A review by oofsharkz73
The Girl by the Bridge by Arnaldur Indriðason

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

"...We have only to think about what was done to us, and about the justice that was never ours. We have only to think of the children who have crossed our paths and have been so unhappy because of the neglect, humiliation, and mistreatment they have suffered."


The Girl By the Bridge by Arnaldur Indridason was certainly impressive. In this harrowing novel, translated from the Icelandic by Philip Roughton, retired detective Konrad is investigating both an intriguing paranormal case with his friend Eygló, and a presumed suicide/accidental overdose of a young woman. Indridason brilliantly intertwines every subplot in the storyline, creating a gritty and otherworldly experience for the reader. In the dual-natured novel, sinister pasts are dug up and the roots of evil are examined by Konrad and his companions. Though this was the first book I read by the author, The Girl By the Bridge is a masterfully curated mystery, everything a novel of the genre wants to be and more, thus compelling me to dive into more of his works.