The passionate relationship's abrupt and chilling conclusion.
The captivating character Hildur is a central figure in Satu Rämö's Icelandic thriller trilogy, breaking the typical detective mold. She's not just probing a family secret about her vanished sisters, but her appeal extends beyond the norm.
When Iceland makes global news, it's usually due to football victories on the world stage, or dramatic natural events like volcanic eruptions. These moments capture hearts with their adrenaline-inducing images, painting a portrait of a minuscule nation with a wealth of mysteries, enchanting locations, and eccentric residents, especially outside Reykjavik.
Comfortable in her element, Hildur calls the Westfjords her home. This island group may only house 2% of the country's residents, but they inhabit a fifth of Iceland's territory. Space is plentiful, but activity is scarce? That depends on your perspective. As a police officer, Hildur cherishes her job and revels in the natural surroundings: surfing in the ocean, running in the snow, and occasionally soaking in the mud bath. Her firearm rarely leaves its holster; she even needs to request it from her superior. That's Iceland.
However, the land isn't immune to violence. Child abuse, drug abuse, sexual assault, and cold-blooded murder occur as well. When these crimes take place, Hildur steps up to the plate, as she's currently doing: A prominent and sanitized politician has been assassinated during his ski getaway. As the investigation proceeds, Hildur and her Finnish partner Jakob unearth the politician's affair with his fiercest competitor's wife, raising questions about motive and retaliation.
A narrative nested within a narrative
The scenario is complex, but then again, it's never straightforward: Just after the plane crash that claimed the politician's life, Hildur recognizes a connection that others miss. Her suspicions prove accurate: The plane crash was no accident, but sabotage. The plane ran out of fuel during takeoff, not due to human error or lightning, and the victims shared a friendship that went back years. Is a serial killer terrorizing Iceland? Who will be the next victim?
Hildur's investigative skills are pushed to their limits. Simultaneously, her own family mystery lingers in the back of her mind: the disappearance of her two younger sisters. Hildur's quest for the truth offers multiple challenges. Jakob, who enjoys knitting Icelandic sweaters as a hobby, offers his assistance for both cases. But he faces personal trials as well: His ex-wife took their child to Norway, gradually reducing Jakob's chance to reclaim him. Yet hope persists, and so Hildur and Jakob press on in their pursuit of truth - all the way to the famous Silver Strip on the horizon. In Iceland, the Northern Lights could just as easily guide their journey.
Appreciate the "Hildur" series to fully grasp its allure.
Much like the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis, the "Hildur" series by Satu Rämö is equally captivating. "The Grave in the Ice" is the second book in the "Hildur" trilogy, published by Heyne and Random House Audio. The death of the politician and the plane crash serve as the story's foundation, just as they do in the first book "The Clue in the Fjord" - a narrative nestled within a narrative. The main plot, the search for the missing sisters and their history, weaves itself through all three books. As a listener of the second "Hildur" case, you've gained some ground, but still have much to discover.
Much like in "The Clue in the Fjord", you find yourself yearning to uncover more about Hildur's family history and Iceland's history. This is an unintended yet appealing aspect of the series: furthering your knowledge about the country, its myths, and legends that surrounded glaciers, jagged mountain ranges, and volcanoes. The voice of Heike Warmuth matches, similar to Jakob's Icelandic pullover. Whispering cryptically then clear and succinct, mirroring Iceland itself.
By the way: Iceland is poised to dominate headlines or magazine stands by mid-November at the latest: On that date, the third book "The Shadow of the Northern Lights" will be released, marking the conclusion of the "Hildur" series. No spoilers are offered - not yet.
Read also:
In the thrilling world of Satu Rämö's Icelandic series, 'Hildur' is praised for breaking the usual detective mold, earning rave reviews from critics. (Thriller, Reviews)
For those interested in exploring Iceland beyond its volcanic eruptions and football victories, the 'Hildur' series offers a gripping and authentic portrayal of the country's mysteries and eccentricities. (Iceland, Reviews)
