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Forbidden Iceland #3
Næturskuggar
Ungur maður lætur lífið í dularfullum eldsvoða á Akranesi og skilur eftir sig samfélag í sárum. Athafnamenn á Skaganum villast af þröngum vegi dyggðanna í einkalífi og starfi. Og um nætur bregður fyrir ókennilegum skuggum í þessu friðsæla bæjarfélagi.
Lögreglukonan Elma þarf að kljást við flókið og erfitt mál samhliða því sem atburðir eiga sér stað í einkalífi hennar sem gera það að verkum að líf hennar mun aldrei verða sem fyrr.
Eva Björg Ægisdóttir sló efirminnilega í gegn með fyrstu bók sinni Marrið í stiganum en fyrir hana hlaut hún glæpasagnaverðlaunin Svartfuglinn árið 2018.
Lögreglukonan Elma þarf að kljást við flókið og erfitt mál samhliða því sem atburðir eiga sér stað í einkalífi hennar sem gera það að verkum að líf hennar mun aldrei verða sem fyrr.
Eva Björg Ægisdóttir sló efirminnilega í gegn með fyrstu bók sinni Marrið í stiganum en fyrir hana hlaut hún glæpasagnaverðlaunin Svartfuglinn árið 2018.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2020
351 people are currently reading
1190 people want to read
About the author
Eva Björg Ægisdóttir
12 books676 followersEva Björg was born and raised in Akranes, the small town featured in her books. The Creak on the Stairs was her debut novel. The book went on to win the Blackbird Award and became an Icelandic bestseller. In 2021 The Creak on the Stairs won the British Crime Writers Association (CWA) New Blood Dagger.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
January 20, 2023
Written in the Icelandic language and translated by Victoria Cribb, "Night Shadows" by author, Eva Björg Ægisdottir is third in the Forbidden Iceland series. The setting is a small, close knit community called Akranes where a young man dies in a house fire. Principal character, Elma is a local detective who, apart from having to deal with a mini-crime wave, has some personal issues of her own. She is called to investigate the fire and death, along with colleagues from West Iceland CID. They quickly discover that the fire was deliberately lit and the investigation turns to one of murder and arson, with multiple suspects. Some months prior to the fire, a young Dutch woman had taken a job as an au pair, intending to make a new life for herself after her father’s death. The family appeared to be as perfect as she could wish for and she immediately took to the two children who were to be in her care. But it was not long before she realised that beneath the surface, the family fostered some dark secrets of their own. As the truth slowly unfolds in this complex investigation, Elma finds herself in mortal danger and will be lucky to escape with her own life.
The problem with whodunnits is that the author must find a way to turn a plodding police investigation into something exciting, something that will keep the reader gripped until the time comes for the big reveal. Successful ones do this by focussing on characterisation, crisp, believable dialogue and an intriguing plot with titillating twists and turns. A subtle gathering of pace as the tale unfolds will also keep the reader interested. There is a lot to like in Night Shadows – the most unusual setting in a small Islandic community, the writing itself is professional, lucid and easy to read and Victoria Cribb appears to have done an excellent job of translating from Icelandic to English. (At the beginning of the book there is even a helpful pronunciation guide to some of the names and places). That said, it takes a long time for the story to pick up pace so that the book could genuinely be described as a thriller. When, finally, the dénouement approaches, the pace does quicken, secrets are revealed and there is some serious page-turning to do to reach the end. But for some, this might be too late.
The problem with whodunnits is that the author must find a way to turn a plodding police investigation into something exciting, something that will keep the reader gripped until the time comes for the big reveal. Successful ones do this by focussing on characterisation, crisp, believable dialogue and an intriguing plot with titillating twists and turns. A subtle gathering of pace as the tale unfolds will also keep the reader interested. There is a lot to like in Night Shadows – the most unusual setting in a small Islandic community, the writing itself is professional, lucid and easy to read and Victoria Cribb appears to have done an excellent job of translating from Icelandic to English. (At the beginning of the book there is even a helpful pronunciation guide to some of the names and places). That said, it takes a long time for the story to pick up pace so that the book could genuinely be described as a thriller. When, finally, the dénouement approaches, the pace does quicken, secrets are revealed and there is some serious page-turning to do to reach the end. But for some, this might be too late.
May 2, 2023
Een jonge Nederlandse vrouw gaat op IJsland aan de slag als au pair, in de hoop daarmee haar leven een zinvolle invulling te geven na de dood van haar vader. De ogenschijnlijk perfecte familie waar ze terechtkomt blijkt echter vele geheimen te hebben en al snel ontdekt ze dat er maar weinig mensen zijn die ze in vertrouwen kan nemen.
Ondertussen doet rechercheur Elma onderzoek naar een brand in Akranes waarbij een man om het leven kwam. De zaak levert steeds meer verdachten op en brengt Elma uiteindelijk zelfs in levensgevaar…
Dit verhaal zag ik voorbij komen op @storytel en aangezien ik van Scandinavische thrillers houd kon ik niet wachten! Dit verhaal is het derde deel van de serie 'IJslandse moorden', maar je kunt deze ook prima als losstaand deel lezen. Het verhaal begint met een brand waar een slachtoffer valt. Eerst denk je dat het een ongeluk is, maar helaas blijkt het toch om moord te gaan. Maar wie zit achter deze verschrikkelijke daad? Rechercheur Elma onderzoekt deze treurige zaak en hoopt erachter te komen wie de dader is.
Wat later in het verhaal lees je over de jonge Nederlandse vrouw die in IJsland aan de slag is gegaan als au pair. Haar vader is overleden en ze wil haar leven weer zinvol maken door in dit land aan het werk te gaan. Ze komt bij een leuke familie terecht, tenminste dat lijkt zo, maar het blijkt dat deze familie een heleboel geheimen met zich meedraagt.
De au pair leer je steeds beter kennen door middel van sprongen naar het verleden. Hierdoor kom je er tevens achter wat er allemaal in de familie afspeelt waarvoor ze werkt. Niets is namelijk wat het lijkt. En dan is er ook nog de vreemde zaak waar een jongen, door brandstichting, om het leven is gekomen.
Dit boek vond ik vlot 'geschreven' (ik heb het immers geluisterd 😉). De spanning wordt langzaam opgebouwd, maar dit is wel typisch voor een Scandinavische thriller,
Toch vond ik 'Schaduw in de nacht' zeker weer een interessant verhaal en ik kijk uit naar meer verhalen van deze auteur!
Eén waarschuwing: Er komen ontzettend veel namen op je af, haha!
Beoordeling: 3,5/4,0 ⭐
Ondertussen doet rechercheur Elma onderzoek naar een brand in Akranes waarbij een man om het leven kwam. De zaak levert steeds meer verdachten op en brengt Elma uiteindelijk zelfs in levensgevaar…
Dit verhaal zag ik voorbij komen op @storytel en aangezien ik van Scandinavische thrillers houd kon ik niet wachten! Dit verhaal is het derde deel van de serie 'IJslandse moorden', maar je kunt deze ook prima als losstaand deel lezen. Het verhaal begint met een brand waar een slachtoffer valt. Eerst denk je dat het een ongeluk is, maar helaas blijkt het toch om moord te gaan. Maar wie zit achter deze verschrikkelijke daad? Rechercheur Elma onderzoekt deze treurige zaak en hoopt erachter te komen wie de dader is.
Wat later in het verhaal lees je over de jonge Nederlandse vrouw die in IJsland aan de slag is gegaan als au pair. Haar vader is overleden en ze wil haar leven weer zinvol maken door in dit land aan het werk te gaan. Ze komt bij een leuke familie terecht, tenminste dat lijkt zo, maar het blijkt dat deze familie een heleboel geheimen met zich meedraagt.
De au pair leer je steeds beter kennen door middel van sprongen naar het verleden. Hierdoor kom je er tevens achter wat er allemaal in de familie afspeelt waarvoor ze werkt. Niets is namelijk wat het lijkt. En dan is er ook nog de vreemde zaak waar een jongen, door brandstichting, om het leven is gekomen.
Dit boek vond ik vlot 'geschreven' (ik heb het immers geluisterd 😉). De spanning wordt langzaam opgebouwd, maar dit is wel typisch voor een Scandinavische thriller,
Toch vond ik 'Schaduw in de nacht' zeker weer een interessant verhaal en ik kijk uit naar meer verhalen van deze auteur!
Eén waarschuwing: Er komen ontzettend veel namen op je af, haha!
Beoordeling: 3,5/4,0 ⭐
February 11, 2024
Etwas schwächer als die ersten zwei Teile, aber trotzdem spannend bis zum Schluss. Rezension folgt.
July 18, 2022
Having enjoyed the first two books in the Forbidden Iceland series, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this, the third novel in this Icelandic Noir series.
This murder mystery was brilliantly plotted. The group of five friends all in their early twenties were in the frame, yet the murder victim's father was a venture capitalist with more than a few enemies. Suspicions abounded.
Families are such complex units. What might appear near perfect to an outsider, can hide rot and dysfunction within the walls of the family home. Nothing is quite what it seems.
As with many of my favourite police procedural crime novels, this series gives equal emphasis on the crime case itself and the personal lives of the protagonists.
The Icelandic setting is vividly rendered. Though I have never had the opportunity to visit Iceland, I could picture the unique landscapes clearly in my mind.
The murder investigation was a slow burn. Multi-layered, it exposed toxic familial relationships, adultery, and misplaced allegiances.
The writing is skillful and the translation impeccable. You can read this book as a standalone novel, but I recommend you read the series in order to fully appreciate the gradual development of the recurring characters. I have found the Forbidden Iceland series to have a consistent quality throughout its three novels and I'm eager to read the next one.
This murder mystery was brilliantly plotted. The group of five friends all in their early twenties were in the frame, yet the murder victim's father was a venture capitalist with more than a few enemies. Suspicions abounded.
Families are such complex units. What might appear near perfect to an outsider, can hide rot and dysfunction within the walls of the family home. Nothing is quite what it seems.
As with many of my favourite police procedural crime novels, this series gives equal emphasis on the crime case itself and the personal lives of the protagonists.
The Icelandic setting is vividly rendered. Though I have never had the opportunity to visit Iceland, I could picture the unique landscapes clearly in my mind.
The murder investigation was a slow burn. Multi-layered, it exposed toxic familial relationships, adultery, and misplaced allegiances.
The writing is skillful and the translation impeccable. You can read this book as a standalone novel, but I recommend you read the series in order to fully appreciate the gradual development of the recurring characters. I have found the Forbidden Iceland series to have a consistent quality throughout its three novels and I'm eager to read the next one.
May 23, 2022
Love the Forbidden Iceland series- the setting pops and the characters are all hugely engaging.
The author writes so beautifully you get immediately immersed into the chilly surrounds and in Night Shadows there's a cleverly obfuscated mystery intertwined with personal developments for our main series protagonists.
A genuinely excellent novel again from Eva. Can't wait for the next.
The author writes so beautifully you get immediately immersed into the chilly surrounds and in Night Shadows there's a cleverly obfuscated mystery intertwined with personal developments for our main series protagonists.
A genuinely excellent novel again from Eva. Can't wait for the next.
July 12, 2023
Als je denkt dat je doorhebt hoe de zaak in elkaar zit… komt er wéér een plotwending. Ik heb met veel plezier het derde deel in de IJslandse moorden serie gelezen. Rechercheur Elma moet een dader zoeken voor de brand die gesticht is, maar er is ook een meisje verdwenen.
Mijn leeservaring:
Dit is het derde boek met rechercheur Elma, maar elk boek is toch echt weer anders. Vooral Elma maakt een grote groei door. Sinds de heftige gebeurtenis in het verleden, is ze weer naar het dorp gegaan waar ze vandaan kwam. Haar moeder en zus bemoeien zich graag met alles wat in het leven van Elma afspeelt. Het is allemaal goed bedoeld en zeker niet storend in dit boek.
Elma en haar collega’s onderzoeken een brand. Bij de brand is een jongen om het leven gekomen. Het duurt het hele boek lang voordat je écht weer hoe de zaak in elkaar steekt, maar je krijgt hier en daar wel hints. Tussendoor lees je fragmenten uit het verleden, vanuit de Nederlandse Lise. Wat heeft zij met dit verhaal te maken en waar is ze?
Hoewel dit boek zich op IJsland afspeelt, is het verhaal niet IJsland specifiek en kunnen veel mensen zich inleven in de personages. Het enige wat écht IJslands is, zijn de namen. Er was 1 naam waarbij ik echt geen idee heb hoe je het uitspreekt, maar van de andere namen heb ik mijn eigen versie gemaakt waarschijnlijk.
Je hoeft op zich niet eerdere delen gelezen te hebben, alle informatie die je nodig hebt voor het verhaal, worden herhaald. Toch is het wel een stuk leuker om gewoon bij het begin te beginnen! Eva Björg Ægisdóttir heeft weer een fijne IJslandse thriller geschreven, een soort psychologische thriller detective.
Bedankt voor het recensie-exemplaar @uitgeverijdefontein
Mijn leeservaring:
Dit is het derde boek met rechercheur Elma, maar elk boek is toch echt weer anders. Vooral Elma maakt een grote groei door. Sinds de heftige gebeurtenis in het verleden, is ze weer naar het dorp gegaan waar ze vandaan kwam. Haar moeder en zus bemoeien zich graag met alles wat in het leven van Elma afspeelt. Het is allemaal goed bedoeld en zeker niet storend in dit boek.
Elma en haar collega’s onderzoeken een brand. Bij de brand is een jongen om het leven gekomen. Het duurt het hele boek lang voordat je écht weer hoe de zaak in elkaar steekt, maar je krijgt hier en daar wel hints. Tussendoor lees je fragmenten uit het verleden, vanuit de Nederlandse Lise. Wat heeft zij met dit verhaal te maken en waar is ze?
Hoewel dit boek zich op IJsland afspeelt, is het verhaal niet IJsland specifiek en kunnen veel mensen zich inleven in de personages. Het enige wat écht IJslands is, zijn de namen. Er was 1 naam waarbij ik echt geen idee heb hoe je het uitspreekt, maar van de andere namen heb ik mijn eigen versie gemaakt waarschijnlijk.
Je hoeft op zich niet eerdere delen gelezen te hebben, alle informatie die je nodig hebt voor het verhaal, worden herhaald. Toch is het wel een stuk leuker om gewoon bij het begin te beginnen! Eva Björg Ægisdóttir heeft weer een fijne IJslandse thriller geschreven, een soort psychologische thriller detective.
Bedankt voor het recensie-exemplaar @uitgeverijdefontein
February 8, 2025
It was a nice mystery, but it took a while to get going, and the ending was a bit murky. We are following the investigation of an arson-murder while we see a marriage in crisis. The 2 seem unrelated but end up being entwined. That was well done. The mystery around this family was well done. The ending left quite a few threads unsolved, which is always a miss in mysteries. Throughout we follow the private lives of the investigating team, that was also a bit of a miss. What was the point? It was also left partially unresolved. Hopefully, we'll know more in the next book but since some characters have undergone personality transplants between books 1 and 2 and this one I'm not getting my hopes up.
August 20, 2022
Another solid entry in the Forbidden Iceland series. I’ve enjoyed the first two books and this one didn’t disappoint. I do feel like this one had more unlikable characters though so I was often frustrated by them. Particularly the male characters.
In this book we see multiple murders, flashbacks, and POV’s from all the suspects. In the beginning it’s hard to see how all the disparate storylines are connected but it starts to become more clear in Part 2. There are also a few twists I didn’t see coming. Overall, Night Shadows is an enjoyable Nordic Noir and I look forward to the next book in the series.
In this book we see multiple murders, flashbacks, and POV’s from all the suspects. In the beginning it’s hard to see how all the disparate storylines are connected but it starts to become more clear in Part 2. There are also a few twists I didn’t see coming. Overall, Night Shadows is an enjoyable Nordic Noir and I look forward to the next book in the series.
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February 21, 2024Een jonge Nederlandse vrouw gaat aan de slag als au pair in IJsland. De familie waar ze terechtkomt blijkt vele geheimen te hebben. Intussen doet rechercheur Elma onderzoek naar een brand waarbij een tiener om het leven kwam. Het vorige boek in deze reeks ‘IJskoude leugens’ vond ik fenomenaal goed, de VN thrillergids bekroonde het trouwens met 5 sterren. Dit derde deel miste voor mij de originaliteit van het vorige, maar het blijft een knap opgebouwde misdaadroman. De personages en relaties worden vakkundig weergegeven, en beide verhaallijnen worden mooi met elkaar verweven. De plot is geloofwaardig, alleen bij de laatste wendingen had ik een beetje mijn bedenkingen. Dit is een erg goede serie en ik ben dan ook van plan om het volgende deel te lezen.
November 17, 2024
Eva Björg heldur áfram að vera uppáhalds íslenski glæpasagnahöfundurinn minn sem nær að flétta athyglisverðar og flóknar frásagnir þrátt fyrir lítið sögusvið. Ég átti meira að segja erfitt með að muna hver var hver til að byrja með og viðurkenni að ég þurfti að byrja upp á nýtt á hljóðbókinni af því ég einbeitti mér svo mikið af því að læra öll nöfnin. Ég fann að ég varð alveg jafn pirraður og Elma og Sævar við að reyna að leysa þessa ráðgátu og fannst úrlausnin rosa athyglisverð og hún kom mér á óvart. Hljóðbókin er einnig mjög vel lesin. Spenntur að lesa næstu og halda áfram að fylgja Elmu.
July 25, 2022
Night Shadows is the third instalment in Eva Bjórg Ægisdóttir's critically acclaimed Forbidden Iceland series. I am a huge fan of this extraordinarily gifted author, and her detective Elma has become one of my favourite police characters of all time.
Whilst it's not essential to have read the previous two books in the series, as the author cleverly details past events, without getting bogged down in detail, I would encourage anyone who hasn't yet read them to give them a go. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed.
The plot of Night Shadows centres around a house fire in the small town of Akranes, the body of a young man is discovered inside and there are shockwaves throughout the community when it becomes clear that this was no accident, it was arson.
And so, Elma and her team take on the investigation to find out why this seemingly happy and popular young man was killed. As with most cases, nothing is clear cut and internet searches reveal truths that are worrying and close-knit friendship groups are fairly hard to connect with.
This author excels in delving deep into the human psyche, and ensuring that nothing is quite as it seems. Coupled with some beautifully developed prose, and the evocative background of a small Icelandic town, this really is the perfect read for fans of Nordic Noir. The story is paced so well, with reveals that take the reader by surprise, and some dark and important issues dealt with with a sure and expert hand.
This series gets better with every instalment, Elma's personal life is expanded upon, along with others from her team, and the reader cannot help but become more and more involved in the whole setting.
Dark, chilling and tense. Another fabulous read from one of the best crime authors out there.
Whilst it's not essential to have read the previous two books in the series, as the author cleverly details past events, without getting bogged down in detail, I would encourage anyone who hasn't yet read them to give them a go. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed.
The plot of Night Shadows centres around a house fire in the small town of Akranes, the body of a young man is discovered inside and there are shockwaves throughout the community when it becomes clear that this was no accident, it was arson.
And so, Elma and her team take on the investigation to find out why this seemingly happy and popular young man was killed. As with most cases, nothing is clear cut and internet searches reveal truths that are worrying and close-knit friendship groups are fairly hard to connect with.
This author excels in delving deep into the human psyche, and ensuring that nothing is quite as it seems. Coupled with some beautifully developed prose, and the evocative background of a small Icelandic town, this really is the perfect read for fans of Nordic Noir. The story is paced so well, with reveals that take the reader by surprise, and some dark and important issues dealt with with a sure and expert hand.
This series gets better with every instalment, Elma's personal life is expanded upon, along with others from her team, and the reader cannot help but become more and more involved in the whole setting.
Dark, chilling and tense. Another fabulous read from one of the best crime authors out there.
August 9, 2022
Although I enjoyed the latest in the Forbidden Iceland series I was left a little disappointed. Not so much because it was a poor story, far from it, but because, for me, it didn't have the originality of the first two books.
The characters and relationships were well portrayed and the plot was intriguing at times but the story was a very mainstream murder mystery. Also I felt the ending had a couple of twists that didn't seem to quite fit with what had gone on before.
Nevertheless this remains a very good series and I'll certainly read the next book when it comes along but I'll probably look forward to it with slightly less anticipation.
The characters and relationships were well portrayed and the plot was intriguing at times but the story was a very mainstream murder mystery. Also I felt the ending had a couple of twists that didn't seem to quite fit with what had gone on before.
Nevertheless this remains a very good series and I'll certainly read the next book when it comes along but I'll probably look forward to it with slightly less anticipation.
August 6, 2022
Psychological thriller set in ICELAND
Detective Elma of West Iceland CID has a puzzle on her hands when a young man called Marinó dies in a house fire in the small Icelandic town of Akranes. Investigations reveal that the fire was set deliberately, and that Marinó had left a clue. It seems that he might not be the only person who has been the victim of an untimely death. No-one appears to have a good motive for the killing, yet many of those interviewed by the police appear to have something to hide.
Night Shadows by Eva Björg Ægisdottir is a police procedural novel and psychological thriller, the third in the award-winning series featuring Detective Elma, and it is already a best-seller in Iceland. It is an engaging and tense read, and you definitely don’t need to have read the earlier books (The Creak on the Stairs and Girls Who Lie) in order to enjoy it. They are all translated by Victoria Cribb.
At first, Detective Elma’s investigation proceeds slowly and methodically. She and her colleagues struggle with the little information they can trust, as it seems that certain witnesses are being deceptive. Gradually the forensic test results and technical information are added to the mix and Elma’s thought processes are revealed as she attempts to make sense of the crime scene and the information that the witnesses reluctantly share with her. The case makes steady progress, with the sort of necessary delays that one images would occur in such an investigation, creating a genuine tension. Finally, the drama is heightened when Elma returns to pursue a line of enquiry that has been bothering her and finds herself in terrible danger, with no one likely to come to her aid.
The author deftly weaves personal information about both Elma and the witnesses into the plot, again gradually revealing the links and entanglements that cause them to act the way that they do. The love of parents for their children is a major theme, illustrated by Elma’s bereaved boss and his daughter; the family of the murdered boy and those of his friends. In Elma’s case, we aren’t at first sure whether she is in a relationship or has just ended one. Eventually the identity of her lover emerges, and it becomes apparent that her personal life is nowhere near as neat and orderly as her professional life. There are contrasts between the self-seeking actions of some of the characters and the selflessness of others. Power seems to be in the hands of the men, for the most part, with many of the female characters shown to be vulnerable and exploited. However, much of what we think we can trust is later called into question.
This is a thoroughly engaging book, with many false leads, twists and turns. The timeframe includes flashbacks to a period that is just before the crime was committed, which is a clever device to reveal more detail about the characters and the actions that led to the murder.
The names and attitudes of the characters are the main things that indicate that the novel is set in Iceland. As is usual in Nordic Noir, we are reminded of the ‘white nights’ of constant daylight during summer, together with the almost perpetual darkness in winter, and the prevailing bad weather. There are few passages that depict the unique Icelandic landscape; as the translator explained in an interview, “Landscapes aren’t depicted that much in Icelandic literature, simply because everyone knows what the landscape looks like.” Nevertheless, we see some characters enjoying a relaxing dip in the hot geothermal pools and sledging after a sudden snowfall on a mountainside just outside the town.
Akranes is seen through the eyes of the newcomer, Lise, who is working as an au pair for a local family. She admires the views from the snowfields of Mount Akrafjall, across the blue fjord to the snowy peaks beyond. Her new home is briefly contrasted with the Dutch city of Amsterdam, where she was born and brought up. The Icelandic town is a backwater compared with the bustle of the city, and everyone seems to be aware of others’ business, whereas in Amsterdam it is possible to be anonymous.
The publisher has included a handy pronunciation guide for English-speaking readers, which allows you to read the names of the Icelandic characters and places in an authentic way. (This can mean flicking back to check initially, but you soon get the hang of it!)
Detective Elma of West Iceland CID has a puzzle on her hands when a young man called Marinó dies in a house fire in the small Icelandic town of Akranes. Investigations reveal that the fire was set deliberately, and that Marinó had left a clue. It seems that he might not be the only person who has been the victim of an untimely death. No-one appears to have a good motive for the killing, yet many of those interviewed by the police appear to have something to hide.
Night Shadows by Eva Björg Ægisdottir is a police procedural novel and psychological thriller, the third in the award-winning series featuring Detective Elma, and it is already a best-seller in Iceland. It is an engaging and tense read, and you definitely don’t need to have read the earlier books (The Creak on the Stairs and Girls Who Lie) in order to enjoy it. They are all translated by Victoria Cribb.
At first, Detective Elma’s investigation proceeds slowly and methodically. She and her colleagues struggle with the little information they can trust, as it seems that certain witnesses are being deceptive. Gradually the forensic test results and technical information are added to the mix and Elma’s thought processes are revealed as she attempts to make sense of the crime scene and the information that the witnesses reluctantly share with her. The case makes steady progress, with the sort of necessary delays that one images would occur in such an investigation, creating a genuine tension. Finally, the drama is heightened when Elma returns to pursue a line of enquiry that has been bothering her and finds herself in terrible danger, with no one likely to come to her aid.
The author deftly weaves personal information about both Elma and the witnesses into the plot, again gradually revealing the links and entanglements that cause them to act the way that they do. The love of parents for their children is a major theme, illustrated by Elma’s bereaved boss and his daughter; the family of the murdered boy and those of his friends. In Elma’s case, we aren’t at first sure whether she is in a relationship or has just ended one. Eventually the identity of her lover emerges, and it becomes apparent that her personal life is nowhere near as neat and orderly as her professional life. There are contrasts between the self-seeking actions of some of the characters and the selflessness of others. Power seems to be in the hands of the men, for the most part, with many of the female characters shown to be vulnerable and exploited. However, much of what we think we can trust is later called into question.
This is a thoroughly engaging book, with many false leads, twists and turns. The timeframe includes flashbacks to a period that is just before the crime was committed, which is a clever device to reveal more detail about the characters and the actions that led to the murder.
The names and attitudes of the characters are the main things that indicate that the novel is set in Iceland. As is usual in Nordic Noir, we are reminded of the ‘white nights’ of constant daylight during summer, together with the almost perpetual darkness in winter, and the prevailing bad weather. There are few passages that depict the unique Icelandic landscape; as the translator explained in an interview, “Landscapes aren’t depicted that much in Icelandic literature, simply because everyone knows what the landscape looks like.” Nevertheless, we see some characters enjoying a relaxing dip in the hot geothermal pools and sledging after a sudden snowfall on a mountainside just outside the town.
Akranes is seen through the eyes of the newcomer, Lise, who is working as an au pair for a local family. She admires the views from the snowfields of Mount Akrafjall, across the blue fjord to the snowy peaks beyond. Her new home is briefly contrasted with the Dutch city of Amsterdam, where she was born and brought up. The Icelandic town is a backwater compared with the bustle of the city, and everyone seems to be aware of others’ business, whereas in Amsterdam it is possible to be anonymous.
The publisher has included a handy pronunciation guide for English-speaking readers, which allows you to read the names of the Icelandic characters and places in an authentic way. (This can mean flicking back to check initially, but you soon get the hang of it!)
May 19, 2023
Night Shadows is the third book I have read by Icelandic Noir author, Eva Björg Ægisdóttir, and the third in the Forbidden Iceland series. Set in the West Iceland town of Akranes, the series features Detective Elma, now ensconced back in her home town after years away.
I do love a good Scandi Crime series, and Ægisdóttir has done a great job of building familiarity and layered storylines in the series that create a common thread throughout each book. Night Shadows sees further consolidation of the relationship between Elma and Sævar and we share something of the grief journey of Hörður after losing his wife.
That aside, Night Shadows has a fairly solid crime plot, centred around the death of twenty year old Marínó, in a house fire. As the death is investigated and arson is found to be the cause of the fire things take a complicated twist. In true Ægisdóttir style, parallel, related storyline’s reveal elements of the story that eventually braid together wrapping around each other to arrive at a cohesive conclusion.
Again, as I wrote in my last review of book two in the series, I’m not the biggest fan of the translation. It is almost a bit simplistic for my liking. I would love much more about the landscape, psyche of the characters and other atmospheric elements that contribute to everything I love about the Nordic Noir genre. 4 satisfying stars.
I do love a good Scandi Crime series, and Ægisdóttir has done a great job of building familiarity and layered storylines in the series that create a common thread throughout each book. Night Shadows sees further consolidation of the relationship between Elma and Sævar and we share something of the grief journey of Hörður after losing his wife.
That aside, Night Shadows has a fairly solid crime plot, centred around the death of twenty year old Marínó, in a house fire. As the death is investigated and arson is found to be the cause of the fire things take a complicated twist. In true Ægisdóttir style, parallel, related storyline’s reveal elements of the story that eventually braid together wrapping around each other to arrive at a cohesive conclusion.
Again, as I wrote in my last review of book two in the series, I’m not the biggest fan of the translation. It is almost a bit simplistic for my liking. I would love much more about the landscape, psyche of the characters and other atmospheric elements that contribute to everything I love about the Nordic Noir genre. 4 satisfying stars.
March 22, 2024
"Die einzelnen Puzzleteile fügten sich zusammen, und ihr wurde klar, dass der Fall auf einem großen Missverständnis basierte."
Elma ermittelt nun schon zum dritten Mal in einem Mordfall in Akranes. Bei einem Wohnungsbrand wurde die Leiche eines jungen Mannes gefunden. Bei der Obduktion stellt sich aber heraus, dass nicht das Feuer die Todesursache gewesen ist. Was ist in der Nacht im Haus passiert? Und welche Rolle spielt die Party, die der Tote mit seinen Freunden zuvor gefeiert hat? Ein neuer kniffeliger Fall wartet auf das isländische Ermittlerteam, während sich auch privat bei den meisten Mitgliedern große Veränderungen anbahnen.
Eva Björg Ægisdóttir hält im Großen und Ganzen an ihrem Erfolgsrezept fest: Wieder führt solide Ermittlungsarbeit zu Lösung des Falles, zwischenmenschliche Beziehungen spielen dabei eine Schlüsselrolle. Allerdings wird dieses mal nicht im prekären Milieu ermittelt. Anders als in den vorherigen Bänden geht es dieses Mal nicht um Menschen am Rande der Gesellschaft, sondern um isländische Familien der gehobenen Mittelschicht. Lediglich am Rande werden ausbeuterische Arbeitsverhältnisse thematisiert. Aber auch das funktioniert gut, sodass "Verborgen" eine insgesamt spannende Geschichte für die Leser bereithält.
Allerdings hat die Autorin an der ein oder anderen Stelle Potential verschenkt. Mit Andri und Sonja hat sie zwei spannenden Figuren geschaffen, die vielschichtige Charakterzüge aufweisen. Diese sind aber nur ansatzweise ausgearbeitet. Beide Figuren hätten deutlich genauer ausgearbeitet werden können - denn ihre Hintergrundstories hätten mich wirklich interessiert. Ähnlich verhält es sich mit dem Au-Pair-Mädchen, dessen isländische Verwandtschaft zwar kurz angerissen wird, dann aber nicht mehr auftaucht. Stellenweise bekommt man das Gefühl, dass das Veröffentlichungsdatum der genauen Ausgestaltung der Figuren im Wege stand.
Elma ermittelt nun schon zum dritten Mal in einem Mordfall in Akranes. Bei einem Wohnungsbrand wurde die Leiche eines jungen Mannes gefunden. Bei der Obduktion stellt sich aber heraus, dass nicht das Feuer die Todesursache gewesen ist. Was ist in der Nacht im Haus passiert? Und welche Rolle spielt die Party, die der Tote mit seinen Freunden zuvor gefeiert hat? Ein neuer kniffeliger Fall wartet auf das isländische Ermittlerteam, während sich auch privat bei den meisten Mitgliedern große Veränderungen anbahnen.
Eva Björg Ægisdóttir hält im Großen und Ganzen an ihrem Erfolgsrezept fest: Wieder führt solide Ermittlungsarbeit zu Lösung des Falles, zwischenmenschliche Beziehungen spielen dabei eine Schlüsselrolle. Allerdings wird dieses mal nicht im prekären Milieu ermittelt. Anders als in den vorherigen Bänden geht es dieses Mal nicht um Menschen am Rande der Gesellschaft, sondern um isländische Familien der gehobenen Mittelschicht. Lediglich am Rande werden ausbeuterische Arbeitsverhältnisse thematisiert. Aber auch das funktioniert gut, sodass "Verborgen" eine insgesamt spannende Geschichte für die Leser bereithält.
Allerdings hat die Autorin an der ein oder anderen Stelle Potential verschenkt. Mit Andri und Sonja hat sie zwei spannenden Figuren geschaffen, die vielschichtige Charakterzüge aufweisen. Diese sind aber nur ansatzweise ausgearbeitet. Beide Figuren hätten deutlich genauer ausgearbeitet werden können - denn ihre Hintergrundstories hätten mich wirklich interessiert. Ähnlich verhält es sich mit dem Au-Pair-Mädchen, dessen isländische Verwandtschaft zwar kurz angerissen wird, dann aber nicht mehr auftaucht. Stellenweise bekommt man das Gefühl, dass das Veröffentlichungsdatum der genauen Ausgestaltung der Figuren im Wege stand.
October 30, 2024
3.5 ⭐️s rounded up
A solid police procedural series. If there's one thing Ægisdóttir does really well is her brilliant endings....those last 30 pages are terrific.
A solid police procedural series. If there's one thing Ægisdóttir does really well is her brilliant endings....those last 30 pages are terrific.
January 28, 2024
Een brand waarbij een jongeman om het leven komt en een verdwenen aupair. Rechercheur Elma heeft haar handen eraan vol naast haar privéleven waarin ook genoeg gebeurt. Wederom een fijn deel van de IJslandse moorden om te lezen / luisteren.
July 25, 2022
In the blistering heatwave it was incredibly good to escape to Iceland for the third book in Eva Björg Ægisdóttir’s Forbidden Iceland series. Following The Creak On The Stairs and Girls Who Lie, Detective Elma Jónsdóttir and her colleagues at the West Iceland CID return for another troubling investigation…
The book is a perfect blend of police procedural and psychological thriller, as Elma and her team are involved in two investigations which take some time to be linked with the disturbing connections unveiled between the two, so the book has an easy pace, and a sinister and gradual unfolding of the investigation. The claustrophobic tension of this small neighbourhood was all too tangible, and the secrets and lies that permeate the whole case were slowly revealed as people’s true natures come to the fore. The petty jealousy, the small indications of people not being as innocent as they first appear, and the violent tendencies that lurk beneath the veneer of respectability, adds a frisson to the story that belies its initial linear appearance. There are enough inconsistencies in, and disguising of, people’s true characters to allow the reader to play detective too, which is always satisfying.
At the heart of the book Detective Elma Jónsdóttir consistently proves an interesting and multi-layered character, very reminiscent of Fargo, police chief Marge Gunderson, particularly relevant as to the personal news that Elma experiences in the course of the book. Although she is eminently capable and resourceful in her day job, in true crime fiction style, her personal life is less than straightforward, as she and her partner and police colleague Sævar blunder around in their relationship. Back in her world of work she has an unerring respect from her colleagues, an analytical mind, but like all good detectives those little flashes of inspiration which serve to swerve the investigation on a different course, but will they really apprehend the true perpetrator of the crimes?
This series is gaining a real momentum now as, while becoming more familiar with the central characters, there is a growing confidence in Ægisdóttir’s writing that could easily escalate her to the widespread recognition of fellow Icelandic crime authors Yrsa Sigurðardóttir and Ragnar Jonasson. Once again Victoria Cribb provides an astute and fluid translation. Although perhaps not as dark in tone or feel as some other writers in the Icelandic and Nordic stables, this is a solid police procedural, and think the next book will be exceptionally interesting as Elma looks to be having even more distractions in her life….
Recommended.
The book is a perfect blend of police procedural and psychological thriller, as Elma and her team are involved in two investigations which take some time to be linked with the disturbing connections unveiled between the two, so the book has an easy pace, and a sinister and gradual unfolding of the investigation. The claustrophobic tension of this small neighbourhood was all too tangible, and the secrets and lies that permeate the whole case were slowly revealed as people’s true natures come to the fore. The petty jealousy, the small indications of people not being as innocent as they first appear, and the violent tendencies that lurk beneath the veneer of respectability, adds a frisson to the story that belies its initial linear appearance. There are enough inconsistencies in, and disguising of, people’s true characters to allow the reader to play detective too, which is always satisfying.
At the heart of the book Detective Elma Jónsdóttir consistently proves an interesting and multi-layered character, very reminiscent of Fargo, police chief Marge Gunderson, particularly relevant as to the personal news that Elma experiences in the course of the book. Although she is eminently capable and resourceful in her day job, in true crime fiction style, her personal life is less than straightforward, as she and her partner and police colleague Sævar blunder around in their relationship. Back in her world of work she has an unerring respect from her colleagues, an analytical mind, but like all good detectives those little flashes of inspiration which serve to swerve the investigation on a different course, but will they really apprehend the true perpetrator of the crimes?
This series is gaining a real momentum now as, while becoming more familiar with the central characters, there is a growing confidence in Ægisdóttir’s writing that could easily escalate her to the widespread recognition of fellow Icelandic crime authors Yrsa Sigurðardóttir and Ragnar Jonasson. Once again Victoria Cribb provides an astute and fluid translation. Although perhaps not as dark in tone or feel as some other writers in the Icelandic and Nordic stables, this is a solid police procedural, and think the next book will be exceptionally interesting as Elma looks to be having even more distractions in her life….
Recommended.
February 6, 2024
„Verborgen“ ist bereits der dritte Fall für die isländische Kommissarin Elma. Ich bin von dieser Reihe wirklich sehr begeistert und finde sie ausgesprochen lesenswert. Mir gefällt, wie die Autorin Familientragödien kreiert und wie Momente des Affekts zu ungeplanten Straftaten führen, über die sich die Betreffenden ein ganzes Leben lang ärgern werden.
Der neue Fall beginnt ausgesprochen seltsam. Im Zimmer eines jungen Manns bricht ein Feuer aus. Die Obduktion ergibt, dass er zum Zeitpunkt des Brands bereits an einer Überdosis Medikamente verstorben war. Die Polizei und auch die Familie steht vor einem Rätsel. Was könnte der Grund für diesen Todesfall sein? Als dann noch im Schuppen die Leiche eines Au-Pair Mädchens gefunden wird, wird es noch verzwickter.
In den ersten zwei Dritteln des Krimis fand ich die Handlung extrem mysteriös und konnte mir gar keinen Täter vorstellen. Auf den letzten hundert Seiten meinte ich, dass ich hinter den Tathergang gekommen bin und meine Theorien schienen sich zu bestätigen, wodurch die Spannung für mich ein wenig verloren ging.
Am Ende gab es dann zwar tatsächlich noch einen Twist, denn ich nicht kommen gesehen habe, der mir allerdings zu konstruiert und überflüssig erschien.
Im Verlauf der Handlung treffen wir auf sehr viele Personen und mir ist es manchmal schwer gefallen, denn Überblick zu behalten, wer zu wem gehört oder wo wir uns auf der Timeline gerade befinden. Auch haben sich manche Details im Nachhinein als irrelevant herausgestellt.
Obwohl ich „Verborgen“ gerne gelesen habe, fand ich den Krimi im Vergleich zu Band 1 und 2 etwas schwächer. Es war mir einfach zu verwirrend und vielleicht auch etwas zu übertrieben.
Die Eltern des ermordeten jungen Manns haben wir unterwegs komplett verloren. Haben sie jemals erfahren, wer ihren Sohn umgebracht hat oder müssen sie dazu auch dieses Buch lesen?
In Elmas Leben gibt es Entwicklungen, die auf die Folgebände große Auswirkungen haben werden. Ich bin gespannt, wie sie alles unter einen Hut bekommt.
Ihr Partner war mir zu blass dargestellt. Ich kann mich nicht entscheiden, wie ich ihn finden soll. Irgendwas zwischen schweigsam, langweilig und liebevoll.
Man hatte auch den Eindruck, dass Elma komplett alleine den Fall löst und die Kollegen zur Mitarbeit motivieren muss. Saevar ist ein träger Mitläufer, von dem wenig Input kommt und Chef Hördur ist mit privaten Problemen beschäftigt und interessiert sich nur am Rande für die Arbeit.
Von mir gibt es diesmal nur 4 Sterne. Ich hoffe, die Reihe wird weiter übersetzt, denn ich bin gespannt, wie es mit Elma weitergeht.
Der neue Fall beginnt ausgesprochen seltsam. Im Zimmer eines jungen Manns bricht ein Feuer aus. Die Obduktion ergibt, dass er zum Zeitpunkt des Brands bereits an einer Überdosis Medikamente verstorben war. Die Polizei und auch die Familie steht vor einem Rätsel. Was könnte der Grund für diesen Todesfall sein? Als dann noch im Schuppen die Leiche eines Au-Pair Mädchens gefunden wird, wird es noch verzwickter.
In den ersten zwei Dritteln des Krimis fand ich die Handlung extrem mysteriös und konnte mir gar keinen Täter vorstellen. Auf den letzten hundert Seiten meinte ich, dass ich hinter den Tathergang gekommen bin und meine Theorien schienen sich zu bestätigen, wodurch die Spannung für mich ein wenig verloren ging.
Am Ende gab es dann zwar tatsächlich noch einen Twist, denn ich nicht kommen gesehen habe, der mir allerdings zu konstruiert und überflüssig erschien.
Im Verlauf der Handlung treffen wir auf sehr viele Personen und mir ist es manchmal schwer gefallen, denn Überblick zu behalten, wer zu wem gehört oder wo wir uns auf der Timeline gerade befinden. Auch haben sich manche Details im Nachhinein als irrelevant herausgestellt.
Obwohl ich „Verborgen“ gerne gelesen habe, fand ich den Krimi im Vergleich zu Band 1 und 2 etwas schwächer. Es war mir einfach zu verwirrend und vielleicht auch etwas zu übertrieben.
Die Eltern des ermordeten jungen Manns haben wir unterwegs komplett verloren. Haben sie jemals erfahren, wer ihren Sohn umgebracht hat oder müssen sie dazu auch dieses Buch lesen?
In Elmas Leben gibt es Entwicklungen, die auf die Folgebände große Auswirkungen haben werden. Ich bin gespannt, wie sie alles unter einen Hut bekommt.
Ihr Partner war mir zu blass dargestellt. Ich kann mich nicht entscheiden, wie ich ihn finden soll. Irgendwas zwischen schweigsam, langweilig und liebevoll.
Man hatte auch den Eindruck, dass Elma komplett alleine den Fall löst und die Kollegen zur Mitarbeit motivieren muss. Saevar ist ein träger Mitläufer, von dem wenig Input kommt und Chef Hördur ist mit privaten Problemen beschäftigt und interessiert sich nur am Rande für die Arbeit.
Von mir gibt es diesmal nur 4 Sterne. Ich hoffe, die Reihe wird weiter übersetzt, denn ich bin gespannt, wie es mit Elma weitergeht.
July 26, 2022
This is a really good read. This is the first book in the series that I have read and although I would happily read the first two, I don’t feel like there was any loss of enjoyment of this book by not having read them. It felt like a stand-alone novel. I really liked the main character Elma, she is so well written, she is likeable, believable and relatable. She is a strong character but she also has a vulnerable side. I can’t wait to meet Elma again in future books in this series. The story itself is a really good police procedural. It has a good mix of characters who could be guilty along with plenty of leads that create suspense right up until the end. I love Icelandic noir and I am so pleased to be able to add this author to my must read list.
October 22, 2024
Ik hou er toch zo van als een boek ineens dingen op je dropt waar helemaal geen hints naar gegeven zijn.
March 21, 2024
Düster und atmosphärisch
Worum geht’s?
Bei einem Hausbrand wird die Leiche eines Jugendlichen gefunden. Alle gehen von einem Unfall aus, doch bei der Obduktion wird festgestellt, dass der Junge bereits vor dem Brand tot war. Wer wollte den Tod des jungen Mannes und was hat das Au-Pair der Nachbarn mit dem Fall zu tun?
Meine Meinung:
Mit „Verborgen“ schickt Eva Björg Aegisdottir ihre Ermittlerin Elma bereits auf ihren dritten Fall in ihrer Krimireihe Mörderisches Island. Entweder habe ich die Vorgängerbände nicht mehr ganz so genau im Kopf, oder die Autorin hat hier ihren Schreibstil etwas verändert? So oder so: Mir haben die beiden Fälle zuvor schon gut, aber dieser 3. Fall hat mir noch besser gefallen. Es hat mich mehr gefesselt, mehr mitgerissen. Vielleicht lag es daran, dass wir immer wieder in die Vergangenheit gegangen sind?
Die Autorin hat hier nämlich unterschiedliche Perspektiven miteinander verbunden. Vorwiegend begleiten wir in der Gegenwart Elma und ihren Kollegen Saevar auf ihren Ermittlungen. Aber auch bei den unterschiedlichen Familien, die mit dem Fall zu tun haben, schauen wir immer mal wieder in den einzelnen Kapiteln vorbei. Und im zweiten Teil dürfen wir zudem kursiv Rückblicke aus Sicht des Au-Pairs lesen. So haben wir den Ermittlern gegenüber einen deutlichen Vorteil, weil wir in die Köpfe der Beteiligten schauen dürfen, was mir sehr gut gefallen hat. Und Elma und Saevar kommen sich noch näher – nicht zuletzt, weil Elma in anderen Umständen ist, was wir schon am Ende des letzten Falles quasi erfahren haben.
Der Fall wie gesagt hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Durch die einzelnen Erzählstränge können wir hinter die Kulissen und in die Köpfe der Beteiligten schauen. Wir erfahren von den dunklen Seiten in den Familien, die nach außen hin oft nicht sichtbar sind. Dadurch erhalten wir zusätzlich zu den Ermittlungen noch eine Parallelstory, die mit dem Fall zu tun hat, aber doch auch irgendwie nicht. Wir erhalten ein bisschen Gossip, Klatsch und Tratsch, was das Ganze aufgelockert, aber dennoch der Spannung keinen Abbruch getan hat. Besonders im zweiten Teil, mit den kursiven Kapiteln, zieht die Spannungskurve enorm an und ich habe mich in Mutmaßungen und Vorahnungen verstrickt, die sich am Ende aber nur teilweise als richtig herausgestellt haben. Dieser Teil ist auch direkter geschrieben, als die Vorgänger. Auch dadurch ist die Spannung noch stärker spürbar. Und das Ende – war es denn das Ende? Ich bin mir nicht sicher. Oder ist es ein Cliffhanger? Auf jeden Fall war es genial zu lesen, mitzuraten und in die verschiedenen Köpfe zu blicken. Ich bin gespannt, ob die Autorin bei diesem Schreibstil bleiben wird – ich hoffe es sehr. So war das Ganze vor der atmosphärischen Kulisse Islands noch lebendiger, prickelnder und mitreißender. Eine ganz klare Leseempfehlung von mir!
Fazit:
Mit ihrem dritten Kriminalfall für Elma, „Verborgen“ hat Eva Björg Aegisdottir einen anderen Stil ausprobiert, als in den ersten Teilen. Das hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Wir blicken in unterschiedliche Köpfe, erhalten Rückblicke und durch die Erzählstränge wird alles noch lebendiger und fesselnder. Die ersten Teile waren schon spannend, aber hier wurde ich noch mehr mitgerissen, die Seiten flogen noch schneller dahin und die Spannung war noch stärker zu spüren. Dieser Band war für mich ein richtiger Pageturner, dessen Ende anders war, als ich gedacht hätte.
5 Sterne von mir und ich freue mich auf den nächsten Band!
Worum geht’s?
Bei einem Hausbrand wird die Leiche eines Jugendlichen gefunden. Alle gehen von einem Unfall aus, doch bei der Obduktion wird festgestellt, dass der Junge bereits vor dem Brand tot war. Wer wollte den Tod des jungen Mannes und was hat das Au-Pair der Nachbarn mit dem Fall zu tun?
Meine Meinung:
Mit „Verborgen“ schickt Eva Björg Aegisdottir ihre Ermittlerin Elma bereits auf ihren dritten Fall in ihrer Krimireihe Mörderisches Island. Entweder habe ich die Vorgängerbände nicht mehr ganz so genau im Kopf, oder die Autorin hat hier ihren Schreibstil etwas verändert? So oder so: Mir haben die beiden Fälle zuvor schon gut, aber dieser 3. Fall hat mir noch besser gefallen. Es hat mich mehr gefesselt, mehr mitgerissen. Vielleicht lag es daran, dass wir immer wieder in die Vergangenheit gegangen sind?
Die Autorin hat hier nämlich unterschiedliche Perspektiven miteinander verbunden. Vorwiegend begleiten wir in der Gegenwart Elma und ihren Kollegen Saevar auf ihren Ermittlungen. Aber auch bei den unterschiedlichen Familien, die mit dem Fall zu tun haben, schauen wir immer mal wieder in den einzelnen Kapiteln vorbei. Und im zweiten Teil dürfen wir zudem kursiv Rückblicke aus Sicht des Au-Pairs lesen. So haben wir den Ermittlern gegenüber einen deutlichen Vorteil, weil wir in die Köpfe der Beteiligten schauen dürfen, was mir sehr gut gefallen hat. Und Elma und Saevar kommen sich noch näher – nicht zuletzt, weil Elma in anderen Umständen ist, was wir schon am Ende des letzten Falles quasi erfahren haben.
Der Fall wie gesagt hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Durch die einzelnen Erzählstränge können wir hinter die Kulissen und in die Köpfe der Beteiligten schauen. Wir erfahren von den dunklen Seiten in den Familien, die nach außen hin oft nicht sichtbar sind. Dadurch erhalten wir zusätzlich zu den Ermittlungen noch eine Parallelstory, die mit dem Fall zu tun hat, aber doch auch irgendwie nicht. Wir erhalten ein bisschen Gossip, Klatsch und Tratsch, was das Ganze aufgelockert, aber dennoch der Spannung keinen Abbruch getan hat. Besonders im zweiten Teil, mit den kursiven Kapiteln, zieht die Spannungskurve enorm an und ich habe mich in Mutmaßungen und Vorahnungen verstrickt, die sich am Ende aber nur teilweise als richtig herausgestellt haben. Dieser Teil ist auch direkter geschrieben, als die Vorgänger. Auch dadurch ist die Spannung noch stärker spürbar. Und das Ende – war es denn das Ende? Ich bin mir nicht sicher. Oder ist es ein Cliffhanger? Auf jeden Fall war es genial zu lesen, mitzuraten und in die verschiedenen Köpfe zu blicken. Ich bin gespannt, ob die Autorin bei diesem Schreibstil bleiben wird – ich hoffe es sehr. So war das Ganze vor der atmosphärischen Kulisse Islands noch lebendiger, prickelnder und mitreißender. Eine ganz klare Leseempfehlung von mir!
Fazit:
Mit ihrem dritten Kriminalfall für Elma, „Verborgen“ hat Eva Björg Aegisdottir einen anderen Stil ausprobiert, als in den ersten Teilen. Das hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Wir blicken in unterschiedliche Köpfe, erhalten Rückblicke und durch die Erzählstränge wird alles noch lebendiger und fesselnder. Die ersten Teile waren schon spannend, aber hier wurde ich noch mehr mitgerissen, die Seiten flogen noch schneller dahin und die Spannung war noch stärker zu spüren. Dieser Band war für mich ein richtiger Pageturner, dessen Ende anders war, als ich gedacht hätte.
5 Sterne von mir und ich freue mich auf den nächsten Band!
July 26, 2023
The Forbidden Iceland books are such a great series to read. Now that the next book in the series is out – which is actually set before the other books so it doesn’t feature detective Elma in it – it has given me the nudge to pick up my pre-ordered copy of Night Shadows.
I massively enjoyed the first two books and Night Shadows is another excellent addition to the series. In my view it was perhaps somewhat less dark than the other two, even though the theme of abuse is also somewhere up in the air here but in regards to its mysteriousness it was definitely up to par with the previous novels.
Night Shadows involves a story about a teenager who dies in his bed in a house fire and soon it is suspected that the fire was not an accident. Elma and her team of West Iceland CID investigate and search the suspect within his circle of friends who were present at a small get together before he died. Another thread in the novel follows the family of Unnar and Laufey, their three children and au pair Lise who comes to live with them. There is definitely something going on in that family and while I figured out what it was halfway in it still held some twists that totally surprised me. I didn’t catch on immediately that this timeline was set before the death but the two timelines slowly start to entangle themselves. Even then they didn’t make much sense so I really had to follow the story where it led to.
As usual the story and plot are very clever providing a perfect puzzle and every puzzle piece also fits perfectly in the end. I loved watching it all unfold and the focus of Elma going from one to the other with false leads and the usual building of tension as some are crossed of the list. I also had a suspect in my head but it’s a good thing I didn’t put any of my money on it :-). I was looking in the right direction from very early on but I was still wrong, I’ll leave it at that.
I’m so ready for book 4! And that’s not only because the personal thread about Elma will probably be given more attention and I would like to see how she’ll do but also because these mysteries are so well put together that they don’t give anything away for the longest time. Personally, this is the best nordic noir series that I’ve read to date. If you’re new to the genre and you like (psychological) thrillers and a fair bit of mystery and you want to give it a try I can certainly recommend this series as a starting point.
I massively enjoyed the first two books and Night Shadows is another excellent addition to the series. In my view it was perhaps somewhat less dark than the other two, even though the theme of abuse is also somewhere up in the air here but in regards to its mysteriousness it was definitely up to par with the previous novels.
Night Shadows involves a story about a teenager who dies in his bed in a house fire and soon it is suspected that the fire was not an accident. Elma and her team of West Iceland CID investigate and search the suspect within his circle of friends who were present at a small get together before he died. Another thread in the novel follows the family of Unnar and Laufey, their three children and au pair Lise who comes to live with them. There is definitely something going on in that family and while I figured out what it was halfway in it still held some twists that totally surprised me. I didn’t catch on immediately that this timeline was set before the death but the two timelines slowly start to entangle themselves. Even then they didn’t make much sense so I really had to follow the story where it led to.
As usual the story and plot are very clever providing a perfect puzzle and every puzzle piece also fits perfectly in the end. I loved watching it all unfold and the focus of Elma going from one to the other with false leads and the usual building of tension as some are crossed of the list. I also had a suspect in my head but it’s a good thing I didn’t put any of my money on it :-). I was looking in the right direction from very early on but I was still wrong, I’ll leave it at that.
I’m so ready for book 4! And that’s not only because the personal thread about Elma will probably be given more attention and I would like to see how she’ll do but also because these mysteries are so well put together that they don’t give anything away for the longest time. Personally, this is the best nordic noir series that I’ve read to date. If you’re new to the genre and you like (psychological) thrillers and a fair bit of mystery and you want to give it a try I can certainly recommend this series as a starting point.
September 16, 2024
The "Forbidden Iceland" series of mystery novels by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir are set in the small (pop 8,000) town of Akranes, which is visible from Reykjavik's harbor across Faxafloi Bay. Night Shadows is an absorbing read and makes me want to continue reading the series.
As with the other novels in the series that I have read (The Creak on the Stairs and Girls Who Lie), the books tend to be slow at the outset and speed up markedly as one reaches the midpoint. This novel is about two bodies dead under mysterious circumstances after a party. Detectives Elma and Saevar, who are romantically connected, are the chief investigators as the chief of station is still mourning the recent death of his wife.
In the end, the solution to the crimes is quite involving; and Elma barely gets away with her life when threatened by an angry suburban mother.
As with the other novels in the series that I have read (The Creak on the Stairs and Girls Who Lie), the books tend to be slow at the outset and speed up markedly as one reaches the midpoint. This novel is about two bodies dead under mysterious circumstances after a party. Detectives Elma and Saevar, who are romantically connected, are the chief investigators as the chief of station is still mourning the recent death of his wife.
In the end, the solution to the crimes is quite involving; and Elma barely gets away with her life when threatened by an angry suburban mother.
July 31, 2022
Night Shadows is the third book in Eva Björg Ægisdóttir's superb Forbidden Iceland series and it cements her place as one of the most exciting current writers of character-driven, literary crime fiction. The Creak on the Stairs and Girls Who Lie were both excellent novels but Night Shadows is surely her best yet.
The mournful start to Night Shadows sets the scene perfectly for a storyline that is as achingly tragic as it is chilling. The death of a young man, particularly in such disturbing circumstances is almost too awful to contemplate, especially when it quickly becomes apparent that arson wasn't the only terrible crime committed. As Elma and Sævar begin questioning those closest to Marinó, there seems to be no obvious motive besides the possibility of a revenge attack – until his online history reveals an ominous recent search.
The intricate plotting in Night Shadows is so effective because Eva Björg Ægisdóttir invests her characters with such richness and depth. This isn't a fast-paced novel but it is utterly compulsive as the lives of these people are explored with nuanced empathy that explains why they behave as they do. There are shocking revelations, of course, but they seem obvious in retrospect, which is the mark of a great crime writer. The writing is sublime throughout and as much as this is a whodunnit, it's also a perceptive study of human behaviour; while I ached for some characters, one is almost blatantly repugnant – and only too believable...
The chapters in the second part of the book alternate between the present and the recent past. Nothing is rushed, the narrative meanders from one character to the next, gradually revealing little insights into their lives while the inevitability of a further tragedy casts a menacing chill over proceedings. Meanwhile, Elma is also undergoing great changes in her own life and what this means for her is as intriguing a subplot as the main storyline. She is a wonderful character because she is so ordinary; her working, familial and romantic relationships aren't overly dramatic yet they are an entirely believable portrait of the ebb and flow of real lives.
I'm mindful not to give anything away because this is a novel that should be savoured, however, I can say that this is an intense, intimate look at love and how it can inspire both the best and worst in people. The clever misdirections and hints ensured I was never sure who was guilty, even though I had my suspicions and the tense denouement had me holding my breath. The evocative sense of place captures small town life perfectly; Akranes is simultaneously the sort of community where people look out for one another and yet a place where the apparently happiest of families are hiding dark secrets.
Victoria Cribb's translation is as seamless as ever and this atmospheric, emotionally-charged thriller flows beautifully throughout. Night Shadows is consummate crime fiction; suspenseful, moving and unsettling. I loved every word and cannot recommend this exceptional novel highly enough. A must-read.
The mournful start to Night Shadows sets the scene perfectly for a storyline that is as achingly tragic as it is chilling. The death of a young man, particularly in such disturbing circumstances is almost too awful to contemplate, especially when it quickly becomes apparent that arson wasn't the only terrible crime committed. As Elma and Sævar begin questioning those closest to Marinó, there seems to be no obvious motive besides the possibility of a revenge attack – until his online history reveals an ominous recent search.
The intricate plotting in Night Shadows is so effective because Eva Björg Ægisdóttir invests her characters with such richness and depth. This isn't a fast-paced novel but it is utterly compulsive as the lives of these people are explored with nuanced empathy that explains why they behave as they do. There are shocking revelations, of course, but they seem obvious in retrospect, which is the mark of a great crime writer. The writing is sublime throughout and as much as this is a whodunnit, it's also a perceptive study of human behaviour; while I ached for some characters, one is almost blatantly repugnant – and only too believable...
The chapters in the second part of the book alternate between the present and the recent past. Nothing is rushed, the narrative meanders from one character to the next, gradually revealing little insights into their lives while the inevitability of a further tragedy casts a menacing chill over proceedings. Meanwhile, Elma is also undergoing great changes in her own life and what this means for her is as intriguing a subplot as the main storyline. She is a wonderful character because she is so ordinary; her working, familial and romantic relationships aren't overly dramatic yet they are an entirely believable portrait of the ebb and flow of real lives.
I'm mindful not to give anything away because this is a novel that should be savoured, however, I can say that this is an intense, intimate look at love and how it can inspire both the best and worst in people. The clever misdirections and hints ensured I was never sure who was guilty, even though I had my suspicions and the tense denouement had me holding my breath. The evocative sense of place captures small town life perfectly; Akranes is simultaneously the sort of community where people look out for one another and yet a place where the apparently happiest of families are hiding dark secrets.
Victoria Cribb's translation is as seamless as ever and this atmospheric, emotionally-charged thriller flows beautifully throughout. Night Shadows is consummate crime fiction; suspenseful, moving and unsettling. I loved every word and cannot recommend this exceptional novel highly enough. A must-read.
August 23, 2024
Nach Verschwiegen und Verlogen der dritte Band der Islandkrimis. Spannend und am Ende immer verblüffend. Auch eher zart Besaitete können diese Bücher gut lesen.
December 16, 2024
These books are written at a YA reading level with short uncomplicated sentences. It makes the reading a little choppy at times but the stories themselves are pretty good.
September 8, 2022
3.5* —> 4*
July 22, 2022
In this book, Elma, a police officer of Akranes CID and her colleagues investigate two seemingly unrelated cases: a death of a 20 year old Marino Finnsson, and the disappearance of a Dutch au-pair Lise Visser.
From the beginning the police suspect that the fire that killed Marino was set deliberately. He was home alone, his parents and sister away, but when the fire alarm went off, he didn’t wake up. Was he under the influence of drugs? Or was he already dead before the fire started?
Before the fire and Marino’s death, Lise Visser, a Dutch au-pair goes missing. When she first arrived in Iceland, she was excited and looked forward to the future, but before her disappearance she was solemn and withdrawn. What was the reason? Are the two cases related? If so, then how?
I really enjoyed this Icelandic noir thriller. The translation by Victoria Cribb was exquisite, the prose just flowed, it was that amazingly done!
I liked Elma as a character, she was intelligent and determined to discover the truth. On the personal level, she was a bit unsure of how to approach the news she’s been given, but I am glad it all worked out for her in the end.
One of my favourite parts of the book was Lise’s account of events – I felt this gave an insight into her character and motivations.
Overall, it’s a great thriller that will keep you guessing all the way to the end.
From the beginning the police suspect that the fire that killed Marino was set deliberately. He was home alone, his parents and sister away, but when the fire alarm went off, he didn’t wake up. Was he under the influence of drugs? Or was he already dead before the fire started?
Before the fire and Marino’s death, Lise Visser, a Dutch au-pair goes missing. When she first arrived in Iceland, she was excited and looked forward to the future, but before her disappearance she was solemn and withdrawn. What was the reason? Are the two cases related? If so, then how?
I really enjoyed this Icelandic noir thriller. The translation by Victoria Cribb was exquisite, the prose just flowed, it was that amazingly done!
I liked Elma as a character, she was intelligent and determined to discover the truth. On the personal level, she was a bit unsure of how to approach the news she’s been given, but I am glad it all worked out for her in the end.
One of my favourite parts of the book was Lise’s account of events – I felt this gave an insight into her character and motivations.
Overall, it’s a great thriller that will keep you guessing all the way to the end.
May 13, 2023
Not as good as the previous two books in this series, in part because of one thing I didn't think was reasonable in the ending, this being This rather spoilt the dénouement for me. I have asked a question about this, so if someone else comes up with a good reason for this, I will change my rating to four stars.
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