This was a hard one for me beginning with the Icelandic names. But once I got past that, and I struggled a bit less, I found the story slow and boring (I lost track of how many times Elma had to remember to keep an open mind and not jump to conclusions). I didn't like any of the characters, their lives and whatever drama they entailed was boring. The police detectives didn't seem particularly good at detecting. The setting was a small town of maybe 8,000 people where most everyone had lived their entire lives so everyone knows everyone, and everyone knows everything about what goes on in their neighbors lives. Then two people are found dead in a place with zero murders in basically forever, and the suspect pool is rather tiny, but putting the pieces together was a monumental task.

Anyway, so-so story but I rated it just below average since I ultimately didn't think that it amounted to much. I didn't learn anything about Iceland other than everyone apparently spends a lot of time browning mince. And the ending basically made no sense. There is the great escape... and then the great surrender. Why? You had to fully stretch your imagination to accept the bizarre and implausible storyline that in the last few pages allowed the author to throw in one last twist and attempt to tie everything together. And fortunate for the police - and the reader - all is laid bare by clues left behind or confessions. How convenient. I found it all just too convoluted and sort of dumb. No real crime was committed and through a series of unfortunate events no one person is culpable of the murder(s), but everyone turns out to be a criminal. Whatever. ( )

"Night Shadows" by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir is a captivating psychological thriller that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. With its chilling atmosphere, complex characters, and intricate plot, Ægisdóttir demonstrates her mastery in the genre, delivering a dark and suspenseful story that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Set in the atmospheric backdrop of Reykjavik, Iceland, "Night Shadows" follows Detective Inspector Elma, a dedicated and resilient investigator, as she tackles a puzzling case. When a series of brutal murders shocks the city, Elma finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and hidden connections that span decades. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a dark underbelly of corruption, revenge, and long-held grudges.

One of the strengths of this novel is Ægisdóttir's ability to create a palpable sense of unease. The author masterfully weaves together descriptions of the Icelandic landscape, weather, and folklore, adding an extra layer of atmosphere and tension to the narrative. The bone-chilling setting becomes a character in itself, intensifying the feeling of impending danger and providing an eerie backdrop to the unfolding events.

The characters in "Night Shadows" are multifaceted and realistically flawed, which makes them relatable and adds depth to the story. Elma, in particular, is a compelling protagonist. Her determination, intelligence, and vulnerability make her a character that readers can invest in and root for. The supporting cast, including her colleagues and suspects, are equally well-developed and contribute to the overall complexity of the plot.

The plot of "Night Shadows" is intricately woven, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Ægisdóttir expertly reveals just enough information to maintain intrigue while withholding key details until the opportune moment, heightening the suspense throughout the novel. The pacing is generally well-maintained, although there are moments where the story loses some momentum, causing a slight lull in the otherwise gripping narrative.

Furthermore, the exploration of Icelandic folklore and its connection to the crimes adds an intriguing layer to the story. Ægisdóttir seamlessly blends the modern-day investigation with ancient legends, creating an engaging juxtaposition of old and new. This element adds depth to the overall narrative and showcases the author's talent for weaving together different threads to create a cohesive and immersive reading experience.

However, "Night Shadows" does require a certain level of patience from readers. The intricate plot and extensive cast of characters can be overwhelming at times, and some may find themselves losing track of certain storylines. Additionally, while the atmospheric descriptions contribute to the overall mood, they occasionally overshadow the pacing of the plot.

In conclusion, "Night Shadows" is a mesmerizing thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre. Eva Björg Ægisdóttir showcases her talent for crafting suspenseful narratives filled with intricate details and compelling characters. With its chilling atmosphere, unexpected twists, and exploration of Icelandic folklore, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a dark and immersive psychological thriller. ( )

This is the third in the Forbidden Iceland series after The Creak on the Stairs (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2021/08/review-of-creak-on-stairs-by-eva-bjorg.html) and Girls Who Lie (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2021/11/review-of-girls-who-lie-by-eva-bjorg.html).

After a fire in a house in Akranes, the body of a young man, Marinó Finnsson, is found in his bedroom. The fire is quickly determined to be the result of arson, and it seems that Marinó was dead before the fire was started. The investigation, conducted by Elma Jónsdóttir, her partner Sævar, and her boss Hörður of West Iceland CID, focuses on a small group of young people who were friends of Marinó and his twin sister Fríða: Ísak, Andri, and Sonja. One case becomes two when police find a phone belonging to Lise Ragnarsdóttir Visser in Marinó’s room. Lise was from the Netherlands and had served as an au pair for Andri’s younger sisters; she left the family’s employ to return home but seems to have gone missing.

As with the first two books, there is a subplot involving Elma’s personal life. She is facing a particular challenge which will have consequences for not just her future. What I liked is that her private conflict doesn’t receive so much focus as to draw attention away from the police investigations. Hörður is also experiencing private struggles. The additional information about the personal lives of the characters serves to create fully rounded individuals whom the reader feels s/he knows and understands well.

Elma is a very likeable protagonist. As before, she continues to show her intelligence, determination, and work ethic. Her personal challenge reveals more of her softer side. What is also emphasized is that she is not perfect; she has a tendency towards impetuous behaviour: “a tendency to act spontaneously on her hunches” which can lead her into danger. In other words, she is a very believable character.

There is one character whose behaviour I found particularly despicable and disturbing. As I was reading, I kept thinking that this person had to be responsible for what happened to Marinó and Lise. Ultimately, the message perhaps is that a person can be morally responsible without being legally guilty. The reference to this character in the News Flash near the end of the novel left a sour taste. But all this is a testament to the novel’s complexity.

On the topic of complexity, I especially appreciated how several threads (e.g. Elma’s life-changing event, Hörður’s loss and gain, Lise’s loss, characters’ motivations) all suggest a central theme. Like the important clues scattered throughout, these threads contribute to a cohesive whole.

The pace of the novel could best be described as slow and steady, but with regular revelations and twists so interest never wanes. The perspective of Elma and the police investigation is given, but so is that of various people connected to the case. Several of these people have something to hide so there is no shortage of suspects. Apparently, the British press has dubbed Eva Björg Ægisdóttir the “Icelandic Ruth Rendell” and I think this is a fitting description.

Readers looking for a meticulously plotted police procedural with engaging characters and psychological and thematic depth need look no further. Though the book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the books in order.

Note: Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski). ( )