Reviews

Jar City by Arnaldur Indriðason

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alex_renee_is_reading_away's review against another edition

2.0

Really a 2.5.

Not sure if it's the translation but it was very literal and simple. The author is the James Patterson of Iceland and churns out books consistently.

This book is a bit noirish but for a murder mystery not as engaging as I'd hoped for.

ardaigle's review against another edition

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5.0

In prepping for my move from the south to the Midwest in winter I asked some folks for reading suggestions in two categories: light fluffy happy things to cheer my spirits, and dark winter-y tales to remind me things could be worse, in a schadenfreude sort of way. This is the latter, and it definitely delivered.

Set in rainy chilly Iceland, an old man is found murdered in his home. Motive unclear, and nothing too strange other than a note left on the body that says, "I am HIM." Inspector Erlendur heads the investigation and what begins as a puzzling mystery spirals back into the past and family secrets, some long buried (pun-intended) are uncovered.

This was a great mystery, lots of twists and turns, but in ways that were logical and pulled the reader in. Erlendur is a great character with his own problems (drug-addicted daughter, possible health concern) and the novel weaves together his story, and that of the victim in a way that neither storyline suffers. And I loved the title, but will say nothing about what it means, or its relevance. (Spoilers, love).

The only issue I have is that I'm not terribly familiar with Icelandic names so stumbling over them took me out of the story. I might try the next installment on audio just to get a feel for those details.

This is the third of the Erlendur series, though the first to be translated into English, and I definitely plan to pick up the next in line.

_rusalka's review against another edition

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4.0

I've avoided reading this book for a while, due to the English publishers ignoring series order and just publishing willy nilly. But I've waited so long, and it fitted a Toppler read so well, I just went for it. I am glad I did though. Icelandic murder mystery, not as dark and gritty as other nordic noir, but quite enjoyable. Standard fare really, but enjoyable and well told.

For more reviews, visit: http://rusalkii.blogspot.com.au/

uzufructuara's review against another edition

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3.0

„Crezi că nu te va afecta. Crezi că ești suficient de puternic să faci față unor asemenea lucruri. Crezi că îți poți pune o armură împotriva lor de-a lungul anilor și poți privi toata mizeria de la distanță, ca și cum n-ar fi treaba ta și încerci să rămâi întreg la minte. Însă nu există niciun fel de distanță. Și nu există nicio armură. Nimeni nu e suficient de puternic. Repulsia te bântuie ca un spirit rău care își face adăpost în mintea ta până ce crezi că mizeria e viața însăși pentru că ai uitat cât de obișnuit trăiesc oamenii. Așa e acest caz. Ca un spirit rău care a fost lăsat să se dezlănțuie în mintea ta și sfârșește prin a te schilodi.”

liberrydude's review against another edition

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4.0

Another work obsessed detective who lives to solve. Not sure if I want to visit Iceland but plot is superlative, like Mankell.

tobyyy's review against another edition

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3.0

This was the first book by this author that I’ve read, but his style is very similar to that of other Scandinavian crime authors that I’ve read. I’m not sure if it’s due to the translation or just their specific styles, but I’ve found that there’s a flat, almost unemotional, feel to the writing of many Scandinavian/Nordic crime authors (Sara Blaedel, Jo Nesbø, this author, Per Wahloo, Henning Mankell). Maybe that’s an unfair generalization and maybe it is due to the translation. It’s not a bad thing, either, just a specific style that I have to be in the mood for in order to enjoy.

The mystery in this one was quite twisted and enjoyable. I liked how Erlendur tracked down the whodunit even though some people around him felt that he was going off the deep end. (I know that feeling, to be sure!) I also liked the addition of Erlendur’s difficult relationship with his daughter (who in this volume, is struggling with an addiction to drugs while pregnant).

I will most likely read more of the Inspector Erlendur series. The characters were likable and the writing(& translation) were mostly smooth.