Description
A murdered diplomat, planted evidence and a treacherous sister: once again, Helga had better find the real killer quickly, before heads start rolling - literally - in this brand-new Viking noir mystery.
'For Vikings done right, come to Snorri Kristjansson' Mark Lawrence, author of Red Sister
Helga Finnsdottir left her foster parents, the old Viking chieftain Unnthor Reginson and his knowing wife Hildigunnur, to see the world, but she stopped in Uppsala when she fell in love. Now she's established herself as a local healer and herb-woman on the outskirts of town, and life is good - until King Eirik the Victorious calls a trade council and hairy northerners and southern Swedes alike descend on the town.
Unfortunately for Helga, one delegation is headed by a very determined young woman who has her own agenda and will let nothing - and no one - get in her way. But the last time Helga saw Jorunn Unthorsdottir, her foster-sister was being cast out by their father for killing their brother Bjorn and trying to pin the blame on Helga.
So perhaps it's no great surprise when one of the delegates is murdered, or that Helga's soon tagged as the lead suspect. It doesn't take her long to clear her own name, but that only leads suspicion to fall on to her man.
Once again, Helga must solve a murder, and fast, before the innocent pays with his head.
'Truly entertaining' Yrsa Sigurdardottir, author of the Thora Gudmundsdottir series, on Kin
'An exciting new voice. With his Viking mystery, Snorri has created a new and interesting sub-genre of Icelandic noir' Ragnar Jonasson on Kin
About the Author
Snorri Kristjansson was born in Iceland and is a writer and a teacher, as well as a stand-up comedian, actor and musician. He currently lives in Edinburgh with his artist wife. The Valhalla Saga, his Viking fantasy series, and The Helga Finnsdottir books, his Viking historical/crime series, are all published by Jo Fletcher Books.
Reviews
A standout item . . . Top notch * Weekend Sport on Council *
A dark mystery in a dark age brought vividly to life. For lovers of the Vikings TV series and Lindsey Davies alike. I look forward to more of Helga Finnsdottir * Robert Fabbri, author of the bestselling Vespasian series, on Kin *
Truly entertaining: a new and original Nordic Noir voice * Yrsa Sigurdardottir, author of the Thora Gudmundsdottir series, on Kin *
Kristjansson has an evocative style that is easy to get caught up in. If you've not already discovered these books, and you enjoy your crime fiction historic in nature, I heartily recommend checking them out * The Eloquent Page on Council *
An exciting new voice. With his Viking mystery, Snorri has created a new and interesting sub-genre of Icelandic noir * Ragnar Jonasson on Kin *
For Vikings done right, come to Snorri Kristjansson * Mark Lawrence, bestselling author of Red Sister *
Praise Odin, it's a terrific mystery! With Viking family values and a sharp-witted heroine, Snorri Kristjansson delivers a first-rate chronicle of intrigue and murder * Stephen Gallagher, bestselling author of Red, Red Robin on Kin *
Council's depiction of Viking life, practices and Norse mythology is its strength . . . [it] brings something to the table which will appeal to readers of different genres. If you don't like historical fiction, you'll be swayed by the crime twist and if you don't like crime, the Viking setting may keep you reading. Either way it's a battle won * Crime Fiction Lover on Council *
An entertaining and claustrophobic tale of familial tension and murder * SciFiNow on Kin *
The start of an interesting crime series * Book Worm Mum on Kin *
Timeless and universal . . . It will be interesting to see where Kristjansson's imagination takes his beguiling heroine next * Starburst on Kin *
The remote setting of Viking village, the historical period and Helga's character are very refreshing * The Book Bag on Kin *
If the combination of Vikings, mystery and murder sound good, then this is the book for you . . . If you're in a Scandi-noir mood, and willing to leap back through the centuries, then this is a book which will reward a reading; I, for one, look forward to the further adventures of Helga Finnsdottir * Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviews on Kin *
I was completely swept away . . . couldn't put it down . . . completely beguiling . . . I would definitely have no hesitation in recommending this and I look forward to seeing where Helga's adventures lead us to next * Lynn's Book Blog on Kin *
This series is set to be a huge success not least because its leading lady is one of the smartest and funniest you will encounter * The Madwoman in the Attic on Kin *
It had everything I look for in a book . . . I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries / crime stories with a sprinkle of Norse mythology and who enjoys reading stories full of flawed characters * Unfiltered Tales on Kin *
Compelling reading * The Gin Book Club *
A fantastic introduction . . . An enjoyable read with a good sense of suspense and an intriguing backdrop * The Little Book Owl on Kin *
Compelling blend of historical fiction and crime mystery * Bibliosanctum on KIN *
A highly readable Viking family murder, with an engaging heroine and convincing historical detail. Recommended * Promoting Crime on Kin *
Book Information
ISBN 9781784298111
Author Snorri Kristjansson
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Jo Fletcher Books
Publisher Quercus Publishing
Series The Helga Finnsdottir Mysteries
Weight(grams) 250g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 128mm * 30mm