Publication
Vintage. c2004, (2000)
Collection
Series
Status
Available
Description
Gold Dagger Award winner Arnaldur Indridason's novels featuring Inspector Erlendur Sveinsson became international sensations on their way to selling millions of copies worldwide. The debut of morose detective Sveinsson finds the inspector and his team delving into the murder of a retiree with horrifying secrets.
Media reviews
Time Out - London
Indridason raises in a thoroughly gripping manner not just questions of paternity in a small nation, but wider issues of the use of genetic information, culminating in an ending that proves impressively moving.
The Boston Globe
"This is a dark, haunting novel, with a protagonist who searches for a murderer and finds his own humanity. The emotionally wrought ending caught me off guard and touched me in a way that few mystery novels do."--
"Award-winning Iceland author Indridason makes a compelling American debut with this first in a series featuring Reykjavík police inspector Erlendur. . . . Quiet, morose, dryly witty, Erlendur makes a fine, complex companion. . . . Those who enjoy Karin Fossum, Henning Mankell, or Janwillem van de
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Wetering will welcome this new series."-- Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member cameling
One of the few crime thrillers where the uncovering of leads and evidence is slow and at times frustrating,where the clues don't just fall conveniently into the lap of a suave police inspector. Set in Iceland, an old man is found dead in his home by his neighbors, with his head bashed in,
Inspector Erlendur leads the homicide investigation, and is a man determined to find the truth, even if it makes him unpopular with his superiors. His investigations takes him to seemingly unrelated individuals, uncovering even more disturbing and at times confusing past events. Could there have been errors made by a retired policeman? And who is the mysterious Marion Briem who looks to be involved in some way, but at the same time, has been providing some helpful tips to Erlendur? And what has the death of a little girl from a brain tumor have anything to do with the old man?
If all these different tangents weren't distracting enough, a woman goes missing on the night of her wedding, and Inspector Erlendur is asked to find her as a favor.
However, as tenacious and confident as he is professionally, Erlendur is unsure of himself when it comes to dealing with his daughter, a drug addict who's just found out that she's also pregnant. They both seem to want to reach out to the other, but their relationship is so fragile because of his long absence from her life after he divorced his ex-wife. She wants a safe haven with him, but at the same time, wants him to stay out of her life and not question her. He wants her to quit her drug habit, lectures her about her lifestyle and tells her that he's out of it, but when she's missing for a few days, he pays off one of her marks, finds her in a flophouse and brings her back home.
The only bit that I thought was unnecessary distraction was Erlendur having to try and find the missing bride. The manner in which she was not only found (very quickly with not much effort on his part), but the aftermath of her being found was pretty tepid. The story wasn't made any richer for this tangent, but neither did it take anything away from the attention to the leading story.
I'm definitely going to look for others in the series.
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apparently by a heavy ashtray. A hand-written message is found on his body, but it is so odd that nobody can understand it. Inspector Erlendur leads the homicide investigation, and is a man determined to find the truth, even if it makes him unpopular with his superiors. His investigations takes him to seemingly unrelated individuals, uncovering even more disturbing and at times confusing past events. Could there have been errors made by a retired policeman? And who is the mysterious Marion Briem who looks to be involved in some way, but at the same time, has been providing some helpful tips to Erlendur? And what has the death of a little girl from a brain tumor have anything to do with the old man?
If all these different tangents weren't distracting enough, a woman goes missing on the night of her wedding, and Inspector Erlendur is asked to find her as a favor.
However, as tenacious and confident as he is professionally, Erlendur is unsure of himself when it comes to dealing with his daughter, a drug addict who's just found out that she's also pregnant. They both seem to want to reach out to the other, but their relationship is so fragile because of his long absence from her life after he divorced his ex-wife. She wants a safe haven with him, but at the same time, wants him to stay out of her life and not question her. He wants her to quit her drug habit, lectures her about her lifestyle and tells her that he's out of it, but when she's missing for a few days, he pays off one of her marks, finds her in a flophouse and brings her back home.
The only bit that I thought was unnecessary distraction was Erlendur having to try and find the missing bride. The manner in which she was not only found (very quickly with not much effort on his part), but the aftermath of her being found was pretty tepid. The story wasn't made any richer for this tangent, but neither did it take anything away from the attention to the leading story.
I'm definitely going to look for others in the series.
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LibraryThing member richardderus
It's hard for me to believe this is a debut novel. The author is, of course, a journalist and so the possessor of writerly skills; still, a novel is something wholly and entirely other than he could be expected to do in his sleep.
I think the first-novel-ishness comes out in a few small ways. He
I came away from this book chilled, angry, and annoyed at the unfairess of life. Perfect noir! I see that the author carefully crafted his story to elicit these feeling in me, and I salute his success. I am aware that the story was, for 2000, quite ground-breaking in its use of genetics as a plot-point, but it doesn't feel as amazing today, when "Scientific Adam" and "Scientific Eve" have been genetically identified. Still, I was impressed by the good handling of the subject matter...I wish it had been given a little more prominence in the story, but that's a minor cavil.
If you haven't yet read the book, I'd say you should, because its dark, gloomy pleasures are significally rewarding. I warn the squeamish: Violence exists here, and a lot of uccchy stuff that's not violent but is revolting takes place.
I think the first-novel-ishness comes out in a few small ways. He
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introduces a deeply disturbing sub-plot and does almost nothing with it. He has characters behave in some ways that don't scan with their stated behaviors. But on the whole, the book's as accomplished a noir as I've seen in many a long month.I came away from this book chilled, angry, and annoyed at the unfairess of life. Perfect noir! I see that the author carefully crafted his story to elicit these feeling in me, and I salute his success. I am aware that the story was, for 2000, quite ground-breaking in its use of genetics as a plot-point, but it doesn't feel as amazing today, when "Scientific Adam" and "Scientific Eve" have been genetically identified. Still, I was impressed by the good handling of the subject matter...I wish it had been given a little more prominence in the story, but that's a minor cavil.
If you haven't yet read the book, I'd say you should, because its dark, gloomy pleasures are significally rewarding. I warn the squeamish: Violence exists here, and a lot of uccchy stuff that's not violent but is revolting takes place.
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LibraryThing member RidgewayGirl
This is Arnaldur Indridason's first installment in his excellent crime series. Erlendur is an aging detective in the Reykjavik CID. He's a solitary man with a bad divorce behind him and a drug-addicted daughter with whom he has a difficult relationship, although they are both trying very hard. In
The series portrays daily life in Iceland, a unique place where a relatively small population is isolated from the world by their location and culture. Indridason's descriptions are vivid and his characters are interesting. The case was as bleak as the Atlantic storms battering Reykjavik throughout the book, which has the characteristic feel of a Scandinavian crime novel, albeit in a unique setting.
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this series debut, Erlendur investigates the case of an old man who is found bludgeoned to death in his basement apartment. It seems to be a case of random violence, until Erlendur delves into the man's history and discovers a violent and unsavory past. The series portrays daily life in Iceland, a unique place where a relatively small population is isolated from the world by their location and culture. Indridason's descriptions are vivid and his characters are interesting. The case was as bleak as the Atlantic storms battering Reykjavik throughout the book, which has the characteristic feel of a Scandinavian crime novel, albeit in a unique setting.
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LibraryThing member lriley
Indridason's crime novel 'Jar City' revolves around the murder of a serial rapist with a genetic defect. One of his own past crimes comes back to wreak justice on the miscreant. Inspector Erlendur and his team of detectives Elinborg and Sigurdur Oli are given the job of finding the killer of this
This is my second go around with Indridason. His novels are not all that suspenseful but are very meticulously plotted. He is a crafty crime writer who depends more on psychological insight than on driving the action for the sake of well having a lot of action. There is a very realistic and gritty feel to his urban Rejkavikian landscapes and although some times Erlendur might plod the story all in all is always moving inexorably forward towards a logical and satisfying conclusion.
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loathsome criminal. On the home front Erlendur is doing his best to make amends with his pregnant but very distant daughter--who wants to stop doing drugs at least long enough to insure that she has a healthy baby. This is my second go around with Indridason. His novels are not all that suspenseful but are very meticulously plotted. He is a crafty crime writer who depends more on psychological insight than on driving the action for the sake of well having a lot of action. There is a very realistic and gritty feel to his urban Rejkavikian landscapes and although some times Erlendur might plod the story all in all is always moving inexorably forward towards a logical and satisfying conclusion.
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LibraryThing member vikk
Translated from Icelandic. Arnaldur Indridason is picking up quite a following and his work is being critically acclaimed among the new wave of mystery/thriller writers from Iceland, Sweden, and Finland. JAR CITY , originally titled TAINTED BLOOD, is his third novel and the first one I found. In
What begins as a simple death of an old man quickly draws Inspector Erlendur deeper into the man's past and then into an unsolved crime years ago. At the same time Erlander peels apart the layers of the old man and his past, Erlandur's own heart is peeled back by his daughter. The deeper Erlandur delves, the more complicated the case becomes and the more elusive the solution seems. This is a twisting, winding case that doubles-back more than once and makes you wonder if the Icelandic Inspector will ever learn the truth of the old man's death. JAR CITY has solidified my membership in Indridason's fan club, and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
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JAR CITY, Indridason introduces Inspector Erlendur, a multi-layered character who not only walks the reader through a labyrinthine mystery but introduces his country, its customs, and its people. What begins as a simple death of an old man quickly draws Inspector Erlendur deeper into the man's past and then into an unsolved crime years ago. At the same time Erlander peels apart the layers of the old man and his past, Erlandur's own heart is peeled back by his daughter. The deeper Erlandur delves, the more complicated the case becomes and the more elusive the solution seems. This is a twisting, winding case that doubles-back more than once and makes you wonder if the Icelandic Inspector will ever learn the truth of the old man's death. JAR CITY has solidified my membership in Indridason's fan club, and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
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LibraryThing member hugh_ashton
Was it well-written? Yes (but it is a translation, so that's a little unfair as a judgement).
Were the characters credible? Yes, but not people you would necessarily like.
Plot? Plausible and gripping.
Did you enjoy it? No, not really. I found it black and gloomy in a way that, for instance, Rebus
Were the characters credible? Yes, but not people you would necessarily like.
Plot? Plausible and gripping.
Did you enjoy it? No, not really. I found it black and gloomy in a way that, for instance, Rebus
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novels are, but without the spark of life that illuminates those. I'd give it 3 1/2 if I could - it's not a 4, but it is better than a 3. Show Less
LibraryThing member nolak
An old man is found dead and the only clues are a picture and note. Inspector Elendur investigates and finds the victim was once accused but not convicted of a rape. As he follows the few clues, he finds many unexpected twists and startling results, including finding some of his own self.
LibraryThing member jimrbrown
The first book I have read by this Icelandic author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A murder of an old man unlocks an old Icelandic secret that has remained unknown for 40 years. The dark story is intertwined with the hero's complicated personal life and I was left turning every page to see how both
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progress. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jcambridge
While a fan of Scandinavian mystery writers, this is the first book I've read by Idridason. It certainly kept my attention and I will read sequels to find out what happens to some of the characters. Although I'm Danish/Norwegian by heritage, I did find it hard at times to follow the names of
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characters (not as bad as a Russian novel, but nonetheless confusing at times). My son visited Iceland a few years ago -- that fact plus the recent volcanic eruption are perhaps what drew me to the author in the first place. The novel also makes me want to seek out some non-fiction about genetic research, particularly relating to homogeneous populations such as that found in Iceland. Show Less
LibraryThing member agathanaylor
good background setting Iceland. Genetic database. Detective Erlendur with his flawed character and drug addicted daugher.
LibraryThing member MusicMom41
This is the first book in a new, for me, mystery series that I had seen recommended by sjmmcreary on LT. It is a police procedural set in Iceland with an intriguing plot and an interesting main character. The writing style (in translation, of course) was enjoyable, portraying gruesome details in a
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manner that you felt the “horror” without being disgusted by graphic detail. The mystery was not only engaging but presented in a manner that even minor characters were interesting and the solution was puzzling for the this reader until the detective figured it out. In fact, there were times I wish I could have been in on the team consultations as they tried to determine the motive and perpetrator of the crime. This is a series I look forward to continuing. Show Less
LibraryThing member miyurose
I’ve really come to enjoy books by foreign authors set in foreign landscapes because I feel like I learn something every single time I read one. In this case, I had no idea that in Iceland, they don’t use surnames like we do. See, that’s something you just don’t learn on TV. Nor did I know
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that Iceland has a genetic database of its entire population, which is something that would certainly never fly in the U.S. Anyhoo, this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill whodunnit. There is a murder that Erlendur and his partner Sigurdur Óli are trying to solve, but the story ends up being much more about the victim and what he did in his past. This is one case where the victim perhaps got what he deserved. Erlendur is somewhat of a drab character on his own, but I enjoy his interactions with others, especially with his wayward daughter, Eva Lind. I think there’s a lot of room for growth in the series, and I look forward to reading the next two. Show Less
LibraryThing member FicusFan
This was very good, though a bit strange.
The murder of an old man in his apartment has tentacles reaching back 40 years. There were 2 rapes that were never prosecuted, mysterious offspring, deaths by genetic disease, and a 25 year old disappearance.
The relationships between Erlendur and his
I also agree with others who say there is very little of Iceland in the book, made worse by the fact that the translator filled the book with Britishisms. I felt like I was reading a UK mystery. There was a bit if Iceland in the mention of Lava fields, but to me that was about it.
I did appreciate the maps of the locales in the front, and I wonder since this is actually the 3rd book in the series, if more detail had been included in the 2 earlier books which have not been translated into English.
I will keep reading the series, but I wish the first 2 had been or will be translated.
The murder of an old man in his apartment has tentacles reaching back 40 years. There were 2 rapes that were never prosecuted, mysterious offspring, deaths by genetic disease, and a 25 year old disappearance.
The relationships between Erlendur and his
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co-workers and with his daughter seem to be more talking at each other than actual communication. In fact now that I think about it, most of the character interactions started like that, and some never got passed it. Don't know if thats a function of the translation, a definite choice in characterization by the author, or an Icelandic characteristic ?I also agree with others who say there is very little of Iceland in the book, made worse by the fact that the translator filled the book with Britishisms. I felt like I was reading a UK mystery. There was a bit if Iceland in the mention of Lava fields, but to me that was about it.
I did appreciate the maps of the locales in the front, and I wonder since this is actually the 3rd book in the series, if more detail had been included in the 2 earlier books which have not been translated into English.
I will keep reading the series, but I wish the first 2 had been or will be translated.
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LibraryThing member greglief
Although the crime mystery fiction genre has never interested me, I had heard good things about this book so I reluctantly decided to investigate. Not only I was not disappointed... I literally could NOT put it down! I eagerly look forward to reading other work by this author.
LibraryThing member Meisje
I like the introspection of northern mysteries. There is a great sense of place in this as well, though it helps that I was in Reykjavik recently and could picture much of the story in situ. There is definitely a different atmosphere and pacing than I am used to from American mysteries.
LibraryThing member bcquinnsmom
Set in Reykjavik, Iceland, an elderly man is discovered to have been murdered in his apartment. Inspector Erlendur Sveinsson of the police and his crew find only a picture of a grave hidden behind a drawer in a desk and a note that says "I am him" on the victim as evidence, and as they continue to
I love Scandinavian mystery novels, and this one is no exception. I can definitely recommend this one. Indridason is a fine author who sets a serious tone immediately which never lets up. The characters are lifelike and believable, and the mystery continues to build until the very end. I'll definitely be reading more of this author's work.
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dig, they discover that their victim had been accused years earlier of sexual assault, although never convicted. Erlendur must now reopen the original case, which leads to the uncovering of secrets that some felt were better left buried forever.I love Scandinavian mystery novels, and this one is no exception. I can definitely recommend this one. Indridason is a fine author who sets a serious tone immediately which never lets up. The characters are lifelike and believable, and the mystery continues to build until the very end. I'll definitely be reading more of this author's work.
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LibraryThing member bhowell
Jar City is the first in a series of crime novels set in Iceland with the main character being a reclusive troubled detective called Erlendur. It is a clever little thriller which gives a nice snapshot of Icelandic life and the city of Reykjavik. I enjoyed it thoroughly and immediately read another
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Erlendur book in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member mcalister
Murder mystery set in Reykjavik, Iceland. Maybe not a great book, but good enough that I finished it in one sitting. Not a lot of description about contemporary Iceland, but the author does manage to bring in the debate on scientific research vs. data privacy -- an issue raised in the last few
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years by Iceland's unique status as a fairly restricted gene-pool with a long recorded pedigree, and thus ideal for study. I would have preferred a little less soapbox on the author's part, but then again, better to have an opinion than none at all. Show Less
LibraryThing member cathyskye
Protagonist: Inspector Erlendur
Setting: present-day Reykjavík, Iceland
Series: #3
First Line: "The words were written in pencil on a piece of paper placed on top of the body."
When a lonely old man is found murdered in his Reykjavík flat, the only clues are a cryptic note left by the killer and a
Although I read Jar City to the end, I just wasn't impressed by setting, characters, plot or anything else.
Setting: present-day Reykjavík, Iceland
Series: #3
First Line: "The words were written in pencil on a piece of paper placed on top of the body."
When a lonely old man is found murdered in his Reykjavík flat, the only clues are a cryptic note left by the killer and a
Show More
photograph of a young girl's grave. Inspector Erlendur, who heads the investigation team, discovers that many years ago the victim was accused, though not convicted, of an unsolved crime. Did the old man's past come back to haunt him?Although I read Jar City to the end, I just wasn't impressed by setting, characters, plot or anything else.
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LibraryThing member NextRead
After reading The Draining Lake I thought I’d go back to the beginning of the series, well the beginning from what’s been published in the UK. Tainted Blood lives up to its title. Detective Erlendur is called to the murder of a man of about 70. As he delves into the man’s past it seems that
The strength of the character of Erlendur is that he follows his nose. He finds clues and connections that aren’t obvious, and most of the time even tangible, but he follows them regardless of the reservations of his colleagues.
This isn’t a fast paced thriller. It’s an unfolding of family and how connections that are hidden have come to the surface by the strangest of means.
Indridason it seems likes to let us follow the train of thought even if we don’t understand where it’s leading until the threads slowly nit together.
It might not be the neatest or best plotted crime novel I’ve read but its stregnths are that it gets to the heart of people and their relationships.
I’ll definitely be reading the next one, Silence of the Grave.
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this case is more than a random act.The strength of the character of Erlendur is that he follows his nose. He finds clues and connections that aren’t obvious, and most of the time even tangible, but he follows them regardless of the reservations of his colleagues.
This isn’t a fast paced thriller. It’s an unfolding of family and how connections that are hidden have come to the surface by the strangest of means.
Indridason it seems likes to let us follow the train of thought even if we don’t understand where it’s leading until the threads slowly nit together.
It might not be the neatest or best plotted crime novel I’ve read but its stregnths are that it gets to the heart of people and their relationships.
I’ll definitely be reading the next one, Silence of the Grave.
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LibraryThing member johnbsheridan
An enjoyable debut. The lead detective, Erlendur, comes from the same school as Harry Bosch or Harry Hole and pursues his singular path of investigation with his colleagues trailing in his wake. The glimpses into his private life may not be integral to the storyline but add to the development of
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his character. Some of the intuitive leaps he makes seem to stretch the bounds of credibility and seem unlikely that in real life an investigation could ever follow the same course. Having said that there are enough twists and turns to make this a passable whodunnit. Show Less
LibraryThing member Joycepa
Set in Reykjavik, Iceland, this debut novel police procedural features Inspector Erlandur who is practically a copy of Henning Mankell’s Inspector Kurt Wallander. Both are divorced, both have trouble with their ex-wives, and both have terrible relationships with their daughters (although
The plot centers around the murder of an old man. The investigation slowly uncovers the fact that the origins of the murder go back decades to other crimes.
That’s it. The plot is not bad, but it’s not outstanding either. The writing is maybe two steps above mediocre—again, nothing to write home about. To me, the characters never get off the ground as real people. Mankell does it better.
Really, the only thing this book has going for it is the exotic location. Reykjavik is not your normal city in the temperate zone, and what we learn of Iceland is interesting. Other than that, I think the book is forgettable.
Good for when you have nothing else to read.
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Wallander’s improves over the series). The plot centers around the murder of an old man. The investigation slowly uncovers the fact that the origins of the murder go back decades to other crimes.
That’s it. The plot is not bad, but it’s not outstanding either. The writing is maybe two steps above mediocre—again, nothing to write home about. To me, the characters never get off the ground as real people. Mankell does it better.
Really, the only thing this book has going for it is the exotic location. Reykjavik is not your normal city in the temperate zone, and what we learn of Iceland is interesting. Other than that, I think the book is forgettable.
Good for when you have nothing else to read.
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LibraryThing member cyderry
Inspector Erlendur Sveinsson of Iceland's CID is called to the sight of a dead body. The atmosphere is oppressive in the basement apartment of the victim, Holberg, and the only possible clue is a old black and white photo of a gravestone.
Deciphering the clue, Erlendur tracks down a history of the
I had a very difficult time at the start of this book because of the unusual names. It was hard to figure out who was who and what their relationships were. However, the setting of Iceland came through well, making me feel that I really was seeing what it was like for someone to be in this country. The mystery was interesting and the characters, once I understood who was who, were very engaging.
Deciphering the clue, Erlendur tracks down a history of the
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victim that finally enables him to find the murderer and the motive.I had a very difficult time at the start of this book because of the unusual names. It was hard to figure out who was who and what their relationships were. However, the setting of Iceland came through well, making me feel that I really was seeing what it was like for someone to be in this country. The mystery was interesting and the characters, once I understood who was who, were very engaging.
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LibraryThing member tymfos
At first, I wasn't sure I would like this. The writer's (or translator's) style seemed abrupt, odd. The dialogue felt strange. The Inspector's thought process seemed inscrutable. One early scene between Erlendur & his daughter really bugged me. But I became accustomed to the style, and grew to like
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it. I liked the character of Erlendur as he gradually came into focus in my mind, and his train of thought progressed and became easier to follow. I also loved how the author created some memorable minor characters -- some of them just blew me away. (Like the two quibbling elderly ladies in the third chapter, victims of a home invasion.) I also learned a bit about Iceland. Show Less
LibraryThing member RDHawk6886
Excellent book. I read Arctic Chill, also by Indridason, which was an inferior translation. This book stands out not only because of the depth of Erhlander's introspection, the hallmark of the Scandinavian thriller, but the uniqueness of the plot which is well conceived, realistic, not over-
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the-top and generates real human emotions which are the novel's engine. Truly superior book and fine translation. Show Less
Language
Original language
Icelandic
ISBN
978099513124
Original publication date
2000
2004 [English: Scudder]