This was a quick, entertaining read and I loved the setting of Iceland. The audiobook was fantastic and I loved listening to the interviews. It was done really well

Ragnar Jónasson’s latest Helgi Reykdal mystery, The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer, is a briskly paced and sharply crafted puzzle that builds on the events of Death at the Sanatorium while standing strong as a mystery in its own right.

Returning to his family’s bookshop in Akureyri, Helgi is drawn into the sudden disappearance of Elín S. Jónsdóttir, Iceland’s most famous crime novelist. As he interviews those closest to her — from her publisher and accountant to an aging judge — the investigation takes on the structured elegance of a Hercule Poirot case, each conversation peeling back another layer of motive and deception.

Fans of Death at the Sanatorium will appreciate how Jónasson subtly threads Helgi’s past into the new investigation, giving depth to his methods and personal stakes without overburdening the narrative.

Unlike some of Jónasson’s earlier slow-burn works, the pacing here is surprisingly swift, driven by crisp, dialogue-heavy chapters and a growing sense of urgency. The setting, with its wintry Icelandic charm, remains a vivid backdrop, grounding the cerebral whodunit in a tangible world.

Experiencing the novel in both ARC eBook and audiobook formats revealed an extra layer of craft. The narration’s understated delivery and subtle sound effects made the interview sections with the journalist feel even more immediate. This audio dimension complemented the text’s precision and made the mystery even more immersive.

Jónasson once again proves himself a master of merging golden-age detective style with the stark allure of Nordic noir. The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer is an intelligent, atmospheric mystery that rewards careful attention, making it a perfect choice for readers who relish intricate plotting, well-drawn characters, and the satisfaction of a case solved through wit rather than force.


Thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this ARC/ ALC. This is my honest review.