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Fire and Ice #1
Where the Shadows Lie
Amid Iceland's wild, volcanic landscape, rumours swirl of an eight-hundred-year-old manuscript inscribed with a long-lost saga about a ring of terrible power.
A rediscovered saga alone would be worth a fortune, but, if the rumours can be believed, there is something much more valuable about this one. Something worth killing for. Something that will cost Professor Agnar Haraldsson his life.
Untangling murder from myth is Iceland-born, Boston-raised homicide detective Magnus Jonson. Seconded to the Icelandic Police Force for his own protection after he runs afoul of a drug cartel back in Boston, Magnus also has his own reasons for returning to the country of his birth for the first time in nearly two decades - the unsolved murder of his father.
And as Magnus is about to discover, the past casts a long shadow in Iceland.
Binding Iceland's landscape and history, secrets and superstitions in a strikingly original plot that will span several volumes, Where the Shadows Lie is the first in a thrilling new series from an established master.
A rediscovered saga alone would be worth a fortune, but, if the rumours can be believed, there is something much more valuable about this one. Something worth killing for. Something that will cost Professor Agnar Haraldsson his life.
Untangling murder from myth is Iceland-born, Boston-raised homicide detective Magnus Jonson. Seconded to the Icelandic Police Force for his own protection after he runs afoul of a drug cartel back in Boston, Magnus also has his own reasons for returning to the country of his birth for the first time in nearly two decades - the unsolved murder of his father.
And as Magnus is about to discover, the past casts a long shadow in Iceland.
Binding Iceland's landscape and history, secrets and superstitions in a strikingly original plot that will span several volumes, Where the Shadows Lie is the first in a thrilling new series from an established master.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
851 people are currently reading
2430 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ridpath
66 books311 followersBefore becoming a writer, Michael Ridpath used to work as a bond trader in the City of London. After writing several financial thrillers, which were published in over 30 languages, he began a crime series featuring the Icelandic detective Magnus Jonson. He has also written five stand-alone thrillers, the latest of which is The Diplomat’s Wife, published in February 2021. He lives in London.
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
July 1, 2018
”Some of his colleagues in the Church of Iceland might have a better understanding of God, but the pastor understood the devil, and in a land that lay under constant threat of earthquake, volcano or storm, where trolls and ghosts roamed the countryside, and where dark winters suffocated isolated communities in their cold grip, an understanding of the devil was important.”
Gauker’s Saga, you say? I may have borrowed a few things from that.
An ancient document, a ring, and a letter from J. R. R. Tolkien are about to create a literary explosion that will rock the history and literary departments of every university, but will also send those legions of Lord of the Rings fans into orgasmic ecstasy at the thought of reading a source document that had a major influence on Tolkien when he created his Middle-earth.
Professor Agnar Haraldsson is translating this Icelandic tale with, I’m sure, trembling fingers and an elevated heart rate, for this is one of those moments in time when he knows his reputation as a scholar is going to grow tenfold as soon as he can release his findings to the world. This opportunity fell in his lap when a friend, a young woman named Ingileif, brought Gaukur’s Saga to him to translate and arrange to sell. The ancient tale is a secret her family has held for hundreds of years.
The dreams of fame that Agnar is just beginning to enjoy thinking about are cut short by MURDER. His murder.
Academic murder? Over a piece of parchment and the hope of finding the ring? Yes, that ring, PRECIOUS.
Meanwhile, Magnus Ragnarsson has problems of his own. He has exposed some crooked cops in Boston along with their connections with a drug gang. His life isn’t worth the price of a Sam Adams beer. For his protection, he is shipped off to Iceland. His father who was Icelandic taught Magnus the language. He doesn’t exactly blend, but the Icelandic police are glad to have his help solving this unusual murder.
They don’t let him have a gun. No police carry guns in Iceland. Unfortunately this is an inconceivable concept in the United States.
The first case he lands is to investigate the murder of Agnar Haraldsson, a case involving trolls, ghosts, and ancient murders. Despite his initial misgivings about the validity of anything he is being told by the people surrounding this murder, he is drawn in and soon finds his own beliefs in what is possible start to become more malleable. He begins reread The Lord of the Rings for potential clues.
How crazy is that?
And then there is this mystical ring. ”The links to The Lord of the Rings in Gaukur’s Saga were obvious, much stronger than the Saga of the Volsungs. For one thing, the ‘magic’ of the ring was more powerful and more specific. Although there was nothing about invisibility, the ring took over the character of its keeper, corrupting him and causing him to betray or even kill his friends. And it extended his life.”
One has to wonder, is this like Voodoo? The ring has no power over you unless you believe it does? Okay, so maybe Agnar Haraldsson was killed for something more than just a piece of ancient parchment, cool as it is. Certainly, many people would kill for the keys to eternal life.
”His fingers felt for the familiar round shape.
The ring.
He drew it out and pulled it on to the fourth finger of his right hand, where it fitted snugly. (He) had big hands, he had been a good handball player in his youth, yet the ring was not too tight. It had been made for the fingers of warriors.”
It barely looks real.
This novel is set against the backdrop of Iceland’s unworldly landscape. I truly felt like I’d fallen into some part of Middle-earth. ”Mist swirled around the pinnacles of twisted lava all about Magnus, odd grotesque shapes, volcanic gargoyles. Under his feet was black grit and chips of obsidian, rock melted into black glass deep within the earth and then spewed out on to the very spot where he stood.” Kreppa (economic crisis of 2008) has just taken a large crap all over the Icelandic economy, and everyone is worried about the heavy debt loads they accumulated when times were good, but despite these worries, the people of Iceland are fiercely proud of their country and are so willing to work hard to bring their economy back to life.
They are a country of dedicated readers, as well. My kind of people!
Can Magnus make the adjustments to being trapped between two cultures? Can he unravel the mist shrouded mysteries of this academic murder? Can he stay hidden from his enemies in Boston? Can he stay out of the bed of the beautiful murder suspect, Ingileif? When in Iceland, right? Can he stop spending his evenings getting plowed in the Grand Rokk? Can he find the answers he seeks within his own family, about his father and his connection to Iceland?
Magnus is caught up in a mystery that will challenge his own conceptions of where the outer reaches of reality end and where legend and myth begin. The literary elements, the sagas, and the spectacular landscape certainly added to my enjoyment of this book. I’ve already ordered the second book. I can’t wait to see what lava strewn path Michael Ridpath takes me down next.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
Gauker’s Saga, you say? I may have borrowed a few things from that.
An ancient document, a ring, and a letter from J. R. R. Tolkien are about to create a literary explosion that will rock the history and literary departments of every university, but will also send those legions of Lord of the Rings fans into orgasmic ecstasy at the thought of reading a source document that had a major influence on Tolkien when he created his Middle-earth.
Professor Agnar Haraldsson is translating this Icelandic tale with, I’m sure, trembling fingers and an elevated heart rate, for this is one of those moments in time when he knows his reputation as a scholar is going to grow tenfold as soon as he can release his findings to the world. This opportunity fell in his lap when a friend, a young woman named Ingileif, brought Gaukur’s Saga to him to translate and arrange to sell. The ancient tale is a secret her family has held for hundreds of years.
The dreams of fame that Agnar is just beginning to enjoy thinking about are cut short by MURDER. His murder.
Academic murder? Over a piece of parchment and the hope of finding the ring? Yes, that ring, PRECIOUS.
Meanwhile, Magnus Ragnarsson has problems of his own. He has exposed some crooked cops in Boston along with their connections with a drug gang. His life isn’t worth the price of a Sam Adams beer. For his protection, he is shipped off to Iceland. His father who was Icelandic taught Magnus the language. He doesn’t exactly blend, but the Icelandic police are glad to have his help solving this unusual murder.
They don’t let him have a gun. No police carry guns in Iceland. Unfortunately this is an inconceivable concept in the United States.
The first case he lands is to investigate the murder of Agnar Haraldsson, a case involving trolls, ghosts, and ancient murders. Despite his initial misgivings about the validity of anything he is being told by the people surrounding this murder, he is drawn in and soon finds his own beliefs in what is possible start to become more malleable. He begins reread The Lord of the Rings for potential clues.
How crazy is that?
And then there is this mystical ring. ”The links to The Lord of the Rings in Gaukur’s Saga were obvious, much stronger than the Saga of the Volsungs. For one thing, the ‘magic’ of the ring was more powerful and more specific. Although there was nothing about invisibility, the ring took over the character of its keeper, corrupting him and causing him to betray or even kill his friends. And it extended his life.”
One has to wonder, is this like Voodoo? The ring has no power over you unless you believe it does? Okay, so maybe Agnar Haraldsson was killed for something more than just a piece of ancient parchment, cool as it is. Certainly, many people would kill for the keys to eternal life.
”His fingers felt for the familiar round shape.
The ring.
He drew it out and pulled it on to the fourth finger of his right hand, where it fitted snugly. (He) had big hands, he had been a good handball player in his youth, yet the ring was not too tight. It had been made for the fingers of warriors.”
It barely looks real.
This novel is set against the backdrop of Iceland’s unworldly landscape. I truly felt like I’d fallen into some part of Middle-earth. ”Mist swirled around the pinnacles of twisted lava all about Magnus, odd grotesque shapes, volcanic gargoyles. Under his feet was black grit and chips of obsidian, rock melted into black glass deep within the earth and then spewed out on to the very spot where he stood.” Kreppa (economic crisis of 2008) has just taken a large crap all over the Icelandic economy, and everyone is worried about the heavy debt loads they accumulated when times were good, but despite these worries, the people of Iceland are fiercely proud of their country and are so willing to work hard to bring their economy back to life.
They are a country of dedicated readers, as well. My kind of people!
Can Magnus make the adjustments to being trapped between two cultures? Can he unravel the mist shrouded mysteries of this academic murder? Can he stay hidden from his enemies in Boston? Can he stay out of the bed of the beautiful murder suspect, Ingileif? When in Iceland, right? Can he stop spending his evenings getting plowed in the Grand Rokk? Can he find the answers he seeks within his own family, about his father and his connection to Iceland?
Magnus is caught up in a mystery that will challenge his own conceptions of where the outer reaches of reality end and where legend and myth begin. The literary elements, the sagas, and the spectacular landscape certainly added to my enjoyment of this book. I’ve already ordered the second book. I can’t wait to see what lava strewn path Michael Ridpath takes me down next.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
May 30, 2015
I liked this book well enough to keep at it, but it slowed me down. One of those, okay I want to know what's going on so I'll keep going, but...yawn...
Magnus Jonson, a cop from Boston, is sent to Iceland for his own protection. (He's due to testify against a drug gang so he's there as an American 'consultant'.) Okay, I will accept that, but it's obvious this book was not written by a Bostonian. There are too many 'Englishisms' in it. (And we don't write tires as tyres.) So as I'm reading I'm thinking, yep, sure, a Boston cop would say THAT.
You don't always get 100% accuracy in a book like this. I get it; I buy into it. And the research this writer did? Well, he had to link a Lord of the Rings theme to a present-day murder in Iceland while writing as a Boston cop when he's really a Londoner. It can't be easy. As for the murder-mystery-investigation, it's fairly straightforward, but there's just too many people running around, asking questions, getting answers - some straight, some not, the usual - and then we sit and talk a bit, then we run around some more.
I understand most murder investigations, irl, are similar to this. Talk-talk-talk long enough and eventually, maybe, you'll find the killer. But this was a bit convoluted and the guy who did the murdering? Okay, didn't see it coming, but there was no - Aha! I shoulda seen that! - moment for me. I was like, what? Who?
I considered two stars, then said, no, with the work that went into this, with the LOTR tie-in, at least three.
But overall, I am left unimpressed.
Magnus Jonson, a cop from Boston, is sent to Iceland for his own protection. (He's due to testify against a drug gang so he's there as an American 'consultant'.) Okay, I will accept that, but it's obvious this book was not written by a Bostonian. There are too many 'Englishisms' in it. (And we don't write tires as tyres.) So as I'm reading I'm thinking, yep, sure, a Boston cop would say THAT.
You don't always get 100% accuracy in a book like this. I get it; I buy into it. And the research this writer did? Well, he had to link a Lord of the Rings theme to a present-day murder in Iceland while writing as a Boston cop when he's really a Londoner. It can't be easy. As for the murder-mystery-investigation, it's fairly straightforward, but there's just too many people running around, asking questions, getting answers - some straight, some not, the usual - and then we sit and talk a bit, then we run around some more.
I understand most murder investigations, irl, are similar to this. Talk-talk-talk long enough and eventually, maybe, you'll find the killer. But this was a bit convoluted and the guy who did the murdering? Okay, didn't see it coming, but there was no - Aha! I shoulda seen that! - moment for me. I was like, what? Who?
I considered two stars, then said, no, with the work that went into this, with the LOTR tie-in, at least three.
But overall, I am left unimpressed.
December 21, 2011
Lord of the Rings fans, read this book! I just finished this adult mystery, set in Iceland, and I really enjoyed all the information about the Icelandic sagas and folklore, as well as the descriptions of life in Iceland. It's amazing to think of such a small country where everyone really sort-of knows everyone else! Yes, I realize this is a work of fiction, but I still felt like I got a sense of life in Iceland. I'm not going to say a whole lot about the plot, except it involves a Boston PD, Magnus Jonson, with Icelandic roots who returns to his homeland to hide from an enemy (I found this plot line annoying and unnecessary. I guess it had to serve to get him across the ocean, but every time the book jumped to the "gangsters" after Magnus, I just wanted it to get back to the real story!)and assist the local police with the increase in crime caused by the economic downturn. He ends up investigating a murder with ties to some fascinating folklore. I really enjoyed this for all it had to offer.
October 25, 2017
Κυκλοφορεί στα ελληνικά από τις εκδόσεις "Μοντέρνοι Καιροί" με τον τίτλο "Σκιές στον πάγο".
Λίγο ο πιασάρικος τίτλος, λίγο οι σάγκα και οι μύθοι που αναφέρονται, λίγο το πολύ ενδιαφέρον εξώφυλλο και την πατάς σαν πρωτάρης!
Διότι, μολονότι η πρώτη ύλη (δηλαδή το χιονισμένο τοπίο της Ισλανδίας, τα χειρόγραφα χιλιάδων ετών, η σύνδεση με τον Άρχοντα των δαχτυλιδιών, οι αναφορές σε ισλανδικούς θρύλους, κλπ) φαντάζει εξαιρετική και πολλά υποσχόμενη, ο συγγραφέας δεν καταφέρνει να τη διαχειριστεί σωστά, με αποτέλεσμα να δημιουργήσει μια κοινότοπη ιστορία με χάρτινους χαρακτήρες που δεν έχει τίποτα να προσθέσει στην παγκόσμια αστυνομική λογοτεχνία!
Εν ολίγοις, οι αναφορές στους τοπικούς μύθους είναι επιδερμικές και άνευ ενδιαφέροντος, το μυστήριο δεν είναι και τόσο πρωτότυπο, ο βασικός ήρωας δεν σε ενθουσιάζει, το λαβ στόρι είναι πολύ τετριμμένο, η ροή της ιστορίας αργή, και σώζεται μόνο από το αγωνιώδες φινάλε, που και πάλι δεν είναι κάτι που δεν το έχεις ξαναδιαβάσει.
Στα πολύ αρνητικά του η βαρετή και ακαταλαβίστικη (σε εμένα) αφήγηση της βασικής ιστορίας της Σάγκας (ιστορίας) από την οποία εμπνεύστηκε ο Τόλκιν (το θεωρητικά δυνατό χαρτί της ιστορίας), και η εντελώς γελοία συλλογιστική του ήρωα βάσει της οποίας καταλήγει στον ένοχο.
Μόλις το τελειώσεις, το βάζεις στο ράφι και πας γι' άλλα... (4/10)
Λίγο ο πιασάρικος τίτλος, λίγο οι σάγκα και οι μύθοι που αναφέρονται, λίγο το πολύ ενδιαφέρον εξώφυλλο και την πατάς σαν πρωτάρης!
Διότι, μολονότι η πρώτη ύλη (δηλαδή το χιονισμένο τοπίο της Ισλανδίας, τα χειρόγραφα χιλιάδων ετών, η σύνδεση με τον Άρχοντα των δαχτυλιδιών, οι αναφορές σε ισλανδικούς θρύλους, κλπ) φαντάζει εξαιρετική και πολλά υποσχόμενη, ο συγγραφέας δεν καταφέρνει να τη διαχειριστεί σωστά, με αποτέλεσμα να δημιουργήσει μια κοινότοπη ιστορία με χάρτινους χαρακτήρες που δεν έχει τίποτα να προσθέσει στην παγκόσμια αστυνομική λογοτεχνία!
Εν ολίγοις, οι αναφορές στους τοπικούς μύθους είναι επιδερμικές και άνευ ενδιαφέροντος, το μυστήριο δεν είναι και τόσο πρωτότυπο, ο βασικός ήρωας δεν σε ενθουσιάζει, το λαβ στόρι είναι πολύ τετριμμένο, η ροή της ιστορίας αργή, και σώζεται μόνο από το αγωνιώδες φινάλε, που και πάλι δεν είναι κάτι που δεν το έχεις ξαναδιαβάσει.
Στα πολύ αρνητικά του η βαρετή και ακαταλαβίστικη (σε εμένα) αφήγηση της βασικής ιστορίας της Σάγκας (ιστορίας) από την οποία εμπνεύστηκε ο Τόλκιν (το θεωρητικά δυνατό χαρτί της ιστορίας), και η εντελώς γελοία συλλογιστική του ήρωα βάσει της οποίας καταλήγει στον ένοχο.
Μόλις το τελειώσεις, το βάζεις στο ράφι και πας γι' άλλα... (4/10)
January 2, 2020
Τίτλος: Σκιές στον πάγο (Fire & Ice 1: Where the shadows lie)
Κατηγορίες: crime, fantasy, mystery
Βαθμολογία: 4/5
Μετά από μια απόπειρα εναντίον του, ο Αμερικανοϊσλανδός υπαστυνόμος Μάγκνους Γιόνσον παίρνει μετάθεση στην μητροπολιτική αστυνομία του Ρέικιαβικ, όπου χρειάζονται τη βοήθειά του για να λύσουν το μυστήριο ενός φόνου, κάτι που συμβαίνει πολύ σπάνια στη φιλήσυχη πρωτεύουσα.
Σύντομα ο Μάγκνους θα κληθεί να ανακαλύψει πως συνδέεται μια άγνωστη, αρχαία Ισλανδική σάγκα με τον Κόσμο του Τόλκιν και ποιός θα διέπραττε φόνο για να αποκτήσει τα μυστικά της.
Ένα πρωτότυπο βιβλίο που συνδιάζει έξυπνα το αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα με το φανταστικό στοιχείο, δεμένα εξαιρετικά με τα μαγευτικά τοπία της Ισλανδίας.
Διαβάστε αναλυτικά την άποψή μου στο blog μου.
Κατηγορίες: crime, fantasy, mystery
Βαθμολογία: 4/5
Μετά από μια απόπειρα εναντίον του, ο Αμερικανοϊσλανδός υπαστυνόμος Μάγκνους Γιόνσον παίρνει μετάθεση στην μητροπολιτική αστυνομία του Ρέικιαβικ, όπου χρειάζονται τη βοήθειά του για να λύσουν το μυστήριο ενός φόνου, κάτι που συμβαίνει πολύ σπάνια στη φιλήσυχη πρωτεύουσα.
Σύντομα ο Μάγκνους θα κληθεί να ανακαλύψει πως συνδέεται μια άγνωστη, αρχαία Ισλανδική σάγκα με τον Κόσμο του Τόλκιν και ποιός θα διέπραττε φόνο για να αποκτήσει τα μυστικά της.
Ένα πρωτότυπο βιβλίο που συνδιάζει έξυπνα το αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα με το φανταστικό στοιχείο, δεμένα εξαιρετικά με τα μαγευτικά τοπία της Ισλανδίας.
Διαβάστε αναλυτικά την άποψή μου στο blog μου.
November 12, 2019
That was a very enjoyable book. It was what I call a 'slow mystery' although there was also a fair bit of action. Magnus Jonson, an Iceland born Boston cop is seconded to Iceland to help with an increase of violent crime that the country is not used to. He needed to get out of Boston because he was to testify in the trial of a senior cartel figure and witnesses were being killed off. Magnus would be safe in Iceland. He gets involved in a murder investigation which has far reaching consequences. An Icelandic saga, Gaukur's saga, which had remained hidden for hundreds of years was up for sale and mentioned a ring of power. It has links to J.R.R Tolkien's LOTR and LOTR fans have got wind of it and are keen to get their hands on the saga and, especially, the ring. It seems that some people are willing to kill for this prize, but who?
Well written and evoking the stark beauty of the Icelandic landscape this is a clever juxtaposition of the old and new. I really enjoyed the bits about the Icelandic sagas, having no knowledge of them before reading this. Apparently Gaukur was a real person although most of the story is fiction. Many of the other sagas are real. Magnus is in a unique position, with his dual background to solve this crime. This book should certainly appeal to LOTR fans but I think it has a wide appeal. I certainly loved it and will continue with the series. It fitted the bill for something a bit different.
Well written and evoking the stark beauty of the Icelandic landscape this is a clever juxtaposition of the old and new. I really enjoyed the bits about the Icelandic sagas, having no knowledge of them before reading this. Apparently Gaukur was a real person although most of the story is fiction. Many of the other sagas are real. Magnus is in a unique position, with his dual background to solve this crime. This book should certainly appeal to LOTR fans but I think it has a wide appeal. I certainly loved it and will continue with the series. It fitted the bill for something a bit different.
January 30, 2023
Michael Ridpath, geboren in 1961, studeerde in Oxford. Hij werkte een tijdje als financieel specialist en obligatie makelaar bij een internationale bank in Londen. Deze kennis gebruikte hij om verschillende financiële thrillers te schrijven die zich afspelen in de wereld van de haute finance.
Met Waar de schimmen zijn schreef hij het eerste deel van de trilogie rond rechercheur Magnus Jonson.
Het verhaal
In het onherbergzame vulkanische landschap van IJsland waart een gerucht rond over de verkoop van een eeuwenoud verloren gewaand manuscript. Een saga over een ring van macht. Een IJslandse familie houdt deze wetenschap al achthonderd jaar verborgen voor de rest van de wereld. In de jaren dertig kwam het manuscript onder de ogen van J.R.R Tolkien. Hij gebruikte de saga als uitgangspunt voor zijn Lord of the Rings boeken. Dit zorgt ervoor dat het manuscript voor Tolkienfans van onschatbare waarde is.
Rechercheur Magnus Jonson moet de Verenigde Staten verlaten omdat enkele drugsbazen het op hem gemunt hebben nadat hij omgekochte agenten verraden had. Hij wordt tijdelijk overgeplaatst naar zijn geboorteland IJsland. Daar moet hij zijn expertise gebruiken om de lokale politie te ondersteunen. Maar dan stuit hij op aanwijzingen dat de ring uit de saga echt bestaat en ergens verborgen ligt. Plotseling blijkt dat iemand bereid is om te moorden voor deze ring en saga. Jonson moet dus alles op alles zetten om de dader te vinden en mogelijks de ring aan het oppervlakte te brengen. Mogelijks vind Jonson ook meer info over de dood van zijn eigen vader.
Mijn gedacht
Ridpath beschrijft op een mooie manier het landschap van IJsland waar het verhaal zich afspeelt. De aandacht wordt al direct getrokken door de gebruikte connectie met de verhalen van Tolkien.
Het verhaal bevat niet veel spanning, maar moet het meer hebben van de dialogen tussen de personages. Die personages mochten wel wat meer uitgewerkt worden. Nog meer diepgang zou het verhaal enkel ten goede gekomen zijn.
Bepaalde zaken duurt het een redelijke tijd tegen dat duidelijk wordt wat de connectie is met het verhaal of een bepaald personage. Zo duurt het lang vooraleer de drugszaken meer uitgelegd worden. Maar of ze nu een meerwaarde waren voor het verhaal of enkel als start dienden om de overstap naar IJsland te maken is nog maar de vraag.
Het einde van het verhaal bevat alle spanning die de rest van het boek wat mist. Een einde dat hier en daar iets afsluit maar ook bepaalde zaken openlaat voor het volgende deel in de trilogie.
Conclusie
Een tof boek om te lezen die de natuur van IJsland mooi belicht. De dialogen moeten het doen voor dit verhaal aangezien er enkel maar grote spanning aanwezig is op het slotgedeelte. Maar zeker geen slecht verhaal.
Met Waar de schimmen zijn schreef hij het eerste deel van de trilogie rond rechercheur Magnus Jonson.
Het verhaal
In het onherbergzame vulkanische landschap van IJsland waart een gerucht rond over de verkoop van een eeuwenoud verloren gewaand manuscript. Een saga over een ring van macht. Een IJslandse familie houdt deze wetenschap al achthonderd jaar verborgen voor de rest van de wereld. In de jaren dertig kwam het manuscript onder de ogen van J.R.R Tolkien. Hij gebruikte de saga als uitgangspunt voor zijn Lord of the Rings boeken. Dit zorgt ervoor dat het manuscript voor Tolkienfans van onschatbare waarde is.
Rechercheur Magnus Jonson moet de Verenigde Staten verlaten omdat enkele drugsbazen het op hem gemunt hebben nadat hij omgekochte agenten verraden had. Hij wordt tijdelijk overgeplaatst naar zijn geboorteland IJsland. Daar moet hij zijn expertise gebruiken om de lokale politie te ondersteunen. Maar dan stuit hij op aanwijzingen dat de ring uit de saga echt bestaat en ergens verborgen ligt. Plotseling blijkt dat iemand bereid is om te moorden voor deze ring en saga. Jonson moet dus alles op alles zetten om de dader te vinden en mogelijks de ring aan het oppervlakte te brengen. Mogelijks vind Jonson ook meer info over de dood van zijn eigen vader.
Mijn gedacht
Ridpath beschrijft op een mooie manier het landschap van IJsland waar het verhaal zich afspeelt. De aandacht wordt al direct getrokken door de gebruikte connectie met de verhalen van Tolkien.
Het verhaal bevat niet veel spanning, maar moet het meer hebben van de dialogen tussen de personages. Die personages mochten wel wat meer uitgewerkt worden. Nog meer diepgang zou het verhaal enkel ten goede gekomen zijn.
Bepaalde zaken duurt het een redelijke tijd tegen dat duidelijk wordt wat de connectie is met het verhaal of een bepaald personage. Zo duurt het lang vooraleer de drugszaken meer uitgelegd worden. Maar of ze nu een meerwaarde waren voor het verhaal of enkel als start dienden om de overstap naar IJsland te maken is nog maar de vraag.
Het einde van het verhaal bevat alle spanning die de rest van het boek wat mist. Een einde dat hier en daar iets afsluit maar ook bepaalde zaken openlaat voor het volgende deel in de trilogie.
Conclusie
Een tof boek om te lezen die de natuur van IJsland mooi belicht. De dialogen moeten het doen voor dit verhaal aangezien er enkel maar grote spanning aanwezig is op het slotgedeelte. Maar zeker geen slecht verhaal.
November 21, 2017
I was interested in reading this because it took place in Iceland. I'm interested in Iceland, though I've never been there.
This is a murder mystery. Who killed the professor? The main cop is an American, although he was born in Iceland. I think I would have liked it better if he had just been Icelandic, but having an American gave us some comparisons. I didn't really like him, though. He didn't grow on me.
The story at the end got pretty crazy and a bit unbelievable, but I think that's how books like this go. I'll try book 2, see if Magnus grows on me.
This is a murder mystery. Who killed the professor? The main cop is an American, although he was born in Iceland. I think I would have liked it better if he had just been Icelandic, but having an American gave us some comparisons. I didn't really like him, though. He didn't grow on me.
The story at the end got pretty crazy and a bit unbelievable, but I think that's how books like this go. I'll try book 2, see if Magnus grows on me.
February 12, 2012
I rated this book OK because the character development was pretty weak and stereotypical. It had an interesting plot device that relates to the Lord of the Rings, and the setting in Iceland added a lot of atmosphere (the descriptions were spare but well-crafted - it's hard to go wrong with such a dramatic place as the Land of Ice and Fire). All that good stuff made it readable but the wooden dialogue, predictable ending, and cardboard characters kept it from reaching true likeability.
August 28, 2018
Well, technically shadows lie at Mordor. But Iceland is a very adequate stand in. Plus the plot tightly revolves around the Lord of the Rings connection and Tolkien’s mentioned more than once. And so this novel had all the right ingredients…a murder mystery suspense thriller with a bibliomystery thrown in and set in one of the most atmospheric spectacular places on Earth. And yet…not in love. Maybe it’s because essentially this was a police procedural, my second least favorite of thrillers, after spies. Maybe it’s because although the author credibly mimicked Nordic Noir’s laconic style, it wasn’t quite the same. Maybe I didn’t engage with the characters enough. The author did do a great job of writing his setting. Gloomy forbidding beauty, friendly liberal attitudes, global isolation. Also, the no gun policy, probably laughable to most proud Americans. There are apparently no guns on Iceland, when someone gets shot by one, it’s literally unbelievable. And this is all because in 1968 one (seriously, one) person got shot and they banned all guns. Unlike say in the US where any number of individuals get seemingly daily shot at random and no one does a thing about it. But anyway…the murder mystery in this book is actually the least fascinating aspect, what’s really intriguing is the discovered connection between traditional Icelandic sagas and LOTR. Yeah, it’s all about the ring. Precious. Precious indeed. So the book was ok, pretty good, but not something to make me want to immediately look for the next volume (of course it’s the first in series, aren’t they all) or even necessarily want to read more. Although the setting is terrific, the scenery continuously overwhelmed the plot. Maybe it’s a personal preference. After all, Iceland is a perfect place to live in every possible way (community, culture, gender equality, social values, nature) but climate. Wouldn’t blame them if they specifically created their brutal weather and isolated location to maintain their privacy and reasonably numbered population. So maybe not a place to live, but definitely an awesome place to visit, albeit via books at present. If only I was as passionate about this book as I am about its setting. It was a freebie, though, and entertained sufficiently.
August 19, 2011
I just thought this book was great. I loved almost everything about it. (I think the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I wasn't thrilled that the murderer was revealed to the reader before the detective.)
Though a lot of the elements seem silly when described, they work perfectly in the book. For instance: A Boston PD detective on loan to the Icelandic police. Does it seem like a silly foreign exchange? No. Since Magnus is Icelandic-American and needs a place to hide while he waits to be called as a witness for a police corruption trial, it works for that angle. Since Iceland has practically zero murder and could use the extra help, it works from that angle too. Next: A lost ancient saga that might have lent inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, glorified fanboys trying to obtain the manuscript, and mysterious deaths all around. Could be absolutely corny, but it was done very intelligently and with class, so that it seemed clever instead. Pretty awesome.
On top of all this fascinating mystery plot, there was great characterization and even better setting. Magnus was especially very three-dimensional, and for a such a short plot-based book, the reader learns a lot about his past. And even more about Iceland. Though I've read a lot of European books in my life (including many Scandinavian mysteries recently), I've never felt so immersed in a different culture. From legends and sagas to volcanoes and corrugated iron houses to social customs and police procedure (even law enforcement can't carry a weapon in Iceland), I felt transported. So much so that when I put down the book, I said, "I want to go to Iceland" and started poking around to look at trips online. (Obviously I can't go any time soon, but I do want to put Iceland toward the top of my list for one day.) All of this is made more impressive by the fact that Ridpath is British, not Icelandic. Good research.
I am so excited for 66 Degrees North to be published in the U.S. Hurry up!
Though a lot of the elements seem silly when described, they work perfectly in the book. For instance: A Boston PD detective on loan to the Icelandic police. Does it seem like a silly foreign exchange? No. Since Magnus is Icelandic-American and needs a place to hide while he waits to be called as a witness for a police corruption trial, it works for that angle. Since Iceland has practically zero murder and could use the extra help, it works from that angle too. Next: A lost ancient saga that might have lent inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, glorified fanboys trying to obtain the manuscript, and mysterious deaths all around. Could be absolutely corny, but it was done very intelligently and with class, so that it seemed clever instead. Pretty awesome.
On top of all this fascinating mystery plot, there was great characterization and even better setting. Magnus was especially very three-dimensional, and for a such a short plot-based book, the reader learns a lot about his past. And even more about Iceland. Though I've read a lot of European books in my life (including many Scandinavian mysteries recently), I've never felt so immersed in a different culture. From legends and sagas to volcanoes and corrugated iron houses to social customs and police procedure (even law enforcement can't carry a weapon in Iceland), I felt transported. So much so that when I put down the book, I said, "I want to go to Iceland" and started poking around to look at trips online. (Obviously I can't go any time soon, but I do want to put Iceland toward the top of my list for one day.) All of this is made more impressive by the fact that Ridpath is British, not Icelandic. Good research.
I am so excited for 66 Degrees North to be published in the U.S. Hurry up!
February 11, 2016
Hats off to Michael Ridpath for coming up with this idea for a crime novel. He proposes that Tolkien's Lord of the Rings wasn't inspired by Wagner's Ring Cycle, but by the original Icelandic saga that also inspired the composer--but more than that, Tolkien had access to an unpublished saga held by one family sworn to secrecy about its existence because not only does it tell of a terrible ring of power, it confirms that the ring still exists and is hidden somewhere in Iceland.
Magnus, a Boston detective in witness protection is relocated to Iceland, temporarily seconded to their police force because he was born on the island and speaks the language.
This is a very good read indeed. The location on Iceland is authentic and fascinating. Great characterisation and an intriguing mystery combined with solid writing--I am very glad this is the first in a series.
I'm 40% in and loving it. I'll update when done.
Finished. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes non-gory, well written crime novels with authentic locations. I particularly liked the blending of the sagas and Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. It was well done.
Magus is a great character. I shall be adding the Fire & Ice series to my reading list.
Magnus, a Boston detective in witness protection is relocated to Iceland, temporarily seconded to their police force because he was born on the island and speaks the language.
This is a very good read indeed. The location on Iceland is authentic and fascinating. Great characterisation and an intriguing mystery combined with solid writing--I am very glad this is the first in a series.
I'm 40% in and loving it. I'll update when done.
Finished. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes non-gory, well written crime novels with authentic locations. I particularly liked the blending of the sagas and Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. It was well done.
Magus is a great character. I shall be adding the Fire & Ice series to my reading list.
January 17, 2015
If one star means "I did not like it," then this book has to get one star from me. I understand that others have enjoyed this book, but let me explain why I didn't even get very far into it.
First, the setup is silly. A Boston, USA policeman sent to work in Iceland? The difference between a Poirot and a policeman is that a cop doesn't have to inserted into a murder investigation, like Poirot so often was - it's their business, and murder comes to them.
Second, the detective, still a young man, has shot and killed two men in his short career. Most cops never fire their guns, much less kill anyone with them.
Third, I was attracted to this book on the basis of the Icelandic saga content. So what do I get? Lord of the Rings references. Which would have been great when I was fourteen. I'm sixty now.
Fourth, (and this is where I put the book down) the bad guys back in Boston attack the detective's family back in Boston. This need to involve the cop/detective's families in stories became a cliché in American television police procedurals a couple of decades ago. Every character on these shows has a brother killed by drug dealers/alcoholic father/was once raped/you name it. Personally, when I read a crime mystery, I'm not looking for melodrama. Sherlock Holmes had no wife for a reason.
I really did want to like this book, but it just tried to do too much, and ended up turning me off.
First, the setup is silly. A Boston, USA policeman sent to work in Iceland? The difference between a Poirot and a policeman is that a cop doesn't have to inserted into a murder investigation, like Poirot so often was - it's their business, and murder comes to them.
Second, the detective, still a young man, has shot and killed two men in his short career. Most cops never fire their guns, much less kill anyone with them.
Third, I was attracted to this book on the basis of the Icelandic saga content. So what do I get? Lord of the Rings references. Which would have been great when I was fourteen. I'm sixty now.
Fourth, (and this is where I put the book down) the bad guys back in Boston attack the detective's family back in Boston. This need to involve the cop/detective's families in stories became a cliché in American television police procedurals a couple of decades ago. Every character on these shows has a brother killed by drug dealers/alcoholic father/was once raped/you name it. Personally, when I read a crime mystery, I'm not looking for melodrama. Sherlock Holmes had no wife for a reason.
I really did want to like this book, but it just tried to do too much, and ended up turning me off.
April 9, 2015
Básico.
Gostei das referências à Saga perdida de Gaukur, ao Anel do poder, aos Elfos e Trolls, a Tolkien e à paisagem islandesa...
Gostei das referências à Saga perdida de Gaukur, ao Anel do poder, aos Elfos e Trolls, a Tolkien e à paisagem islandesa...
August 7, 2022
Setting: Iceland.
When the life of Boston Homicide detective Magnus Jonson comes under threat from a Dominican drug cartel operating in the city, he is sent on an exchange visit to his home country of Iceland to assist their police force and to keep him safe.
In a country where murder is rare, Magnus immediately becomes involved in an investigation into the murder of a local history professor who had a deep interest in ancient Icelandic sagas - so much so that he was excited about discovering an ancient saga that was previously thought lost, which he was planning to sell to an American collector. Murdered before he could complete the deal, the police's attention turns first to the collector's representative in the negotiations, an Englishman called Jubb. As the investigation progresses, it transpires that the saga could have been the basis for Tolkien's Lord of the Rings - and not only is there the saga but also rumours of an ancient ring with mystic powers. As Magnus continues to assist the homicide team, despite the disapproval of the senior investigating officer, the drug cartel are trying to trace Magnus's whereabouts in order to kill him....
This is a promising start to a crime series, with the unusual setting of Iceland, and some interesting characters whose development will be intriguing to see in forthcoming books - 8/10.
When the life of Boston Homicide detective Magnus Jonson comes under threat from a Dominican drug cartel operating in the city, he is sent on an exchange visit to his home country of Iceland to assist their police force and to keep him safe.
In a country where murder is rare, Magnus immediately becomes involved in an investigation into the murder of a local history professor who had a deep interest in ancient Icelandic sagas - so much so that he was excited about discovering an ancient saga that was previously thought lost, which he was planning to sell to an American collector. Murdered before he could complete the deal, the police's attention turns first to the collector's representative in the negotiations, an Englishman called Jubb. As the investigation progresses, it transpires that the saga could have been the basis for Tolkien's Lord of the Rings - and not only is there the saga but also rumours of an ancient ring with mystic powers. As Magnus continues to assist the homicide team, despite the disapproval of the senior investigating officer, the drug cartel are trying to trace Magnus's whereabouts in order to kill him....
This is a promising start to a crime series, with the unusual setting of Iceland, and some interesting characters whose development will be intriguing to see in forthcoming books - 8/10.
March 12, 2018
How very clever of Michael Ridpath. This is the mystery every visitor of beautiful Iceland would want to read in order to remember his or her own travel experiences: A lot of well known landscapes and sights of the island are described, a number of in-spots of Reykjavik play a minor role, and the plot evolves around nothing less than a "lost" saga! Add to that a hunky detective plus a dwarfish side-kick and let the fun begin... The result is far better than Ragnar Jonasson's novels, I'm afraid.
November 14, 2011
WOW. I haven't screamed through a book like this in awhile. It was so good that I was able to finish it, cover to cover, in one day.
This book has it all -- a conflicted main character, a scintillating whodunnit, an ancient saga whose influence (and torture) is felt by a family for generations, a bleak and ethereal setting, and even some elves and trolls thrown in for good measure.
But don't worry...this book is 100% mystery/thriller. The elves and trolls are simply an explanation to try and explain away the inexplicable; the true darkness in humanity. Plus, they feature prominently in quite a few Icelandic sagas and, at the heart of this book, that's what it's all about.
As an aside, I visited Iceland back in August and reading this story was like taking a trip back there. So, if you have read anything by Arnaldur Indriðason, Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, and even J.R.R. Tolkien, this book will be right up your alley.
This book has it all -- a conflicted main character, a scintillating whodunnit, an ancient saga whose influence (and torture) is felt by a family for generations, a bleak and ethereal setting, and even some elves and trolls thrown in for good measure.
But don't worry...this book is 100% mystery/thriller. The elves and trolls are simply an explanation to try and explain away the inexplicable; the true darkness in humanity. Plus, they feature prominently in quite a few Icelandic sagas and, at the heart of this book, that's what it's all about.
As an aside, I visited Iceland back in August and reading this story was like taking a trip back there. So, if you have read anything by Arnaldur Indriðason, Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, and even J.R.R. Tolkien, this book will be right up your alley.
March 25, 2022
With it's interesting and dramatic Icelandic setting, mention of Trolls and Elves, and a link to J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, I had high expectations of this book, but sadly I was rather disappointed.
It turned out, for me, to be just another murder/mystery, with a detective who has all the usual problems.....troubled past.....troubled love life....boss who didn't understand his methods....tendency to have a few too many drinks!! It was ok but not great.
It turned out, for me, to be just another murder/mystery, with a detective who has all the usual problems.....troubled past.....troubled love life....boss who didn't understand his methods....tendency to have a few too many drinks!! It was ok but not great.
November 19, 2018
Esperei anos para ler este livro; tinha de ser na altura certa. Estou bastante aliviada por não me ter livrado dele antes de o ler, pois seria uma pena. Adorei “Onde Moram as Sombras”, protagonizado por Magnus, um detetive da Polícia de Boston, que nasceu e viveu na Islândia até à adolescência, tendo depois ido para os EUA. Um dos seus casos põem a sua vida em perigo e, por isso, vem mesmo a jeito uma oportunidade de integrar a Polícia de Reykjavik no seu país de origem.
Ora, já antes li livros passados na Islândia mas este foi o que mais me fascinou! Adorei todos os pequenos aspetos sobre o país, a sua paisagem, o seu povo, a sua mitologia que merece aqui grande atenção. Estou fascinada e acho que é a primeira vez que me apetece ir àquele país que antes não me atraía nada, por causa do frio e da paisagem agreste que nem tem árvores.
A investigação policial foi muito boa também e o enredo em volta da saga de uma família islandesa, que terá servido de ponte de ligação usada por J.R.R. Tolkien entre as suas próprias sagas d’O Hobbit e O Senhor dos Anéis, foi simplesmente espetacular, fantástica! Deu—me uma vontade imensa de rever os filmes baseados nestas 2 sagas e até ler os livros!
Só achei que o protagonista, Magnus, não teve o melhor comportamento numa ou outra situação, mas isso não estraga a boa impressão que o livro deixou. Gostava era de saber mais, Já vi que este é o primeiro livro de uma série e vou mesmo procurar o próximo volume! :)
Ora, já antes li livros passados na Islândia mas este foi o que mais me fascinou! Adorei todos os pequenos aspetos sobre o país, a sua paisagem, o seu povo, a sua mitologia que merece aqui grande atenção. Estou fascinada e acho que é a primeira vez que me apetece ir àquele país que antes não me atraía nada, por causa do frio e da paisagem agreste que nem tem árvores.
A investigação policial foi muito boa também e o enredo em volta da saga de uma família islandesa, que terá servido de ponte de ligação usada por J.R.R. Tolkien entre as suas próprias sagas d’O Hobbit e O Senhor dos Anéis, foi simplesmente espetacular, fantástica! Deu—me uma vontade imensa de rever os filmes baseados nestas 2 sagas e até ler os livros!
Só achei que o protagonista, Magnus, não teve o melhor comportamento numa ou outra situação, mas isso não estraga a boa impressão que o livro deixou. Gostava era de saber mais, Já vi que este é o primeiro livro de uma série e vou mesmo procurar o próximo volume! :)
February 16, 2021
Murder mystery set in Iceland, involving ancient Icelandic sagas and Lord of the Rings? How was I meant to resist? The premise is all kinds of awesome, at least when you're a fan of all things mystery- and LOTR-related, and the setting is both fascinating and very well rendered. One does need to suspend one's disbelief quite a bit to buy into the way the story develops though, and it does so at an at times quite tedious pace. Now if only I hadn't disliked the protagonist quite so much... ah well. Might give the next part in the series a try at some point.
April 18, 2020
I'm not typically of fan of mystery/crime fiction, but I needed a book set in Iceland for a book challenge, and this fit the bill. And it was fantastic! Ragnar Magnusson, a Boston police detective, travels back to his native Iceland and gets involved in a murder case which leads the reader through Icelandic sagas, Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and a Dominican Drug Ring. It was hard to put down! 4 1/2 stars.
March 28, 2022
Abandoned. Too much about ancient Icelandic sagas that influenced Lord of the Rings played into this murder. (I’m not into this stuff.) It’s just not for me.
August 26, 2011
Michael Ridpath’s latest offering, “Where the Shadows Lie” is a tight mix of crime and lore that takes the reader on a journey from crime-ridden streets to the slopes of a mysterious volcano. Fast-paced and well written,Ridpath keeps your attention while exploring 10th century sagas, corrupt
policemen, contract killers, fanboys,family secrets, and a magical ring.“Where the Shadows Lie”
follows Magnus Jonson, an Icelandic born Boston detective that must flee to his native country to escape the hired guns involved in a police corruption trial for which he is a star witness. While in Iceland, he assists the National Police as they try to understand the murder of a college professor. As the investigation unfolds, evidence points to a mysterious manuscript, known only to one family and may have been the inspiration for one of the greatest
sagas of all time: “The Lord of the Rings.”
As the investigation deepens and arrests are made, tantalizing clues are uncovered that suggests the legend of a magical ring may actually be fact and the ring may still exist. As time begins to run out on Detective Jonson, he must track down a killer among the surreal landscape of Iceland while dealing with a crippling family secret and avoid the hit man that has somehow found him.
Michael Ridpath takes a risk by tying a very good crime story to an ancient fable and it pays off. His creation is a must-read for any “Lord of the Rings” fan and should create new readers for Tolkien through his experiment. Ridpath’s research into Iceland and its people, customs, and geography, makes the British author seem native. “Where the Shadows Lie” has a lot going for it and the reward is worth the journey.
policemen, contract killers, fanboys,family secrets, and a magical ring.“Where the Shadows Lie”
follows Magnus Jonson, an Icelandic born Boston detective that must flee to his native country to escape the hired guns involved in a police corruption trial for which he is a star witness. While in Iceland, he assists the National Police as they try to understand the murder of a college professor. As the investigation unfolds, evidence points to a mysterious manuscript, known only to one family and may have been the inspiration for one of the greatest
sagas of all time: “The Lord of the Rings.”
As the investigation deepens and arrests are made, tantalizing clues are uncovered that suggests the legend of a magical ring may actually be fact and the ring may still exist. As time begins to run out on Detective Jonson, he must track down a killer among the surreal landscape of Iceland while dealing with a crippling family secret and avoid the hit man that has somehow found him.
Michael Ridpath takes a risk by tying a very good crime story to an ancient fable and it pays off. His creation is a must-read for any “Lord of the Rings” fan and should create new readers for Tolkien through his experiment. Ridpath’s research into Iceland and its people, customs, and geography, makes the British author seem native. “Where the Shadows Lie” has a lot going for it and the reward is worth the journey.
April 29, 2013
Where the shadows lie is actually a really good book. It is interesting and keeps you on your toes for most of the book.
The main character is likable; he has enough common sense to relate to but at the same time he is kind of arrogant which leaves room for error on his part, as well as a personality clash with his new co-workers.
I probably found the Icelandic lore that has been spun into the modern plot the most exciting; not that I have ever been to Iceland but they share a lot of mythology with Sweden so I found it interesting how this was being portrayed by a non-icelandic/scandinavian person.
Also, big plus on Ridpath's side was the incorporation of the Lord of the Rings and the alternative history behind the creation behind Tolkien's novels into the crime.
I'm not going to say too much, because it would ruin most of the magic of the book.
It is a shame these books haven't sold more copies because Michael Ridpath is a really nice guy who loves writing, and he deserves to have his novels read!
The main character is likable; he has enough common sense to relate to but at the same time he is kind of arrogant which leaves room for error on his part, as well as a personality clash with his new co-workers.
I probably found the Icelandic lore that has been spun into the modern plot the most exciting; not that I have ever been to Iceland but they share a lot of mythology with Sweden so I found it interesting how this was being portrayed by a non-icelandic/scandinavian person.
Also, big plus on Ridpath's side was the incorporation of the Lord of the Rings and the alternative history behind the creation behind Tolkien's novels into the crime.
I'm not going to say too much, because it would ruin most of the magic of the book.
It is a shame these books haven't sold more copies because Michael Ridpath is a really nice guy who loves writing, and he deserves to have his novels read!
January 8, 2014
The beginning of this novel was excellent. Full 4 star. And I did enjoy the entire. But on a whole, closer to 3 than 4. Not that the protagonist and his life history and proclivities are not interesting. The Icelandic/ American dichotomies completely intriguing! But somehow it just got a bit wordy and too Lord of the Rings encompassed for me at certain points. I find the entire country of Iceland, the language and the cultural key points have intense similarities to many smallish town or village core elements. And nearly anywhere, as well. In majority, almost everyone has some connection, knowledge, or quasi-relationship with nearly everyone else. It is intrinsic to the numbers of individuals in the entire. As this author says, it is not a genetic pool but a genetic puddle. Well said. Will want to see if Magnus centers in a Boston long term future or not. I doubt it.
December 26, 2011
This book takes place in Iceland and this was a very enjoyable read especially since I just went there with my wife.
The book is a very quick read and has several twists that keep you guessing almost up to the very end. If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings or the Icelandic sagas you will enjoy this book more than most. I will not spoil things beyond those mentions.
If you have gone to Iceland, the places in this book will be very familiar and will bring back a lot of great memories, if you have not gone there, it may intrigue you and inspire you to make a visit.
Now onto another book written by Ridpath -- 66 North
The book is a very quick read and has several twists that keep you guessing almost up to the very end. If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings or the Icelandic sagas you will enjoy this book more than most. I will not spoil things beyond those mentions.
If you have gone to Iceland, the places in this book will be very familiar and will bring back a lot of great memories, if you have not gone there, it may intrigue you and inspire you to make a visit.
Now onto another book written by Ridpath -- 66 North
June 30, 2017
This book meandered for a while before it became cohesive enough to become enjoyable. . But I'm a fool for books that take place in Iceland so I stuck with it. It did get better near the end and the Lord of the Rings hook was certainly intriguing. I'll try the next one to see if he settled in with the characters. because Iceland.
P.S. I really didn't like the way in which he seemed to equate the music of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple with " devil's music"
P.S. I really didn't like the way in which he seemed to equate the music of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple with " devil's music"
May 14, 2012
A mash-up of Nordic Crime Fiction and Tolkien's Middle Earth. Usually when I read books on my Kindle, I do just that. When I'm out, I read a different book on my phone. Micheal Ridpath is the first author to get me to sync my Kindle and phone so I can keep reading the same book, at home or on the go.
October 20, 2017
An american Police detective is sent to Iceland to investigate the death of some scholar. He leaves girl friend at home. The murder has something to do with a ring that was the inspiration for Tolkien. Very good start, pretty lame ending. (5/10)
May 14, 2012
Totally was positive about this book. I really like the way Michael handled the ring, It ended like the way you would like, being romantic. Next book please.
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