The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer is yet another winner from Ragnar Jónasson. The book starts a few months after the events of Death at the Sanatorium with Helgi being assigned to a case involving a missing mystery writer. As seems to be his writing style, Jónasson has a lot of things going on initially-there's the main case, the happenings of his personal life, references to a bank robbery that happened almost sixty years ago, and also a continued side story of Hulda Hermannsdottir, the detective from the Hidden Iceland trilogy, and the detective that Helgi has replaced on the police force. Hulda is missing, and Helgi is starting to wonder why. Those who have read the Hidden Iceland trilogy already know what has happened to Hulda, but fingers crossed that the next book will be Helgi trying to figure out what has happened to her.

Back to the events of this book though! This story read incredibly fast like all of his books that I've read because of the short chapters and eagerness to figure out what has happened. By the end much is resolved, but much like Death at the Sanatorium, we are left on another cliffhanger. This is yet another great read and is a solid follow up to his previous book. I can't wait for more!

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 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.

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 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 simply a disappearance 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.

This was my first time reading Ragnar Jonasson, but I was intrigued by the description as it reminded me of another much loved author, Per Wahloo. I was not disappointed. What a great mystery with nuanced hints throughout and lots of twists and turns. Some might feel that there were story threads left hanging, such as what happened to Hulda, but I found in looking at descriptions of his previous work that his characters keep reappearing. Having already downloaded Death at the Sanatorium, I am eager to read more of his work. Of course I also look forward to his next book to find out what happened in the cliffhanger of this one.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel before its release date.

I have been a fan of Icelandic crime stories for a while, and this new addition made me very happy. The atmosphere of the novel is cold and dark without being overly either. While reading it in June, I felt a chill multiple times. There are nods to the fabulous original crime writers of the 1920s and 1930s, twists and turns through out the story, and an ending that will leave you wanting more.

4.5 stars!

In this intriguing new mystery, Ragnar Jónasson follows the disappearance of bestselling author Elín S. Jónsdóttir. Young detective Helgi takes on the case, only to find that Elín’s past is far more bizarre than the novels she wrote. Set against a haunting Icelandic winter, the story slowly unravels secrets and hidden truths. Atmospheric and quietly suspenseful, it’s a clever, layered read for fans of Nordic noir and literary puzzles.
Unfortunately, the plot didn't tell much, but that didn't stop my curiosity in reading. Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publishing house for giving me this book as a preview in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

In 2012, acclaimed crime writer Elin S. Jónsdóttir’s tenth . . . and final . . . novel has just been released. And the bestselling author has disappeared.

Detective Helgi Reykdal, on vacation in Akureyri is summoned back to Reykjavik to head the investigation into the author’s disappearance. A devotee of crime fiction, he’s determined to solve the mystery of the missing crime writer.

But even Elin’s closest group of friends have no idea where she might have gone. Did she go willingly or is there something more sinister about her disappearance?

=========

This captivating tale weaves several threads from different timelines to keep readers spellbound. An interview with Elin reveals some interesting backstory as the unfolding story slowly exposes unexpected deceptions and long-hidden secrets. Helgi is an intriguing character, dogged in his investigation, determined to discover the truth.

Non-stop action and unexpected plot twists keep readers guessing as suspicions mount; a sub-plot of domestic violence woven into the tale gives readers food for thought. But readers are left to ponder the apparently-unsolved disappearance of Hulda Hermannsdóttir. And then there’s the frustrating cliffhanger that ends the story. However, neither of these significantly detract from the intriguing tale the author has woven. [Perhaps they presage another book? Yes, please!]

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#TheCaseoftheMissingCrimeWriter #NetGalley

Ragnar Jónasson is an Icelandic treasure by this point. He certainly has played a major role in ushering in this golden age of Nordic Noir. The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer is his latest enthralling work. It's a book which features the return of Detective Helgi while also reminding us of the great Hulda. It's a wonderful mystery which you won't put down. There are twists and turns enveloped by a powerful poignancy from start to finish. It really does prove to be a mysterious case but Helgi rises to the occasion in a satisfying way. Trust me when I say that ending will leave you wanting more. Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, & NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I read this courtesy Minotaur Books and NetGalley. In this mystery set in Iceland, we have a twist on the true case of Agatha Christie. The famed author disappeared, no trace, before she reappeared, and she never explained where she had been and why she had done so. Here, Elín S. Jónsdóttir disappears—and she never reappears. Her closest friends claim not to know anything, not why she would vanish. She was happy! She had no enemies! No idea, they say. She’s probably out there plotting a new book! Well, maybe… Or maybe not. Helgi the detective is assigned this thankless case because, he suspects, his boss has it in for him for whatever reason. As Helgi investigates the disappearance, he realizes that there are questions that don’t seem to have answers. It doesn’t help that his ex-girlfriend, unhinged and violent, threatens his current girlfriend, distracting him when he needs to solve the case before the press gets hold of it. This book is tightly plotted, and as I read, I was met with a feeling of dread. I didn’t want it to end because I was afraid of the ending!
#MinotaurBooks #NetGalley

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Set in Iceland, crime writer Elin goes missing, and detective Helgi must solve this mystery before the press catches wind. All of those close to her are considered a suspect, and the list is wide ranging. But Helgi soon learns that there was a lot more to Elin than the fascinating crime novels she wrote. We get a deeper dive into Elin's background, but in the process of that, another storyline emerges - that of another detective.

This was a very quick paced book, and rarely have I read crime mysteries like this that were able to a) move at a decent pace, and b) not get muddled in boring details. In this instance, I could not believe the book was over so quickly, and I felt that everything was laid out in a concise yet quite entertaining manner. The atmosphere in this book was also done well, and overall I just fell very present and invested in this read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A mystery surrounded in mystery that spurrs a mystery!

Another phenomenal thriller by Ragnar Jonásson! From the very first page, "The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer" plunges you headfirst into intrigue. A vanished author? That's merely scratching the surface of this page-turning narrative. The investigation unfolds amid layers of deception, hidden truths, and jaw-dropping twists that will have readers clutching their books in suspense! Jonásson proves himself a mastermind of misdirection, delivering a knockout story that kept me guessing(and occasionally cursing in frustration) until the final revelation...what an exhilarating read!

I love all books Ragnar Jonasson writes so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book to review. This book was definitely one of his best. There were so many threads and Hulda was in this book, too! The Hulda trilogy was a favorite of mine and I was so happy to see her make an appearance here.
Helgi has taken over after Hulda’s strange disappearance in the CID. He still has a box of her stuff in the office. No one else seems concerned about her disappearance but Helgi is still looking into it.
He is called away from a visit north to see his Mom for the disappearance of a famous author. Sensing a chance to further his career, he reluctantly comes back to Reykjavik to investigate.
Helgi has a new love interest, Anita, after the trauma he suffered with Bergthora previously. He is unable to come to terms with the abuse he suffered and is still wracked with guilt.
Also, there are references to the golden age mysteries which I had to stop and explore mid reading as well. I could linger in Helgi’s bookstore for hours.
This book, well I cannot quite describe it. The writing is spare but the detail and feelings conveyed are anything but. The translation works so well. I savor each chapter not wanting the story to end. I want to stay with these characters longer. I do think this works better if you already know who Hulda is so do yourself a favor and make sure you have read her novels first.
I look forward eagerly to the next book by this author and thank you so much for this ARC from Netgalley, Minotaur books and the author.

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Best seller author goes missing winter day. Is there more than just a disappearance or is there nefarious working. No clues are present as a young detective must figure out what is going before the press finds out. It was just an average read.

I'd never read this author before but this was a fascinating look at a woman writer who goes missing suddenly after her latest novel is a smashing success like her previous books. Elin had done an interview that hadn't been released, and after her disappearance, he husband Helgi is reluctant--but sometimes eager--to hear it as it may provide clues as to her whereabouts. Many things come in to play here--an old bank robbery, a dead inmate, and lots of speculation! It's a journey in itself!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Wow! This story switches back and forth between several timelines as you read. The events of the past, tied to the events of the present, with excerpts from an interview taken in-between… plenty of unexpected twists… very interesting story. I’m glad that I was given an advanced reader copy and I’m happy to leave my honest review.

A sequel to Death At The Sanatorium and a part of the Hidden Iceland series, the book follows young poiceman Helgi as he tries to solve the case of a missing mystery writer while dealing with a complicated personal life. Author Jónasson and character Helgi are both mystery fans, especially of Golden Age Crime writers like Agatha Christie. But while the case calls to mind Ms. Christie's own disappearance in 1926, the film is more of a modern mystery, not really setting clues for the reader to figure out as the puzzle masters of old did. This is not to say this book doesn't work. It does very well, and it's a pleasure to follow along with Helgi on his investigation as well as agonize with him over his issues with his past and present girlfriends. The books three part narrative - Helgi's investigation, the mystery writer Elín S. Jónsdóttir's interview, and Hulda from the Hidden Iceland series's robbery investigation - all move toward the solution. The book ends, as does the previous Death in a Sanatorium, in a cliff hanger, seeming to set up Helgi's next search into Hulda's disappearance. A great addition to Jónasson's ouvre.

I enjoyed the plot of the mystery surrounding the disappearance of famous Icelandic crime writer, Elin S. Jonsdottir, whose absence is being investigated by a young detective, Helgi. Elin's public and private life are gradually revealed as the book progresses, and the result of Helgi's search then comes as no surprise.

Helgi's suspenseful private love life is added as a separate story, which makes the detective more human and realistic to the reader, and contributes to the novel's interest.

This is not a noir mystery as so many Nordic mysteries are, but an enjoyable read, nevertheless.

Death At The Sanatorium was one of my top books of 2024, so I could not wait to get straight back to Helgi and his amazing crime library!
In this story, crime author Elín S. Jónsdóttir goes missing and Helgi is tasked with trying to find her before the press get involved and escalate the situation. With no real clues and with Elín keeping a very small circle of friends, Helgi decides to interview them one by one. The more he gains their trust, the more they are willing to share and their stories and information lead Helgi down a path he was trying to avoid.

Given that both this and the first book had that 'Golden-age' feel, it felt completely appropriate to include references to Agatha Christie and her own disappearance, and I loved that this had a big influence on the story. Helgi is fast becoming my favourite fictional detective and I am going to count down the days to the third and final book in the trilogy.

With the disappearance of a writer of crime fiction one cannot help but think of the mysterious eleven day disappearance of Agatha Christie. Not surprisingly, the author incorporates that into this book, having Helgi tell Anita about it when discussing possible explanations for Elin Jonsdottir’s disappearance.

I liked the references to and discussion of classic crime novels, including some with which I was not familiar. I also appreciated Helgi’s respect for books.

There are multiple subplots in the book, and I admit I was not expecting how two of those subplots would intersect.

Although the book is being marketed as a standalone book, I think the reader will benefit from having read “Death at the Sanatorium” to have the background on Helgi, including his abusive relationship with Bergthora which he is too ashamed to admit.

Also, the story ends with a cliffhanger, so a sequel is necessary.

Scandinavian noir hold great appeal for me as well as many other writers. This is a police procedural of sorts, although the policeman is much different than usual—-a very reflective book lover who has a big secret. Hegli is at the beginning of a love affair and handling a very big case. He’s the perfect officer to find a missing crime writer. One of his methods in his search is to read golden age crime novels about missing persons. I felt there was not sufficient pay off for the buildup and the ending …. However, I loved the characters Hegli and Anita.