Reykjavik: A Crime Story by Kristen Jakobsdottir and Ragnar Jonasson - 4 stars

[Theresa]

This is my 1st Compass read - NE from NYC and gave me not only a good detective story, but totally immersed me in Icelandic culture and the events in Reykjavik in 1986 which essentially catapulted the country into international prominence.

Opens in 1956 on the island of Videy in Iceland, a short boat trip from Reykjavik. A very young and inexperienced police officer arrives on the island to investigate the disappearance of a 15 year old - Lara - who had been working as a maid for the summer for an attorney and his wife, the only occupants on the island. They inform him that Lara quit for no reason and left the island the previous Friday, taking all her luggage. Nothing more was ever discovered, and the case remained open, many assuming she ran away from home and is living under a new name somewhere. In 1986 as the 30th anniversary of Lara's disappearance approaches, a young reporter begins reviewing the case and writing articles about it. He digs deep, pushing for something new to write about and help move his career along. New information surfaces, and it becomes clear that he's getting too close to the truth of what really happened to Lara.

This was a really excellent detective story, and rather unexpected. It isn't typical - it's pretty clear to the reader what basically happened to Lara and who even is lying. You also tend to raise your eyebrows at what can only be called sloppy investigation initially and as the years passed, which Reykjavik's lack of modernity, resources, and village feel does not fully excuse. Eventually you realize that this isn't so much about solving the murder as it is a crime story about the rampant corruption and use of political power, and all about the forces at work in Reykjavik, especially during 1986, while it was growing and transitioning to an international city.

Reykjavik and Iceland itself are more than a setting; they are characters. 1986 was a year of many notable moments: the opening of the country's first private television station (until then they had one state run television statement, hosted the Karpov-Kasparov chess match, celebrated the 200th Anniversary of the city's founding (including a 200 ft long specially made sheet cake), and the Reagan-Gorbachev Summit ending the Cold War. All of these and more imbued the plot and contributed to the setting.

This is a work rich in the investigation process of a crime during an era before internet, cell phones, computers, all set in a small country only just starting to grow into a modern international presence while still isolated and retaining its rich cultural differences. I was engaged and fascinated and loved learning so much about Iceland.

[Joanne]

I need a book for Iceland for another group, I may check this one out. Very tempting and nice review

[Theresa]

Joanne wrote: "I need a book for Iceland for another group, I may check this one out. Very tempting and nice review"

Go for it. I learned so much about Iceland and Reykjavik - which you love doing - and also realized how much I don't know and certainly didn't know about Iceland, all while reading detective fiction. Kristen Jakobsdottar, the co-auther, was Iceland's Prime Minister at the time she colluded with crime fiction award winning writer Ragnor Jonasson to write this. She resigned in 2024 to run for President but lost, though she did very well. Another woman won the Presidency though. I found that out down one of the Google rabbit holes I found myself disappearing into. Imagine! Not 1 but 2 women candidates for President! Neither a felon either.

[Karin]

Theresa wrote: "Joanne wrote: "I need a book for Iceland for another group, I may check this one out. Very tempting and nice review"

Go for it. I learned so much about Iceland and Reykjavik - which you love doing..."

Yes, Halla (pronounced Hatla) won, but with a historically low vote for a first time incumbent. It must have been very close for Kristen.

[Theresa]

Karin wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Joanne wrote: "I need a book for Iceland for another group, I may check this one out. Very tempting and nice review"

Go for it. I learned so much about Iceland and Reykjavik - whic..."

Over 25% of the vote went to Kristen, apparently an historically high % for the runner up. She has said she will not run again for president.

[Karin]

Theresa wrote: "Karin wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Joanne wrote: "I need a book for Iceland for another group, I may check this one out. Very tempting and nice review"

Go for it. I learned so much about Iceland and Re..."

Yes, she did remarkably well. I don't follow Icelandic politics as a rule, but it came to light when I learned that the last Icelandic president is married to a non-Icelandic Canadian. Somehow or other I heard about the election with Kirsten; perhaps when I tried reading the book by the last President's wife.

In Iceland the President doesn't function like the President of the States, since the Prime Minister is the head of the government; I'm guessing you've already learned that.