The Creak on the Stairs (1) (Forbidden Iceland)

Great reading

It even has a glossary which explain how to pronounce the characters names. It was a good mystery thriller and that’s my favorite. Iceland is one of my favorite settings for movies, series, and books too now.

I enjoy the leisurely pace and rich atmosphere that I've come to expect from Icelandic crime novels. The suspense builds gradually without any cheap thrills. The plot is intriguing and well-constructed, although some elements can be predictable in a way that gives the story a solid foundation.

However, the ending left me feeling let down. The behavior of one of the characters just didn't seem believable. Some things were left unexplained and justice wasn't fully served. The quick conclusion was a jarring contrast to the slow-burning pace that had come before.

The characters were initially well-drawn and intriguing, with detective Elma serving as a relatable protagonist. As the story went on, though, some characters became one-dimensional. I was hoping for more depth and nuance in their portrayal. Some conversations seemed forced and unnatural, delivering information in a way that didn't ring true to me.

The police work becomes shoddy as the story progresses, which isn't Elma's fault. She's doing the best she can with limited support – it seems like her superior doesn't want to cross the long-standing members of the community. This makes sense in a small town where everyone knows each other, but it left me feeling frustrated as a reader. I don't think Elma is a strong enough character to carry this aspect of the story on her own.

The language was a mixed bag for me. Sometimes it was clear and straightforward, yet still expressive. Other times, it came across as shallow and banal. Much is told, but not shown.

Overall, this is a crime novel with promising ideas, but in my opinion, it falls short in a number of ways.

After reading the book I ordered 2nd book by same author. It was a pleasant easy read.

A exciting read from page one, Elma returns back due to events in her personal life. A body is found by the lighthouse, a cat and mouse game, secrets upon secrets. You think you got it nope the pages continue to
Fly by. A great read.

I am not a patient reader, but I finally read most of the story (not sequentially). I always jump to the last chapter and read the story backward for several chapters. I then returned to where I jumped and tried to finish the book. I do not like EVILS and am always afraid of EVILS, so I always skip the sections about EVILS after I learn who EVILS are.

The book was intense and kept me turning pages. A beautiful example of Icelandic fiction by a talented author.

This is a really good story that keeps your attention. I hope to see more from this author. Love the Icelandic mysteries.