Night Shadows (Forbidden Iceland #3)

"Night Shadows" by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir is a captivating psychological thriller that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. With its chilling atmosphere, complex characters, and intricate plot, Ægisdóttir demonstrates her mastery in the genre, delivering a dark and suspenseful story that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Set in the atmospheric backdrop of Reykjavik, Iceland, "Night Shadows" follows Detective Inspector Elma, a dedicated and resilient investigator, as she tackles a puzzling case. When a series of brutal murders shocks the city, Elma finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and hidden connections that span decades. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a dark underbelly of corruption, revenge, and long-held grudges.

One of the strengths of this novel is Ægisdóttir's ability to create a palpable sense of unease. The author masterfully weaves together descriptions of the Icelandic landscape, weather, and folklore, adding an extra layer of atmosphere and tension to the narrative. The bone-chilling setting becomes a character in itself, intensifying the feeling of impending danger and providing an eerie backdrop to the unfolding events.

The characters in "Night Shadows" are multifaceted and realistically flawed, which makes them relatable and adds depth to the story. Elma, in particular, is a compelling protagonist. Her determination, intelligence, and vulnerability make her a character that readers can invest in and root for. The supporting cast, including her colleagues and suspects, are equally well-developed and contribute to the overall complexity of the plot.

The plot of "Night Shadows" is intricately woven, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Ægisdóttir expertly reveals just enough information to maintain intrigue while withholding key details until the opportune moment, heightening the suspense throughout the novel. The pacing is generally well-maintained, although there are moments where the story loses some momentum, causing a slight lull in the otherwise gripping narrative.

Furthermore, the exploration of Icelandic folklore and its connection to the crimes adds an intriguing layer to the story. Ægisdóttir seamlessly blends the modern-day investigation with ancient legends, creating an engaging juxtaposition of old and new. This element adds depth to the overall narrative and showcases the author's talent for weaving together different threads to create a cohesive and immersive reading experience.

However, "Night Shadows" does require a certain level of patience from readers. The intricate plot and extensive cast of characters can be overwhelming at times, and some may find themselves losing track of certain storylines. Additionally, while the atmospheric descriptions contribute to the overall mood, they occasionally overshadow the pacing of the plot.

In conclusion, "Night Shadows" is a mesmerizing thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre. Eva Björg Ægisdóttir showcases her talent for crafting suspenseful narratives filled with intricate details and compelling characters. With its chilling atmosphere, unexpected twists, and exploration of Icelandic folklore, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a dark and immersive psychological thriller.

Nightblind (Dark Iceland #2) by Ragnar Jonasson

 

It was a bit difficult at first, getting used to the names and places but one gets used to it. When the story started out with a new detective, I thought the last one was finished. It wasn't until I finished the story and read some of the reviews, did I find out that the books are not in sequence. The story did take a leap forward, omitting a few years of the main character's life. 

There are two story lines going at the same time and I was unable to put them together till near the end, intentionally written that way. The main character is weak, easily taking offence at any small remark to the point that it overwhelms him. 

In world first, Iceland to require firms to prove equal pay

LONDON - Iceland will be the first country in the world to make employers prove they offer equal pay regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or nationality, the Nordic nation's government said Wednesday - International Women's Day.
The government said it will introduce legislation to parliament this month, requiring all employers with more than 25 staff to obtain certification to prove they give equal pay for work of equal value.
While other countries, and the U.S. state of Minnesota, have equal-salary certificate policies, Iceland is thought to be the first to make it mandatory for both private and public firms.
Equality and Social Affairs Minister Thorsteinn Viglundsson said “the time is right to do something radical about this issue.”
“Equal rights are human rights,” he said. “We need to make sure that men and women enjoy equal opportunity in the workplace. It is our responsibility to take every measure to achieve that.”
Iceland has been ranked the best country in the world for gender equality by the World Economic Forum, but Icelandic women still earn, on average, 14 to 18 per cent less than men.
In October thousands of Icelandic women left work at 2:38 p.m. and demonstrated outside parliament to protest the gender pay gap. Women's rights groups calculate that after that time each day, women are working for free.
The new legislation is expected to be approved by Iceland's parliament because it has support from both government and opposition lawmakers. The government hopes to implement it by 2020.
Viglundsson said some people had argued the law imposes unneeded bureaucracy on firms, and is not necessary because the pay gap is closing.
"It is a burden to put on companies to have to comply with a law like this,” he acknowledged. “But we put such burdens on companies all the time when it comes to auditing your annual accounts or turning in your tax report.