Cold Breath

Officer Gunnhildur #6

by Quentin Bates

'Superior crime fiction set in Iceland' The Times'As chilling as an Icelandic winter' S. J. BoltonHidden away in a secure house outside Reykjavík, Detective Gunna and a high-profile stranger, a guest of the interiors minister, are thrown together - too close for comfort.They soon find they are neither as safe nor as carefully hidden as Gunna and her boss had thought. Conflicting glimpses of the man's past start to emerge as the press begin to sniff him out, as does another group with their own reasons for locating him.Gunna struggles to come to terms with protecting the life of a man who may have the lives of many on his conscience - or indeed may be the philanthropist he claims to be.Isolated together, the friction grows between Gunna and the foreign visitor, and she realises they are out of their depth as the trails lead from the house outside Reykjavík to Brussels, Russia and the Middle East.The sixth dark and atmospheric thriller in Quentin Bates's Icelandic crime series. A chilling page-turner perfect for fans of Jo Nesbo, Henning Mankell and Søren Sveistrup's The Chestnut Man.Praise for Quentin 'A great read - leaves you craving the next installment' Yrsa Sigurðardóttir'A perfect book to curl up with in front of the fire' The Bookbag'Well written and absorbing' Woman's Way'Captures the chilly spirit of Nordic crime fiction . . . Fans of Arnaldur Indridason's Reykjavík mysteries will want to add Bates to their reading lists' Booklist'[A] crackling fiction debut ... palpable authenticity' Publishers Weekly'A superb new series' Eurocrime

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Nordic Noir

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2018

Reviews

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold Breath is the seventh novel in the fantastic detective Gunnhildur Gísladóttor series, set in the cold and vast expanse of Reykjavík, Iceland. A highly controversial and disliked human rights advocate has been invited to stay in Iceland by the countries Interior Minster but he will need the necessary protection. Gunna has been chosen as his close protection officer and is not too pleased to have to take time off from her police duties to keep this guy safe. As conflicting information slowly emerges about the high-profile visitor, the more likely the possibility of someone wishing to harm him. So, is he the harmless philanthropist he claims to be, or does he actually have blood on his hands?

As with all Quentin Bates books, the writing is solid and the story one that grips you from the first few pages right through to the explosive conclusion. This is an authentic and atmospheric addition to the series, with exciting characters and an ambiguous villain named Ali Osman who has had his fingers in all the pies! Told in third-person narrative from several different perspectives, it keeps you on your toes for the duration. As the POV changes frequently your concentration and attention is required to keep up with it all. Intelligently written, with wonderfully descriptive prose and a protagonist, Gunna, whose conscience is pricked by the possibility that she could be protecting the life of a man who's done some genuinely evil things. So, not only is she a strong, tenacious woman, but she also has a finely tuned moral compass. I look forward to seeing more from her in future books.

Many thanks to Constable for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

As well as being an accomplished translator of Scandinavian crime, Quentin Bates is also more than a bit nifty at this crime writing lark too! I am a staunch admirer of his Gunnhildur series, and, pardon the pun, Cold Breath once again proves to be a (cold) breath of fresh air…
I think where Bates excels is in his central character of Gunna Gunnhildur herself, and the different facets he reveals to her character with each book. Although most of the series to date have dwelt to a larger or lesser extent on her private life, and that of her sometimes wayward offspring, this book puts her firmly centre stage. Bates places her in an isolated position, where her conduits for conversation are either with the man she is tasked with protecting, or her police colleagues, shifting the focus of the book entirely onto how she copes with this new assignment. Suffice to say she proves herself more than up to the task, and with her refresher firearms training, a limited supply of clean underwear, and a steely determination she throws herself into this tricky assignment with a sense of purpose, determination and her customary dry humour. Fending off those who would seek to harm her slippery protectee, and avoiding the equally slippery advances of said protectee, Gunnhildur finds herself involved in a tangled and disturbing global conspiracy, forcing her into a situation that calls on all her training and level headedness.
I thought this was a sophisticated and perfectly paced conspiracy thriller, touching on some large and controversial themes, with an even handed and focussed approach. Certain aspects of the conspiracy were very concerning, particularly in relation to the European migration issues, and the way that not all those involved in the charitable aspect of rescue and assimilation may be all that they seem. I enjoyed the political hornet’s nest that Osman’s, the erstwhile philanthropist, sojourn to Iceland stirs up, and the controversial fleeting visit of a gauche right wing American, in addition to the central plot itself. There is a real sense of evasion and coercion throughout, and with four murders in close succession, Gunnhildur and her colleagues find themselves in a fraught and frustrating investigation, stretching from the lowlife of Reykjavik to the harbingers of power.
Once again, Bates has produced a really enjoyable, and compelling read packed to the brim with energy, suspense, violence and humour, powered by his own knowledge of and perspective on Iceland. This really is a superb series, and if you haven’t dipped your toe as yet, I would highly recommend them. Gunnhildur is great!

[Rowena Hoseason · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ideal introduction to this series; immensely readable and stylishly constructed from multiple viewpoints.

Gunna is the policewoman at the core of the story; there's an investigative journalist who’s off his meds; the political apparatchik seeking to spin every story; the investigative team trying to resolve a false confession, and a compact team of contract killers. Their storylines converge around the central figure: a high-profile but politically dubious visitor whom Gunnhilda must protect.

The narrative blends the best aspects of a page-turning, high-stakes, global conspiracy thriller with the down-to-earth, painstaking procedures of a realistic police investigation to produce a thoroughly satisfying yet unpredictable picture.

Officer Gunna is a robustly constructed character with a complex personal life but hers is a stable situation which provides an emotional anchorage during the events of the story. It’s integral to her, but incidental to the tale. And what an intriguing tale this is…

…mainly because the other characters are similarly solid and intellectually engaging. Even the most incidental individual comes complete with a convincing back story and the appropriate motivation to make their actions believable.

And, as usual, Bates imbues his bad guys with sufficient charisma that you can’t help enjoying the time spent in their company… while the person who everyone is protecting turns out to be so morally ambiguous that your skin crawls while he schmoozes with lecherous intent.

This is easily my favourite Officer Gunna story so far, which bodes well for the next one. It’s a cliché, but for once this is accurate: this series truly does get better with every new book.
9/10

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an advance copy of Cold Breath, the seventh novel to feature Icelandic detective Gunnhildur Gísladóttor.

Gunna is tapped by her boss for a top secret close protection job on a controversial human rights advocate invited to stay in Iceland by the Interior Minister.

I enjoyed Cold Breath as I like spending time with the no-nonsense, eminently sensible Gunna. I am, however, struggling with my views on the novel itself. Firstly I will say that it seems extremely realistic and mostly believable in its portrayal of events. This does mean that in some ways it's rather nebulous and open to interpretation as is real life but I prefer straightforward information I can sink my teeth into. It is told in a third person narrative from several points of view, notably Gunna, journalist Skúli, tourists Carsten and Hanna and Ana who is up to no good. The point of view changes on a regular basis so a certain amount of concentration is required to keep up and try to work out how they fit in.

The novel is centred on the character of Ali Osman (if that's his name) and his agenda. Nobody, including the Security Services, is sure of anything about him. He offers Gunna an explanation towards the end of the novel but I still don't know if I believe him. This is the crux of the novel - it's a frustrating read with few establishable facts about him and yet utterly fascinating in the reactions he provokes. I love Skúli's investigation and Gunna's unease at the clandestine nature of the operation and solutions when things don't go according to plan.

Cold Breath is an extremely clever novel with plenty of pointed, accurate depictions of characters and scenarios so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.

[P.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Cold Breath' kept me reading well into the night of New Year's Eve with its breathtaking suspense and unexpected ending. I have loved the 'Officer Gunnhildur' series, set so beautifully by the author in the achingly cold Icelandic landscape.

In this sixth book of the series*, Gunna is challenged in ways we haven't seen before, and must draw on all her strength and determination to carry out the dangerous job of 'minding' a foreign visitor and guest of a senior government minister. Needless to say the foreigner brings with him a conflicted past with any number of enemies, making him and those around him targets. The plot is carefully managed by this most capable author, who juggles the focus and building tension between groups of characters with ease.

Five stars well deserved. I'm bereft now I've reached the end! Would I read it again? Definitely.

*Sixth or seventh? It depends if you count the novellas as part of the series...

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted to be approached to take part in the blog tour for Cold Breath by Quentin Bates. I was familiar with Bates due to his work translating for Orenda Books and I had been meaning to check out his own books. This gave me the perfect excuse.

Cold Breath is the seventh in the Gunnhildur Mystery Books but this was my first and it works really well as a standalone. I had no problems following the story, getting to know the characters and I didn’t feel as though as I was missing anything in backstory.

Police officer Gunnhildur is taken off normal police duty and appointed to protect a politician’s guest during his stay in Iceland. It soon becomes clear that the guest may not be all that he seems and conceals a shadowy side.

The pace from the outset is relentless and Cold Breath hurtles along, keeping the reader completely on their toes. Bates has ensured that every chapter is packed with either action or intrigue. Each chapter flips from one character storyline to another and while I would normally struggle to keep up, there is something about Bates’ execution of the book that makes it easy to follow. You are never too far away from any of the characters due to punchy paragraphs which make it easy and enjoyable to follow.

The characterisation is great and despite being unfamiliar with Gunnhildur, it didn’t take me long to get the feel of her and like her. Gunnhildur really goes through the mill in Cold Breath and I am eager to read the next book to ascertain how she moves on from it. I adored her and reporter Skúli.

Cold Breath is tightly plotted and combines crime, murder and political intrigue. I liked the way it explored how your job can have you questioning your morals and values, as Gunnhildur wonders if the man she is being paid to protect is worth protecting given as the truth about him and his actions are brought to life.

A great action-packed novel set against the fantastic backdrop of Iceland, I thoroughly enjoyed Cold Breath. Bates’ writing is superb and I am so glad I got to check out his work. A great addition to the book shelf of any crime fiction lover.

[Maria T. Weinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Icelandic mystery

So glad to see Gunnhildur and Ivar with the rest of their gang working a mystery. Plant of excitement with murders as an add on. Great book I had a hard time putting it down until I finished it.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Thrilling

This has been the best of the series, so far. I was captivated at each step. I enjoyed reading about Gunna and not Gunna and her family who soak up so much of the drama from her. Great reading!

[Mary Picken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Officer Gunnhildur Gísladóttor is taken right out of her comfort zone in the latest novel by her creator, Quentin Bates. An officer in the Reykjavik Serious Crime Unit, Gunna is taken aside by her boss and asked to take on some hush hush security work. In a novel packed full of politics, the refugee crisis, arms sales and dodgy charitable doings, Gunna finds herself packing a Glock under her arm and babysitting a somewhat dodgy character who is visiting Iceland as a guest of the Government Minister for the Interior.

At least, some people think he’s dodgy and certainly Gunna reckons he is morally if not criminally, suspect. A trio of journalists across Europe are trying to track down the rumours that connect this head of a philanthropic organisation and self-styled human rights activist to a right wing group and to arms sales.

Now he and Gunna are living cheek by jowl in a remote bungalow and the more Gunna sees of this man, the less she likes him. Gunna’s not the only one with suspicions about the visitor. Someone is out to kill him and assassins are already on his trail.

In a multi-layered plot full of political intrigue, Bates weaves a tight story arc piecing together information from the journalists, international police operatives and others until it is clear that nothing is as straightforward as it seems, except that the political waters have never been muddier and more than one individual will die before the first night is out.

Cold Breath works well as a stand-alone and as you’d expect, the Icelandic backdrop is a thing of beauty in its own right. I loved Gunna’s trip to the island and the fabulous descriptions of the shops, baking and rural fishing life that it conveys, in contrast to the smooth efficiency of the Government machine in Reykjavík. The cold seeps through the reader’s bones, especially out in the water, and the remote setting for the bungalow adds to the sense of isolation that Gunna feels.

Gunna is a great protagonist. Cautious, always thinking of her family and looking out for her colleagues, she is ready to put herself in danger to save a man she doesn’t particularly like and whose motives she distrusts. As she grows to know more about him, her impressions will shift a little, but nothing will keep her from doing her job as well as she can, even when it’s clear there are precious few people she can trust.

Told in the third person and from a number of perspectives, Cold Breath is a chilling, well told thriller with more than a thread of contemporary politics to keep the reader engrossed. Another fabulous addition to the Icelandic Noir canon.

Verdict: A chilling, well told thriller with more than a thread of contemporary politics to keep the reader engrossed.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given the way my year has gone, it probably won't come as a complete surprise if I tell you that this is the first book I have read in the Gunnhildur series. I'm kind of kicking myself now as I can see what I've been missing, but at least I have the still have benefit, and joy, of catching up on what I've missed.

In this outing for Detective Gunnhildur Gisladóttir we see her taken from her normal duties and attached to a private protection team, tasked with personal security for a guest of the Interior Minister, a high profile figure whose reputation is not necessarily without controversy. Tracked down by journalists, who are keen to get a scoop on the visitor and their link to one of Iceland's most prominent politicians, the anonymity that Gunna and the team had hoped for is in short supply. And with an apparent price on the man's head too, it's not long before Gunna finds herself in the firing line. Set against a backdrop of racial and political disharmony, this is a book which is part mystery, part action novel, and a totally engrossing read.

I loved the way in which the author paints the landscape in which the book is set. Not just the big city lights of Reykjavik, but the grand splendor of the country estate in which Gunna and her charge hole up. You get a real sense of place, the language used creating such clear imagery that it almost seemed like I was there, I could feel the chill on my shoulders, not just because of the climate but because of the underlying sense of menace that feeds throughout the story.

I found the characters fascinating. I certainly want to read more about Gunnhildur as she seemed to be a great character with a big story to tell. I like her steel, her determination, and her commitment to both her job and her family. If you have read the Reykjavik Noir series by Lilja Sigurdardottir then there will be one or two familiar names that crop up too. They definitely made me smile. As for the person Gunna is charged with protecting, Ali Osman, he is equal parts charm and sleaze, and it is hard to know quite how to feel about him. He is an unknown. Just when you think you understand him, there is a new action or revelation that makes you rethink. And speaking of revelations, there is one big reveal, a character who is a completely refreshing break from the norm, that I really appreciated. I say that because I'm not sure that like is a term I would want to apply to a cold blooded assassin, but I like that the author dispensed with the expected when it came to creating his nemesis for this book.

Having read a few Icelandic novels now, I really did get that flavour of the culture and the pace of life coming through in the book, as well as the reference to the changing face of politics within the country. It felt authentic, matching the pace of the story. Although there are some very dramatic moments, you shouldn't expect high octane action - it just won't happen in Iceland. The story wasn't without it's moments of jeopardy and the close calls, but it is a different kind of violence that matches a different kind of culture.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read, loving the change of pace whilst still keeping the tension and intrigue alive. Definitely recommended and I'm looking forward to going back over the previous books now.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The very welcome return of Gunnhildur, a strong and likeable character who avoids the usual detective cliches - she is reasonably happy although her life has not always been easy, and she has a sense of humour. This story is rather different from the others, as she is given a special assignment which isolates her from both her home and her usual police team, when she is sent as close protection for a mysterious visitor to Iceland, who is there at the invitation of a government minister but who may not be what he seems. This develops into an intriguing thriller which touches on international issues, Icelandic political life and intrigue, and danger as despite all precautions the visitor's whereabouts appear to have become known to his enemies. Gunnhildur weathers the challenges with humour and maturity. I hope we shall be seeing her again.

[Jo Jenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this was the sixth box featuring Gunnhildur but it was the first one I had read.
I would say the blurb stating that she would face personal conflicts never really materialised.
I really enjoyed how the chapters moved between a large cast of characters who all somehow came together at the end.
I like Gunna and I will be looking out the other books in the series. A good Scandinavian police procedural and if you have read the Swedish Martin Beck books from the 70's and 80's you should enjoy this.

[Lee-Anne Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different role

Once again Bates doesn't disappoint with a new and very unusual scenario for Gunna, that of protecting a secret and controversial visitor to the country. The story weaves around convincingly before the threads slowly start pulling together and the seemingly disparate scenarios reveal their interconnectivity. Again we find someone we'd rather not gets away with what they ought not, and I hope that perhaps this may be resolved in a future episode - but then again, as the matters relate to this case alone perhaps it isn't really needed. And the sad fact is that in this life bad things do happen and people do get away with them, and maybe it's wrong of me to want things tied up too neatly! Nice to see Skúli fleshed out a bit too as a character instead of his usual cameo.

[Linda Branham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of Bates’ writing, and Gunnhildur is a favorite heroine for me. She’s smart, tough, independent, loyal to her colleagues and sympathetic to victims and some of the “bad guys” as well. I really enjoyed the different scenario presented in this book. It allowed for some inventive plot lines and kept me guessing. This was not one of my favorites though - it may just be me - I'm in a slump right now :)

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iceland has a very low crime rate, which makes it a challenge setting for crime fiction writers. However, it is ideal for a guest of Iceland’s Interior Minister Steinumm Strand get away to someplace safe for a few weeks. Gunnhilder reluctantly agrees to temporarily relinquish her police duties and take a firearms refresher to act as the guest’s bodyguard. It turns out that an assassin has followed the man and the job stretches Gunna to the limit. Very suspenseful and well written.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good story about the down to earth Gunnhildur though this time away from her normal policing environment. Acting as a bodyguard she is faced with the challenge of using her weapon in anger for the first time. Storyline and character development maintain the pace and interest right to the final page.

[Christopher Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Icelandic thriller with a Middle Eastern guest of a Government minister staying at her property and at her invitation. Unfortunately his past is unclear and murky and it is soon clear that a professional hit team is in Iceland to assassinate him. Enjoyable read with well written plot.

[Albert Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little anti-American?

It gets a little tiresome with all the snide remarks about the U.S.
Also, cops who get all broken up about shooting someone who was trying to kill them. If you are so against Guns, why be a cop?
Still, a good read.

[Hugh W Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Thriller

Well it certainly gets you thinking but although well done it does not quite hit the high spot. Good read though

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series - Gunna is taken into a new situation that makes her question everything!!!

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gunnhidur books are getting better all the time

Enjoyed this book, one of the better ones in the series. Have to wait now for the next, damn it.

[Elizabeth Sulzby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, I read this one. I love Quentin Bates' books, characters, and Iceland settings. And through his translation work, I have learned other great writers.

[Christopher Warburton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun, as ever

A slightly different adventure for Inspector Gonna with plenty of twists and turns to keep you wondering where it's going

[Angelina Souren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining, with surprising twists. Along the way, you learn a few things about Iceland. A very pleasant read.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police officer Gunna is tasked with looking after the guest of a politician whose
life is in danger. But who is he? How do they know where he is? Thriller with interesting characters.

[Janellyn51 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had taken one of former daycare kids out for lunch, and in the course of the afternoon lost my book! I had to get another copy since I was only halfway through! It was good!

[Sue Wallace]

Cold breath by Quentin Bates.
Hidden away in a secure house outside Reykjavík, Gunna and the high-profile stranger, a guest of the interiors minister, are thrown together - too close for comfort. They soon find they are neither as safe nor as carefully hidden as Gunna and her boss had thought. Conflicting glimpses of the man's past start to emerge as the press begin to sniff him out, as does another group with their own reasons for locating him. Gunna struggles to come to terms with protecting the life of a man who may have the lives of many on his conscience - or indeed may be the philanthropist he claims to be.
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of action too loved gunna. 4*.

[Rhona139 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting addition to the Icelandic noir catalogue. I struggled a little with the names in terms of keeping characters clear in my mind but this is my ignorance/lack of familiarity of Icelandic culture and not the fault of the author

I loved Gunna the practical, sensible, strong, no nonsense cop and the isolation of the safe house is really quite claustrophobic

All in all a good read

[Anne Wilson]

Ok book. Not as gripping as the others in the series.

Not sure that there is much more that I can say about it really. I can't really strongly recommend it.