Silence of the Grave

Reykjavik Murder Mysteries, Book 2

By: Arnaldur Indridason

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

Inspector Erlendur returns in this gripping Icelandic thriller

When a skeleton is discovered half-buried in a construction site outside of ReykjavIk, Inspector Erlendur finds himself knee-deep in both a crime scene and an archeological dig. Bone by bone, the body is unearthed, and the brutalizing history of a family who lived near the building site comes to light along with it. Was the skeleton a man or a woman, a victim or a killer, and is this a simple case of murder or a long-concealed act of justice?

As Erlendur tries to crack this cold case, he must also save his drug-addicted daughter from self destruction and somehow glue his hopelessly fractured family back together. Like the chilly Nordic mysteries of Henning Mankell and Karen Fossum, Arnaldur Indridason delivers a stark police procedural full of humanity and pathos, a classic noir from a very cold place.

©2002 Arnaldur Indridason, English translation ©2005 by Bernard Scudder (P)2012 Recorded Books

Lovely, Dark & Deep

"Silence of the Grave" is difficult to read. I wanted several times to stop listening. Not because the novel is not good, but because it is so terrible and raw at times. It opens with the discovery of a rib bone at a construction site. Inspector Erlendur and his team are called in to investigate. From there a second story begins. It takes place prior to and during world war two. It is the story of a cruelly battered woman and her three small children. It is the story of how the bones made their way into the grave. It was heart wrenching to listen too. Back in Erlendur's day, as he investigates the mystery, he is also dealing with his daughter's drug induced miscarriage and the coma she falls into as a result. The novel goes from there. It is beautifully written and the mystery is more than compelling. The author does a wonderful job of fleshing out each of the characters in the novel and giving them a "soul". The novel was absorbing, and as I mentioned terrible. I found it worth the journey to reach the end and discover all of the secrets the unknown grave held. Although I admit, I will be chosing lighter fare for my next novel. I recommend this novel to any fan of the "Nordic Mystery" genre. I must also mention the superlative narration of George Guidall. He reads the novel perfectly.

shocking

this book was tense and humbling it was something that will stay with Me for awhile.

Facing the Subject Head On

This is not just a mystery; it's an indictment of spousal abuse. Unfortunately, it rings true today, and far beyond the boundaries of Iceland, as well. It has a wealth of detail and character development, sometimes a bit too much. The narrator, George Guidell, does his usual excellent job.

Satisfying and interesting, but sad tale.

I found this book haunting and compelling. The narration was excellent. Each character and thread ultimately sad but told with humanity. The conclusions realistic - some resolutions, some hope for the future and some questions remaining unanswered.

Talk about depressing!!!

If you could sum up Silence of the Grave in three words, what would they be?

domestic violence, drug abuse

Has Silence of the Grave turned you off from other books in this genre?

well, I probably won't read another book by this particular author for awhile.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The two story lines were both VERY VERY depressing; it wasn't a good fit for me at this point.

Any additional comments?

A story of domestic violence and drug abuse.

5

One well thought out, well plotted mystery spanning 60 years, or not. One outstanding narrator. George Guidall. This could have missed being a 5 by a country mile- but it does not. It is lovely mystery with which to pass and enjoy time. Intelligent, fine characters, Iceland --how many countries are as interesting?

Powerful and overwhelming

An interesting Icelandic tale the best and worst of humanity A story of survival suffering hate strength and dignity and murder of souls!

Painful Life

This is a story about life that's hardest to live. Battered women beware, all females will be triggered by this story line. At times difficult to hear, but the story line moves along with twists n turns and one keeps up.

Great nordic noir

An intriguing, multi layered story. A body found buried at a work site. Is it the fiancee, the abusive husband or his battered wife. I enjoyed the narrators performance as well.

slow as an Icelandic winter.

I only listened to about 4 chapters of this book as it was such a slow plot it was boring.