Reading Group Guide
1. Crime novels often seem to have a social conscience. What aspects of society (human relationships, social stigmas, lifestyle choices etc.) are explored here, and what do you think this adds to the authenticity of the novel? To what extent are we intended to condemn, and to what extent to empathise with, the ills of society addressed?
2. Domestic violence is a harrowing subject. How does Indridason's decision to play out the disturbing scenes of the past in a narrative parallel to the police investigations add force to the story?
3. How do Erlender's personal problems compliment the investigation? Think about the same thing in other detective novels.
4. Think about the atmosphere, mood and style of this and any other Nordic crime novels you have read. What draws you to this kind of book? What are you looking for when choosing to read a crime novel?
5. Think about the themes of family and childhood in the book.
6. Think about the plot device of the red herring. How do the twists and turns alter your expectations as the story progresses?