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Review *Murder at the Residence*

Updated: Dec 29, 2023


by Stella Blómkvist

Translated by Quentin Bates Published by Corylus Books


Murder at the Residence was originally published in Icelandic as Morðið á Bessastöðum. Murder at Bessastaðir.




Corylus Books offers another moody cover to invite you into a fascinating, explosive mix of murder, intrigue & surprise from mysterious Icelandic author Stella Blómkvist. I am so intrigued. Not just with this book but also with the real-life mystery surrounding the author. How can someone's identity remain a mystery, especially in a relatively small country?

This is definitely not your average New Year in Iceland (or anywhere) but in the aftermath of the banking crisis & thinly veiled political corruption around every corner, we're instantly immersed in this tense story.

The Icelandic location lends itself perfectly to this book & becomes its own dark persona with some real attitude.

With a strong female lead & a cast of sketchy characters, the police expect or hope for a simple outcome from a murder case. Blómkvist knows otherwise & with a *talent for attracting trouble* gut feeling takes things elsewhere.

Be ready for twists & maybe some shocks. Seedy underworld & some drug-fuelled vibes echo throughout & threads pulling us through this edgy thriller never stay calm. Even for a man of the cloth.

A mystery identity 'search' will add a shadow to an already complex atmosphere. How can one man's dying wish create its own puzzling element in this spicy web of crime?


This is definitely one that keeps us wondering who is connected to what & questioning whether justice will be found. How?

The sharp writing style keeps us completely engaged & through the translation of Quentin Bates, we get to experience some fascinating shards of author Stella's mysterious existence.

Well, I *had to* try another book-inspired traditional recipe so here is my attempt at Icelandic Celebration layer cake - individual version + extra shortbread!

What would Stella Blómkvist think? Maybe she'd have a taste with her signature ink-black espresso!

Thank you for having me on this tour!


Kærar þakkir!

Make sure you check out other titles from Corylus Books.


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