While the debate about the real identity of writer Stella Blómkvist haunts the world of crime writers in Iceland and abroad, without any clear results in sight, Corylus Books is offering another translation of one of her suspenseful crime novels.
I really enjoyed Murder at the Residence, therefore I couldn´t resist the temptation of reading Murder Under the Midnight Sun, also translated by Quentin Bates.
Investigator Stella Blómkvist is taking over two separate sensitive investigations that may lead the reader deep into the intricacies of Icelandic politics. In the last 3-4 years, I had the chance to read quite a lot of crime and thriller books set in Iceland and it is surprising how different image emerges from the literary realm, compared to the outsider´s perception of the country (pristine landscape, Northern Lights, lonely yet content people enjoying a good middle class life). The crimes investigated in this novel do reveal unexpected underground networks were politicians and their networks of power are prevalent, although only for the trained eyes. Like Stella´s.
I am a big fan of Stella - the fictional investigator: lover of whiskey, seductive and when necessary, seductress, smart and hard to stop. The book - shortly over 200 pages, therefore a good time investment for a weekend crime read - it is written at the first person, which gives a certain subjective particular tone to the story.
Murder Under the Midnight Sun is eventful, surprising and realistic. I don´t necessarily want to know the real identity of Stella the writer but I may expect more books written by her. Her crime riddles are one of a kind and to not be missed.
Rating: 4 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
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