Near a deserted island off the western coast of Iceland in 1960, the dawning of spring brings new life for the local wildlife. But for the body discovered by three seal hunters, winter is a matter of permanence. After it is found to be a missing Danish cryptographer, the ensuing investigation uncovers a mysterious link between the researcher and a medieval manuscript known as The Book of Flatey.
Before long another body is found on the tiny island. This time, in the ancient Viking tradition, the victim’s back has been mutilated with the so-called blood eagle. Kjartan, the district magistrate’s representative sent to investigate the crime, soon finds himself descending into a dark, dangerous world of ancient legends, symbolism, and secret societies to find a killer.
Nominated for the prestigious Glass Key award for Nordic crime fiction, The Flatey Enigma will keep you guessing until Kjartan has cracked the code.
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"Interesting crime story set on one of the Isles on the west of Iceland. The author evokes the sense of the place very well, but his references to the meals consumed were rather disturbing - at least for an english vegetarian."
— Jack (4 out of 5 stars)
" Ik vond het nog een goed boek, maar ik heb het toch meer voor thrillers. En dit is toch meer literatuur. En daar is niets mis mee natuurlijk, maar het is niet echt mijn ding. Toen ik de achterflap las had ik toch meer spanning verwacht. Dit is een boek dat ik had gewonnen en ik denk niet dat ik het zou gekocht hebben anders. Gewoon omdat het niet bij de thrillers hoort die ik meestal lees. "
— Minnie, 2/17/2014" A good story, but quite slow... It was difficult to keep interested in this book due to it's poor English translation. Not really my style. "
— Mandi, 2/6/2014" Great characters and setting--made me want to visit Iceland. I have been reading a lot of books about Iceland lately and I think this is as good as any of them. "
— Erin, 1/17/2014" Excellent translation of a weird story that I enjoyed very much, especially the small-town Icelandic setting and vivid personalities. "
— Christina, 1/14/2014" A very tidy mystery involving murders on a small Icelandic island. Interesting characters, an involved plot, and a wonderful tie-in to medieval Icelandic lore. Quite pleasant but not exactly fast-moving. "
— Guy, 11/29/2013" Interesting. A bit old fashioned feeling. I loved the modern (1960) interspersed with the Saga era. "
— Jennifer, 10/31/2013" Glacial pace, largely unengaging characters and the flow was interrupted by the excerpts from the Book of Flatey in a way that just made it feel choppy. Overall the combination of slow pace with a setting in a different time and very different place left me uninterested. "
— Johanne, 9/18/2012" A good mystery, especially because I have an interest in Scandinavian folklore and culture. This book was a fun and quick read that I got for my Kindle. "
— Charlie, 6/14/2012" Except for the historical information on the Flatey Book, this was a snooze. If you're into Icelandic mythology you might find that part interesting. "
— Mary, 6/3/2012Viktor Arnar Ingolfsson is the author of several books, including Daybreak, which was the basis for the 2008 Icelandic television series Hunting Men. In 2001, his third novel, House of Evidence, was nominated for the Glass Key Award, given by the Crime Writers Association of Scandinavia; his novel The Flatey Enigma was nominated for the same prize in 2004. His numerous short stories have appeared in magazines and collections.
Jeff Crawford is an audiobook narrator whose readings include several titles by Diana Palmer, Fern Michaels, and Chris Roberson.
Kate Rudd, actress and Earphones Award–winning narrator, has appeared in several independent films and shorts, as well as in multiple episodes of the television show Perks. As an audiobook narrator she has been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration.