Building work in an expanding Reykjavik uncovers a shallow grave. Years before, this part of the city was all open hills, and Erlendur and his team hope this is a typical Icelandic missing person scenario; perhaps someone once lost in the snow, who has lain peacefully buried for decades. Things are never that simple. Whilst Erlendur struggles to hold together the crumbling fragments of his own family, his case unearths many other tales of family pain. The hills have more than one tragic story to tell: tales of failed relationships and heartbreak; of anger, domestic violence and fear; of family loyalty and family shame. Few people are still alive who can tell the story, but even secrets taken to the grave cannot remain hidden forever.
I felt like this was a much smoother read than the first book in this series, Jar City. I think that here, Indridason has smoothed out his story-telling and figured out more about who Erlendur really is. This book takes place a few months after the end of the first, and not only is Erlendur investigating a set of bones found buried in the outskirts of Reykjavik, but his pregnant, drug-addicted daughter is also missing. Erlendur’s familiar compatriots from the first novel are also there to aid in his search.
The story moves effortlessly back and forth from the present day to World War II era Iceland. Even with the extra clues you get that Erlendur doesn’t, you’re never quite sure (until you’re told) who the body next to the red currant bushes is. And along the way, you learn a little more about Erlendur and what makes him tick. I find him and his very dysfunctional family rather compelling, and I’m looking forward to Voices, the third book in the series.
