Why Sara Winokur’s book is a must-read for lovers of Nordic noir, including its setting, themes, and suspenseful plot
For fans of Nordic noir, the genre known for its dark, atmospheric settings, complex characters, and intricate mysteries, Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessman Murders by Sara Winokur offers a compelling blend of historical intrigue and modern-day murder investigation. Set against the stark backdrop of Iceland and enriched with the allure of ancient artifacts, this novel masterfully combines elements of suspense, culture, and history to captivate readers. Here are five reasons why Nordic noir fans won’t want to miss this thrilling tale.
- A Strong, Complex Protagonist
At the heart of Ivory Bones is Brynja Pálsdóttir, a forensic geneticist whose personal and professional life are intricately woven into the novel’s unfolding mystery. Much like many iconic characters in Nordic noir, Brynja is a deeply layered figure. She is intelligent, determined, and driven by a dark past—a haunting personal history that includes the mysterious disappearance of her twin brother.
Brynja’s emotional complexity, shaped by grief, guilt, and her dedication to solving crimes, aligns perfectly with the brooding protagonists common in Nordic noir. Readers will immediately connect with Brynja’s flaws, vulnerabilities, and her quest for justice, making her an unforgettable character.
- A Sinister and Atmospheric Setting
One of the trademarks of Nordic noir is its immersive, often chilling settings, and Ivory Bones doesn’t disappoint. The novel unfolds in Iceland, a land of breathtaking natural beauty marked by harsh, unforgiving landscapes. Winokur captures Iceland’s dramatic terrain, from its rugged mountains and windswept shores to the shadowy urban streets of Reykjavik.
Iceland’s geographical and cultural isolation enhances the novel’s atmospheric tension, as it provides an ideal setting for a mystery. The isolation and stark beauty of the landscape evoke a sense of unease and loneliness, often seen in the best Nordic noir stories. Readers will find themselves drawn into a world where the cold, vast landscape mirrors the dark mysteries at the heart of the plot.
- Historical Intrigue and Cultural Depth
What sets Ivory Bones apart from many other Nordic noir novels is its incorporation of historical elements. The story delves deep into Icelandic history, particularly the 1627 Barbary pirate raids, which led to the abduction of Icelandic people to North Africa as slaves. The discovery of a centuries-old diary, written by one of these captives, provides Brynja with a cryptic clue that leads her on a search for the missing Lewis Chessmen, an ancient set of chess pieces of immense historical value.
For Nordic noir fans, who are often drawn to the genre’s ability to intertwine history with crime, the addition of the Lewis Chessmen offers a unique twist. The blending of historical events with modern-day crime investigation makes Ivory Bones a captivating read. Brynja’s quest to uncover the truth behind these ancient artifacts, while unraveling the mystery of a modern-day murder, is an exciting exploration of the past and present coming together.
- A Taut, Well-Plotted Mystery
At its core, Ivory Bones is a tightly wound murder mystery, in true Nordic noir fashion. The novel begins with the discovery of a woman’s body at the National Museum of Iceland, and soon Brynja is drawn into an investigation that connects the murder to the missing Lewis Chessmen. As she investigates, the web of deceit, hidden motives, and dangerous secrets surrounding the case grows ever more complex.
Winokur crafts a suspenseful narrative, filled with plot twists and red herrings that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing of the story, which alternates between tense investigative moments and revealing personal conflicts, mirrors the slow-burn tension found in many Nordic noir novels. The book’s intricate plotting, combined with Brynja’s pursuit of justice, will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
- Themes of Betrayal and Moral Ambiguity
Nordic noir is known for its exploration of complex moral landscapes, where characters often grapple with personal demons, societal issues, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Ivory Bones embraces this theme wholeheartedly, as Brynja’s investigation reveals the dark truths not only about the murder she’s trying to solve but also about the people she encounters along the way.
As the plot unfolds, Brynja discovers that those closest to her may not be what they seem, and her quest for justice becomes increasingly tangled with her own personal conflicts. Themes of betrayal, survival, and the consequences of past actions are central to the novel, making it a compelling read for fans of Nordic noir who appreciate the genre’s focus on complex, morally ambiguous characters.
A Must-Read for Nordic Noir Fans
Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessman Murders offers everything Nordic noir fans love—an atmospheric setting, a complex and compelling protagonist, historical intrigue, a tightly plotted mystery, and themes that explore the darker aspects of human nature. Sara Winokur’s ability to weave together these elements makes Ivory Bones a must-read for anyone who enjoys Nordic noir, historical mysteries, or tales of survival and betrayal.
For fans of Nordic noir, this novel will not only satisfy your craving for a gripping, dark mystery but will also offer a deep dive into Icelandic history and culture, with a modern twist. Don’t miss out on this thrilling, thought-provoking read.
To learn more about Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessman Murders and Sara Winokur’s other works, visit her website at www.sarawinokur.com.
