The problem with finally getting around to a book that you’ve wanted to read for a while is that you’ve often a fair idea of 
what other readers think of it. No matter hard I try not to look at reviews, or quickly I skim read the ones I do see, I always get a sense of how a book has been received. So I opened Strange Shores with trepidation as I’d seen mixed reviews of the latest, and possibly last, instalment of Indridason’s series featuring Reykjavik detective, Erlendur. However, I have to say I was impressed in terms of both the plotting and the way in which Indridason seemingly concludes the outing for this particular character. If only other writers could finish a series with so light a touch.
Erlendur, on leave from his job in the Reykjavik police department, is camping in his childhood home. A frequent visitor to the place, he is continually searching for the brother whom he lost in a snowstorm when they were both children. He hears the story of a local woman, Matthildur, who also went missing years earlier on the night of a violent storm and rumours abound as to what became of her. As he begins to ask questions about the background to that fateful evening, he unwittingly begins to discover what may have also befallen his brother.
A narrative that focuses on a historic crime is a relatively common theme, in crime fiction in general and also in Scandinavian novels. It can sometimes have mixed results. There’s an immediate distance created; the lapse of time can make the action less compelling. Indridason largely solves this by aligning Erlendur’s hunt for his missing brother with the case. Although this also a decades old mystery, those familiar with the series will recognise the weight of survivor’s guilt felt by Erlundur which has haunted him through the books. The outcome to Matthildur’s disappearance is satisfyingly gruesome but, ultimately, it is the resolution, of sorts, of Erlendur’s quest that stays with the reader.
Is this it for Erlendur? A tip-off by the excellent writer, Quentin Bates, on twitter says that the next book takes Erlendur back to 1974. So this may well be the last contemporary investigation for the character. If this is the case, it’s an excellent finish to the series.
Thanks to Vintage for my copy. The translation was by Victoria Cribb.
I look forward to reading Strange Shores and I’m feeling very much the same about this book as you have so nicely put, Sarah!
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Thanks Jose and I’ll look forward to your review.
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Sarah – It’ll be very interesting to see whether there’s another modern-day investigation for Erlendur. Authors sometimes say a book is the last in a series…but it doesn’t turn out that way. Or perhaps I’m just being hopeful because I really like this series.
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Yes, I’ve got mixed feelings too, Margot. I am hoping there will be another Erlendur but I did like this conclusion.
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I have yet to read him but have attic chill which I’ve had for a while so will probably get to this year at some point
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Great, Stu. I think you’ll like this author.
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This sounds very good and it looks like I should actually start reading the series. I do have the first one on hand, so maybe this year. But there are so many authors I want to read or continue reading this year…
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I can’t recommend this author highly enough, Tracy. I think you could start anywhere in the series and enjoy it.
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I have this on my TBR pile and will get to it. I hope it’s not Erlendur’s last episode. Wikipedia lists 3 books after this one in this series, Could they all be flashbacks? Sounds intriguing.
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I haven’t seen the Wiki entry. I must look for clues.
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I do enjoy the historic crime aspect in books. I haven’t read any of this series but I definitely think I should seek out the first one and see what I think.
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I think you’d love this author. He’s one of the best.
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