The Darkness Knows the best thing about this book. Usually, I love Nordic noir. However, this book is so slow paced. Glacier-speed slow. In the 1700s. So, what is the best thing about it? It has solved my insomnia. I read three chapters and then zzzzz…
Konrad is a retired policeman in Iceland. In 1985, a man went missing. His car was found but his body was not. Until now. Sigurvin is found perfectly preserved frozen in a now melting glacier. His death was apparently caused by a blow to the back of the head. Konrad worked the original case.
A man, Hjaltalin, was arrested but not charged with the killing in 1985. He is arrested again when the body is found. Hjaltalin is dying of cancer, but still denies his guilt. Konrad reluctantly agrees to try to clear his name by reinvestigating Sigurvin’s death.
As I mentioned before, the pacing is slow. It only picks up speed at about the two thirds mark. However, what is slowing it down are detailed descriptions of Iceland’s harsh but beautiful countryside. I feel like I spent a week’s vacation there (and I’m well-rested due to the constant napping).
The Darkness Knows is unique way to visit Iceland. Unfortunately, the clues to the mystery’s solution are unveiled to the reader at the same time Konrad discovers them. There are no red herrings or other valid clues making this book a poor choice for armchair detecting. 3 stars.
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.