Title: Where the Shadows Lie
Author: Michael Ridpath
First published January 1, 2009
344 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781848873971 (ISBN10: 1848873972)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
In the midst of Iceland’s rugged and unforgiving terrain, a rumour is spreading about an ancient manuscript from eight centuries ago that tells of a ring possessing terrible power. The manuscript could be worth a fortune, but there’s something far more valuable to be found within its pages, something that some will kill to obtain.
Professor Agnar Haraldsson discovers this the hard way, paying the ultimate price for his discovery. Magnus Jonson, a homicide detective born in Iceland but raised in Boston, is sent back to his homeland after running afoul of a drug cartel.
Seconded to the Icelandic Police Force, Magnus is tasked with untangling the web of murder and myth surrounding the ancient manuscript. He is also seeking answers about his father’s unsolved murder, which has haunted him for nearly two decades.
As Magnus delves deeper, he will discover that the past casts a long shadow in Iceland, and that some secrets are best left buried. Michael Ridpath weaves together Iceland’s history, superstitions, and secrets into a strikingly original plot that will span several volumes in this gripping new series.
Where the Shadows Lie is the first book in this thrilling new series from an established master.
About the Author
Michael Ridpath has had an interesting career path. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked as a bond trader in London’s financial district.
His passion for writing led him to publish several successful financial thrillers, which have been translated into over 30 languages. Ridpath also created a crime series featuring the character Magnus Jonson, an Icelandic detective.
In addition, he has written five stand-alone thrillers, with his latest, The Diplomat’s Wife, hitting shelves in February 2021. Ridpath currently resides in London.
If you’re interested in receiving a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and signing up for his quarterly newsletter, click on the link provided.
Editoral Review
In “Where the Shadows Lie,” Michael Ridpath weaves together the genres of thriller, mystery, and historical fiction to create a gripping tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Written in 2009, the novel is set in Iceland in the aftermath of the economic crash, a defining moment in the country’s history.
Ridpath, who spent many years living and working in Iceland, effectively captures the tension and unease of this period, intertwining it with a complex web of murder, greed, and revenge. The story centers around detective Magnus Jonson, a character that Ridpath has developed over the course of several novels.
Magnus is an Icelandic-American who returns to his native country to work as a police officer. When a banker and his wife are brutally murdered in their home, Magnus is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the crime.
As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of corruption that reaches the highest levels of Icelandic society. Along the way, he must navigate his own complicated relationship with his family and his feelings about his identity as both an Icelander and an American.
Ridpath’s writing is impressive, balancing suspense with richly-drawn characters and an immersive sense of place. He has a keen eye for detail, vividly describing the stark beauty of the Icelandic landscape and the nuances of Icelandic culture.
The pacing of the novel is near perfect, with twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. One of the strengths of “Where the Shadows Lie” is its relevance to current events.
The economic crash in Iceland serves as a backdrop for the story, and Ridpath deftly explores the impact of this event on the country’s people and its institutions. His exploration of the corrupt forces at play will resonate with readers who have seen similar issues play out in their own countries.
While the novel is excellent overall, there are a few minor flaws. Some of the plot twists can feel a bit contrived, and there are a few moments where the pacing drags slightly.
Some readers may also find certain aspects of the plot to be predictable. Overall, “Where the Shadows Lie” is a beautifully written, entertaining, and thought-provoking novel.
Fans of thrillers, mysteries, and historical fiction will all find something to enjoy, and Ridpath’s fans will be delighted to see another installment in the Magnus Jonson series. We give this book four out of five stars and recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping and well-crafted read.
