Reviews

Silence of the Grave by Arnaldur Indriðason

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hel_conway's review against another edition

challenging dark informative medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is the second book from the Erlendur series I’ve read.
The book is dark and there is detailed historical description of domestic abuse leading to murder which could be very triggering; coercive control, physical and emotional abuse. Unlike some reviewers I found the ending wasn’t predictable until the last 30 pages of the book so this kept the narrative tension and momentum. Also a sprinkling of information about Iceland in WW11 which I had no knowledge of before reading the book.

tobyyy's review against another edition

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3.0

Book 2* in the Inspector Erlendur mysteries, this was another solid story. I had the mystery figured out well before the denouement, but I enjoyed watching Erlendur and his team figure it out.

* at least, this is book 2 per what I can find translated to English although it appears to be book 4 otherwise. The blurb on the cover indicates that it’s book 2 though too, so I am confused.

Content warning: severe domestic violence & physical abuse.

mschwartz's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

Content Warnings

arlena_priscilla's review against another edition

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3.0

I bought this book in a local book store while I was in Iceland a few years ago as the author was listed on a giant table as being a local favorite. I haven’t read much “Nordic Crime” but this was a well paced, atmospheric mystery, albeit totally predictable. It was a good time, though I don’t know how entirely memorable it was.