Helköld sól Cold as Hell

Áróra #1

Icelandic sisters Áróra and Ísafold live in different countries and aren‘t on speaking terms, but when their mother loses contact with Ísafold, Áróra reluctantly returns to Iceland to find her sister. But she soon realises that her sister isn’t avoiding her … she has disappeared, without trace.

As she confronts Ísafold’s abusive, drug-dealing boyfriend Björn, and begins to probe her sister’s reclusive neighbours – who have their own reasons for staying out of sight – Áróra is led into an ever-darker web of intrigue and manipulation.

Baffled by the conflicting details of her sister’s life, and blinded by the shiveringly bright midnight sun of the Icelandic summer, Áróra enlists the help of police officer Daníel, as she tries to track her sister’s movements, and begins to tail Björn – but she isn’t the only one watching…

Slick, tense, atmospheric and superbly plotted, Cold as Hell is the first installment in the Áróra series.

“Lilja is a standout voice in Icelandic Noir, and this book does not disappoint … Cold as Hell is her best yet”
– James Oswald

Reviews

“Domestic abuse, high-finance hanky-panky, and illegal immigration all figure in this arresting series launch (…) sure to please Scandi noir fans.”

Publishers Weekly, Iceland
“Lilja handles this story with great skill, addressing urgent contemporary issues and weaving them seamlessly into the narrative.”

Morgunblaðið, Iceland
“A well-crafted crime novel featuring engaging characters and a cleverly constructed plot.”

Fréttablaðið, Iceland
“It’s a genuinely well-written and gripping story, marked by a great deal of originality, a truly fascinating protagonist, and consistently well-developed characters. ”

Kapprakt, Sweden
“So atmospheric.”

Crime Monthly, UK
“Lilja Sigurdardottir is rapidly becoming my favourite Icelandic writer”

The Times, UK
“Another bleak, unpredictable classic.”

Metro, UK