White as Snow (2021)

2021

313 pages

Crime Fiction

White as Snow (2021)

Atmospheric, twisty and breathtakingly tense, White as Snow is the third instalment in the riveting, award-winning An Áróra Investigation series, as crimes committed far beyond Iceland’s shores come home…

On a white winter morning, an abandoned shipping container is found near Reykjavik. Once it's opened, the horror begins to unfold; inside are the lifeless bodies of five women who have apparently been transported overseas in the container. How can this happen and who is behind it? Police detectives Daniel and Helena arrive at the scene and begin their investigation, meanwhile Daniel's friend Aurora does something else: Her aunt Elin is in a relationship with a Russian man who is eager to wed, but he has a nefarious agenda...

White as Snow is an unsettling story of ruthless criminals and victims of human trafficking - modern-day slaves. Readers will know protagonists Aurora and Daniel from the books Cold as Hell (Helköld sól) and Red as Blood (Blóðrauður sjór), which were both very well received.

Reviews

As in her previous thrillers Cold as Hell and Red as Blood, she reminds you that sorrow can be "remarkably painful" while telling a terrific tale with twist after twist.

MARK SANDERSON, THE TIMES

Lilja writes tight and well thought-out prose. Her descriptions of surroundings and feelings are at times superb. ... White as Snow is not only a great thriller, it is also a good contribution to the important discussion on greed, crime and prejudice.

STEINTHOR GUDBJARTSSON, MORGUNBLADID DAILY

Readers of Lilja Sigurdardottir’s crime fiction can rest assured that they’ll get a readable book with characters who are actually likeable — not counting the criminals and other villains who have certain dubious deeds on their conscience. Lilja’s latest book, White as Snow, fits the bill entirely… The characterization is generally convincing as is the case with Lilja’s central characters in previous novels. … The chapters are short and paced well. … the book is an entertaining read. Despite the heavy subject matter, the book retains a certain levity and humor that keeps the reader afloat. CONCLUSION: Crime fiction that will hold the reader’s attention … Main characters are interesting and the interactions among them are entertaining.

KOLBRUN BERGTHORSDOTTIR, FRETTABLADID DAILY

Awards

Shortlisted

The Drop of Blood - The Icelandic Crime Novel Award 2022

Nominated

Petrona Award for Best Scandinavian Crime Novel of the Year 2024longlisted

Rights Sold

Translation rights sold

EstoniaEesti Raamat

FinlandDocendo

France/Switzerland/Luxembourg/ CanadaMétailié

GermanyDuMont

SwedenModernista

World ArabicAl Arabi

World English - Orenda Books