The Absolution

In "The Absolution," a dark thriller by Yrsa Sigurdardóttir (nicely translated from the Icelandic by Victoria Cribb), the weather in Reykjavík is appropriately cold and gloomy. Maverick detective Huldar Traustason. assisted by psychologist Freyja Styrmisdóttir, tries to understand the motives and methods of a masked assailant who tortured and killed sixteen-year-old Stella Hardardóttir. Unfortunately, this crime may not an isolated incident. Soon, an adolescent boy goes missing, and the police fear that he may have been abducted by the same perpetrator.

This novel focuses on the consequences of bullying, a virulent type of abuse that has become even more pervasive with the widespread use of social media. Aggressive and cruel show more individuals can humiliate their unfortunate victims not just face-to-face but also in cyberspace. In some instances, overwhelming psychic pain and shame have driven vulnerable youngsters to take their own lives. In the book's most heartrending passages, Sigurdardóttir describes what happens when teenagers persecute peers who are too intimidated to defend themselves.

This talented author sensitively explores the fraught personal and professional lives of her colorful cast of characters. We get glimpses of the emotional baggage of Huldar and Freya, who might have connected romantically had their relationship not gotten off to a rocky start; Erla, Huldar's high-strung and testy boss; Gudlaugur Vignisson, Huldar's laid-back and secretive partner; Kjartan Erlendsson, Iceland's foremost expert on bullying; and the unidentified killer. Huldar is a womanizer and compulsive smoker whose tendency to lash out at his adversaries has damaged his career prospects. On the other hand, he is intelligent, tenacious, and has excellent instincts. The overly convoluted and far-fetched conclusion is the weakest aspect of "The Absolution." Nevertheless, this gripping and atmospheric tale chillingly demonstrates that revenge may initially seem satisfying, but in the long run violence begets even more violence and solves nothing. show less

Once again I am indebted to NetGalley for providing an early release Kindle copy for me to read and impartially review.
This is the third and apparently final book in the series so far, but don't let that put you off it reads perfectly as a standalone story, I had read none of the previous books and thoroughly enjoyed this gripping story Completely up to date and topical this book deals with teenage bullying and how it affects all parties concerned, and even more devastating with the added complications and ease that social media brings to the party. Well written and let's not forget the translators part in that, this a quality Police procedural, and highlights the pressure brought to bear on them from all quarters while investigating a show more serial murder case. Chilling engrossing grim, and tense with more than enough plot twists and turns as more and more characters are brought into play. Riveting with a chilling last paragraph conclusion.
Warning possible plot spoiler : for those readers of a certain age the plot bears some similarities with the classic Hitchcock film Strangers on a Train. show less

Shelter in place and social distancing has at times left me unable to concentrate. I think we are all turning to different, comfort read. Mine seem to be mysteries. Seems strange I know, since there are deaths, but in a strange way I find it comforting that by books end the case is solved. No open ended dates, or waiting to see what comes next, unless of course there is a sequel.

Anyway, this mystery is set in Iceland and I love these Nordic settings. It also ties together nicely done current themes of our times, social media is one. The others I won't say as it will give to much away. I like these author, have read other books by her, and she does a very good job balancing interesting characters with a very good plot. Though there is show more dome graphic violence, it is not overdone. She is a very able storyteller.

ARC from Netgalley. show less

This is the third volume of the series, "Children's House". It is definitely the best of the trilogy, in my opinion. My biggest problem is that it has taken me a really long time to be clear on who is who because of the difficulty I had discriminating the Icelandic names. The internal dynamics amongst the police, the interesting murder plot, and the primary theme of the serious damage which bullying inflicts on its victims all combine to make a very good read!

I realised after I requested an ARC of this book that I'm actually pretty fed up of Scandi crime for now, so when I started this I have to say I did so with a heavy heart. It was fine - everything you expect from a dark crime novel. Troubled main characters, nasty things going on with shady people, secrets exposed, a race to find the truth.... I'm sure that for fans of this stuff Yrsa Sigurdardottir is a great writer, but for me, in a mood of over-exposure to the genre, I found it nothing more than bog standard. Familiarity breeds, well, disinterest in this case. Just not for me, I'm afraid, and I will be keeping my distance from this genre for a long while I think.

Fínasta saga. Kunni vel við persónurnar og flækjurnar en fannst lítið unnið úr þeim efnivið. Umfjöllunarefnið er fyrst og fremst grimmúðlegt einelti og birtingarmynd þess á netmiðlum. Glæpirnir eru snúnir og erfiðir fyrir lögregluna til aflausnar og raunar líka lesandann að átta sig á plottinu sem er kostur.

Another good book in this series. 3.5