Before becoming a writer, Michael Ridpath used to work as a bond trader in the City of London. After writing eight financial thrillers, which were published in over 30 languages, he began the Magnus Iceland Mystery series, featuring the Icelandic detective Magnus Jonson. He has also written two spy novels set at the beginning of World War II and three stand-alone thrillers: "Amnesia", "Launch Code" and "The Diplomat's Wife". He lives in London and Massachusetts. Find out more at his website michaelridpath.com .
Where the Shadows Lie By: Michael Ridpath Narrated by: Seán Barrett Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 1 Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 21-01-11
Summary One thousand years ago: An Icelandic warrior returns from battle, bearing a ring cut from the right hand of his foe. Seventy years ago: An Oxford professor, working from a secret source, creates the 20th century’s most pervasive legend. The professor’s name? John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. Six hours ago: An expert on Old Icelandic literature, Agnar Haraldsson, is murdered. Everything is connected, but to discover how, Detective Magnus Jonson must venture where the shadows lie…
Great story... with fantastic narration is a brilliant introduction to Michael Ridpath's marvelous Icelandic detective series. Highly recommended for fans of Michael Ridpath's other novels, and anyone who enjoys Scandinavian and Icelandic noir... Can't recommend it strongly enough. Wonderful !
Good fun whodunnit with Icelandic twist US cop ends up in Iceland solving a mystery linked to sagas and to Tolkien. This is a good listen and for me has the right balance of light and enough dark to make it interesting. A good listen for driving to work and a lot less upsetting than Jo Nesbo!
If you can accept that a Boston cop, in hiding as a major crime witness, would be "hidden" in Iceland, then this is a very enjoyable listen.
There are links to sagas, icelandic superstitions and to Tolkien's major opus... and there is a ring too!
Narration is excellent, the plot moves along at a brisk pace - not too much gore despite plenty of deaths. This is a highly recommended book for those who like Nordic novels. Certainly makes a case to visit Iceland! Was this review helpful for you?
Interesting and Enjoyable Insight in to the Icelandic culture with historical perspective on Sagas and Tolkein. Plot holds interest with the standard, emotionally disfunctional detective.
Fabulous! Icelandic landscape, sagas, Tolkien, a detective story - a wonderful combination of ingredients which form the recipe of a thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable book. I loved it.
Whale Fjord A Magnus Iceland Mystery, Book 7 By: Michael Ridpath Narrated by: Seán Barrett Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 7 Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 01-04-24
Summary Iceland 1940. Britain invades Iceland. Lieutenant Tom Marks is a British officer tasked with defending Whale Fjord. He meets Kristín, a young widow from a nearby farm, who has a small son. Tom is smitten.
Iceland 2023. Inspector Magnus Ragnarsson is called to the shores of Whale Fjord where the skeletons of a man and a woman have been discovered, both shot with British wartime bullets. Magnus uncovers a web of anger and revenge that stretches back 80 years and forward to a shocking murder in Reykjavík.
The Blame By: Charlotte Langley Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 02-05-24
Summary A psychological thriller in which two detectives begin a love affair, only for one of them to become a prime suspect in a chilling murder....
Detective Erin Crane is assigned to the investigation into sixteen-year-old Sophie Madson's murder along with her partner, detective Tom Radley. Over the years they've formed a close professional bond built on mutual trust and a shared contempt for the unscrupulous head of the anti-corruption team, Walker. This case will prove a bigger test of their relationship than either of them could ever have imagined.
During the investigation, Tom discovers Erin's biggest secret: that she put a man in prison under false evidence. But to her surprise, far from driving them apart, the revelation brings them closer together, and Tom and Erin embark on a love affair–despite the risk to their careers and the case.
Then Erin discovers dashcam footage from a van driver, showing Sophie Madson getting into Tom's car barely an hour before she died. Tom becomes the prime suspect in the murder case, and everything Erin thought she could trust begins to crumble....
Meltwater By: Michael Ridpath Narrated by: Seán Barrett Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 3 Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 13-09-12
Summary FreeFlow is a group of activists dedicated to freedom of information. They have evidence of a military atrocity in the Middle East and are preparing to unleash it. On the glacial rim of an erupting volcano, they christen their endeavour Operation Meltwater. Minutes later, one of them is murdered. Magnus Jonson has a long list of suspects but he’s getting little help - for a group dedicated to transparency, they’re a secretive bunch. But they are not the only ones with secrets. Asta, a newly qualified priest, has contacted FreeFlow with damning information about the former Bishop of Iceland. And with the return of Magnus’s brother Ollie to Iceland, the feud that has haunted their family for three generations is about to reignite....
A good read The second book I have read in the Fire and Ice series. It's a huge pity that the first of the three is not available on audible. Ridpath holds your attention throughout with the added interest of the Icelandic landscape. The author writes as if he came from Iceland himself, including enough details and ancient stories to give added interest. The books leave you wanting to know more about the country itself.
Narration is excellent as we have come to expect by Sean Barrett; I really don't know how he manages so many accents with such ease and authenticity.
Was this review helpful for you?
Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars
mollyeyre 25-10-17 Well written, though complicated This was yet another unputdownable novel by Michael Ridpath, my only quibble is that we are left on a cliffhanger. I wish I had re-read the first few books in the series as there are quite a few references to the events that had happened earlier. nevertheless it was well worth reading. Sean Barrett, as ever - Brilliant
Overall 5 out of 5 stars Performance 5 out of 5 stars Story 5 out of 5 stars
01-02-22 Love the Icelandic stories Find these stories totally engaging, not 100% why? Descriptions of Iceland are a lovely addition to the story lines. Sean Barrett a terrific narrator for these stories. Give one a go - either it'll grab you or it won't - bit Marmitey.
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Big Mig 14-03-23 Plenty of twists and turns Kept I suspense till the end plants of possible outcome to keep interest Excellent naration
Meltwater Freeflow, a group of journalists, have video proof of an Israeli army atrocity in the Middle East and is all set to let the world know all about it. But, there are powers just as determined to keep that atrocity secret and are more than willing to murder to keep Israels reputation intact. The action moves to Ireland where suspicion falls on a former bishop. The story is pacey with good characters and plenty of twists.
Sea of Stone By: Michael Ridpath Narrated by: Seán Barrett Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 4 Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 01-08-14
Summary Oli and Magnus Jonson have spent decades trying to escape from the shadows of their past. Raised by their grandparents in Bjarnarhofn, a remote farmstead in Iceland, both brothers had to endure brutal violence at the hands of their grandfather.
When Constable Pall Gylfason is called to investigate a suspected homicide in a remote farmstead, he is surprised to find Detective Magnus Jonson is already there. Magnus identifies the dead man as his estranged grandfather. Before long, Magnus is arrested for the murder of his grandfather. When it emerges that his younger brother, Oli, is in Iceland after two decades in America, Pall begins to think that Magnus may not be the only family member in the frame for murder.
Comments
Michael Ridpath
Before becoming a writer, Michael Ridpath used to work as a bond trader in the City of London. After writing eight financial thrillers, which were published in over 30 languages, he began the Magnus Iceland Mystery series, featuring the Icelandic detective Magnus Jonson. He has also written two spy novels set at the beginning of World War II and three stand-alone thrillers: "Amnesia", "Launch Code" and "The Diplomat's Wife". He lives in London and Massachusetts. Find out more at his website michaelridpath.com .
Where the Shadows Lie
By: Michael Ridpath
Narrated by: Seán Barrett
Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 21-01-11
Summary
One thousand years ago: An Icelandic warrior returns from battle, bearing a ring cut from the right hand of his foe. Seventy years ago: An Oxford professor, working from a secret source, creates the 20th century’s most pervasive legend. The professor’s name? John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. Six hours ago: An expert on Old Icelandic literature, Agnar Haraldsson, is murdered. Everything is connected, but to discover how, Detective Magnus Jonson must venture where the shadows lie…
Great story...
with fantastic narration is a brilliant introduction to Michael Ridpath's marvelous Icelandic detective series. Highly recommended for fans of Michael Ridpath's other novels, and anyone who enjoys Scandinavian and Icelandic noir... Can't recommend it strongly enough. Wonderful !
Good fun whodunnit with Icelandic twist
US cop ends up in Iceland solving a mystery linked to sagas and to Tolkien. This is a good listen and for me has the right balance of light and enough dark to make it interesting. A good listen for driving to work and a lot less upsetting than Jo Nesbo!
If you can accept that a Boston cop, in hiding as a major crime witness, would be "hidden" in Iceland, then this is a very enjoyable listen.
There are links to sagas, icelandic superstitions and to Tolkien's major opus... and there is a ring too!
Narration is excellent, the plot moves along at a brisk pace - not too much gore despite plenty of deaths. This is a highly recommended book for those who like Nordic novels. Certainly makes a case to visit Iceland!
Was this review helpful for you?
Interesting and Enjoyable
Insight in to the Icelandic culture with historical perspective on Sagas and Tolkein. Plot holds interest with the standard, emotionally disfunctional detective.
Fabulous!
Icelandic landscape, sagas, Tolkien, a detective story - a wonderful combination of ingredients which form the recipe of a thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable book. I loved it.
The Blame
By: Charlotte Langley
Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard
Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-05-24
Summary
A psychological thriller in which two detectives begin a love affair, only for one of them to become a prime suspect in a chilling murder....
Detective Erin Crane is assigned to the investigation into sixteen-year-old Sophie Madson's murder along with her partner, detective Tom Radley. Over the years they've formed a close professional bond built on mutual trust and a shared contempt for the unscrupulous head of the anti-corruption team, Walker. This case will prove a bigger test of their relationship than either of them could ever have imagined.
During the investigation, Tom discovers Erin's biggest secret: that she put a man in prison under false evidence. But to her surprise, far from driving them apart, the revelation brings them closer together, and Tom and Erin embark on a love affair–despite the risk to their careers and the case.
Then Erin discovers dashcam footage from a van driver, showing Sophie Madson getting into Tom's car barely an hour before she died. Tom becomes the prime suspect in the murder case, and everything Erin thought she could trust begins to crumble....
Meltwater
By: Michael Ridpath
Narrated by: Seán Barrett
Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 13-09-12
Summary
FreeFlow is a group of activists dedicated to freedom of information. They have evidence of a military atrocity in the Middle East and are preparing to unleash it. On the glacial rim of an erupting volcano, they christen their endeavour Operation Meltwater. Minutes later, one of them is murdered. Magnus Jonson has a long list of suspects but he’s getting little help - for a group dedicated to transparency, they’re a secretive bunch. But they are not the only ones with secrets. Asta, a newly qualified priest, has contacted FreeFlow with damning information about the former Bishop of Iceland. And with the return of Magnus’s brother Ollie to Iceland, the feud that has haunted their family for three generations is about to reignite....
A good read
The second book I have read in the Fire and Ice series. It's a huge pity that the first of the three is not available on audible. Ridpath holds your attention throughout with the added interest of the Icelandic landscape. The author writes as if he came from Iceland himself, including enough details and ancient stories to give added interest. The books leave you wanting to know more about the country itself.
Narration is excellent as we have come to expect by Sean Barrett; I really don't know how he manages so many accents with such ease and authenticity.
Was this review helpful for you?
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars
mollyeyre
25-10-17
Well written, though complicated
This was yet another unputdownable novel by Michael Ridpath, my only quibble is that we are left on a cliffhanger. I wish I had re-read the first few books in the series as there are quite a few references to the events that had happened earlier. nevertheless it was well worth reading.
Sean Barrett, as ever - Brilliant
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars
01-02-22
Love the Icelandic stories
Find these stories totally engaging, not 100% why? Descriptions of Iceland are a lovely addition to the story lines. Sean Barrett a terrific narrator for these stories. Give one a go - either it'll grab you or it won't - bit Marmitey.
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Big Mig
14-03-23
Plenty of twists and turns
Kept I suspense till the end plants of possible outcome to keep interest
Excellent naration
Meltwater
Freeflow, a group of journalists, have video proof of an Israeli army atrocity in the Middle East and is all set to let the world know all about it. But, there are powers just as determined to keep that atrocity secret and are more than willing to murder to keep Israels reputation intact. The action moves to Ireland where suspicion falls on a former bishop. The story is pacey with good characters and plenty of twists.
Sea of Stone
By: Michael Ridpath
Narrated by: Seán Barrett
Series: Magnus Iceland Mysteries, Book 4
Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-08-14
Summary
Oli and Magnus Jonson have spent decades trying to escape from the shadows of their past. Raised by their grandparents in Bjarnarhofn, a remote farmstead in Iceland, both brothers had to endure brutal violence at the hands of their grandfather.
When Constable Pall Gylfason is called to investigate a suspected homicide in a remote farmstead, he is surprised to find Detective Magnus Jonson is already there. Magnus identifies the dead man as his estranged grandfather. Before long, Magnus is arrested for the murder of his grandfather. When it emerges that his younger brother, Oli, is in Iceland after two decades in America, Pall begins to think that Magnus may not be the only family member in the frame for murder.