Silence of the Grave (Reykjavik Murder Mysteries, No. 2) (original 2006; edition 2007)

Transferring information from 2006 spreadsheet

Gripping, full of twists, keeps your brain working and makes you care about the characters. I read it in less than a day because I couldn't put it down. ( )

The Erlendur series earns equal comparison to the Wallander series. In some aspects, the series feel almost interchangeable in terms of the aging man, bachelor by divorce, trying to navigate a troubled relationship with his daughter. Both series feature the existential journey of its protagonist as the primary aspect of the read. Erlendur's plight is even more stark than that of Walander's, his perspective less sentimental. What I appreciate about Indridason is that he makes his plots, particularly this one, interesting without taking it over the top and past the bounds of believability. This book weaves three realistic and engaging story lines, the two families implicated in the cold case murder, and Elendur's coming to terms with his comatose drug addled daughter. ( )

Silence of the Grave is the second book in the Erlendur series. A medical student is at a child's birthday party and sees an infant teething on a bone, which appears to be human. The birthday boy found it at an excavation site where new homes were being built. He calls the police and Erlendur and crew (Elinborg and Sigurdur Oli) take the case. It turns out that a skeleton is found in a foundation and the body is deemed to be between 60 and 70 years old.

The story goes back and forth between 70 years ago and today, telling the story of a family of five, including three children, one of whom is crippled. The husband is abusive to his wife, both verbally and physically.

While this is going on, Erlendur is also dealing with his drug addicted daughter who is in a coma after suffering a miscarriage.

As with the first book, Jar City, the author Arnaldur Indridason does of fine job of keeping up interest as he wanders back and forth in time. Again, the characters are appealing. They mystery is interesting, with several twists and turns. I understand there are two more books in the series. I intend to catch up before a fifth book comes out.

Again, the Icelandic setting is a refreshing change. Go for it.

Oops! There are 8 in the series. I hope I catch up. ( )

Read 24/12/12. Dark and grim but satisfying murder mystery. Human bones found in the foundation of a home being built. Also wife beating and child abuse. Kindle. ( )