Hidden Iceland series (book 2)

This book is included in The Icelanders Cometh crowdfunding campaign run by the Jolabokaflod Book Campaign to raise money for UK libraries to spend on titles translated into English by Icelandic authors to mark World Book Night and UNESCO’s World Book and Copyright Day.

Synopsis

Four friends visit the island … But only three return …

Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir is sent to the isolated island of Elliðaey to investigate and soon finds haunting similarities with a previous case – a young woman found murdered ten years ago in the equally desolate Westfjords.

Is there a patient killer stalking these barren outposts?

As Hulda navigates a sinister game constructed of smoke and mirrors she is convinced that no one is telling the truth, including those closest to her.

But who will crack first? And what secrets is the island hiding?

Haunting, suspenseful and as chilling as an Icelandic winter, The Island follows one woman’s journey to find the truth hidden in the darkest shadows, and shine a light on her own dark past.

Reviews

‘Dark, chilling and utterly gripping, The Island is Nordic noir at its best, and is destined to become a classic of the genre. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Hulda series!’ Shari Lapena, author, The Couple Next Door

‘Few writers at work today conjure atmosphere with such power, or plot their mysteries with such craft. The Island is his best book yet, an unflinching thriller that braids past and present, good and evil, love and loss. I can’t wait for Hulda Hermannsdóttir’s next case.’ A J Finn, author, The Woman in the Window

‘No one does isolation better than Ragnar Jónasson, who is superb at portraying Iceland’s stark landscape and savage beauty … [Hulda Hermannsdóttir is] an excellent addition to the growing band of top-class women detectives.’ The Times

‘Prepare to be swept away to the beautiful yet unforgiving island of Elliðaey in Jónasson’s latest Icelandic noir. Atmospheric and creepy, Jónasson successfully keeps you guessing till the bittersweet end.’ Heat

‘A chilling novel about people with dark secrets, protecting themselves without a thought for the consequences.’ Sunday Times

‘We heart the melancholy Hulda.’ Sunday Times Crime Club

‘Ragnar Jónasson is the Stephen King of Icelandic thrillers.’ She Reads

‘Ragnar’s best written book, filled with psychological horror and underlying rage. Hulda Hermannsdóttir is a welcome addition to the selection of Icelandic crime fiction protagonists … It is almost impossible to put the book down until the last word has been read.’ Fréttablaðið (The Newspaper)

‘Ragnar’s best book yet.’ Kiljan, Icelandic TV show on culture (including book reviews)

‘The threads lie in various places, the plot is well woven and the pieces in the puzzle come together well in the end. The structure is good, the main characters are believable, the story flows well, everyone is a suspect á la Agatha Christie and the solution unveils the mystery and leads the readers to the truth. But not all the truth, as some things are better left hidden.’ Morgunblaðið (The Morning News)