Arnaldur Indridason worked for many years as a journalist and critic before he began writing novels. His books have since sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Outside Iceland, he is best known for his crime novels featuring Erlendur and Sigurdur Óli, which are consistent bestsellers across Europe. The series has won numerous awards, including the Nordic Glass Key and the CWA Gold Dagger. The Shadow District – the first book in the Reykjavík Wartime Mystery series – won the Premio RBA de Novela Negra, the world’s most lucrative crime fiction prize.

"A haunting, compassionate work" Observer "Indridason manages to keep the reader guessing about the identity of both killer and victim right to the last" Sunday Express "An absorbing story which confirms Indridason's place among the leading writers of Nordic crime fiction" Sunday Telegraph "Beautifully written and translated, the novel has both a strong sense of place and themes that transcend it; it confirms Indridason as one of those crime writers who rises above genre, combining suspense with moving insights into the human condition" Sunday Times "Indridason pieces together a convincing plot, while exploring universal issues of political idealism and shattered dreams" Daily Mirror