The cover of this book gives off a cozy/traditional vibe as does the book’s title. However, all is not light in this novel. Those who have read the first book in the series know that the detective, Helgi, has a complicated backstory in terms of his relationship with Bergotha. There continues to be a shadow spread by her as Helgi looks for happiness with Anita. In this, and other ways, Jonasson’s new book seems to pick up right where the prior title left off. While it is not necessary to have read that one, those who want the full picture may want to pick it up.
This story centers on a crime writer who has gone missing. The book follows an interesting format as it jumps back and forth in time. It examines Elin’s relationships, talks about a bank robbery, has scenes with a detective from the first book in the series, and more. Readers will wait to see how this all comes together.
Jonasson is a fan of classic mysteries. There is reference to a number of them in these pages. I enjoyed seeing what Helgi was reading.
I really wanted to like this book but will say that I found it to be a bit depressing. However, that may just be me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 09 September 2025
Post first published on 23 January 2026
Description:
from the publisher
An Instant National Bestseller
The next thrilling golden-age-style mystery from #1 Icelandic bestseller Ragnar Jónasson, author of Death at the Sanatorium and Reykjavík.
One winter evening, bestselling crime author Elín S. Jónsdóttir goes missing.
There are no clues to her disappearance and it is up to young detective Helgi to crack the case before its leaked to the press.
As Helgi interviews the people closest to her—a publisher, an accountant, a retired judge—he realizes that Elín’s life wasn’t what it seemed. In fact, her past is even stranger than the fiction she wrote.
As the case of the missing crime writer becomes more mysterious by the hour, Helgi must uncover the secrets of the writer’s very unexpected life.
Editorial Reviews:
“Cleverly plotted, slyly humorous, and bursting with love for the golden age of detective fiction, this outperforms even its outstanding predecessor.”―Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
“A lightning-fast read for fans willing to keep turning the pages till the crucial clues drop.”―Kirkus Reviews
“Flashbacks are effectively used as a creative way to tell the backstory of the missing novelist. This Golden Age–style mystery is a definite departure from Jónasson’s ‘Dark Iceland’ series, which was set in an atmospheric small town in Iceland.”―Library Journal
“This follow-up to Death at the Sanitarium (2024) is utterly compelling, blending meta classic mystery tropes with darker psychological thriller elements as Helgi is stalked by his violent ex-partner. Fans of Jónasson’s Dark Iceland and Hidden Iceland series will appreciate the storytelling centered around Helgi, who links the three series together.”―Booklist
First in the series:
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 
Oh I’m sorry you found it depressing. I read the book in series, and could follow along because my expectations were set on the type of book this is. I understand where you are coming from, in terms of cover giving a different perspective on what the book would be.
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I’ve read some of his earlier translated books like Snowblind which I quite liked but haven’t read this one.
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I’ll be curious to know what you think, if you decide to read it.
I liked Reykjavik which he wrote with, I think the Prime Minister.
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