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Writing in Ice: A Crime Writer’s Guide to Iceland
If you had to choose a new location for a crime series, where would you look? Michael Ridpath had to do just that. He chose Iceland, a country of fjords, glaciers and volcanoes, of long, manic summer days and long, sinister winter evenings, a place where everyone is on Facebook and everyone’s grandmother has spoken to an elf. This is his account of researching the the breathtaking landscape, its vigorous if occasionally odd people, the great heroes and heroines of its sagas, and (of course) those troublesome elves; with a little bit thrown in about how to put together a good detective story. Entertaining and informative, it’s a guide to Iceland for the visitor, and a guide to crime writing for the reader. Praise for Michael Ridpath’s Magnus Iceland “Michael Ridpath continues to amaze me with his great sense of place with regards to Iceland.” – Yrsa Sigurdardóttir, No1 bestselling Icelandic author. “International thriller writing at its best, fine characters, page-turning suspense and a great, fresh location” – Peter James “Obviously, Icelandic readers will read 66 Degrees North with critical eyes and try to find errors in the author’s presentation of Iceland and the Icelanders. But it’s impossible to see that the book is written by a foreigner who just recently got to know the country he is writing about.” – Morgunbladid, Reykjavík.
- GenresTravel
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2021
16 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ridpath
68 books311 followersBefore becoming a writer, Michael Ridpath used to work as a bond trader in the City of London. After writing several financial thrillers, which were published in over 30 languages, he began a crime series featuring the Icelandic detective Magnus Jonson. He has also written five stand-alone thrillers, the latest of which is The Diplomat’s Wife, published in February 2021. He lives in London.
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 16, 2021
Besides making me want to read everything Michael wrote it also made me check prices to fly to Iceland!!! It will be for sure my travel guide if I ever go there!
January 3, 2022
The humour shines through
Writing in Ice is a guide to so many things. It is a man’s journey to how he started to write crime novels set in a strange land. The book is honest, how he picked the setting and built up the characters in Iceland. But it is much more than this, the author shares his favourite locations and how he came to know Iceland, so it is a tour guide as well.
What makes it such a joyful read is that Ridpath is very observant and sees the funny side of things strange and mundane. I laughed out loud on a few occasions, and read selected parts for my wife. Something I only do with the best of books.
Being Icelandic I enjoy a few advantages to Mikael but I must say he captures the gist of things. At the very start he quotes the Icelandic saying, „Glöggt er gests augað“ which he translates into “Clear is the guest’s eye.” This saying has a deep meaning, that often it is the stranger that sees things more clearly, as we who have become accustomed to our surroundings no longer notice.
A fine little book, written by a mindful man who makes his living from writing words.
A joy to read.
Writing in Ice is a guide to so many things. It is a man’s journey to how he started to write crime novels set in a strange land. The book is honest, how he picked the setting and built up the characters in Iceland. But it is much more than this, the author shares his favourite locations and how he came to know Iceland, so it is a tour guide as well.
What makes it such a joyful read is that Ridpath is very observant and sees the funny side of things strange and mundane. I laughed out loud on a few occasions, and read selected parts for my wife. Something I only do with the best of books.
Being Icelandic I enjoy a few advantages to Mikael but I must say he captures the gist of things. At the very start he quotes the Icelandic saying, „Glöggt er gests augað“ which he translates into “Clear is the guest’s eye.” This saying has a deep meaning, that often it is the stranger that sees things more clearly, as we who have become accustomed to our surroundings no longer notice.
A fine little book, written by a mindful man who makes his living from writing words.
A joy to read.
July 6, 2021
As a fan of the author's Magnus books, I really enjoyed learning about the inspiration, background, and writing process involved in creating the characters and storylines. It's informative, humorous at times, and provides the reader with some insight into both the author's life, as well as the country that helped inspire some of his work. It was also interesting to read about the writing process in general -- researching, drafts, edits, marketing, and so on.
I've been fascinated with Iceland for many years and, in fact, my wife and I chose it as our honeymoon destination a few years ago. I loved reading about many of the places we ourselves had visited. There is a great deal of information about the country -- the people & culture, the history, the geography, and so much more. I loved his descriptions of the landscape; they were incredibly detailed and really made me feel as though I were back there once again, staring out over a snow-covered lava field or walking along a black sand beach.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Iceland or in Mr. Ridpath's other works.
I've been fascinated with Iceland for many years and, in fact, my wife and I chose it as our honeymoon destination a few years ago. I loved reading about many of the places we ourselves had visited. There is a great deal of information about the country -- the people & culture, the history, the geography, and so much more. I loved his descriptions of the landscape; they were incredibly detailed and really made me feel as though I were back there once again, staring out over a snow-covered lava field or walking along a black sand beach.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Iceland or in Mr. Ridpath's other works.
May 26, 2025
How to research a book about Iceland in 19 not so easy lessons. Part history, part travel guide, with how to write a book about a country you do not know about all in a 192 page book.
The author also adds something about Iceland that many do not know, like the climate, brief history of Iceland along with many of the Sagas that made Iceland. Current history thrown in on the recent economic problems.
The author has written several fictional novels on mysteries, economy, as well has articles on the sagas and literature. Having been to Iceland many times, he is very familiar with police procedure as well as political climate.
Interesting book on researching and great information on traveling, cities to visit. There is also a great Appendix on current authors of mystery fiction plus a list of the authors own works, which might be interesting to check out.
The author also adds something about Iceland that many do not know, like the climate, brief history of Iceland along with many of the Sagas that made Iceland. Current history thrown in on the recent economic problems.
The author has written several fictional novels on mysteries, economy, as well has articles on the sagas and literature. Having been to Iceland many times, he is very familiar with police procedure as well as political climate.
Interesting book on researching and great information on traveling, cities to visit. There is also a great Appendix on current authors of mystery fiction plus a list of the authors own works, which might be interesting to check out.
August 7, 2021
Utterly engrossing and deeply inspiring
Sent me scurrying back to the first 3 Magnus novels which I read in quick succesion 10 years ago, and now enjoying them again as audio books. Writing in Ice was a great bridge for me between those first readings, my 3 weeks in Iceland 2 years ago and my ongoing fascination with Iceland and Icelandic noir, fuelled in no small measure by Michael's books.
Sent me scurrying back to the first 3 Magnus novels which I read in quick succesion 10 years ago, and now enjoying them again as audio books. Writing in Ice was a great bridge for me between those first readings, my 3 weeks in Iceland 2 years ago and my ongoing fascination with Iceland and Icelandic noir, fuelled in no small measure by Michael's books.
March 31, 2023
I loved this interesting, funny and insightful book about (1) Iceland and (2) writing a mystery novel.
It was perfect timing to read this book (1) because my husband and I are going to Iceland next month, for our first time, and (2) I'm in the middle of writing my first mystery novel.
Thank you Michael Ridpath for sharing your writing secrets and for providing such an insightful and inspiring travelogue. Your book is coming with us on our trip.
It was perfect timing to read this book (1) because my husband and I are going to Iceland next month, for our first time, and (2) I'm in the middle of writing my first mystery novel.
Thank you Michael Ridpath for sharing your writing secrets and for providing such an insightful and inspiring travelogue. Your book is coming with us on our trip.
June 19, 2021
Loved it! This book is as much an authoritive guide to crime writing as it is a guide to Iceland, its people and its many magical places. I imagine many will want to use it in stead of tailor-made itineraries when planning their next trip to Iceland. I know I would. Beautiful introductions to Magnus, his world and his stories.
August 6, 2021
Really enjoyed reading this travelogue/history/guide and love letter to Iceland. I would certainly plan a trip based on the recommendations in the book. Interesting links to the Sagas (dusting down my battered Penguin Classic copies as we speak) and even a mention of my favorite band, Sigur Ros.
This book ticked all the boxes - well, the ones I’m interested in anyway.
Deserved five stars!
This book ticked all the boxes - well, the ones I’m interested in anyway.
Deserved five stars!
May 4, 2022
Great for Context!
Have just re-read before starting to read the latest Magnus novel. Very helpful recommendations for Icelandic writers too - I've enjoyed many of those since reading "Writing in Ice". Thank you Michael!
Have just re-read before starting to read the latest Magnus novel. Very helpful recommendations for Icelandic writers too - I've enjoyed many of those since reading "Writing in Ice". Thank you Michael!
July 9, 2021
Glad I bought it
Fascinating insight to the author's process, Iceland and the Magnus sagas. Looking forward to the next book. Definitely worth the price
Fascinating insight to the author's process, Iceland and the Magnus sagas. Looking forward to the next book. Definitely worth the price
February 1, 2024
In many ways this is a Travelog of Iceland, which I loved. This is a fascinating look at how Ridpath did his research for his Icelandic mysteries. Loved it!
June 30, 2021
A smart and often entertaining look at Iceland and the Icelandic nation and a very interesting insight into how a crime writer does his research.
September 9, 2022
Writing in Ice is an interesting addition to the Fire & Ice series. Michael Ridpath gives an amusing and personal insight in nearly everything Icelandic as well as his writing process.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews