The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer

Helgi Trilogy #2

by Ragnar Jónasson

One winter evening bestselling crime author, Elín S. Jónsdóttir goes missing.

There are no clues to her disappearance and it is up to young detective, Helgi, to crack the case before it's leaked to the press.

As he interviews the people closest to her – a publisher, an accountant, a retired judge – he realises that Elín’s life wasn’t what it seemed. In fact, her past is even stranger than her stories.

As the case of the missing crime writer becomes more mysterious by the hour, Helgi must uncover the secrets of a very unexpected life . . .

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Crime, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Nordic Noir

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Ragnar Jonasson is author of the award winning and international bestselling Dark Iceland series.

His debut Snowblind, first in the Dark Iceland series, went to number one in the Amazon Kindle charts shortly after publication. The book was also a no. 1 Amazon Kindle bestseller in Australia. Snowblind has been a paperback bestseller in France.

Nightblind won the Dead Good Reader Award 2016 for Most Captivating Crime in Translation.

Snowblind was called a "classically crafted whodunit" by THE NEW YORK TIMES, and it was selected by The Independent as one of the best crime novels of 2015 in the UK.

Rights to the Dark Iceland series have been sold to UK, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, Poland, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, Morocco, Portugal, Croatia, Armenia and Iceland.

Ragnar was born in Reykjavik, Iceland, where he works as a writer and a lawyer. He also teaches copyright law at Reykjavik University and has previously worked on radio and television, including as a TV-news reporter for the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service.

He is also the co-founder of the Reykjavik international crime writing festival Iceland Noir.

From the age of 17, Ragnar translated 14 Agatha Christie novels into Icelandic.

Ragnar has also had short stories published internationally, including in the distinguished Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine in the US, the first stories by an Icelandic author in that magazine.

He has appeared on festival panels worldwide, and lives in Reykjavik.

Reviews

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

2012
Thursday, 1 November

Defective Helgi, a fan of Golden Age mysteries, is offered the opportunity to be assigned the case of a bestselling crime author Elín S. Jónsdóttir who has gone missing.

For now, the Press has NOT been alerted, and the Detective gets to work interviewing those closest to her in hopes of finding her and/or solving the case, under the cloak of secrecy. Could she have simply chosen to take some time away, as Agatha Christie once did?

AND, what does her disappearance have to do with a bank robbery that took place in 1965?

OR with an interview that she gave in 2005?

These are the three timelines that alternate until they are woven together by the end.

I didn’t realize that this character was first introduced in a previous novel, “Death at the Sanatorium” or that Detective Helgi now occupies the desk once held by Detective Hulda Hermannsdottir, a detective who coincidentally, also seems to be missing…

It had far more complexity than I expected, continuing a sub plot introduced in the prior installment in which Detective Helgi (a male) is a Victim of Domestic Abuse from the woman he lived with. The last installment ended with a cliffhanger which has been resolved as this book opens.

Despite these sub plots, the story worked just fine as a standalone novel. Although the mysterious case of the missing Crime Writer IS solved, it would appear that a future book will continue to explore Detective Helgi’s personal life as well as circling back to the case of the missing Detective as there were cliffhangers for both as the book abruptly ends-his signature way to close a book apparently!

Will I seek out the answers to those storylines in a future book? YES! I really enjoyed this one and hope the wait won’t be long.

I paired my read with the audiobook for an immersive experience and definitely recommend you listen 🎧 if that is a format you enjoy! The AUDIOBOOK is about 6 hours and features a multi cast narration as well as sound effects like the click and hiss of tape recorder used in the 2005 interview.

Both formats are available NOW!

Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

[Helga · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

All secrets have a way of coming out in the end.

This is another book featuring detective Helgi Reykdal who is tasked with finding a missing renowned crime writer.
The plot unravels through 3 timelines and from different perspectives.
The mystery itself was engaging and the writing excellent. What was missing was the detective actually solving the case rather than being offered the solution on a platter by other characters.

If you like cozy mysteries, you will enjoy reading Jónasson’s books.
Helgi being a fan of golden-age mysteries, like in the first book ‘Death at the Sanatorium’, we are introduced to his current reading list aka my soon to read books. 😉

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A writer goes missing, a detective is on the case, and there is a mystery to be solved. I went back and forth about how I felt about this book. I enjoyed some parts while other parts left me feeling underwhelmed. Apparently, this is the second book featuring the detective, Helgi Reykdal, series. I have not read that book and this book worked nicely as a stand-alone novel for me.

Elín S. Jónsdóttir is a popular bestselling crime author who has gone missing! Detective Helgi Reykdal has been assigned her missing persons case to solve. During his investigation, he will interview various people who knew the crime novelist.

This book jumps around in time and even gives readers insight into Detective Helgi Reykdal's private life. The book takes place in when Elín S. Jónsdóttir goes missing, then jumps to a bank robbery, while sprinkled with excerpts of an interview done with the author.

It took me a little bit of time to find my footing with this book. I had both the book and the audiobook and thought the narration of the audiobook was very well done I do give the author high marks for showing domestic violence where the man was the victim. In this case the victim in question is the Detective who was physically abused by a former girlfriend.

This book demands you take some time with it. It is a mystery, and the pieces do not always come quite together. The ending left me thinking "wait, what?" Not every mystery in life is solved and not all stories have happy endings. This book ended and I felt perplexed and wondering if there would be another book that might pick up where this book left off. hmmm, I wonder.

While I didn't love this book, I did enjoy the chilling atmosphere, the mystery, and the unease.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Can you solve the case?
Iceland’s most famous author, Elín S. Jónsdóttir has gone missing. No one has heard from her in days. It’s up to Detective Helgi to solve her disappearance. And since the detective considers himself an avid reader this is a fitting case for him.

Told from multiple timelines in multiple formats, including an interview recording. We are also privy to Detective Helgi’s interviews with those closest to our missing author.

As Detective Helgi attempts to solve the crime, he’s also busy putting his life back together with a new love interest, after getting out of a very toxic and abusive relationship.
I enjoyed both aspects of this book equally.

This is my third audio from this author and my favorite to date!
The audio version is an absolute production!
Love this style of audiobook!

✍️ Ragnar Jonasson
🗓️ Publication Date September 9 2025
💭 Nordic thriller
🎧 full cast of narrators
📈 4.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio

[Lindsay L · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ crime fiction stars!

An excellent audiobook! 🎧

Part crime fiction, part mystery, part police procedural. This was a unique and fun genre mix!

A famous author goes missing. Her publisher brings her absence to local police who begin an investigation.

This book had so many elements that I love! An intriguing missing persons case. A quirky police detective. Multiple secretive characters. Author/publisher insight. Bookstore vibes and bookish themes. Character interviews from the past.

This was a unique and fun read that was cleverly executed. I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend it to crime fiction lovers.

Audio rating: 5 stars! The audio narrators did an outstanding job telling this story. The older interviews made to sound dated were a brilliant addition. I believe the audio narrators greatly enhanced my connection to and investment in this story. I highly recommend this in audio format!

Upon finishing this, I noticed it is part of a series. This can easily be read as a standalone.

Thank you to the publisher for my audio review copy!

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded down for (again) the abrupt ending. This is the second mystery I have read by Jonasson, and it's a follow-up to last year's "Death at the Sanatorium", so if you're a fan of that one, you may like this too. Overall, I did, but this mystery about what happened to an older mystery writer is quite slow-moving and jumps around a lot in time (1965-2012) and then just as it all comes together, finally, we get an end chapter out of nowhere that's just "BAM" and not in a good way, leaving the reader with several important questions. I'm not into cliffhangers, so I docked a half-star for it - YMMV.

[Ellery Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, entertaining read with a wonderful setting (Iceland). Loved Helgi, the policeman MC . He's a calm and sensitive character with an abusive ex-girlfriend. As for the mystery, it didn't really strike me as being like an Agatha Christie novel. Some of the clues were never revealed to the reader until near the end so we couldn't have put the pieces together even if we paid very careful attention. As for the missing crime writer, I liked her felt sorry for her as well. She seemed lonely and said many poignant things about what life is like as a novelist.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer is a rather unusual book from Ragnar Jonasson, the second to feature Helgi Reykdal after Death at the Sanitorium. Now on the force in Reykjavik, Helgi is assigned to investigate when a very well known Icelandic author, Elin S. Jonsdottir, goes missing. He immediately flies back from a vacation to the city to begin looking into this case. It seems like a fairly straightforward story. But…no. In a book divided into narratives provided by four individuals in four time periods between 1965 and the novel’s present day of 2012, we learn much about Helgi’s past and present relationships, the missing author’s life, a long ago robbery, and another missing person’s case…the woman whose desk Helgi now sits at, Hulda Hermannsdottir.

Now that’s a lot to unpack but I enjoyed doing it. What may have helped me was that I have read the first of these two books as well as one of the Hidden Iceland series featuring Hulda. The familiarity helped and I am comfortable with the style of rotating narratives. This series is far different from Jonasson’s Dark Iceland series, which are my favorite of his books. This has a “labor of love” feeling about it especially as the author is known to be a fan of Golden Age mysteries as Helgi is.

With the caveat that knowing more of the author’s work might help a bit and that this book does come off a bit helter skelter at times, I do recommend it to mystery readers.

Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

[Shannon M (Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery was first published in Iceland in 2023, although the main action occurs in 2012, and there are flashbacks to earlier time periods (1965, 1976, and 2005)

Initially, I was enchanted with the way in which it integrated the love of reading books into a police procedural:
That's what books are for: they help you travel to places you wouldn't otherwise be able to visit, journey through worlds that don't exist.

The Story
A well-known Icelandic crime writer, Elin Jonsdottir, is missing, and police officer Helgi Reykdal is assigned the task of finding her (or her body). They story moves back and forth between the current investigation in 2012, and these earlier time periods:
* 1965: a crime is being planned;
* 1976-77: Helgi's former supervisor, Hulda, interacts with a bank robber, who refuses to reveal his accomplice;
* 2005: Kristin conducts a long interview with Elin.

Not only does the investigation into Elin's disappearance take place in 2012, but also there is ongoing domestic strife in Helgi's life. For once, a man (Helgi) is the victim of spousal abuse; he has recently broken up with Bergthora, his long-term, violence-prone, girlfriend, and has begun a new relationship with Anita. Bergthora, however, does not appear to have accepted Helgi's decision to leave her, and while the missing person inquiry is underway, Bergthora continues to harass Helgi and Anita.

The story is written like a puzzle, skipping among the various timelines, revealing bits and pieces as it progresses. I enjoy puzzles, and consequently enjoyed putting the pieces together as the overall narrative progressed. Solving the mystery of the missing crime writer was not difficult; there were only a few possible explanations for her disappearance and Helgi eliminated the negative ones via his interviews.

The segments of the puzzle disclosed in the different timelines came together slowly as well and, as they progressed, explained why Elin had simply disappeared.

But one mystery remained: Police Supervisor Hulda vanished a short time before the main story began, and this part of the puzzle is never concluded; it is a disappearance that is simply left up in the air.

I also found the ending depressing.

So what was initially a 4.5 star book for me, became, because of the letdown ending, a 3.5 star one.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published September 9, 2025.

3 stars

Translated from the Icelandic by Victoria Cribb.

CID Detective Helgi Reykdal lives and works in Reykjavik (but his heart is in his hometown of Akureyi and with the family bookstore he has inherited.) He’s assigned to the missing persons case of famous Icelandic author Elin S. Jonsdottir, known for her ten mystery novels written over a twenty year period. Why would Jonsdottir disappear? Accident or something more nefarious?

I read a previous book by Jonasson, whom I think is fairly popular in Iceland. As I recall I didn’t much like it, and this one was better. There’s an interesting secondary story about Helgi’s personal life that is actually quite good as it deals with domestic violence against a man, which is something I can’t recall ever seeing covered in a book. I saw no indication that this is part of a series, but perhaps it’s intended to be the start of one?

[Michael Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

She’s Not All That is Missing…

Ragnar Jónasson's mysteries are a source of growing frustration. If they were poor, it would be a simple matter of DNF’ing them and moving on. There are sections, however, so compelling that my excitement builds, with the belief I have found a four or five star ride. I have read both his "Reykjavik" and "Outside," and though they each had their moments, ultimately, they left me just short of satisfied. "Outside" was particularly perplexing, making me wonder if a final chapter had inadvertently been omitted.

"The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer" unfolds across three distinct perspectives and timelines. The central mystery begins in 2012 with the disappearance of acclaimed crime writer Elín S. Jónsdóttir. After penning ten successful novels, Jónsdóttir had retired years prior, content that her popular series had run its course. Now her publisher is unable to locate her and Detective Helgi Reykdal has been assigned to the case. With no apparent enemies and no obvious motives to suggest foul play, he has his work cut out.

The highlight of the book was a 2005 interview with Jónsdóttir, conducted and taped by a journalist. The audio production, featuring authentic tape sounds and a captivating performance, brought the missing author to life and significantly deepened my connection and concern for her character. This tape was referenced a number of times as Helgi attempted to unravel the mystery.

The earliest timeline concerns a 1976 bank robbery, investigated by Helgi’s predecessor, detective Hulda Hermannsdottir. Astonishingly, Hermannsdottir also vanished without a trace, with the department showing little concern or follow-up. Does the robbery connect with Hulda’s disappearance? And do these events ultimately connect to the current case of the missing author?

Adding another layer of intrigue is Helgi's insanely jealous ex-girlfriend, a subplot that promises impending danger. The book’s potential seems locked and loaded.

”"Death at the Sanitarium," the preceding book in the Helgi series, might have shed light on some of the unresolved issues, though I read this installment as a standalone. It is obvious there is a third book coming, as questions are left unanswered. This left me with a sense of frustration, bringing back memories of watching the breathtaking closing moments of a television show, only to see the words… “To Be Continued…

While I have enjoyed Nordic noir, particularly Arnaldur Indriðason's Icelandic works, I am hesitant to try Ragnar Jónasson again. This may be a very good experience if you commit to reading the trilogy… otherwise I would give it a pass.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[☮Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's Hidden Island trilogy was fantastic and now I find myself in another of them. Although when I chose this book to read, I didn't recognize the author at first. I chose it for the cover and title, then realized it says Helgi Trilogy #2.

I didn't feel anything lacking for not reading #1; this could stand alone except for its cliff hanger ending. #3 doesn't appear to be published yet, or I would have gone straight into it!

Helgi is investigating the disappearance of a famous author, someone he's read and enjoys. He is owner of a bookstore passed down to him from his parents so he thinks about books a lot. Loved this character! He has a new love interest, following an abusive relationship previously, and finally feeling happy. Ahhh, Helgi, never become too complacent, would be my advice.

Through pre-recorded interviews of the missing author, we learn what goes into writing her books, her characters being most important. Not much is revealed about her personal life as she has much to hide. All secrets gradually come out while Helgi is looking for her, and some are shocking. Some I guessed.

The final chapter is gut wrenching, and then it just stops at that proverbial cliff. So frustrating. #3 can't come soon enough.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Detective Helgi needs to find out what happened to Elín S. Jónsdóttir, a revered best-selling crime author who was an enigma to all around her. The story did have me turning the pages, but I felt that I was always on the outside looking in, never feeling connected to the story. I am not sure if this was a translation issue, if it was the third book in the series, or if it was that with the school year in full swing, I don't have much of an attention span these days. When everything was revealed, it wasn't earth-shattering.


Publication Date 09/09/25
Goodreads Review 13/09/25

[Tini · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a title like "The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer", you might expect a tongue-in-cheek detective romp in the vein of a Golden Age mystery. Instead, Ragnar Jónasson delivers a stark, atmospheric Nordic noir - bleak, atmospheric, and quietly unsettling.

The novel begins in 2012, when bestselling Icelandic crime author Elín S. Jónsdóttir suddenly goes missing. Young detective Helgi is tasked with investigating before news of her disappearance leaks to the press. But the mystery doesn't unravel in a straight line; instead, three timelines are layered together: a 1975 bank robbery investigated by a young female officer; a 2005 interview with Elín at the height of her career; and Helgi’s 2012 investigation into Elín's vanishing, which coincides with the mysterious disappearance of the female officer from decades earlier. What begins as a missing persons case grows into something much more complex, and unsettling.

Though short - the book is closer to a novella in length -, the shifting timelines are intricately woven, and the result is a complex, layered mystery that unfolds piece by piece. True to the genre, the mystery is compelling, the atmosphere chilling, and while the ending feels abrupt, it lingers in exactly the way a good noir should.

I was graciously provided with copies of both the book and the audio book version, which made for a wonderfully immersive experience. The audiobook production is outstanding. Narrators Cicely Whitehead, Jane Slavin, and Rufus Wright each bring their respective sections to life with nuance. Their performances enhance the unease and tension, making the listening experience immersive and compelling, and the sound effects of the interview portion further add to the perfect atmosphere.

Overall, "The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer" is a well-crafted, atmospheric mystery that delivers exactly what you’d hope for in Nordic noir: a chilling setting, layered timelines, and an undercurrent of unease that stays with you after the final page.

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer" is slated to be released on September 9, 2025.

[Shurochka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started it thinking it was a standalone, but apparently it is not even the first instalment of a spin-off to a 4-instalment series.. Gotta read them all then.
I loved the MC and the mystery itself but not the ending - nothing particularly interesting about how the things turn out in the end.
Kudos to the author for the references to old whodunnits, all of them went to my TBR.

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this much-anticipated ARC, the latest thriller by Ragnar Jonasson. He has become my favourite author of Nordic Noir, and I have already read fourteen of his books, translated from Icelandic to English. He is known for his popular, atmospheric Dark Iceland and Hidden Iceland series. This appears to be the second of a new series, featuring Detective Helgi Reykdal, following 'Death in the Sanitorium.' It can be read as a standalone. There are touches of dread and foreboding in this tense and suspenseful mystery.

Helgi is a likeable, dedicated, competent police officer. He now occupies the seat vacated by Detective Hulda, who seems to be missing. He has endured a toxic home life, due to his girlfriend Bergthera, who bruised and battered him. Following further abuse that ended the first book, he has escaped her violent clutches and is now living a calm and happy life, dating his new girlfriend, Anita. They are considering moving in together and leaving the present location.

Books play an important part in Icelandic culture, and are a favourite pastime and gift, even after the advent of TV and the internet. Helgi likes escaping everyday life in his collection of books from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. These stories calm him and inspire his detective investigations.

In 2012, Helgi is assigned the case of popular mystery writer Elin Jonsdotter, who has gone missing. She completed a series of 10 mystery books and insisted no more were forthcoming. Helgi interviews her past contacts. such as her publisher, accountant, a retired judge, and anyone who might have a hint as to why she vanished. Was she copying the temporary absence of Agatha Christie? Since she claimed to be finished writing, a publicity stunt seems unlikely. Was it suicide, an accident, or a deliberate disappearance? Helgi must solve what happened to Elin before the news leaks to the press.

The timeline shifts to 1976, with Hulda interviewing a man imprisoned for murder during a past bank robbery. She fails to elicit a confession about the identities of his accomplices. How is this important? A feeling of unease prevailed throughout the book.

In 2005, a woman named Kristin was conducting an interview with Elin prior to her disappearance. Who is Kristin? What do the events of 1976 and earlier, and the interview in 2005, have to do with the main story in 2012? Helgi is investigating the disappearance of the author, Elin, but is distracted. His former violent girlfriend, Bergthera, seems to be stalking his new love, Anita, which worries both of them.

As I tried to follow clues from each timeline, a possible devastating ending crossed my mind, but I thought the writer wouldn't go there. When the story did, it was still a profound shock. It makes the next book a necessity, examining the aftermath, Helgi's emotional state, and the whereabouts of Detective Hulda, still unresolved. Highly recommended, but be prepared for an impatient wait for the next book in the series.

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good grief Helgi. I think you are quite possibly the worst policeman in Iceland. You don't even seem to know you are one quite a lot of the time.

The book centres on a missing crime writer but is interspersed with an old case that Hulda was investigating that involved a decade old bank robbery where only one of the perpetrators had been caught. There is also an ongoing interview between the missing writer and a journalist.

As usual Jonasson begins with many threads that he cleverly draws together at the end. I enjoyed the actual crime solving part although I did guess the perpetrator long before Helgi, so points to me.

What irritated me about this book was the ongoing romance between Helgi and new girlfriend Annita plus the continuing aggro from his violent ex. Don't get me wrong, I can see how Helgi would not want to seem weak hence not admitting he had been the subject of domestic violence. However I found it utterly ludicrous that he wouldn't take the harassment of Annita seriously. I simply didn't believe either of their "ooh I'm scared but I'm not reporting it nonsense", especially Helgi who knew what she was capable of. The whole storyline irritated me no end.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a well known mystery writer, Elín, goes missing, the case is assigned to Reykjavík police detective Helgi. As he investigates, long-held secrets of Elín’s and her closest friends are progressively revealed. Meanwhile, he is also interested in another missing person, a fellow police officer, and on a personal level, he is striving to solidify a new romantic relationship that his prior abusive partner tries to thwart.

This is the fourth book that I have read by Jónasson, and I have liked all of them. The story is told in three timelines, creating a fast-paced, atmospheric, and intriguing Nordic Noir narrative. The clever twists make for a compelling read. And, oh, that ending!

The character of Helgi was introduced in Jónasson’s prior novel, Death at the Sanatorium. This is not advertised as a series, and it is not necessary to have read the prior novel as this works well as a standalone. I do hope, though, that there will be another book continuing Helgi’s story as there were some questions left unresolved, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress @minotaur_Books for the DRC.

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the abrupt ending of Death at the Sanatorium, I was looking forward to finding out what happened to Helgi. This book started slowly, but interestingly, we had the job of trying to find out not one but two mysteries and how they connected: the writer's disappearance and the bank robbery.

It had good plot development, and I didn't expect that resolution, but once again, Ragnar left us with an open ending about Helgi's fate. I need to know what is happening with Helgi!

Poor Helgi, he never catches a break.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: Sept. 9, 2025

Famous Icelandic mystery writer Elin Jonsdottir disappears without a trace and, although this is something that she has done before, her close friends worry that something has happened to her this time and the young, new detective Helgi is called on to the case, chosen specifically due to his affection for mystery novels. While his investigation brings Helgi to interview some of Elin’s inner circle, he realizes that Elin’s secretive life was far more secretive than anyone realized, and one of her secrets may have led to her disappearance.

“The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer: A Mystery” by Icelandic author Ragnar Jónasson is a pseudo follow up to his novel, “Death at the Sanatorium”, as it features detective Helgi as the protagonist, and the disappearance of his predecessor, Hulda (who we met in “Sanatorium”) is a background plotline in “Writer”. Helgi’s abusive ex-girlfriend returns throughout this novel, too, and a few other bit characters from the previous novel. That being said, “Writer” is completely engaging and enjoyable as a stand-alone.

“Writer” is multi-timeline, primarily told in 2012, when Helgi is investigating the disappearance of Elin. There are brief chapters focused on a bank robbery that takes place during the 1970s, which is connected to the main plotline although we don’t find this out until later, and snippets of a recorded interview Elin did years before she went missing. These timelines are expertly combined to form a well-formed, smooth-flowing plot that kept me turning the pages.

Helgi is a fantastic protagonist, using his love of mystery novels to help him solve the case of the missing crime writer. The main plotline, Elin’s disappearance, is solved (although in a pretty anticlimactic way), but another novel (or set of novels) is sure to follow, as Hulda’s disappearance has not yet been solved, and “Writer” has yet another plotline, featuring Helgi’s ex-partner, that ends the novel in a huge cliffhanger.

I love Jonasson’s writing style, and “Writer” is sharp and addicting. Helgi is relatable and likable and his current budding romance with his new partner is endearing. Mysteries abound in “Writer”, and there was an unending supply of twists, making the story a complete page-turner.

I haven’t read as much Jonasson as I would like, through no fault of the author, but I hope that this is something I can rectify soon. Icelandic crime fiction has surged in popularity as of late, and with authors like Jonasson, it is easy to see why. I loved “Sanatorium”, and I look forward to what comes next for Helgi.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC. It hasn't affected the contents of my review.

Ok but first, what in the hell was that ending. I was going to give this a 3.5 star rating, probably round up to four because my time with the book was generally pleasant, and then by the end I was like, nah. Not after that. Maybe I'm looking at it from the wrong angle. I see now that contrary to the marketing and the blurb and the general feel of the book that this is the second book in a trilogy? I don't know, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. Not a happy or intriguing surprise. Would be interested to see other takes on it.

Anyway, this book follows a detective who also owns a bookshop. He is visiting his ill mother and manning the bookshop when he is called back to work after a famous author disappears. His supervisor believes he's the best person for the job, since he is bookish and might appreciate the nuances of all the similarly bookish people he's about to interview. The story here never reached the heights I wanted it to, but the investigation was interesting, and the solution to the mystery was pretty good.

And to be fair to the ending I hated, it was definitely foreshadowed. I just think tonally it was completely out there. YMMV. Anyway, sorry this review sucks, the guilt of not reviewing an ARC was eating at me so I'm just word vomiting at this point. Would maybe read further from this author but would need to think about it first.

I did really like the audiobook narrator!

[Jessica Haider · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Ragnar Jónasson’s The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer delivers exactly what the title promises: a vanished author, a rookie detective, and a stack of suspects straight out of her own novels. Helgi, our earnest young investigator, stumbles through interviews with a publisher, an accountant, and a judge—basically the least glamorous lineup since jury duty—only to find Elín’s real life was twistier than her plots. It’s atmospheric, slyly meta, and keeps you guessing right up until the final page. A chilly little mystery that proves sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.

[Kena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a massive fan of Ragnar Jónasson books and was really excited to read The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime by Ragnar Jónasson.

In this book, Helgi Reykdal investigates the disappearance of a famous international bestselling crime author Elín S. Jónsdóttir. Hampering his investigations is the fact that Elin was such a secretive person. Weaving around the investigation, we learn more about Helgi’s backstory and family commitments and also the fallout from his relationship with Bergthora.

Much like Death at a Sanatorium, it also intertwines two different timelines, the current investigation into Elin’s disappearance and the disappearance of his predecessor Detective Hulda Hermannsdottir some years earlier.

The story moves along at a good pace and is very readable. I think it definitely helped me having read earlier books and already being invested in the characters Helgi and Hulda.

It feels like it’s all set up for another instalment with Helgi taking centre stage and I can’t wait to read that!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Kasa Cotugno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was the followup to previous novels, but that didn't stop me from enjoying its characters, location and propulsive story not to mention the intriguing structure. An earlier Ragnar Jónasson book that I had read was from another series and had a far different style.

Here we have Iceland police detective Helgi Reykdahl called back to Reykjavik to investigate the disappearance of Elin Jonsdottir, a hugely popular published author of crime novels who famously stopped writing after completing ten books. There is also his personal life to unravel. What intrigued me as much as the twisting mystery at the core was the atmospheric depiction of Iceland at the tailend of autumn, when lashing rains motivate cozy evenings settling in with a good book, fire and fragrant stew scenting the air. Books, particularly crime novels from "the golden age" are a great favorite of Helgi, given his family background of owning a particularly welcoming bookstore, and he never misses a chance to grab a few pages when he has even as little as a minute. I can relate. The ending did seem to be a bit abrupt, caught me by surprise, and makes me thirst for the next one.

[MrsHarvieReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to @stmartinspress @minotaurbooks for an advanced reader copy of The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer by Ragnar Jonasson in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This cozy mystery set in Iceland features young, bookish detective Helgi. Helgi is the lead detective in the disappearance of best selling crime author Elin Jonsdottir. I was intrigued by the premise of a detective who is inspired by his love of mystery novels and is tasked with locating the famous writer with a complicated backstory. The moody, atmospheric and carefully paced novel was light on action but held my attention. The story flashes between 3 timelines and 3 different mysteries. The ways that the 3 stories overlap is gradually revealed but not entirely resolved. There is also a unique twist on domestic violence in Helgi’s personal life.

I didn’t realize that this is a follow up novel so was surprised by the abrupt ending with a cliffhanger. Ultimately I think this novel is going to be the right novel for the right reader. So if you’re someone who enjoys a carefully plotted Nordic cozy mystery, consider checking this out! 3/5⭐️

Scheduled release date: 9/9/25

[Corinna ⚓️ Reading At Sea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crimewriter. The premise instantly hooked me, and I loved the way the book played with timelines and perspectives. Helgi is such a refreshing detective—bookish, thoughtful, and a little vulnerable—which made me root for him right away. The mystery itself was well-paced and atmospheric, with enough twists and turns to keep me curious all the way through.

I listened to the audiobook and thought it was excellent. The choice to give Elín’s interview that old, grainy, archival sound was such a clever touch—it honestly made me feel like I was eavesdropping on a long-lost recording. It added a whole other layer of atmosphere to the story, and I found myself looking forward to those sections every time they came up.

If I had one wish, it’s that the book tied more closely into Elín’s own crime novels. It felt like such a fun opportunity to blur the lines between her fiction and the mystery surrounding her disappearance. And while I loved how the threads slowly came together, the ending did feel abrupt—I turned the last page wanting more.

Still, this was a really satisfying and clever read. Between the moody Icelandic setting, the layered structure, and the unique audiobook production, it felt different from the usual mysteries I pick up. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elin S. Jonsdottir had a standing lunch date with her friend, Lovisa, every Tuesday. However, when she doesn’t show up at the cafe, Lovisa doesn’t seem to think anything of it. Is Elin a flaky friend? Rut, a friend to Elin and Lovisa, is concerned enough to contact the Reykjavik Police; she knows this isn’t like Elin. Would she leave without telling anyone? Is it possible that she has gone for a hike along a mountainous trail? Has she gotten lost or had an accident? Her home is found in order and, since she always pays in cash and doesn’t have a phone, there is no trail to follow. Where could she be?

It is November, 2012, and Helgi Reydal is put on the case of finding the missing crime writer. Helgi is young and ambitious, ready to make a name for himself as a detective in Reykjavik. He has taken over the position from his predecessor, Hulda Hermansdottir; a woman whose bumpy tenure paved the way for female homicide detectives in the unit. His life has improved since he broke up with his abusive girlfriend, Bergthora, and he sees a future with his new girlfriend, Anita. If he makes a success out of this case, his life would be perfect.

The Case of the Missing Crime Writer is told as a frame story with the Helgi investigation (2012) being the main plot. The other narratives consist of a transcript of an interview with Elin (2005), the only place she shows up in the book, and a seemingly unrelated investigation by Huldi from 1976 into a crime from 1965. Our author deftly brings these together to a satisfying solution (and one cliffhanger).

This is the third book in the series featuring Helgi Reydal, and the twelfth book I’ve read by the Icelandic writer, Ragnar Jonasson. I am a fan of Icelandic crime and Nordic Noir books, and I have enjoyed all of his books. I think you would like them as well.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Elizabeth McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this is the first book I've read by this author, and it's apparently a part of a series with Detective Helgi, but it still works fine on its own. It's a pretty serious, at times even dark, crime novel set in Iceland. Detective Helgi Reykdal gets pulled back from his time off to look into a missing crime writer.

Helgi is pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities and to utilize his understanding of classic detective novels to assist in solving the case. The narrative unfolds across various timelines, occasionally incorporating chapters from the perspective of Helgi's predecessor who vanished following her retirement. The current case is quite intriguing, and one cannot help but hope for Helgi's success in resolving it.

I found the dual timelines quite engaging, and the interview portions were done particularly well. The book's brisk pace made it a quick and enjoyable read, which was ideal for an unfolding mystery. The unexpected twists were certainly entertaining.

The audiobook has three narrators, and they all do a fantastic job of bringing their parts of the story and characters to life. It's so soothing for a police procedural, and the interview podcast special effects add extra magic.

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC.

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Happy Publication Day!**

⭐️3.5 stars. Bestselling Icelandic crime writer Elín Jónsdóttir has been reported missing by her publisher and CID officer Helgi Reykdal has been called back from vacation to investigate in this second book in the series.

Once again, as in the previous novel, there is a lot of going back and forth across timelines and sources of information like newspaper reports and interviews, so many may find that terribly confusing at first. Helgi thinks about another disappearance that was never solved--that of his CID predecessor, Hulda--and some of her story is included. Plus there's some bits from many years ago about college friends planning a crime just because they can. Sounds complicated but the plot is intriguing and eventually these various strands do come together and make sense, so be patient. As Elín says in an interview about her books: '[E]veryone has their secret, something that can never be told.' A basic truth of both life and fiction, it seems.

PS: There's a cliffhanger ending in Helgi's personal life so I'll definitely be coming back for more!

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Jessica Woodbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fine. The way it's pieced together, it's quite obvious what is going to happen and at least why the mystery exists. The ending is hurried, doesn't hit with a gut punch (not enough character development to care that much) but doesn't offer resolution to most of its storyline either (but not in a way that is mysterious and vibes-y). It's fine.

Should deduct a star for not putting the translator's name on the cover!