3.5 Stars
Earlier this summer, I read Óskar Guðmundsson’s book The Dancer (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2024/07/review-of-dancer-by-oskar-gumundsson.html). It impressed me enough that I decided to read this one, an earlier release.
Salka Steinsdóttir, having returned to Iceland after some time in England with her ex-husband, is asked to investigate the brutal ritualistic murder of a priest, Hróbjartur. She had previously worked on a case involving him and other priests charged with sexual abuse. The charges had been dismissed. Salka works with Gisli, a young, inexperienced police officer.
Events take place in Akureyri and the nearby village of Grenivík where everyone knows everyone. This can help an investigation, but it can also present complications as friendships and family connections can affect objectivity. The discovery of more bodies also complicates the investigation.
A lot of clues are provided so it’s not too difficult to at least guess who is involved. The number of adoptions amongst the characters, the convenient absences of people at critical moments, and the reactions of individuals are all telling. It is also not difficult to guess what happened in Salka’s marriage.
Salka is an interesting character. She is intelligent and determined. Though she appears to possess inner strength, the reader learns she is emotionally fragile. She has difficulty opening up and moving on with her life. Her vulnerabilities make her very human and relatable.
Like The Dancer, this book explores the effects of childhood trauma, especially when justice is not done for the victims. The story of Anton is especially heart-breaking. The methods used to groom and brainwash children are explored, but so is the way that people often turn a blind eye to such abuse. I have to admit I found myself uncomfortable with the fact that I didn’t feel more uncomfortable with the retribution exacted on the sexual abusers of children.
This is not a cozy mystery; it is dark and disturbing with several scenes of brutal violence. I can certainly see this as the first book in a series featuring Salka. If that turns out to be the case, I’ll certainly pick up the next installment.
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