For someone who isn’t Icelandic, Michael Ridpath has done an excellent job with his Fire & Ice series, featuring detective Magnus Jonsson. Whale Fjord is the latest release and the 7th in the series. The series so far spans 14 years.

Ridpath captures and interweaves plenty of information about Iceland in his books and this one is no exception. Perhaps being non-native, he knows what non-native readers might want to know or be interested in. Little details that might interest the tourist who’s been there and s to relive some experiences and locations ( me) add to the whole narrative and reading experience of this series.

Whale Fjord is interweaved with historical events which made it all the more interesting. The actual plot by itself without this is a bit thin on the ground to be honest. Whale Fjord is the English translation of Hvalfjörður, a just north of Reykjavík, once a part of the famous Icelandic Ring Road, now relegated to a 42 km detour following the construction of the underwater tunnel to Akranes. Having driven around this majestic fjord I felt an instant connection to the location which really connected me to the narrative. What I didn’t realise however, was the role that Hvalfjörður played in World War 2, when the fjord’s narrow mouth was guarded by Allied forces when Iceland was a strategic base. It is that event that forms the basis for the book.

Ridpath flips between 1940 Iceland and 2023, two parallel narratives, interdependent on one another. Magnus is able although becoming more and more stereotyped and predictable as are all the characters really. The lack of depth in the characters probably makes this a 3.5 star read for me, rounded to 4 because that’s the kind of guy I am.9 s Lee-Anne Fox121 4

It's another excellent read from this fabulous author, bringing back our much loved Magnus and Vigdís to investigate the discovery of two skeletons in a gorge in Hvalfjörður, discovered by a tourist couple. The story follows a timeline from 1940, when Britain 'invaded' Iceland, and Lt Marks, posted in Hvalfjörður, finds himself falling for a local girl, as well as Magnus' timeline in the present day. Ridpath's books are always diligently researched, and that level of care and attention, coupled with the author's deep affection and respect for the country and its people, shine through in the text with a light hand, never preachy or intrusive, just seamlessly inhabiting the text with authenticity and credible characters that you genuinely care about, as Magnus sets about tying together the past and the present to solve the mystery he faces. I really enjoyed the book, I loved reading more about the British army time in Iceland, and a very exciting waterfall scene, particularly pertinent with a recent death at Glymur, it's something that's hard not to wonder about when you visit these incredible falls in Iceland! And of course it never hurts to have a little nod to Tolkien! I loved the combination of past events and current events gradually unravelling together to tell the full story, and the current section was action/tension packed too (poor Vigdis!), and I thought Ridpath played his cards nicely close to his chest with one character revisiting some awful memories. Loved the twists and turns before Magnus & Vigdis arrive at the truth - brilliant! Michael Ridpath is an automatic must-read for me, and Fire and Ice series especially so, and I wasn't disappointed!3 s Caroline768 16

Michael Ridpath has done it again, bringing us a superb, thrilling read.
Whale Fjord, the seventh book in the fire and ice series, sees the welcome return of Inspector Magnus Ragnarsson.
The story is told across two timelines: 1940, when the British invaded Iceland, and 2023, when a skull is found in a gorge near Whale Fjord by two German tourists. When Magnus arrives at the scene he learns that more skeletal remains have been found.
The remains prove to be that of a brother and sister who disappeared in 1940. Both had been shot.
Even though the only surviving relative of the deceased is almost 90 years old, and the chances of finding out who was responsible for the murders is small, Magnus just cannot let it go.
Ridpath knows how to hook his reader and keep them hooked. His research into the British invasion of Iceland is meticulous. The dual timeline isn't confusing. I'd go so far as to say the 1940 timeline makes the story more interesting.
Fast paced and suspenseful, Whale Fjord is my favourite book in the Magnus series to date.on-kindle1 Lizzie Hayes516 26

When a human skull is discovered by two German hiker’s, Inspector Magnus Ragnarsson is called to a farm called Selvik, close to the shores of Whale Fjord which is about forty kilometres north of Reykjavik, to investigate. When he and Sargeant Vigdis they arrive, they find Edda, the pathologist already there, with the news that there are two bodies.

When asked when he was last there at the place where the skull was found, the owner of the farm Jon Sigurdsson says that he never goes to Gerdur’s Hollow, as Gerdur was a witch who was buried there three hundred years ago and it’s best not to disturb her. However, Jon’s mother, Frida, says, ‘you are a wuss Jon’ and to the detectives, ‘if you want to know whose bodies those are, they’re probably the two people from Laxaholl farm who disappeared during the war’. A brother and sister Marteinn Halfdansson and his sister Kristin.

Frida is very helpful providing Magnus with an address, for Gudni, Kristin's son who left farming and became an engineer, and also for an English lady who visited Iceland a few years ago and asked about Kristin. As Magus and Vigdis leave, Magnus has a call from Edda, one of the skulls has a bullet hole in it.
The story switches to August 1940 when Britain invaded Iceland in an attempt to foil any invading attack from the German’s. Lieutenant Tom Marks is a British officer tasked to defend and intercept any landing craft from a safe position protected by great mountain ridges. To confirm for himself the quality of the roads Tom set’s off in a motorcycle, hits a pothole and comes a cropper. Slightly stunned, he is found by Kristín, a young widow from a nearby farm, who has a small son, Gudni. Tom is truly smitten by Kristin, but he is not the only one. Learning that Tom enjoys fishing the farmer invites him back to fish in his river. Tom returns with a football for Gudni who is ecstatic.

Moving forward to 2023, as Magnus commences his investigations, there is a shocking, murder, and he is faced with, who, and why?

Magnus is aware that most of the people concerned who were around, 80 years ago, are now dead. But their descendants are still alive. Has the resurfacing of the two bodies caused other recollections to resurface? Are there secrets that have been hidden for years. Are these secrets about to resurface?

On a personal note, Magnus has been seeing Ingileif for some years, and Ingileif has some questions for him. Questions that maybe he is not ready for. Vigdis, who is a single parent is stressed, as she suspects that her mother who takes care of her little girl Erla while she is working, has started drinking again. She says she has been dry for a year but Vigdis is not certain that’s true.

Whale Fjord is the seventh book in the series featuring Inspector Magnus (Jonson) Ragnarsson. I have read and loved all the previous books, and this was another intriguing mystery in this highly acclaimed series. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
Ken Fredette1,038 56

This was a good story that Michael Ridpath wrote. It basically had two murder cases one in the 1980's and one currently. During this time we had Magnús and Ingileif, who had a son, Ási, together came to the decision to get married. Magnús partner Vigdís watched her mother hit a man with her car and then ran off. Each of these became problems that Vigdís had to face head on. Magnús started out thinking that Gudni who was 6 years old, had seen the killing in the 1980's knew the attackers of Pybus-Smith. But it turns out he did not. Tom and Kristin became in love and Pybus-Smith decided that they were not meant to be. Marteinn was Kristin younger brother and was a Communist, he found Pybus-Smith with his pants down and Kristin setting next to him and then the two of them were killed by Pybus-Smith. I'll let you figure everything out with Magnús help because it is relay interesting how Tom's daughter was killed currently.This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review Libby52

I love this series of books. I am reading Ridpath’s book about how he came to write this series (Writing in Ice) and he did exactly what he planned. These books are set in a unique and fascinating location with a great cast of characters who we care about, because of, rather than despite their flaws. Whale Fjord is set across two time frames. I was aware that Iceland was occupied during WW2 because a friend’s father was stationed there. However Ridpath expanded on this knowledge through the story. The discovery of two bodies from the 1940’s shows how trauma and tragedy impact on family into the future. There are two secondary plot lines which run alongside the main investigation but which are just as engaging. Thoroughly recommended. Alice2

Another great read

The only chance I get to read on holiday.

Michael Ridpath is my first to go for each time i look for a book. Unfortunately his writing does not always keep up with my holidays but when they coincide I know I am guaranteed a thrillling read right through to the end.

My first book,which got me into Michaels books, was Trading Reality picked up at Manchester Airport. Whilst I really enjoy the Magnus series I still miss the original books based around the stock market and economics. I'm sure there must still be more avenues to explore down this route.





Amanda19 1 follower

Brilliant Read

The latest in the Magnus Iceland Mystery series does not disappoint. Michael has woven a story that reaches back to WW2 and up to the present day. The pace kept me scrolling and kept me reading when I should have been sleeping. My only disappointment was the sudden ending. I hate finishing books, it leaves me feeling bereft but this one shocked me. I hope there will be more Iceland Mystery books as I've kind of fallen in love with the country and the characters. Janet766 1 follower

Love these Ridpath books. Great mysteries and they take place in Iceland. This time Magnus needs to solve murders that happened before he was born. With the help of his partner, the past becomes crystal clear. Meanwhile Magnus is having his own romantic issues and his partner, Vigdis, has a mother who is an alcoholic and has hit a jogger with her car. The patterns of family issues are seen and resolved. Taking responsibility for one's actions is a must in a free society! Diane5

A WWII historical fiction that gives a new perspective with it set in Iceland. Ridpath does a superb job of incorporating his Magnus detective into a dual timeline of WWII and a mysterious set of murders. A fast enjoyable read that includes interesting side stories with his 2 main characters. The Bookseller120 5

Another fantastic novel by Michael Ridpath featuring the detective; Magnus Ragnarsson. Probably the strongest part of this book was that it continually leads you to believe you know exactly who has committed the murder and how it was done. Then suddenly the story throws a curve ball and sends you right back to square one. Barbara Roberts9 3

Another thrilling Magnus and Vignis novel

This series gets better all the time. I loved learning more about Iceland during World War II. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. Kudos to Michael Ridpath.
Barbara Roberts, MD John157 5

I was happy to see Ridpath return to the Magnus Icelandic detective series - having read all the previous ones. This is another enjoyable whodunnit …. with no less than 4 murders! Mike Taverner653 1 follower

Magnus is a great, straight-shooting character. I really enjoyed the settings of Iceland in 1940 and 2013 Rick1,033

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