the Criminal Investigation Division, having been a standout officer within the Reykjavik Police Force. It's 1979 and Erlendur is already divorced, working for one of the more controversial detectives in CID, Marion Briem. The body of a man is found in the Blue Lagoon, not yet a sensational tourist attraction. When Erlendur arrives on the scene, he can tell the man fell from a great height, but no one seems to know much of anything. Erlendur has a knack for getting intel out of people, so he begins asking questions.
When clues point to the victim potentially falling from an aircraft, Erlendur explores an American military base that could hold all the answers. Local officials are mum about knowing the victim or what they might have done, worried more about their own safety at the climax of the Cold War. Erlendur feels that there is more than anyone is saying, finding that the victim might have been cuckolding a soldier's wife. This could surely be a motive for murder.

Seeking to find answers and impress Marion Briem, Erlendur shows his investigative skills by pushing the envelop a little more. He refuses to stand down and seeks to eke out answers to ensure the victim is not lost in the shuffle. He brings every one of his abilities to this case, hoping to make an impact on CID and to find his niche in the Reykjavik Police. It's a stunning case that is sure to be one Erlendur will remember for years. Indriðason impresses once more with this flashback novel that appears to be a series finale.

Arnaldur Indriðason has been someone whose books I wanted to read, but it is only now, with tickets to Reykjavík purchased, that I chose to take the plunge. I love Scandinavian noir thrillers, in which I would label this book. The book explores a younger Erlendur and his move from the beat to a new detective. The narrative sets the framework for a young and focused Erlendur, who remains interested in solving crimes without the anchor of stress and drama. The characters in the book provide another great foundation for the series, as did the previous piece. They shape the Erlendur Sveinsson series fans have come to know over the last dozen novels. Plot points provide twists to keep the story sharp and can easily ensure the reader devours all that is on offer. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and am ready to see if some of the locales mentioned in this collection will make their way onto my itinerary in the coming months.

Kudos, Mr. Indriðason, for a stunning series that captivated me.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Steve Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Iceland, a woman swimming in the steaming waters of a remote lagoon comes across a floating body. Is there a connection to a nearby American base? Detective Erlendur Sveinsson investigates this, as well as a separate cold case involving a missing girl.

I love the atmosphere in Arnaldur Indridason’s works. This is possibly my favourite. Both stories grip and move along at a good old pace. There’s lots of character conflict to draw you in, and Indridason always likes to give relevant history and comment on his home country. The only minor issue is one that I’ve had with others in this series - that the endings don’t always satisfy. I’ll give no details of course and just say that the cold case ends satisfyingly enough, but the floating body case finishes oddly in that we discover that the American police (from the base) have been carrying out their own investigations and have finished and arrested the guilty party. Unless I’ve missed something, it just seems to make the investigation by the Icelandic police that we’ve been following, and investing our time in, seem all a bit superfluous.

Don’t let my little criticism put you off. Arnaldur Indridason is a fine crime writer, and for me, this is one of his best.

[Alan (the Lone Librarian on semi-hiatus)) Teder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young Erlendur in the Icelandic CID
Review of the Random House audiobook* (2015) narrated by Seán Barrett & translated by Victoria Cribb from the Icelandic language original Kamp Knox (2014)

* Not to be confused with the Recorded Books audiobook (2016) narrated by George Guidall as Into Oblivion which is the same book under a slightly different title.

[3.5]
This continues my catch-up of the final Inspector Erlendurs which are actually prequels from a Young Erlendur (2011-14) series. Oblivion takes place a few years after Reykjavik Nights and finds Erlendur now a part of the Icelandic CID during the mid-1970s Cold War era (he was a traffic cop previously) and working with senior detective Marion Breim. He is already divorced from the marriage which was hinted at in the previous book and is continuing his obsession with the cold cases of people who disappeared.

The current main case though is the investigation of a dead Icelander whose body is found in a thermal spring but whose fatal injuries can only have been caused by a fall from a great height. Clues lead back to the U.S. military installation at Camp Knox but the detectives find themselves stone-walled until someone in the U.S. military police reluctantly decides to help them behind the scenes. Meanwhile, on his own time, Erlendur is investigating a 25 year old case of a teenage girl who disappeared. This case also has a connection to Camp Knox as the girl and her friends were using their contacts with U.S. soldiers to obtain black market items such as American pop records and jeans, otherwise unavailable to Icelanders back in the day.


Huts at Camp Knox, Iceland (Undated photo). This photograph is presumably from the time when Iceland had bought out the WWII era US Army huts to use for low income housing. Image sourced from Afangar.

Despite the rather apocalyptic titles used for the different English translation editions, and the atmospheric cover photo used for this Oblivion edition, this is a mostly standard police procedural which consists of re-interviewing the same witnesses over and over again, until something or someone finally cracks. There is a noirish Cold War era subplot which the detectives are mostly prevented from following up on due to the US authorities.

The narration by Seán Barrett was excellent in all voices.

Other Reviews
Into Oblivion by Mary Whipple at Seeing the World Through Books, March 20, 2017.
Into Oblivion at Kirkus Reviews, December 8, 2015.

Trivia and Links
You can read more about translator Victoria Cribb at The Loneliness of the Icelandic Translator, Publishing Perspectives, January 6, 2012 and at One of These Eccentrics Who Came to Iceland and Fell in Love with the Language, Icelandic Literature Centre, October 30, 2018.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a throw back episode to 1979. Erlendur is a young detective, just promoted and partnered with Marion. There are two separate investigations he is focused upon during this novel. And for me, that's the prime reason for the 3 star. Because just like in this instant, I become interested in one thread far more than the other and seem to be taken "out of" that progression repeatedly by the switching back and forth. Very much dislike this short chapter, constant switching.

It's the usual slow pace of Iceland police work and one is a 26 year old cold case. And ONCE again the principles of each investigation are literally family-less or the last person standing, mostly reclusive singular entities. Do people in Iceland ever have a considerable nuclear or extended family beyond 4 or 5 related individuals? Or stay connected to their children at all when grown? After reading many of these, you begin to wonder.

And I may be wrong, but this really BUGS me. When authors from other countries have no idea about our own USA Armed Forces (by structure or method)and when that fact becomes revealed within the copy. Just like in this novel. Perhaps in this one it was the translator that was so far off. Indrioason has the female officer saying she joined the Marines with her ex. And then in the copy of long text she is in the Army presently and prior to other assignments. And there are also Rangers in her unit. HUH! I know a Marine who would SERIOUSLY regret these categorizations and loudly.

Well, the plot was slow and procedural. If you like high action, this is not the Erlendur to pick. There is about 4 pages of intrigue with physical action just at the end. And it comes rather after fact, because you know Erlendur has survived for decades beyond this.

Not my favorite Indrioason. And he doesn't do the Yanks in this one well either, IMHO.

Overall, the best parts were at the beginning. I LOVED the woman in the hot steam lava pools trying to aid her skin condition. That entire part was creepy good.

[Dimitris Passas (TapTheLine) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Είναι το δεύτερο prequel της σειράς βιβλίων του επιθεωρητή Έρλεντουρ (το πρώτο ήταν το ''Reykjavik Nights'') και σε αυτό ο αγαπημένος μας ισλανδός ντετέκτιβ είναι μεγαλύτερος σε ηλικία και προσφάτως χωρισμένος από την γυναίκα του. Παρουσιάζει μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον ότι βλέπουμε την συνεργασία του Έρλεντουρ με τον Μάριον Μπρίμ, ένα πρόσωπο που παρότι το συναντάμε σε αρκετά βιβλία της συγκεκριμένης σειράς παραμένει ανοίκειο, καθώς ο Indridason τον χρησιμοποιούσε ελάχιστα ως ''μέντορα'' του, ώριμου πια, Έρλεντουρ. Παράλληλα, εξαιτίας του κεντρικού αφηγηματικού νήματος μαθαίνουμε αρκετά για την ταραχώδη συνύπαρξη Ισλανδών και Αμερικανών όταν οι τελευταίοι διατηρούσαν μια σημαντική, αριθμητικά, μονάδα στην πόλη του Κέπλαβικ. Η εν λόγω στρατιωτική βάση υπήρχε μέχρι και το τέλος του ψυχρού πολέμου, αφού οι Αμερικάνοι πίστευαν ότι εξαιτίας της γεωγραφικής της θέσης, η Ισλανδία θα μπορούσε να παρέχει μια ευκολότερη πύλη εισόδου στην Ε.Σ.Σ.Δ. μέσω της Σιβηρίας, η οποία ήταν αρκετά πιο ανυπεράσπι��τη σε σχέση με άλλα πιθανά σημεία εισόδου στο ενδεχόμενο μιας στρατιωτικής διένεξης. Ο Indridason έχει αποδείξει ότι ξέρει να γράφει απλά και καλά, υιοθετώντας μια πρόζα χωρίς πολλούς καλλωπισμούς που εξυπηρετεί τόσο την εξέλιξη της πλοκής όσο και τη σκιαγράφηση των χαρακτήρων του.

[Novella Semplici · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un buon poliziesco, con due storie intrecciate. L'ho letto senza aver affrontato altri libri con questo protagonista e senza seguire l'ordine cronologico, ma mi è piaciuto. L'ambientazione in Islanda è affascinante. Siamo negli anni '70 ma uno dei casi risale a un epispdio criminale di 25 anni prima. L'Islanda deve vedersela con le basi militari americane, col contrabbando, con il razzismo reciproco. Non è macabro, non ha contenuti spicy o romance, è scritto in modo scarno ma efficace, senza mettere troppe parole in bocca ai personaggi. Sto diventando verista in vecchiaia? Non è il primo libro nordico che mi affascina per lo stile chirurgico e pulito. Magari non sarà un capolavoro, ma c'è veramente molto di peggio sul mercato nel suo genere. Certo non c'è atmosfera da thrilling, sono pochi i momenti di tensione. Ma per me amante dei gialli classici all'inglese è comunque promosso anche senza contenuti pruriginosi o schifidi. Stile Maigret o Agatha Christie.

[Delfi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad Erlendur

Un giallo che appartiene al passato giovanile di Erlendur, quando muoveva i primi passi nella polizia investigativa; ma qui in Italia è stato pubblicato nel 2016, dopo che abbiamo conosciuto il protagonista ormai in età avanzata e affermato commissario.
Per me una conferma di quanto Erlendur e le atmosfere dell'Islanda abbiano fatto presa su di me: una trama piuttosto lineare, un buon intreccio, un finale che tutto sommato non stupisce, il mio giudizio in sintesi.
Se dovessi basarmi soltanto su questi elementi, pure essenziali in un giallo, dovrei inserire il libro nella categoria delle letture dignitose, ma non imperdibili.
Quello che però, a mio avviso, fa la differenza, è il carattere del protagonista, il suo senso di giustizia e la voglia di renderla a chi ne è ancora assetato. Chi meglio di lui può capire il rimpianto, il dubbio e le domande senza risposta: "Avrei potuto fare qualcosa? Avrei potuto indirizzare il destino su altre strade?" Quella voglia di capire, spiegare, anima lo stesso Erlendur, che sente il bisogno, non potendo fare altro, di dare almeno un "perché" e un "come".
Qualche volta il perché è inconsistente, leggero come il caso, capace però di mutare in modo irresolubile la vita di qualcuno, di chi non torna e di chi resta.
E' questa malinconia, che permane nonostante il caso sia chiuso, la cifra più importante dei gialli di Indridason e della personalità di Erlendur. Spiegare non allevia la pena, serve solo a far "quadrare i conti". Ma la vita non è mai un calcolo perfetto.

[Carlo Hublet · Rating 5 out of 5]

La 2e enquête d'Erlendur, longtemps avant les suivantes. En rien dérangeante, cette chronologie bouleversée. Shéma habituel: deux enquêtes totalement différentes (il y en a parfois trois). Recherche de vérité dans la disparition d'une jeune fille sage et tranquille 25 ans plus tôt. Occasion de planter le décor d'un quartier miséreux de l'après-guerre, dans des anciens baraquements de l'armée américaine d'occupation.
Point commun avec l'enquête parallèle du moment: l'armée américaine , encore elle, et ses hangars à avions cargos. Théâtre d'un crime pour cause d'espionnage ou simplement sordide histoire de jalousie? Suspense. Deux personnages importants et complexes en plus de Erlendur: la commissaire solitaire Marion Briem et la flique militaire américaine Caroline, fort atta chante.
Toujours une part de la véritable histoire dans les romans d'Indridason, ici la controverse qui a secoué l'Islande pendant des années: pour ou contre cette présence américaine forcée.
Très complexe mais décortiqué avec simplicité, précision et rythme.

[Carol - Reading Writing and Riesling · Rating 5 out of 5]

My View:
This is the thirteenth book in the Inspector Erlendur series and it serves a couple of purposes; it is tale of two mysteries that help provide a little more insight into the reasoning/passions of the main protagonist Detective Erlendur and we discover a little more about the harsh environment that this series is set in, some of the politics and history of the Iceland.

As with all the books in this series you will not find gore and violence in forensic detail or tension and pace that will leave you exhausted, instead you get a well written narrative that is character driven and relies on thorough police investigations to solve the crimes – the old school way – speaking to witnesses, reviewing reports…making connections. A great read. I love all of the books in this series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was this a great crime mystery/suspense, but I learned a lot about Iceland. I for sure will not partake in the skate dish they serve there. I read this book again for a 2nd time since my mind was slightly elsewhere the first time and after reading: I wanted to read it again since I wanted to get to know the inspector from an earlier perspective before he ended up going up on the mountain in "Strange Shores leaving us wondering on a cliff as to what was his end?

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great read; wonderfully told as the author slowly unfolds his stories concerning the discovery of an unknown body and Erlendur's on-going fascination and interest in missing persons and strange events.
Set in and around Reykjavik and the USA base at Kevlavik in the early career of Erlendur and therefore pre-dates Jar City and the wonderful tales many will have read.
I have read them all and therefore these earlier set books are very interesting and build on that character I have enjoyed for years.
So here is a novel set at an historical period of time; the Cold War is still a factor and the continued American presence is not universally welcomed by all Icelanders; indeed as shown in the main story here, the base is treated as a little piece of America where the Icelandic police are severly restricted investigating the crime of the murder of an Icelander.
Meanwhile, the new detective is being mentored by Marion Briem and he gives Erlander full reign to take one last look at the case of a young woman who disappeared years before. In this parallel investigation we see the young detective honing his skills but also gain an insight to earlier times in Iceland and more about its people that have forged a living for themselves on this barren island that many of the USA personnel based there have always regarded as a dire posting.
So great insights into people and life in general, a demonstration of excellent police work based on asking questions and not being afraid to follow them up .
Above all it shows the humanity of the police through the pre-occupations of Erlander; his loniless and regrets in his own life which ultimately perhaps makes him the classic character he is, and certainly reflects that Arnaldur Indriðason is a great writer.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed nearly all of the tales in the Inspector Erlendur series, and this was no exception. The mystery to be solved is usually good, and it's always interesting to me to learn more about Icelandic culture. In this case, it was enjoyable to get more of a peek into who Erlendur was when he was younger and newer in his profession. It was also interesting to read about the American Army's occupation in Iceland and how both the Americans and Icelanders viewed the situation and each other.
Giving this one a thumbs-up.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story lines with the usual measured pace of detection and discovery. Surprising history of U.S. military relations with Iceland is revealed. Good to get this early look at Erlendur as a detective.

[Anneloes van Erk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heel ff dacht ik dat de hoofdpersoon dood ging, was gelukkig niet zo. Leuk detective boek van Arnaldur zoals gewend.

[Justus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man bekommt beim lesen fast das Gefühl in Island zu sein auch wenn die Story nicht ganz so spannend wie andere Krimis ist. 3,5 Sterne

[Berit Lundqvist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars, rounded up.

It’s 1979. Five years have passed since we met Erlendur in Reykjavík Nights: Murder in Reykjavík. His life has changed in a number of aspects. He has gone through an ugly divorce from his wife Halldora, and isn’t allowed to see his children anymore. At work, things are going better as he has finally joined the crime squad.

A body is found in a remote pond out in the lava fields near the American Naval Air Station in Keflavík. The body seems to be connected to the base, but the Americans aren’t interested in any co-operating with the Icelandic police. Erlendur and his mentor Maríon have to use unorthodox methods to get information.

At the same time Erlendur can’t stop thinking about an 18 year schoolgirl who disappeared more than 25 years ago.

Into Oblivion is a rather political book compared to the other books in the series. Arnaldur decribes the opposition against the foreign presence, and there’s quite a lot of American bashing.

The mysterious Maríon also steps out from the shadows. However, we still not get to know if Maríon is a man or a woman. Maríon Briem is a totally gender neutral name, which is really rare in Iceland because of the patronymic last names. I’m so impressed how Arnaldur has succeded to keep this secret throughout the whole series. It must be hard to construct the sentences in a neutral way, without losing the rythm of the language. I wonder if it works in all translations? Personally, I hope Maríon is a woman, but it doesn’t really matter.

Fun facts:

All Icelandic names have to be approved of and meet certain criteria. There are 4,734 approved first names. Berit is one of them. Yay! I don’t have to change my name if I ever move to Iceland.

Erlendur means foreigner. 214 men on Iceland are called Erlendur as their first name or as an additional first name.

Maríon is approved for both men and women. One Icelandic woman has Maríon as her first name, and another has it as her additional first name. No Icelandic man is called Maríon.

John Wayne’s original name was Marion Morrison.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, welcome back Erlendur, and his creator Arnaldur. This, like 'Reykjavik Nights', was quite a straightforward story with less of the sorrow that one has found in some recent works in the series, especially the profoundly tragic and moving "Strange Shores". I have learned to trust Arnaldur completely in his historical references, so this book gives us an excellent insight into Iceland in 1978. We are shown the attitudes to the NATO base at Keflavik (the left solidly against, some of the right and local entrepreneurs in favour), the transformation of Icelandic society and so on. I even found out that my favourite swimming pool in West Reykjavik was built on the site of the old Kamp Knox!
There are two cases here. The first is an investigation into the murder of an Icelandic tradesman at the NATO base, led by Marion Briem, assisted by his protegee Erlendur and an African American military police officer called Caroline, and the second is Erlendur's attempts to solve a cold case involving the disappearance of a young female student. Erlendur's dogged determination is as prominent as always, and we see the genesis of the guilt and sorrow that will increasingly beset the older Erlendur. There is one poignant episode where he covertly observes his 5 year old daughter playing, largely alone, in the playground. As it has been three years since he abandoned his family, she would no longer recognise him.
This is a fine book, but in my opinion, it is better not to start with this one, but to read the series in order, beginning with 'Jar City'.

[Ed · Rating 2 out of 5]

Young detective Erlendur investigate two crimes; a cold case involving the disappearance of a girl on her way to school 25 years earlier and a murdered body found in a lava field. Erlendur becomes obsessed with his off the books investigation of the missing girl while the murder victim is traced back to his place of employment, the (US) NAS Keflavik, Iceland. Unfortunately, the authors complete confusion regarding American military structure staggers the imagination and totally jumps the shark. NAS stands for Naval Air Station so there won't be many soldiers there and repeated references to the US Army miss the mark. I can suspend disbelieve all day but when a major area of novel continually makes factual mistake after mistake, I can't blame the translator. Marines are not soldiers and are not members of the US Army. I would have expected sharper editing before publication in what otherwise has been an outstanding crime fiction series.

[Alessia Scurati · Rating 3 out of 5]

Io ed Erlendur stiamo per lasciarci. Nel senso che poi mi manca Sotto la città e avrò finito con le letture con questo protagonista. Vogliamo chiamarla serie? Non so.
Tutto quello che avevo da dire, probabilmente è già stato detto quando ho scritto giudizi sugli altri romanzi. In fondo quando sei immerso nella lettura di un autore che si diletta con lo stesso protagonista da tanto tempo, sai già cosa ti puoi aspettare.
Un giallo solido senza troppi scossoni, più interessante nella parte relativa all’indagine del cold case che porta avanti il giovane Erldendur che per quello che riguarda il caso principale e le vicende che coinvolgono Marion Brem.
Non posso dire che il libro non mi sia piaciuto, anzi.
Però ormai non mi entusiasmo più.
È giusto sapere anche quando è il tempo di leggere altro. Penso per me sia arrivato. Comunque grazie di tutte le ore passate insieme.