After breakups, inheritances are one of the most prolific source for thriller and crime-related writings. In the first case, the actions are fuelled by revenge. In the second, by greed.
A Lethal Legacy by Guðrún Guðlaugsdóttir translated from Icelandic by Quentin Bates and published by Corylus Books, a very dynamic edition house well-represented on my blog, explores how far people may go for the sake of a slice of inheritance.
Bjargarlækur it is a place out of nowhere in the Icelandic countryside. Three siblings - one brother and two sisters - lived there peacefully for a long time and nothing seems to bother or trouble them. Then, Brynjólfur is found dead in his bed and the sisters are starting a feud regarding the future of the farm that may go beyond the borders of their family. On the other hand, freelance journalist Alma is convinced that it is more than a natural death to this story and she may follow up some leads with quite surprising results.
Now, does Bjargarlækur still look innocent to you?
Guðrún Guðlaugsdóttir has also a background as journalist, and this can be said in the ways in which built the character of Alma, her professional interests and curiosities. The construction of the book and particularly the psychology of the characters was fascinating. Each behavior has consequences for the others and the story, it reflects and amplifies, part of a puzzle made of fragments of mirror that are recomposing permanently.
The ambiance may feel claustrophobic at times, but the well-paced story may offer some much awaited and deserved escapes.
A Lethal Legacy was just another unique read of Icelandic Noir and I can only keep myself open to the next literary gem waiting for me.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
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