Reviewed By: Carl Brookins - RAM
Tainted Blood
Amazon UK PB
Arnaldur Indridason
Class/Genre: Mystery Thriller
Series: Reykjavik Murder Mysteries # 1
Vintage Books, 2004, Soft Cover, 275 pages
Translation by Bernard Scudder.
Genetic mapping is at the center of this engrossing crime novel, as one might suspect from the title. Reykjavik detective Erlendur instinctively knows when he sees the body, a cryptic note and an odd photograph, that this case will require all his skills and attention. Yet he is hampered throughout by his problematic physical condition and by his relationship with his daughter, a relationship that swings at times in wildly emotional turmoil.
The detective, like the author, has been around the block a few times. Enough so that he can be cranky with his colleagues as often as not. His colleagues on the homicide squad seem to put up with a lot as his testy temperament runs abrasively into his headstrong daughter's independence and occasional self-destructiveness. Loud confrontations between the two often slop over into Erlandur's efforts to move the case along and to solve this puzzling murder.
Possibly because the novel is translated from its original Icelandic, but more likely because the author wrote it that way, American readers in particular, who may be used to a certain style in their detective novels, will have to give up a few treasured beliefs. That's probably a good thing. This is an engrossing story, with many twists and turns, in an unfamiliar style that leads to a satisfying conclusion and raises all kinds of issues and questions along the way. An excellent undertaking which I recommend highly to anyone looking for something a little out of the ordinary.
Carl Brookins - RAM
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carl Brookins - RAM
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