It is very cold and dark in northern Iceland but Inspector Ari Thor is looking forward to a rare visit over the Easter weekend from his partner and young son who now live in Sweden. In the early hours he is shocked to be told the body of a young woman has been found in the street, and suddenly his plans are in jeopardy.

Was the victim murdered or did she commit suicide? Her mother claims she was a perfect student and daughter but she cannot explain a strange entry in the girl’s diary; there is something not straightforward about the residents of the building from which the girl fell and then a confused old man writes repeatedly on the wall “She was murdered”. Will these threads lead to answers? – Ari Thor is determined to find out for the sake of the dead girl.

As events pull Ari Thor inextricably into the investigation the tension and disappointment rise between him and his partner. Meanwhile a winter storm is looming.

Chillingly atmospheric, skilfully plotted and a perfectly realised small community where everyone knows almost everyone else but some have secrets they want to keep. Superb crime drama.

(review by Andrew)