Amid Iceland’s wild, volcanic landscape, rumors swirl of an 800-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 rumors 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 … 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.
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Highly recommended
You will learn a lot about Iceland and Icelandic sagas as you read this book, since the murders are centered the discovery of a previously unknown ancient saga and its potential sale. The author includes multiple red herrings so it is difficult to discern who the murderer is. Add to this the subplot of a Boston cop who is hiding out in Iceland …
Michael Ridpath made his name with a series of very successful financial thrillers. Then he turned his attention to Nordic crime and came up with the Magnus Iceland Mysteries of which Where the Shadows Lie is the first. It introduces Magnus Jonson, a Boston homicide detective, who was born in Iceland. He finds himself seconded to the land of …
Where the Shadows Lie is an excellent beginning to the Fire & Ice series. Michael Ridpath brings us on a whirlwind journey through the stark Icelandic landscape to solve several murders. I loved the characters, especially Magnus as we follow his journey from Boston to his native homeland. A well written thriller!!!
I like Ridpath’s writing and have enjoyed several of his books. I got about half way through this one and realized that I hadn’t identified with the characters or the story line. I did not finish reading this book. I think that because the story took place in Iceland and all the characters and locations were Icelandic, I couldn’t remember who was …
This book struck a cord with me as I was raised in the 40-60s and did not realize this was still going on with Indian relocation. We had a hugh relocation of all citizens in part of our state in the 30s and 40s for a dam and I have read a lot about the hardship indured.
Drags on and on, too much filler talking, not enough action or getting to the point
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, this book is for you. Set in the wild Icelandic countryside, people obsessed with The Ring chase it from hill to dale, leaving dead bodies in their wake. A who-done-it that will keep you guessing to the very end.
This outstanding crime drama, set in Iceland, paints a wonderful picture of Icelandic history, customs, scenery, and literature [Icelandic sagas] married with J.R.R. Tolkien’s work and the sub-culture it has spawned. The mystery is well-twisted, admirably paced, and includes solid characterizations and realistic dialogue. A thoroughly excellent …
Twisty turny!
One of the best I’ve read this year. I loved how the writer captured the Icelandic countryside in such a manner that I could almost see its beauty!
I am a sucker for Nordic fiction. I was a bit wary since this is written by an non-native, but it proved to be a great reading escape
If you are a fan of LORD OF THE RINGS you will like this book…. I am not. I did like the setting of Iceland, where I lived for two years as a child
Murder mystery set in Iceland. Very interesting and informative.
Having been to Iceland it was very nice knowing exactly where the events were happening in and around Reykjavik. Made me want to go back so badly
Enjoyed it. Good characters, good story. Enjoyed the Icelandic setting. A side story was a bit distracting and seemed a bit forced… , but … I would like to read more with Magnus as character.
Loved the comparisons to Lord of the Rings. also the descriptions of Iceland
Having visited iceland I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In addition to a great story, it brought back many memories of a beautiful country. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in icelandic folklore with an intertwined modern police drama
Frankly, this book is wearing me out. I have not finished it they and I’m not sure I’m going to.
All these Icelandic names that the text to speech can’t pronounce and pages and pages of Icelandic lore make it easy to just zone out.
I’m sure there’s a good story underneath all that but I’m not sure I have enough patience to find out. I really …
Enjoyed the characters, setting in Iceland and connections to Lord of the Rings.