Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Review: The Creak on the Stairs by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir

The Creak on the Stairs
Synopsis: When a body of a woman is discovered at a lighthouse in the Icelandic town of Akranes, it soon becomes clear that she’s no stranger to the area.

Chief Investigating Officer Elma, who has returned to Akranes following a failed relationship, and her collegues Sævar and Hörður, commence an uneasy investigation, which uncovers a shocking secret in the dead woman’s past that continues to reverberate in the present day …

But as Elma and her team make a series of discoveries, they bring to light a host of long-hidden crimes that shake the entire community. Sifting through the rubble of the townspeople’s shattered memories, they have to dodge increasingly serious threats, and find justice … before it’s too late.



I think this will become my top read of the year. 

Hauntingly brilliant; atmospheric; harrowing; compelling; dark; suspenseful; edge of your seat stuff.


In the genre of past secrets coming back to take a bite out of those involved, this one packs a punch. Aegisdottir uses (sparingly) the past life of our victim to gently tease out the threads whilst never quite showing her hand. Only as your are propelled down the path of the investigation d little snippets of what is to come are being revealed.

The characters are well written and definitely add to the storyline - and the fact that this mystery is set in the author's home town makes it all the more real. There are other themes running through - and it all links up as we reach the culmination of the police investigation.

I am hoping that this is just the beginning of a new series.

Definitely recommended for those who love their Scandi-crime and for those wanting a change of (fictional) locale. 


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