Dead Sweet by Katrín Júlíusdóttir

Dead Sweet by Katrín Júlíusdóttir is published with Orenda Books and is described as the ‘first in a breath-taking series…’ Translated by Quentin Bates, Dead Sweet is a dark Icelandic tale introducing Sigurdís, an ambitious young police officer with a disconcerting past.

When the body of Óttar Karlsson, a local business man, is discovered on a beach, it is clear that foul play is involved. The police force are under budgetary pressures but Karlsson’s murder has taken precedence, whatever the cost, as he was also a well-known and successful government official. His murder sends shockwaves throughout parliament, and beyond. Initially the investigation points to a possible business connection. Karlsson would have had many enemies, as his decisions were not always agreeable to everyone, but murder?

Sigurdís is very much aware that she is a junior officer in this case. She has to prove her worth following a disciplinary action that resulted in a few weeks suspension from work. Her superior, Garðar, is limiting her involvement in the case and she is frustrated. He knows her personal history and is mindful of her mental health, but she doesn’t want to be bubble wrapped and her exasperation drives her forward. With little evidence to go on, the team is flummoxed, until Sigurdís discovers a hidden safe in Karlsson’s home, with unexpected information relating to more sinister activities. Who was Óttar Karlsson and what secrets was he hiding? Did anyone know the real Óttar Karlsson?

Sigurdís opened this Pandora’s Box and now wishes to see where the trail leads, so she takes an unauthorised trip to the US, where she makes a shocking discovery. Sigurdís grew up in a household of fear and trauma. Now she must yet again face her past, while at the same time rooting out a killer. With strength and courage, she persists with her search, but there is an underlying shadow threatening to weigh her down at every turn.

I did find the dialogue a little stilted in places and didn’t warm to any particular character but I’m sure, as the series develops and more insights are revealed, these bumps will iron themselves out. Sigurdís is a feisty young woman, dependable and determined, but her troubled past is a crutch that impacts her every decision. She is establishing herself as a trustworthy and courageous police officer but she is quite radical in some of her decisions, which ruffles the feathers of her superiors.

There are multiple layers to this tale with some very disturbing reveals, but Katrín Júlíusdóttir handles the emotional impact very sensitively and tactfully. Sigurdís is a strong female lead with a distressing personal history conquering her fears to do something good with her life. She’s an interesting and energetic protagonist. Dead Sweetis a strong launch pad for this new Icelandic series with a believable backstory and developing characters. A solid debut!