Review: Why Did You Lie by Yrsa Sigurdardottir

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Published: August 11, 2016

Source: Personal copy

 

Summary:

A journalist on the track of an old case attempts suicide.

An ordinary couple return from a house swap in the states to find their home in disarray and their guests seemingly missing.

Four strangers struggle to find shelter on a windswept spike of rock in the middle of a raging sea.

They have one thing in common: they all lied.

And someone is determined to punish them…

WHY DID YOU LIE is a terrifying tale of long-delayed retribution from Iceland’s Queen of Suspense.

 

My thoughts: 

I have long been a fan of Yrsa Sigurdardottir and was thrilled when this was selected as one of the read-alongs for the #NordicNoir group I am in. This is a stand-alone and I could not have loved it more.

This book is the perfect balance of creepy, atmospheric and intense. It starts off with a bang and really kept me engaged the entire time despite the fact that the mystery slowly unravels. And having three different points of view really keeps things interesting as you try to work out just how things are connected – because let’s face it…we all know that somehow these threads are going to wind up connecting in some way.

I love how the author throws in little bits about each character to make them more relatable – bits about their daily lives, their habits or just small gestures – it’s little things like this that really make these characters so dynamic. They may not all be likeable but they stand out and to me that is more important.

As is typical with Nordic Noir, the chilly environment plays a huge role in this story and boy, did I feel the cold seeping into my bones just reading this one. Icelandic winters are no joke and the author’s writing is so vivid that it just adds to the overall tension of the story.

This book really kept me guessing as to who did it and I love books like that. I had no idea where it was all heading and I never guessed the culprit. It really is quite the clever, complex plot and I highly recommend picking this one up as it’s one addicting, binge-worthy read!