Reviews

‘Offer[s] intriguing glimpses of Greenland, its relentless summer light and oppressive winter darkness. While the mystery is dramatically resolved, readers will want to learn what's next. . . Fans of Nordic crime fiction have a new author to follow.’
Kirkus

magyvonne's review against another edition

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3.0

Audiobook

kirkw1972's review against another edition

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3.0

I liked this. I could have done with a trigger warning as some of the descriptions of animal killing and skinning is quite graphic but I guess I also didn't know much about Greenland to know the practises are still in place.

It's quite fast paced and flips between Matthews search to solve the mystery now and Jakob's attempts in 1973. I didn't like reading tales of child abuse but the way it is written makes perfect sense of the times with women and children being dismissed and the careers of men being protected. In the 'now' element of the book we have more enlightened views. I did like the relationship between Matthew and Tupaarnaq. So often people meet in a story and romance and sex come into it. It made a nice change to see something more innocent between these two.

Overall I liked it enough that I'll probably pick up some more of the authors work.

kath61's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed this book which came my way unexpectedly. It's not one I would normally choose because the cover makes it look like a psychiatric textbook, or perhaps obscure poetry. The writing is well crafted, with a talented sketching of characters, and it drew me in immediately, despite a few Americanisms and typos. The chapters are vinaigrettes around a lakeside theme and whilst various strands are gradually woven together each can be enjoyed independently. The voicings are authentic and there is much poignancy and insight. I felt a later chapter about the Vietnam war was rather 'tagged on' and the ending was ambiguous and therefore slightly unsatisfactory. An unusual but recommended read.

stinajohanns's review against another edition

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4.0

What a treat to read a book set in Greenland. Interesting characters and interesting plot. I liked it.

yvo_about_books's review against another edition

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4.0

Finished reading: December 29th 2018

"If you want to understand why a ball is rolling, you need to find out what set it in motion. The rest is nothing but effect, and the effect is visible to everyone."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Text Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

Spoiler

I've been meaning to read more Nordic crime, so when I saw this title popping up I just couldn't resist. That cover does look kind of daunting, doesn't it? I went in The Girl Without Skin full of expectations and they were more than met. The first thing that stood out for me was the setting. It shows that the author knows Nuuk and Greenland from his own experience living there, because he is able to describe it in a way that makes it truly come alive. I also like that the main character Matthew is a Danish 'outsider' like the author himself. Being able to see both Nuuk and Greenland through his eyes was truly insightful, and I feel like I've learned a bit about the life there as well as having read a solid crime thriller. Because solid it was. Bloodcurdling, twisted, disturbing and bodies piling up as you turn the pages... Oh yes, The Girl Without Skin isn't for those who don't like to see their crime thrillers bloody. But if you, like me, don't mind things getting messy, you will have a great time with this little shocking story. I really liked the writing style, which was engaging and made me keep reading until I suddenly reached the last page. The pace is good and I liked how the plot was constructed, which 1973 flashbacks as well as the current (2014) storyline. It was interesting to see how the author slowly tried to link both point of views and there is one thing for sure: The Girl Without Skin will have some shocking surprises for you in store!

Journalist Matthew Cave is called in to investigate the body of what is suspected to be a mummified Viking discovered out on the edge of an ice sheet. He is eager to cover the story, knowing that this discovery might just be his big break... But the next day the body is gone, and all evidence with it, leaving only the mutilated body of the policeman who was keeping watch. Gutted and flayed, his death resembles the victims of a chain of murders back in the 1970s, crimes that were never solved. Are the two crimes linked? Matthew might be in more danger than he realizes as he tries to investigate.

I was without doubt more than pleasantly surprised by The Girl Without Skin. I like my crime thrillers dark and disturbing, and an interesting international setting is always a bonus for me. This story isn't for those with a weak stomach, as there are a lot of graphic scenes involved including violence, bloodcurdling murder scenes and abuse. The Greenland setting is excellently executed and it felt like I were there myself along with the main characters... The story itself chilled me to the bone. If you like dark crime thrillers, you should definitely give this one a go!

P.S. Find more of my reviews here.

maykasahara's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

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