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.
more
A wonderful change of pace book. A great mystery wrapped around a travelog of Iceland with a little fantasy thrown in. Like to read more from this author.
I enjoy action/thriller stories. This caught my eye because I went to Iceland in March and this story is 90% Iceland in setting. The characters are conflicted and there is tension and mystery throughout. I’m now reading this author’s “Far North” novel, with the same protagonist because I enjoyed this one so much.
Learned a lot about Iceland and its people while reading an excellent mystery novel.
I like mysteries that are set or largely set in other countries. I have been to Iceland and could relate to the author’s descriptions and characterizations.
Well written, good story and great insight into Iceland.
This book was good. I liked that it’s set in an unfamiliar location and I learned a little bit about Iceland. But I’m a fast reader and it slowed me down trying to sound out all the Icelandic names.
I always enjoy Michael Ridpath’s stories
Full disclosure—I’m an English Lit major! That might be why I enjoyed this book so much with its references to tales and sagas, but it was a fun read. The info on Iceland and its people was fascinating.
Unique story whose pace is too slow.
A great read! The characters are very real and the story grabs your attention. Makes me want to visit Iceland.
Lots of good information about Iceland
Very enjoyable read. Unexpected ending.
I really enjoyed reading about Iceland, it’s customs and culture. The book was fast moving and mostly believable. I have taught literature for years, so I enjoyed the speculation on the Lord of the Rings . I won’t spoil the plot, but suffice to say I needed a quick moving book for a trip and this filled in nicely. If you like police stories, you …
Very interesting. Liked learning something about Iceland.
This book has an interesting premise. It’s based on The Lord of the Rings. I found it to be very exciting reading. I really enjoyed the book.
better than average
Thank you for a well-written book! Enjoyed every page.
I enjoyed the characters and love reading books about locations outside of the US
I have become a fan of the nordic crime/mystery/procedurals over thevlast few years. This book just doesn’t quite hit the mark.
However, I did enjoy the historical information regarding Icelandic sagas and ties to Tolkien. And I felt like life in Iceland was given its due.
Really enjoyed the characters and twists and turns in the story line. Related to the characters. Went to Iceland last December and knew some of the areas in the book!